This course supports students to discover and advance their individual creative processes through practice-led research. It provides support for creativity through critical and analytical thinking, connecting them to the problem-solving processes and methodologies employed in the contemporary fields of art and/or design today.

In this course students propose, develop and execute an extended practice-led research project of their choice. The project proposal is negotiated through a formal agreement between the student and a proposed supervisor. Students must gain permission and support of a staff member to supervise them before enrolling in this course. The course encourages specialised, interdisciplinary, speculative, and reflective practices, and allows for experiential learning outcomes that question and test the ideas and concepts underpinning a student’s own studio research. 

Through practice-led research students are encouraged to try a range of approaches to contemporary practice in art and/or design that focuses on specialist knowledge of materials and skills, or tests new conceptual methodologies, or solve problems through cross-disciplinary or hybrid experiences. Workshops supported by the program include Design, Jewellery and Object, Textiles, Furniture, Sculpture and Spatial Practice, Painting, Photography and Media Arts, Ceramics, Glass, and Printmedia and Drawing.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. propose plan and execute independent practice-led research utilising methodologies that test and investigate an extended art and/or design project;
2. demonstrate a critical understanding of contemporary art and design practices, including knowledge, concepts, skills, techniques and contexts relevant to their own practice;
3. critically reflect upon, evaluate and apply theoretical, conceptual and aesthetic elements of creative practice in the production of creative works and/or professionally relevant projects; and
4. communicate theoretical, aesthetic, conceptual and imaginative propositions to a range of audiences through independent practice-led research.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is taught by research-focused academic staff with high-profile art historical and art and design practices. This course supports students to discover and advance their individual creative processes through practice-led research. Students will create work in a multifaceted, interdisciplinary learning environment that provides support for creativity, as well as critical and analytical thinking, connecting them to the problem-solving processes and methodologies employed by researchers in the contemporary field of Art and Design today.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Begin; 1. Extended practice-led research proposal; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection	All Assessment items 1,2 and 3 to begin in Week 1. Weekly supervision time to be arranged in agreement with supervisor
2	Progressive development; 1. Extended practice-led research proposal; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection	Student and supervisor must meet to discuss research proposal and agree on its aims.
3	Progressive development; 11. Extended practice-led research proposal; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection	Student and supervisor must meet to discuss research proposal and agree on its aims.
4	Progressive development; 1. Extended practice-led research proposal; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection	Student and supervisor must meet to discuss research proposal and agree on its aims.
5	Complete 1. Extended practice-led research proposal; Progressive development; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection	Due week 5. Item 1. The proposal is a hurdle requirement for completion of the course.
6	Progressive development; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection	Meet with supervisor for critical feed back on progress before term 2.
7	Progressive development; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection	Grade for Item 1 returned.
8	Progressive development; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection
9	Progressive development; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection
10	Progressive development; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection
11	Progressive development; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection
12	Complete ; 2. Extended investigative practice-led research project; 3.Research documentation and written critical reflection	All assessment items must be completed before Examination
13	Examination period	Examination time to be arranged with Supervisor. Grades released 2 December 2021 (see ANU timetable)

Tutorial Registration

All students must approach the head of the discipline they wish to work in order to confirm a suitable supervisor for their research project and seek a permission code to enrol in the course. Further information on permission codes is listed in the SOAD Postgraduate Community Wattle Page.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Extended practice-led research proposal (1,800 words)	10 %	27/08/2021	24/09/2021	1-2
Extended investigative practice-led research project	70 %	04/11/2021	02/12/2021	1-4
Research documentation and written critical reflection (3,600 words)	20 %	04/11/2021	02/12/2021	1-4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

An 18 unit independent-led research project is equivalent to three days per week in the studio. A total of 390 hours student learning time, including a minimum of 12 hours of direct contact with the supervisor. It is the joint responsibility of the student and supervisor to arrange times for face-to-face contact. The supervisor is normally only available for email or face-to-face consultation during teaching weeks of each semester.

Examination(s)

The examination of the assessment items is arranged in agreement between the student and the supervisor within the examination period. 

Assessment Task 1

Extended practice-led research proposal (1,800 words)

Through practice-led research students are encouraged to try a range of approaches to contemporary practice in art and/or design that focuses on specialist knowledge of materials and skills, or tests new conceptual methodologies, or solve problems through cross-disciplinary or hybrid experiences. The Practice-led research proposal is an assessable item representing 10% of the final mark and is due in week 3. This is a hurdle requirement without which students will not be able to progress in the course. A cover sheet is available on the wattle site as a guide. The project title will appear on the student’s academic transcript.

In 1,800 words propose how the overall independent research project will be planned, developed and resolved, and include any relevant theory, methodology, material and process, or any other element that will be included, or take place. It should include:

• The aim of your project, and the key ideas driving the investigation
• The research strategies you will apply
• The themes and concepts your proposed practice-led research will focus on
• If relevant, how this project build upon your previous practice-led research
• The materials you will use and explore
• Reference materials that are relevant to you project, for example, a minimum of two artists/designers and at least one reliable source, (e.g.: book or journal article) that informs or helps contextualise this research
• Requested studio area and anticipated ANU equipment

Students are to hand a draft proposal to their supervisor one week after commencing their studies. Both parties can agree to changes until the proposal is due on the last day in week-five when a final digital copy will need to be submitted online. It is recommended that both parties keep a copy of the final project proposal for their records.

