Histories and current practices of stitching are rich with resistance. The accumulated images and forms created through stitch speak of labour, care and spaces of individual and collective agency. Through research and experimentation students will develop skills and knowledge relating to the rich historical, social and cultural meanings embedded in these processes and produce creative and conceptual projects. Throughout this course students will explore the potential of these images and forms as much as push the boundaries of the process of stitching itself.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. demonstrate competency with a range of stitching techniques as a medium for visual expression and design;
2. demonstrate creative exploration, experimentation and integration of ideas, materials and techniques, through class and individual projects; and
3. apply knowledge of the historical, cultural and theoretical contexts and contemporary practices relevant to stitching as a medium for visual arts through development and execution of studio projects and research.

Research-Led Teaching

In Subverting Stitch students will expand and develop their hand and machine stitching skill, learning how to describe, analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others in in the field of contemporary practice.

Students are encouraged to consider how through their chosen material approaches and subjects might lead them to explore the language and potential of studio-based

research in new and significant ways. They will learn to articulate how their material choices give rise to different readings, and how their practice- based

research can be contextualised both historically and in the contemporary field.

This course is aimed at developing skills relevant to all hand and machine stitch processes can connect artworks to important questions of gender and sexual identity,

politics, the environment, and visual representations of data. Students are required to be open and curious and to apply examples laterally to their own individual research projects.

Field Trips

Occasional field trips may be scheduled throughout the semester.

Additional Course Costs

REQUIRED RESOURCES AND INCIDENTAL FEES

The School of Art & Design provides additional access to the workshop areas and use of equipment, tooling and consumable items during extra hours. For this access the School charges the Optional Workshop Fee. This is not a compulsory fee and is not essential to course completion, however if a student chooses not to pay it, access to the workshop areas and equipment outside of stated course hours is not allowed.

The School of Art & Design supplies materials that become your physical property on payment of the relevant material fee. You can choose to pay the Materials Fee and have these materials supplied through the School of Art & Design, allowing you to take advantage of the GST-free bulk purchasing power of the ANU. These materials are also WHS compliant.

Please go to the payment portal located on the Required Resources and Incidental Fees page here on the School of Art & Design website. Follow the prompts to the payment portal, select the relevant discipline and the fee you wish to pay for. 

If you need assistance please contact the Technical Officer in the relevant discipline or at the administration offices of the School of Art & Design.

Examination Material or equipment

Please see Wattle for assessment submission points online and for the co-ordination of on campus install of final works for assessment.

Required Resources

Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Course Outline and include tuition, teaching materials and student access to the workshops for the stated course hours.

Students are requested to refer to the School of Art website for information: http://soa.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees

Wattle. Ensure that your details are correct as Wattle will be the primary method of communication between lecturers and students and assessment submission point.

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	Course introduction Experimental works: Grunge: the everyday – stitch as the low-fi amateur form of construction	OHS briefing – times allocated for individual OHS assessment
2	Experimental works: Applique – Private home and political picture making Quilt as form – visit to Emma Beer @ Drill Hall	Individual OHS assessment completed prior to class
3	Experimental works: Gendered language – feminist and queer the amateur	Stitches allocated to individual student to learn for week 4
4	Experimental works: Time as embodied in form Introduction into Collaborative project 1
5	Experimental works: stitch as collective of experiences
6	Experimental works: Long stitch – Camouflage – data -music (Collaborative Project 2) Introduction into Collaborative project 3
7	discussion of Experimental works - Students hang a group of thier works made so far. Group discussion assissting students to refine the reflection on one work. (Assessment #1)	Assessment #1 posted online due 11pm Monday 25/4 700 word reflection on 1 work made so far
8	Group Discussion of Collaborative Project 1 Half class Individual meetings with lecturer
9	Group Discussion of Collaborative Project 2 Half class Individual meetings with lecturer
10	Group Discussion of work in progress Collaborative Project 3 Half class Individual meetings with lecturer
11	Group Discussion of work in progress Collaborative Project 3 Half class Individual meetings with lecturer
12	Final viewing Group discussions student to student of indepedent works

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Reflection on Experimental work	20 %	25/04/2022	2,3
Portfolio of stitch based works - individual and collaborative	50 %	*	1,2,3
Research reflection and documentation	30 %	*	1,2,3

* 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

Students are expected to engage in class exercises and studio practice, mastering skills and techniques. An adventurous, experimental, individual and technically competent approach is encouraged. Personal research is a key requirement in the development of your independent project.

Students are expected to participate collaborative group projects through-out the semester. This will require you to work co-operatively and constructively with your collaborator.

Students are expected to participate in group discussion and critical debate during seminars, group critiques and studio demonstrations and activities.

