This course consists of project based activities, enabling students to develop practice-led research processes with an in-depth awareness of studio-based practice in relation to visual arts. The course supports speculative methods of investigation and studio-based exploration with critical reflection and analysis. It creates a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment for students to articulate and critique ideas. Through research processes students build relevant theoretical contexts. Students engage with set projects and self directed tasks as they relate to their own developing practice through a series of creative responses.

Learning Outcomes

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

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

1. clearly articulate aims and area of investigation;
2. locate developing works in visual arts practice and relevant theoretical context;
3. demonstrate in-depth understanding of practice-led research methodologies through creation of a portfolio of studio work; and
4. consolidate integration of concepts and processes through the production of completed creative works and their display solution.

Research-Led Teaching

The School of Art & Design is recognised for our industry-leading research. We generate new knowledge and cutting-edge practices for a vibrant and future-focused society.

We embrace an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural and collaborative approach, where new technologies augment traditional media. This research leads to outcomes such as exhibition, research projects, symposia or other collaborations. This course is relevant to all disciplines in the arts, the inspirations, ideas and processes artists work through to achieve ranges of creative outcomes, including final outcomes will be unpacked, discussed and used to build deeper understanding, knowledge, confidence and breadth of experience to feed into student's individual creative development, assisting laying the groundwork for final major study and exhibition outcomes. There will be a focus on identifying and locating themes and specific contexts, practice led research processes, identifying key research questions. 

Additional Course Costs

Students will need to purchase their own materials. Estimated cost, $50.

https://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees

Required Resources

All required reading or visual resources will be listed on the wattle site

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	Assessment task 1: Developing a research question	Assessment task 1 begins
2	Assessment task 1: Developing a research question
3	Assessment task 2: Building conceptual frameworks	Assessment task 2 begins, and Task 1 completed and submitted
4	Assessment task 2: Building conceptual frameworks
5	Assessment task 2: Building conceptual frameworks	Task 2 completed and submitted. Task 1 grades returned.
6	Mid Semester Review	Individual feed back on progress (not graded Feed back only)
7	Assessment task 3: Making research for a studio practice	Task 3 begins, Task 2 grades returned.
8	Assessment task 3: Making research for a studio practice
9	Assessment task 3: Making research for a studio practice
10	Assessment task 3: Making research for a studio practice
11	Assessment task 3: Making research for a studio practice
12	Assessment task 3: Presentations and discussion	Students present and discuss the outcomes of their project.
13	Examination period	Task 3 is completed and submitted for assessment on 11 June 2021. Final grades released 1 July.

Tutorial Registration

One 4 hour class per week to be attended in person or via zoom (remote students only) as listed in the ANU timetable, semester 1, 2021

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Developing a research question	10 %	09/03/2021	23/03/2021	1-2
Building a conceptual framework	30 %	30/03/2021	20/04/2021	1-2
Making research for a studio practice	60 %	11/06/2021	01/07/2021	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

It is expected that students participate fully in each class.

Examination(s)

All assessment dates are included in wattle, and assessment items must be documented and uploaded by the due date.

Assessment Task 1

Developing a research question

This two-week (weeks 1-2) introductory project is aimed at supporting the student to understand the kinds of questions they ask in their studio practice and how they can develop a research question to support assessment items 2+3. It introduces the student to the concept of practice-led research in art & design by exploring key contexts for individual inspiration, understanding personalities, creative goals and interests, with a goal to establish strong starting points, foundations for individual project development. This project focuses on contexts, developing interests, identifying themes, inspiration, aims and goals, then builds progressive development of ideas to individual research proposals. Outcomes include;

1. participation in group discussions, set readings and artist talks;
2. 150 word written critical reflection that supports a research question;
3. visual diary entries that demonstrate all of the work in progress and learning outcomes of project.

All outcomes to be documented and uploaded to wattle for assessment by the due date.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate objectives, aims and specific investigation;
2. locate developing works in visual arts practice and relevant theoretical context.

Assessment Task 2

Building a conceptual framework

This four-week (weeks 3-6) ] assessment item helps the student to build a conceptual framework around their research question developed in task 2. A conceptual framework will help define what a student expects to find through their research project by mapping out how the key agencies - artist, world, audience and art - relate to each other. Drawing on Researchers and Research Hubs in the ANU School of Art and Design, this project assists in furthering the students critical self-awareness of their own practice by linking meta-frames such as the subjective, structural, cultural and postmodern, in order to position the student within the field. Outcomes of this project will support Assessment task 3.

