This course introduces students to the basic skills and techniques of sculpture and spatial practice. Students will develop technical skills and produce artworks in response to set projects across the semester. To complement the studio-based delivery, students will participate in seminars and tutorials introducing relevant conceptual, historical and contemporary contexts of sculpture and spatial practice. Work health and safety instruction is an integral component of this course.

Students may complete this course up to four times for a maximum credit value of 24 units, provided they enrol in a different topic in each instance/semester. Please note that the course content, assessment structure, and reading list will change depending on the topic and the expertise of the lecturer convening the course. Please refer to the class summary for the specific term in which you wish to enrol for a detailed description.

Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Introduction to Casting

The processes of mould making and casting are fundamentals of spatial art practice. This course explores the potential of material transformation through replication in various materials. With three dimensionality as a focus, students can expect to learn how to use plaster and other impression taking media to sculpted, found forms and surfaces, as well as generate and manipulate copies.

• Introduction to Heavy Metal: Metalworking and Sound

This course introduces students to concepts and techniques in metalwork and its embodied relationship to production. It focuses on contemporary practices at the intersection of metalwork and sound art. Skill in the fundamentals of metalwork (template making, tin snipping, rolling, hammering, drilling, spot welding and riveting) are developed using both observational and interpretive approaches. This course is supported by lectures, group discussions, and studio projects.

• Introduction to Performance and Installation 1
• Introduction to Woodscapes: Working with wood, time and place

Learning Outcomes

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

1. identify and use basic techniques and principles appropriate to sculpture and spatial practice;
2. employ safe and professional studio work processes using the specialised equipment;
3. explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects; and
4. develop works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is based on current discourses and practices in the international field of contemporary art engaged in research-led historiographic and ethnographic art practices of socio-political storytelling and art making

Additional Course Costs

Each workshop sources appropriate specialist materials, which are made available to students to facilitate their working effectively, efficiently and safely within our programs. The School of Art is able to supply materials that don’t compromise ANU obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS), and that have been assessed as suitable for each course. 

The Material Fee is payable for the School of Art to supply materials that become your physical property. You can choose to pay the Materials Fee and have these materials supplied to you through the School of Art, allowing you to take advantage of the GST-free bulk purchasing power of the ANU. These materials are also WHS compliant. 

Students have the choice of acquiring these materials from a supplier other than the School of Art, however students should note that many materials may not be WHS compliant (and therefore are not approved for use in the workshops), or are not available for individuals to purchase because they must be supplied and stored in a particular way in order to meet WHS regulations. 

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

Examination Material or equipment

Students are required to present completed work, written reflections, documents and statements about their presentations. Students will present their work for assessment in anominated time and place within the classroom

Required Resources

See CANVAS

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, 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.

Students should actively use the School of Art Library and should not rely solely on web searches. Students should subscribe to Eflux and Art Agenda mailing lists and regularly read periodicals including: Eflux Journal, Texte zur Kunst, Mousse Magazine, Artforum, Frieze and Spike Art Quarterly. Students should actively visit museums, art spaces and galleries in Canberra and further afield and are expected to have an up-to-date knowledge of current prominent international contemporary art exhibitions.

