Australian First Nations’ arts and cultural practices and cosmological beliefs span 60,000+ years, with Australian First Nations' Peoples standing firm in the belief that they have been here since deep time associated with Australian First Nations' Ancestral Beings, creation stories and cosmologies. This course explores the diversity of pre-contact, post-contact Australian First Nations' arts and cultural manifestations, from customary to contemporary representations, incorporating diverse media and trans-disciplinary platforms.

The course in Australian First Nations’ visual arts and culture has three main aims:

* Provide students with basic geographical, historical and contextual frameworks for the study of Australian First Nations’ visual arts and culture in mainland Australia, Tasmania and the Torres Strait Islands.

* Familiarise students with concepts that are fundamental to Australian First Nations’ understandings of the interconnected relationships between art, culture and life, both historically (pre- and early post-contact, up to the early 20th century) and in a contemporary (early 20th - present-day) context.

* Assist students in developing ideas about how contemporary Australian First Peoples’ visual arts and cultures contribute to cross-cultural critical theory, representation and identity, and trans-disciplinary practice and research.

Wherever possible collections and exhibitions at national arts, cultural, social history and archival institutions are used as part of the teaching and learning experience.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. identify historical and geographical origins of Australian First Nations’ Visual Arts and Culture and Cultural Practices;
2. conduct a culturally relevant appreciation of Australian First Nations’ Visual Arts and Culture and Cultural Practices;
3. develop cross-cultural awareness in the processes of interpretation of Australian First Nations’ Visual Arts and Culture and Cultural Practices;
4. research and access information on Australian First Nations’ Visual Arts and Culture and Cultural Practices;
5. speak and write with appropriate cultural sensitivity and awareness on Australian First Nations’ Visual Arts and Culture and Cultural Practices; and
6. gain a critical understanding of some of the major issues of debate concerning Australian First Nations’ Visual Arts and Culture and Cultural Practices.

Research-Led Teaching

Conducted throughout course.

Field Trips

See Weeks 2, 6, 8 & 9.

Additional Course Costs

Nil.

Examination Material or equipment

N/A.

Required Resources

See Wattle page.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: Tuesday 22 February - COURSE OVERVIEW & INTRODUCTION
2	Week 2: Tuesday 1 March. Site Visit #1 - On Campus. Ngambri/Ngunawal/Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians: Dr Aunty Matilda House & Paul Girrawah House.
3	Week 3: Tuesday 8 March. Art, Culture and Politics - Sites of contestation, Acts of Sovereignty
4	Week 4: Tuesday 15 March. Albert Namatjira and his legacy.	Assessment Task 1: Artist/s and 1 – 2 objects Review. 1000 words (ARTH2098)/1500 words (ARTH6598), 20%. Due 18 March. Details will be posted to Wattle page.
5	Week 5: Tuesday 22 March. Art, Culture and Politics - Torres Strait Islands
6	Week 6: Tuesday 29 March. Site visit #2 - Off Campus. National Gallery of Australia, Sculpture Garden; Old Parliament House/Museum of Australian Democracy/Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Guest Lecture by Paul Girrawah House, Ngambri Traditional Custodian.
7	Week 7: Tuesday 19 April. ?Film: Putuparri and the Rainmakers (2015) directed by Nicole Ma, 86 minutes.	Assessment 2: Exhibition/Collection Display Review, 30%,1000 words, ARTH2098, 1500 words ARTH6598. See Wattle page for details. Due: 22 April
8	Week 8: Tuesday 26 April. ?Site Visit #3 - On Campus: Drill Hall Gallery, ANU - 'The PAC Collection of Works from Arnhem Land'. Lecture co-presented by Professor Brenda L Croft and Lara Nicholls.
9	Week 9: Tuesday 3 May. Site Visit #4 - Off Campus: National Gallery of Australia. '4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony', temporary exhibition galleries, National Gallery of Australia, King Edward Terrace, Parkes.
10	Week 10: Tuesday 10 May. Tasmanian First Nations focus.
11	Week 11: Tuesday 17 May. Tribute to David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu AM (1953 - 2021)
12	Week 12: Tuesday 24 May. Lecture Topics: Documentary Series and Videos - Students are to select from the following online documentary series, or own choice, up to 1.25 hours. Course wrap-up
13		Assessment Task #3: Research Essay, ARTH2098: 2500 words; ARTH6598: 3000 words Value: 40% Due Date: 03/06/22 Return Date: 01/07/22 Linked Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Tutorial Registration

Tutorial times and dates: 

Croft - Tutorial 1: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Tuesday, online (unless otherwise stated on Wattle page, as above); Tutorial 2: 3:00- 4:00 pm Tuesday, online

Nicholls - Tutorial 3: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Wednesday, Sir Roland Wilson Building (SRWB), Rm 3.02; Tutorial 4: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Wednesday, Sir Roland Wilson Building (SRWB), Rm 3.02 