Outcomes include;

1. participation in group discussions, set readings and artist talks;
2. developing visual mind maps to create a conceptual framework;
3. 500 word written statement supporting the conceptual framework and synthesises theoretical and methodological objectives;
4. visual diary entries that demonstrate all of the work in progress, research and learning outcomes of project; and a
5. 3min presentation in week five.

All outcomes to be documented and uploaded to wattle for assessment by the due date.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate objectives, aims and specific investigation;
2. locate developing works in visual arts practice and relevant theoretical context.

Assessment Task 3

Making research for a studio practice

Over the course of 6 weeks (weeks 7-12), students develop a 5 week individual creative research project that builds upon task 1 + 2 to follow individual research questions and conceptual frameworks in order to develop a speculative or actual new body of work. Methodologies, processes and materials will be be discussed and approved by the lecturer throughout the course so that students are able to fulfil the task in a timely manner. In week 12 the outcomes of the project will be displayed in the studio for critical engagement with the class. The expectation is for students to test their research questions and delve deeper into research processes and to demonstrate clear progressive development and critical reflection/evaluation in ideas, conceptual creative artwork experiments and to consolidate and resolve the project through a final presentation. Students need to be in attendance in class throughout the project. 

Outcomes include;

1. participation in group discussions, set readings and artist talks;
2. a developed visual concept map that consolidates and integrates the concepts and processes that either resolve or propose a body of new work;
3. 1000 word written critical reflection that synthesises theoretical and methodological objectives that lead to the research outcomes of the project;
4. visual diary entries that demonstrate all of the work in progress and learning outcomes of project and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of practice-led research methodologies;
5. a presentation in week twelve that showcases a preliminary resolution of creative works in a display solution that addresses all four learning outcomes in the final project.

All outcomes to be documented and uploaded to wattle for assessment by the due date.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate objectives, aims and specific investigation;
2. locate developing works in visual arts practice and relevant theoretical context.
3. demonstrate in-depth understanding of practice-led research methodologies through creation of a portfolio of studio work;
4. consolidate integration of concepts and processes through the production of completed creative works and their display solution.

Rubric

CRITERIA	HIGH DISTINCTION 80-100%	DISTINCTION 70-79%	CREDIT 60-69%	PASS 50-59%	FAIL 0-49%
Demonstrate objectives, aims and specific investigation	At an exceptional level demonstrate objectives and aims that outline a specific investigation.	At a high level demonstrate objectives and aims that outline a specific investigation.	At a satisfactory level demonstrate objectives and aims that outline a specific investigation.	At a basic level demonstrate objectives and aims that outline a specific investigation.	Fail to demonstrate objectives and aims that outline a specific investigation.
Locate developing works in visual arts practice and relevant theoretical context.	Comprehensively locate developing works in visual arts practice and relevant theoretical context.	Clearly locate developing works in visual arts practice and relevant theoretical context.	Adequately locate developing works in visual arts practice and relevant theoretical context.	Some evidence of locating developing works in visual arts practice and relevant theoretical context.	Fails or poorly locates developing works in visual arts practice and relevant theoretical context.
Demonstrate in-depth understanding of practice-led research methodologies through creation of a portfolio of studio work;	An excellent demonstration of an in-depth understanding of practice-led research methodologies through creation of a portfolio of studio work	A thorough demonstration of an in-depth understanding of practice-led research methodologies through creation of a portfolio of studio work	A proficient demonstration of an in-depth understanding of practice-led research methodologies through creation of a portfolio of studio work	A basic demonstration of an in-depth understanding of practice-led research methodologies through creation of a portfolio of studio work	Little or no demonstration of an in-depth understanding of practice-led research methodologies through creation of a portfolio of studio work
Consolidate integration of concepts and processes through the production of completed creative works and their display solution.	An exceptional consolidation and integration of concepts and processes through the production of completed creative works and their display solution.	A high level consolidation and integration of concepts and processes through the production of completed creative works and their display solution.	A satisfactory consolidation and integration of concepts and processes through the production of completed creative works and their display solution.	A basic consolidation and integration of concepts and processes through the production of completed creative works and their display solution.	Little or no consolidation and integration of concepts and processes through the production of completed creative works and their display solution.

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