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: Sculptural Forms, Material Representation and ManipulationIn weeks 1 – 3 Students will move from working in 2 dimensions to 3-dimensional space. They will experiment with everyday, transitory materials: cardboard, plaster to make moulds, as well as manipulate metal to develop three-dimensional objects. How do we take everyday materials and transform them into something that offers a new, unrecognisable, unintentional perspective of their original form and use? For their first assessment, students primarily work with cardboard to create a non-figurative object that addresses the themes discussed in the weekly lectures and readings. Seminar - Introduction & course overview; WHS; Studio demonstration and practice. Induction to the workshop and Materials. Students begin making with cardboard and plaster. Students work with cardboard, steel, MIG and TIG welding as well as folding, cutting and angle grinding	Critical and Contextual Discussion Forum post due before class.
2	Week 1: Sculptural Forms, Material Representation and ManipulationContextual lecture; Studio demonstration & practiceStudents expand on making with cardboard and plaster to include steel Students work with cardboard, steel, MIG and TIG welding as well as folding, cutting and angle grinding	Critical and Contextual Discussion Forum post due before class.
3	Week 3: Studio practice; group critique (Project 1 due)Students finish and present in class (Assessment Task 1)	Assessment Task 1 due in class (20%)
4	Week 4: Installation, Assemblage and Accumulation In weeks 4 - 7 Students will consider weight, size and structure to experiment with welding metal alongside previously used and found materials to create an assemblage. Assemblage can be used for social critique, to explore the subconscious, or simply to question traditional art concepts by using non-art materials.Contextual lecture/slides; Studio demonstration as required and practice;Students work with cardboard, steel, MIG and TIG welding as well as folding, cutting and angle grinding	Critical and Contextual Discussion Forum post due before class.
5	Week 5: Installation, Assemblage and Accumulation Contextual lecture/slides; Studio demonstration as required & practice;Students work with cardboard, steel, MIG and TIG welding as well as folding, cutting and angle grinding	Critical and Contextual Discussion Forum post due before class.
6	Week 6: Installation, Assemblage and Accumulation Contextual lecture/slides; Studio demonstration as required & practice;Students work with cardboard, steel, MIG and TIG welding as well as folding, cutting and angle grinding	Critical and Contextual Discussion Forum post due before class.
7	Week 7: Installation, Assemblage and Accumulation Students work with cardboard, steel, MIG and TIG welding as well as folding, cutting and angle grinding .Students finish and present in class (Assessment Task 2)	Critical and Contextual Discussion Forum post due before class.Assessment Task 2 due in class (30%)
8	Week 8: Installation, Performance and ExperienceIn weeks 8-12, Students will expand on their initial objects and assemblages to create actions out of objects, time-based installations and performative experiences.Contextual lecture/slides; Studio demonstration as required & practice;Students work with cardboard, steel, MIG and TIG welding as well as folding, cutting and angle grinding	Critical and Contextual Discussion Forum post due before class.
9	Week 9: Installation, Performance and ExperienceContextual lecture/slides; Studio demonstration as required & practice;Students work with cardboard, steel, MIG and TIG welding as well as folding, cutting and angle grinding	Critical and Contextual Discussion Forum post due before class.
10	Week 10: Installation, Performance and ExperienceContextual lecture/slides; Studio demonstration as required & practice;Students work with cardboard, steel, MIG and TIG welding as well as folding, cutting and angle grinding	Critical and Contextual Discussion Forum post due before class.
11	Week 11: Installation, Performance and ExperienceContextual lecture/slides; Studio demonstration as required & practice;Students work with cardboard, steel, MIG and TIG welding as well as folding, cutting and angle grinding	Critical and Contextual Discussion Forum post due before class.
12	Week 12: Installation, Performance and ExperienceStudents finish and present in class (Assessment Task 3)	Assessment Task 3 due in class (30%)
13	Week 13: Final Reflection for Critical and Context Discussion Forum Students collate and submit all the Discussion Forum posts by Week 13	Assessment Task 4 due (20%)

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Sculptural Forms, Material Representation and Manipulation	15 %	12/03/2026	19/03/2026	1,2,3,4
Installation, Assemblage and Accumulation	25 %	23/04/2026	14/04/2026	1,2,3,4
Installation, Performance and Experience	40 %	28/05/2026	11/06/2026	1,2,3,4
Critical and Context Forum	20 %	04/06/2026	16/06/2026	3,4

* 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
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• 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 ‘Canvas’ 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

• Respectful, generous and intellectually rigorous participation in group critique and other group learning formats is required
• Attendance to all classes is expected unless you have a medical certificate or other valid reason. This is a practice-based studio course, which means your ability to achieve the learning outcomes will be affected by absences. More than one absence will significantly affect your engagement with the course. Students are expected to attend class from start to finish, and lateness of more than 15 minutes will be considered an absence.
• Weekly attendance at the Sculpture and Spatial Practice Meeting and Critique on Tuesdays is expected
• Participation in weekly Clean Up of the Sculpture and Spatial Practice Workshop on Tuesdays is expected

Examination(s)

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.

Assessment Task 1

Sculptural Forms, Material Representation and Manipulation

Students will present an artwork installed in an agreed-upon location for a critical feedback session with their teachers and engage in a critical reflection with peers. Following the class, Students will submit documentation of the presentation of their work in situ along with a written 150 word statement addressing key themes relating to the topic.