Assessment Task 1

Reflection on Experimental work

This task is to help you refine and focus the visual language you are using in your work.

Write a 700 word reflection on the visual language and the meanings it generates. Briefly connect the piece to other artists and dialogues in contemporary practice.

 

Upload this written reflection to the Turnitin site on Wattle

Upload a pdf of 5 images of the work – whole view and details.

 

A full outline of this task will be posted to wattle

Rubric

criteria	HD	D	CR	P	Fail
Identify and describe the artistic language used in your work LO2	High level of articulation of this criteria	Strong articulation of this criteria	Good articulation of this criteria	Adequate articulation of this criteria	Not adequate articulation of this criteria
Analyse and evaluate the artistic language used in your work LO2	High level of articulation and sophisticate analysis with sound evaluation	Strong articulation and developing analysis with some evaluation	Good articulation of evaluation. Some evidence of developing analysis	Adequate articulation of evaluation. No analysis demonstrated.	No analysis or evaluation demonstrated
Reflect on how this work connects to relevant contemporary art, theory and philosophical frameworks LO3	High level of articulation and nuanced analysis of expansive field	High level of articulation and analysis of a appropriate context	Good description of an appropriate context	Appropriate context identified.	No appropriate context identified.

Assessment Task 2

Portfolio of stitch based works - individual and collaborative

The portfolio of individual and group works as a response to the variety of experimental approaches to hand and machine stitching introduced in weeks 1 to 6. Independent self directed project and any group work can also be included - however reflection on group work and research is assessed in Task 3

Due in examination period

Further details on

wattle

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	Cr	P	Fail
demonstrate competency with a range of stitching techniques as a medium for visual expression and design LO1	High level of articulation and sophisticate analysis with sound evaluation	Strong articulation and developing analysis with some evaluation	Good articulation of evaluation. Some evidence of developing analysis	Adequate articulation of evaluation. No analysis demonstrated.	Not adequate articulation of this criteria
demonstrate creative exploration, experimentation and integration of ideas, materials and techniques, through class and individual projects LO2	Consistently demonstrates  competncy to an exceptionally high level across all processes	Consistently demonstrates this criteria to a high level across all studio projects	Demonstrates  competency to a proficient level across processes	Demonstrates this criteria to an adequate level across studio projects	?Fails to demonstrate this criteria to a sufficient level across studio projects
apply knowledge of the historical, cultural and theoretical contexts and contemporary practices relevant to stitching as a medium for visual arts through development and execution of studio projects and research LO3	High level of knowledge and insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects evident in work and clearly articulated in discussion	Knowledge and Insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects evident in work and articulated in discussion	Some knowledge and understanding demonstrated Beginning to develop articulation in work and/or in discussion articulated in discussion	Limited knowledge and understanding demonstrated Not evident strongly in work and/or in discussion	Fails to demonstrate knowledge and understanding Not evident in work and/or in discussion

Assessment Task 3

Research reflection and documentation

The portfolio of contextual research, drawing. Documentation and reflection on individual contribution to group projects and reflection on collaborative results

Due in examination

period

Further details on

wattle

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	Cr	P	Fail
demonstrate creative exploration, and evaluation of collaborative projects LO1	High level of articulation and sophisticate analysis with sound evaluation	Strong articulation and developing analysis with some evaluation	Good articulation of evaluation. Some evidence of developing analysis	Adequate articulation of evaluation. No analysis demonstrated.	Not adequate articulation of this criteria
demonstrate creative exploration, experimentation and integration of ideas, materials and techniques, through class and individual projects LO2	Consistently demonstrates  competncy to an exceptionally high level across all processes	Consistently demonstrates this criteria to a high level across all studio projects	Demonstrates  competency to a proficient level across processes	Demonstrates this criteria to an adequate level across studio projects	Fails to demonstrate this criteria to a sufficient level across studio projects
apply knowledge of the historical, cultural and theoretical contexts and contemporary practices relevant to stitching as a medium for visual arts through development and execution of studio projects and research LO3	High level of knowledge and insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects evident in work and clearly articulated in discussion	Knowledge and Insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects evident in work and articulated in discussion	Some knowledge and understanding demonstrated Beginning to develop articulation in work and/or in discussion articulated in discussion	Limited knowledge and understanding demonstrated Not evident strongly in work and/or in discussion	Fails to demonstrate knowledge and understanding Not evident in work and/or in discussion

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

Students will need to collect artworks after assessment. See see wattle for times closer to examination

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.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of works is not common in a studio-based course, as students can seek feedback on projects throughout the semester. Requests for resubmission will be handled on a case-by-case basis

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