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Assessment Task #1: Artist/s and 1 – 2 objects Review	20 %	18/03/2022	08/04/2022	1,2, 5
Exhibition/Collection Display/Podcast/TV Program/Film Review:	30 %	22/04/2022	06/05/2022	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Research Essay.	40 %	03/06/2022	01/07/2022	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Participation in/contribution to tutorial participation; 10 posts in online forum	10 %	01/03/2022	01/07/2022	1,3, 5

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills website. 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

Participation in/contribution to tutorial participation; 10 posts in online forum. Week 2 - 11 Value: 10% Due Date and Return: 01/07/22 – in final assessment Linked Learning Outcomes: 1,3, 5

Examination(s)

N/A

Assessment Task 1

Assessment Task #1: Artist/s and 1 – 2 objects Review

ARTH2098: 1000 words; ARTH6598: 1500 words. Details will be posted to Wattle page.

Rubric

CRITERIA	FAIL (49% and below)	PASS (50 – 59%)	CREDIT (60 – 69%)	DISTINCTION (70 – 79%)	HIGH DISTINCTION (80 – 100%)
RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE Total: 30%	·      Does not include a bibliography (when required) ·      Little knowledge of major themes	·      Adequate range of sources (when required) ·      Relies mostly on internet sites Adequate understanding of the topic	·      Good range of references but missing significant sources (when required) ·      Good understanding of the topic and major issues	·      Wide range of sources, including peer reviewed articles, but missing some authors (when required) ·      Thorough knowledge of the major issues and perceptive analysis of major points	·      Thoroughly researched, consulting all the major sources, including peer reviewed journals (when required) Sophisticated understanding of the major issues and awareness of complexities
ARGUMENT  Total: 15%	·      Lacks any argument and does not address the assessment criteria	·      Sound attempt to write an argument and adequately address the assessment criteria	·      Clearly stated argument which addresses the assessment criteria convincingly	Strong argument that presents a wide range of convincing points	·      Highly sophisticated and lucid argument that addresses the assessment criteria comprehensively and insightfully
VISUAL ANALYSIS Total: 15%	·      Does not discuss relevant images	·      Includes a suitable choice of images with a basic analysis ·      Visual analysis integrated in a basic manner	·      Suitable choice of images with comprehensive visual analysis Visual analysis successfully integrated into the overall argument	·      Suitable choice of images with discerning visual analysis Visual analysis astutely integrated into the overall argument	·      Excellent choice of images, with highly perceptive visual analysis Visual analysis integrated into the overall argument in a compelling and seamless manner
ORGANISATION Total: 15%	·      Little or no structure ·      Aimlessly rambles Completely off topic	·      Adequate arrangement of ideas Usually remains focused on the topic	·      Clear organisation of ideas ·      Good use of paragraphing ·      Good introduction and conclusion ·      Remains focused on the topic	·      Strong organisation ·      Effective use of paragraphing and topic sentences ·      Logical paragraphs Effective introduction and conclusion	·      Excellent organisation ·      Extremely logical paragraphs with highly effective use of topic sentences Engaging and highly effective introduction and conclusion
WRITING Total: 15%	·      Poorly written with many spelling and grammatical errors	·      Adequately written essay Usually correct grammar and spelling	·      Well written essay ·    Usually correct grammar and spelling	·      Fluently written essay ·      Minimal grammatical and spelling errors	·      Highly articulate and written in an eloquent style ·      Comprehension enhanced by grammar and spelling
REFERENCING (always required) Total: 10%	·      Inadequate referencing ·      Images inadequately labeled	·      Adequate referencing and image labeling but with some mistakes and inconsistencies ·      Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes	·      Good referencing and image labeling with few mistakes ·      Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes	·      Careful referencing and image labeling with almost no mistakes ·      Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes ·      Effective use of quotes	·      Meticulous referencing and image labeling ·      Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes ·      Excellent and balanced use of quotes

Assessment Task 2

Exhibition/Collection Display/Podcast/TV Program/Film Review:

ARTH2098: 1000 words ARTH6598: 1500 words Value: 30% Due Date: 22/04/22 Return Date: 06/05/22 Linked Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

See Wattle page for details.

Rubric for Assessment 1 used for each Assessment.

Assessment Task 3

Research Essay.

ARTH2098: 2500 words ARTH6598: 3000 words Value: 40% Due Date: 03/06/22 Return Date: 01/07/22 Linked Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

See Wattle page for details.

Rubric for Assessment 1 used for each Assessment.

Assessment Task 4

Participation in/contribution to tutorial participation; 10 posts in online forum

Week 2 - 11 Value: 10% Due Date and Return: 01/07/22 – in final assessment Linked Learning Outcomes: 1,3, 5

See Wattle page for details.

Rubric: N/A

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

See Assessment tasks return dates.

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 Access 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