Working with the materials and skills developed in class, transform these materials into something new, make a non-figurative object that offers a unrecognisable, unintentional perspective of their original form. Ensure that the artwork responds to the themes, artists or artworks discussed in the weekly lectures and readings, including 3-4 scholarly citations. Documentation of the assessed artwork and the statement is to be uploaded to Canvas by 5pm the day after assessments are presented. 

Rubric

CRITERIA	Exceeds Expectations (100-70)	Meets Expectations(69-50)	Below Expectations (49-0)
Development of Skill and Technical and Material Engagement (when constructing sculptural forms) LO 1, 2	Demonstrates confident and deliberate use of workshop tools and materials, resulting in technically strong and experimental objects. Explores materials and techniques with care and curiosity. Shows awareness of how technical choices support meaning.	Demonstrates sound technical control and appropriate use of workshop tools. Applies materials and techniques with some experimentation.	Demonstrates limited or inconsistent use of workshop tools, techniques or and materials. Technical or material issues detract from the artwork.
Creative and Conceptual Response (Imaginative response to each brief; risk-taking; depth of idea) LO 3, 4	Imaginatively responds to tasks. Shows conceptual depth and a strong willingness to experiment or take risks. Avoids clichés and demonstrates critical thinking through object making.	Responds clearly to the task with some creative thinking. May rely on familiar ideas, but shows emerging conceptual engagement.	Responses are predictable or underdeveloped. Shows minimal experimentation or conceptual awareness
Critical Reflection and Presentation: (Awareness of sculpture and installation in contemporary art practices, written reflection, professionalism) LO 1, 4	Demonstrates critical insight into the role of material objects in producing socially and politically aware cultural experiences. Artworks are carefully presented and supported by thoughtful, well-articulated reflections, informed by relevant art practices and theories from diverse sources across form and content.	Demonstrates some critical insight into the role of material objects in producing socially and politically aware cultural experiences. Artworks are adequately presented and supported by clear reflections, informed by some relevant art practices and theories from diverse sources across form and content	Shows little or no critical reflection. Artworks may be incomplete, the installation is disorganised, or poorly presented.

Assessment Task 2

Installation, Assemblage and Accumulation

Students will present an artwork installed in an agreed upon location for a critical feedback session with teachers and reflection with peers. Students will submit documentation of the presentation of their work in situ along with a written 150 word statement addressing key themes relating to the topic.

Working with the materials and skills developed in class, make an Assmeblage as a social critique, or to explore the subconscious, or to question traditional art concepts. Ensure that the artwork responds to the themes, artists or artworks discussed in the weekly lectures and readings, including 3-4 scholarly citations.

Documentation of the assessed artwork and the statement is to be uploaded to Canvas by 5pm the day after assessments are presented. 

Rubric: Same as Assessment 1

Assessment Task 3

Installation, Performance and Experience

Students will present an artwork installed in an agreed upon location for a critical feedback session with teachers and reflection with peers. Students will submit documentation of the presentation of their work in situ along with a written 150 word statement addressing key themes relating to the topic.

Working with the materials and skills developed in class, as well as everyday materials to provoke maximal experiences of the mind, body, and senses, make and install an artwork that responds to the themes, artists or artworks discussed in the weekly lectures and readings, including 3-4 scholarly citations.

Documentation of the assessed artwork and the statement is to be uploaded to Canvas by 5pm the day after assessments are presented. 

Rubric: Same as Assessment 1

Assessment Task 4

Critical and Context Forum

Requirements: Complete 100-150-word posts on the online discussion forum in response to weekly prompts.

Due: Weekly, before class, including scholarly citations to weekly content.

Rubric

Criteria	Exceeds (100-70)	Meets (69-50)	Below (49-0)
Discussion forum posts (100 - 150 words per week) on relevant topics.  (LOs 1, 3, 4)	Completes more than 8 relevant weekly posts, incorporating citations drawn from class.	Completes 6-8 weekly posts that address relevant topics	Fewer than 8 relevant or complete weekly posts

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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

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

Students may resubmit work under exceptional circumstances, with the permission of the instructor.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students