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 a small-scale 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 a small-scale 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 and who apply practice-led research skills to their field in diverse ways.

Field Trips

A field trip to Canberra Contemporary Art Space or a similar collecting institution will be organised for week 7. Students will be expected to meet at the venue and provide their own transport.

Additional Course Costs

Students will be expected to budget for materials and other costs associated with their individual proposed project

Required Resources

Students will propose what equipment resources and workshop access they will require to support their individual project.

Students will be required to use online programs such as OneNote or Miro which are freely available.

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	Seminar - INTRODUCTION + WELCOME	Assessment items 1,2,3 +5 begin [L0 1,2,3,4]
2	Seminar - PLAN + PROPOSE: Developing an independent practice led research proposal	Workshops, equipment and workshop supervisors identified
3	Seminar - WHAT? Objectives and aims	draft proposals approved
4	Seminar - WHY? Rationale
5	Seminar - HOW? Methods
6	Seminar - PRESENT: Independent practice led research proposal	Assessment item 1 concludes. Assessment items 2,3, + 5 continue. Assessment item 4 begins. [L0 1,2,3,4]
7	Seminar - DISCOVER - Field trip	Assessment items 2,3, 4 + 5 continue. [L0 1,2,3,4]
8	Seminar - RESEARCH + TEST - Work in progress
9	Seminar - DEVELOP + MAKE - Work in progress
10	Seminar - CRITICAL FEEDBACK - Work in progress
11	Seminar - EVALUATE + RESOLVE - Work in progress
12	Seminar - PRESENT: Outcomes and answers	Assessment items 2,3, 4 + 5 conclude [L0 1,2,3,4]

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	Learning Outcomes
Scripted oral independent proposal presentation (1000 words,10 min)	20 %	01/04/2022	1-4
Online activities participation (1800 words)	10 %	27/05/2022	1-4
Progressive visual and audio documentation of completed work in progress (Studio investigation)	10 %	27/05/2022	1-4
Written critical reflection and methodological analysis to support independent practice-led research (2500 words)	20 %	27/05/2022	1-4
Independent practice-led research project (studio investigation)	40 %	27/05/2022	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 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

A six unit independent-led research project is equivalent to one day per week in the studio. A total of 130 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

Scripted oral independent proposal presentation (1000 words,10 min)

The oral scripted presentation assignment aims to develop and assess the student's critical thinking or analytical abilities, improve and assess the student's practice-led research skills and to practice and assess a student's written and verbal communication skills. The assignment is also integral in developing skill planning and proposing an achievable major practice-led research project. Class modules in weeks 1-5 cover the training and learning for this assignment and all supporting information and resources will be provided on the course wattle course site.

This assignment is due at the end of week 6, and will be graded according to the rubric below and includes the following assessment items;

10 min in-person scripted presentation with visual documentation,

1000 word written script with visual documentation to be uploaded to Turnitin, and;

5 min in-class constructive discussion

Assessment Task 2

Online activities participation (1800 words)

The online activities participation assignment contributes to assignment 3, the progressive visual and audio documentation of completed work in progress and supports the development and research for assessment item 1,4+5. It aims to develop and assess the student's critical thinking or analytical abilities, improve and assess the student's practice-led research skills, and to practice and assess a student's written and verbal communication skills. The assignment is also integral in developing skills in documenting, planning, budgeting for and proposing an achievable major practice-led research project. Class modules in weeks 1-11 progressively cover the training and learning for this assignment and all supporting information and resources will be provided on the course wattle course site.

The first part of the assignment is due at the end of week 6, covering weeks 1-6, and will be responded to with critical feedback according to the rubric below. It includes the following assessment items;

Written contribution to a weekly individual online blog responding to assignment tasks from weeks 1-6 (approximately 150 words per week)

The final part of the assignment is due at the end of week 12, covering weeks 1-12, and will be graded according to the rubric below. It includes the following assessment items;

Written contribution to a weekly individual online blog responding to assignment tasks from weeks 1-6 (approximately 150 words per week)

Written contribution to a weekly individual online blog documenting progressive development of the proposed research project, blog from weeks 7-12 (approximately 150 words per week)

Assessment Task 3

Progressive visual and audio documentation of completed work in progress (Studio investigation)

Progressive visual and audio documentation of completed work in progress contributes to assignment 2, the online activities participation, which supports the development and research for assessment item 1,4 +5. It aims to develop and assess the student's critical thinking or analytical abilities, improve and assess the student's practice-led research skills, and to practice and assess a student's written and verbal communication skills. The assignment is also integral in developing skills in documenting, planning, testing, making and proposing an achievable major practice-led research project. Class modules in weeks 1-11 progressively cover the training and learning for this assignment and all supporting information and resources will be provided on the course wattle course site.

The first part of the assignment is due at the end of week 6, covering weeks 1-6, and will be responded to with critical feedback according to the rubric below. It includes the following assessment items;

Clear visual documentation of research and work-in-progress uploaded to a weekly individual online blog responding to assignment tasks from weeks 1-6 (minimum of 3 images per week)

The final part of the assignment is due at the end of week 12, covering weeks 1-12, and will be graded according to the rubric below. It includes the following assessment items;

Clear visual documentation of research and work-in-progress uploaded to a weekly individual online blog responding to assignment tasks from weeks 1-6 (minimum of 3 images per week)

Clear visual documentation of research and work-in-progress uploaded to a weekly individual online blog documenting progressive development of the proposed research project in weeks 6-12 (minimum of 5 images per week)

Assessment Task 4

Written critical reflection and methodological analysis to support independent practice-led research (2500 words)

This critical research assignment the student addresses the proposed research question and its contexts through reflection, analysis, synthesis and by articulating the progressive elements of planning, proposing, developing, documenting and resolving a major body of new work produced for assessment item 5, the independent extended practice-led research project. The assignment is supported by assessment items 1,2 + 3 and prepares the student for further critical research writing for practice-led research training. In-class modules and online resources also progressively support and train the student in preparation for this assignment.

This assignment is due at the end of week 12, and will be graded according to the rubric below. It includes the following assessment items;

2500 word essay submitted to Turnitin.

Appropriate visual documentation of research and work-in-progress

Assessment Task 5

Independent practice-led research project (studio investigation)

Independent practice-led research project addresses the proposed research question and its contexts through planning, developing, making and resolving a major body of work for examination through studio investigations. The student will identify the area of research in week 1, and will be granted semester access to the workshop, equipment, available resources and training once the scope of the proposal has been approved the course convener and relevant academic and technical staff. Relevant academic staff will also support the student's project through specific consultation meetings and group critiques. The assignment is supported by assessment items 1,2 3, + 4 and prepares the student for further practice-led research training. In-class modules and online resources also progressively support and train the student in preparation for this assignment. Students are expected to commit at least 234 hours of independent student practice-led research, including reading and writing, across the course of the semester.

This assignment is due at the end of week 12, and will be graded according to the rubric below. It includes the following assessment items;

A major body of new work in context of the proposed scope of the independent practice-led research project.

All work made including of all supporting material relevant to the final work, and;

Progressive documentation of all work made.

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.

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