Due in week 5 and is developed in concurrence with assessable items 2+3.

Assessment Task 2

Extended investigative practice-led research project

The extended investigative practice-led research project is an assessable item representing 70% of the final mark and is due to be completed in week 12 and assessed in the examination period. Students in this course carry out practice-led research on a project of their choice. The project proposal will be negotiated between the student and a proposed supervisor. Students must gain the formal agreement of a staff member to supervise them before enrolling in this course.

This assessable item supports students to discover and advance their individual creative processes through practice-led research. It provides support for creativity through critical and analytical thinking, connecting them to the problem-solving processes and methodologies employed in the contemporary fields of art and/or design today.

The student plans, begins, develops and resolves the project within 12 weeks. Students must negotiate weekly contact with their supervisors.

Rubric

Learning Outcome	High Distinction 80-100%	Distinction 70-79%	Credit 60-69%	Pass 50-59%	Fail 0-49%
Propose, plan and execute independent practice-led research utilising methodologies that test and investigate an extended art and/or design project.	Demonstrate an exceptional proposal, plan and execution of an independent practice-led research utilising methodologies that test and investigate an extended art and/or design project.	Demonstrate an highly developed proposal, plan and execution of an independent practice-led research utilising methodologies that test and investigate an extended art and/or design project.	Demonstrate a proficiently developed proposal, plan and execution of an independent practice-led research utilising methodologies that test and investigate aan extended art and/or design project.	Demonstrate a basic proposal, plan and execution of an independent practice-led research utilising methodologies that test and investigate an extended art and/or design project.	Fail to demonstrate a basic proposal, plan and execution of an independent practice-led research utilising methodologies that test and investigate an extended art and/or design project.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of contemporary art and design practices, including knowledge, concepts, skills, techniques and contexts relevant to their own practice.	Demonstrate an exceptional critical understanding of contemporary art and design practices, including knowledge, concepts, skills, techniques and contexts relevant to their own practice.	Demonstrate a high level critical understanding of contemporary art and design practices, including knowledge, concepts, skills, techniques and contexts relevant to their own practice.	Demonstrate a satisfactory critical understanding of contemporary art and design practices, including knowledge, concepts, skills, techniques and contexts relevant to their own practice.	Demonstrate a basic critical understanding of contemporary art and design practices, including knowledge, concepts, skills, techniques and contexts relevant to their own practice.	Fail to demonstrate a basic critical understanding of contemporary art and design practices, including knowledge, concepts, skills, techniques and contexts relevant to their own practice.
Critically reflect upon, evaluate and apply theoretical, conceptual and aesthetic elements of creative practice in the production of creative works and/or professionally relevant projects.	An exceptional critical reflection, evaluation and application of theoretical, conceptual and aesthetic elements of creative practice in the production of creative works and/or professionally relevant projects.	A high level critical reflection, evaluation and application of theoretical, conceptual and aesthetic elements of creative practice in the production of creative works and/or professionally relevant projects.	A proficient critical reflection, evaluation and application of theoretical, conceptual and aesthetic elements of creative practice in the production of creative works and/or professionally relevant projects.	A basic critical reflection, evaluation and application of theoretical, conceptual and aesthetic elements of creative practice in the production of creative works and/or professionally relevant projects.	A lack of basic critical reflection, evaluation and application of theoretical, conceptual and aesthetic elements of creative practice in the production of creative works and/or professionally relevant projects.
Communicate theoretical, aesthetic, conceptual and imaginative propositions to a range of audiences through independent practice-led research.	Communicates theoretical, aesthetic, conceptual and imaginative propositions to a range of audiences through independent practice-led research at an exceptional level.	Communicates theoretical, aesthetic, conceptual and imaginative propositions to a range of audiences through independent practice-led research at a high level.	Communicates theoretical, aesthetic, conceptual and imaginative propositions to a range of audiences through independent practice-led research at a satisfactory level.	Communicates theoretical, aesthetic, conceptual and imaginative propositions to a range of audiences through independent practice-led research at a basic level.	Communicates theoretical, aesthetic, conceptual and imaginative propositions to a range of audiences through independent practice-led research at an unsatisfactory level.

Assessment Task 3

Research documentation and written critical reflection (3,600 words)

The Research documentation and written critical reflection (3,600 words )is an assessable item representing 20% of the final mark and is due to be completed by end of week 12 to be ready for the examination period. The documentation forms a significant part of assessing the ongoing development and engagement with the practice-led research over the duration of the 12 week course. It should show references pertaining to the concepts and skills investigated, as well as the outcomes of the individual study project and evidence of reflective engagement. Students can reference the above though a combination of visual materials, photographic documentation, drawings and written observations. The written critical reflection analyses and evaluates the project and relates it to its contextual framework. The writing is descriptive, analytical and critical. It should articulate how the student has developed an investigative, analytical and practical methodology. This additional process adds depth and breadth to the practice-led research and builds connections between the studio investigations, experimentations, experience, research and the resolution of the final body of work for assessment.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students