This course provides outstanding field-based visual art engagement opportunities with environments in and around the Canberra region. It offers supervised camping-based field trips that provide primary research opportunities to inform the production of artwork, both on-site and in the studio. Representatives and artists from local First Nation communities and organisations contribute to this course to enhance student understanding of cultural relationships with Country and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.

A field work fee is attached to this course to cover the cost of travel, camping and other field-based expenses. Students will only be permitted to undertake field trips following participation in a field work briefing which includes a WHS Hazard Assessment, and completion of ANU travel documentation.

This course may be delivered as a semester length course or offered as an intensive.

This course is repeatable for credit, up to a maximum of 12 units, and if repeated must be repeated with a different topic each time.

Disclaimer: Applicants are advised that due to circumstances beyond the University's control (for example, floods or bush fires) it may not be possible for students to commence or complete this course as advertised, in which case an alternative lesson plan will be arranged to fulfil the course requirements.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. develop practice-led methodologies through investigation, analysis and synthesis of complex information to plan and execute a substantial, creative field-generated research project;
2. generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level using cognitive, technical and creative skills and relate them to their own creative works and to recent developments in the field;
3. critically reflect upon and evaluate theoretical, conceptual and aesthetic aspects of creative practice and associated social, cultural and environmental issues. Apply this to the production of creative works; and
4. design and develop creative works that communicate theoretical, aesthetic, conceptual and imaginative propositions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Research-Led Teaching

The Environment Studio engages students in inquiry-based learning with an emphasis on research processes. Student’s understanding and discovery of the concepts that inform their creative processes forms the basis from which further inquiries into relevant discourses, arts and non-arts related, are conducted. The Environment Studio encourages research and questioning of the social, economic and political structures that contextualize each Field Study about a specific environmental theme (field research locations and associated themes). Research is initiated through briefings about the theme supported by the reading list and associated discussions. Students will be exposed to varying viewpoints from external informants joining the group. The depth of such research is reflected in the final folio, supportive work, written material and tutorials. 

Field Trips

Field Trip 1: 3/03/23 - 5/03/23

Field Trip 2: 2/04/21 - 6/04/23

Additional Course Costs

Students are required to cover any material costs incurred for visual art production, as well as food expenses during field trips, and associated camping fees when necessary.

Studio fee associated with field trip logistics i.e. bus hire and contributions to petrol of drivers car if not on bus (approx. $80)

Camping fees trip 1 & 2 approx $15 per night pp (2 nights) - food and art materials not included

Required Resources

Commonwealth supported students and domestic full-fee paying students generally must be able to complete the requirements of their program of study without the imposition of fees that are additional to the student contribution amount or tuition fees.

Provided that its payment is in accordance with the Act, a fee is of a kind that is into any one or more of the following categories:

(a) It is a charge for a good or service that is not essential to the course of study.

(b) It is a charge for an alternative form, or alternative forms, of access to a good or service that is an essential component of the course of study but is otherwise made readily available at no additional fee by the higher education provider.

(c) It is a charge for an essential good or service that the student has the choice of acquiring from a supplier other than the higher education provider and is for:

(i) equipment or items which become the physical property of the student and are not consumed during the course of study; or

(ii) food, transport and accommodation costs associated with the provision of field trips that form part of the course of study.

(d) It is a fine or a penalty provided it is imposed principally as a disincentive and not in order to raise revenue or cover administrative costs.

Recommended Resources

Please see reading list on Wattle

Staff Feedback

Feedback includes periodic critique and review sessions in tutorials and in the field. These provide ongoing input towards works in progress, in order to develop students’ technical, formal, theoretical and critical skills.

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.

Other Information

Assessment requirements:

• Commitment to the course as demonstrated by attendance, participation in fieldwork and regular tutorials.
• Extent to which the folio of artwork presented for assessment reconciles with the agreed production outcome as outlined in the student’s current Work Proposal.
• The conceptual aspects (thoughts, sensibilities, ideas, theoretical position) underpinning the creative process engaged during the Study, as postulated in the folio of artwork and as documented in the student’s reflective journal, and / or artist statement/s.
• The quality and rigour of research associated with the production of artwork as demonstrated by the final folio, supporting work, written text, tests and experiments with materials, techniques and methods.
• The technical competence demonstrated by the folio and supporting work
• An understanding of how the artwork relates to discourses in art, in other disciplines, in local or regional communities or society at large. 

Referencing requirements:

• http://soa.anu.edu.au/study-protocols/referencing-guidelines-text.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Welcome & Introductions Course overview, thematic introduction & maps Provide Draft Schedule for Field Trips & Camp List Allocate Reading discussion groups Homework: Indigenous Cultural Awareness module
2	Complete WHS Risk Assessment & Travel Approvals Talk through Schedule for Field Trip 1 Allocate Preliminary Presentation Groups (A & B)	Field Trip: Friday: Depart by 3.00pm, travel and set up camp Saturday: 5.5 hours field work/orientation Sunday: 3.5 hours plus pack up and depart by 2.00pm - back by approx 5.00pm Sunday
3	Field Trip #1 Debrief/ IWP discussion	First draft work proposals due via email Friday 5.00pm to lecturers
4	Reading Discussions (A & B)
5	Group A Preliminary presentation Put work on the table and talk about it: 10 minutes each (work proposal / ideas / sketches / notes / documentation)
6	Group B Preliminary presentation Put work on the table and talk about it: 10 minutes each (work proposal / ideas / sketches / notes / documentation) Complete WHS Risk Assessment & Travel Approval Talk through Schedule for Field Trip 2
7	Guest Lecture FT#2 debrief	NB Field Trip during the break: Depart Sunday 2nd April to return by 5.00pm Wednesday 5th April Reviews @ ANU campus 6th April Consultations with identified individuals/groups/specialists Individual field consultations with lecturers Individual field work / reading discussions / camp fire discussions
8	PUBLIC HOLIDAY - independent research/studio work
9	Group A & B Tutorial presentations (all students to attend)	Extra 1hour class due to Public Holiday
10	PG Tutorial presentations (all students to attend) Continued A & B Tutorial Presentations	Extra 1 hour class due to Public Holiday
11	Developing artist statement and titles workshop
12	Group folio discussion, finalise artist statement, titles, peer review.	ASSESSMENT ITEM Artist Statement due via email to lecturers. ASSESSMENT 20 min per student due during examination period

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Contextualised portfolio of work	40 %	1, 2, 3, 4
Artist Statement (100-200 words)	10 %	1, 3, 4
Documentation (e.g. visual diaries, field notes, preparatory sketches, photographs, video footage, etc.)	15 %	1, 3, 4
Participation	15 %	1, 2, 3
Presentation, 10 min (1500 words)	20 %	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.

Assessment Task 1

Contextualised portfolio of work

Rubric

	HD 80 - 100	D 70-79	CR 60 - 69	P 50 - 59	F 0 - 49
Develop practice led methodologies to execute a substantial, creative field- generated research project	Demonstrates extensive skills and innovative methodologies for field- based enquiry	Demonstrates high level skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates competent skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates basic skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates insufficient skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.
Demonstrates application and evaluation of complex ideas and concepts of field-based research to art production	Demonstrates outstanding application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates outstanding application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates competent application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates a basic application of field- based research to visual art production.	Insufficient application of field- based research to visual art production.
Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a very high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a competent level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to an adequate level	Fails to demonstrate critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes
Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production	Demonstrates a very high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates a high level awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain introduced concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates some understanding of the contexts for research and art production.	Demonstrates limited understanding of the contexts for research and art production.

Assessment Task 2

Artist Statement (100-200 words)

Rubric

	HD 80-100	D 70 - 79	CR 60 - 69	P 50 - 59	F 0 - 49
Develop practice led methodologies to execute a substantial, creative field- generated research project	Demonstrates extensive skills and innovative methodologies for field- based enquiry	Demonstrates high level skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates competent skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates basic skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates insufficient skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.
Demonstrates application and evaluation of complex ideas and concepts of field-based research to art production	Demonstrates outstanding application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates outstanding application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates competent application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates a basic application of field- based research to visual art production.	Insufficient application of field- based research to visual art production.
Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a very high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a competent level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to an adequate level	Fails to demonstrate critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes
Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production	Demonstrates a very high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates a high level awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain introduced concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates some understanding of the contexts for research and art production.	Demonstrates limited understanding of the contexts for research and art production.

Assessment Task 3

Documentation (e.g. visual diaries, field notes, preparatory sketches, photographs, video footage, etc.)

Rubric

	HD 80 - 100	D 70 - 79	CR 60 - 69	P 50 - 59	F 0 - 49
Develop practice led methodologies to execute a substantial, creative field- generated research project	Demonstrates extensive skills and innovative methodologies for field- based enquiry	Demonstrates high level skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates competent skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates basic skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates insufficient skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.
Demonstrates application and evaluation of complex ideas and concepts of field-based research to art production	Demonstrates outstanding application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates high level skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates competent level skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates basic level skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates insufficient skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.
Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a very high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a competent level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to an adequate level	Fails to demonstrate critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes
Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production	Demonstrates a very high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates a high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain introduced concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates some understanding of the contexts for research and art production.	Demonstrates limited understanding of the contexts for research and art production.

Assessment Task 4

Participation

Rubric

	HD 80 - 100	D 70 - 79	CR 60 - 69	P 50 - 59	F 0 - 49
Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a very high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a competent level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to an adequate level	Fails to demonstrate critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes
Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production	Demonstrates a very high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates a high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates a level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates some understanding of the contexts for research and art production.	Demonstrates limited understanding of the contexts for research and art production.

Assessment Task 5

Presentation, 10 min (1500 words)

Rubric

	HD 80 - 100	D 70 - 79	CR 60 - 69	P 50 - 59	F 0 - 49
Develop practice led methodologies to execute a substantial, creative field- generated research project	Demonstrates extensive skills and innovative methodologies for field- based enquiry	Demonstrates high level skills and innovative methodologies for field- based enquiry	Demonstrates competent skills and innovative methodologies for field- based enquiry	Demonstrates basic skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.	Demonstrates insufficient skills in developing methodologies for field-based enquiry.
Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a very high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a competent level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to an adequate level	Fails to demonstrate critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes
Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production	Demonstrates a very high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates a high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates a level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates some understanding of the contexts for research and art production.	Demonstrates limited understanding of the contexts for research and art production.

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