In this course, students are introduced to the core skills, concepts and terminology fundamental to contemporary arts practices. Students will work both individually and collaboratively to experiment with materials and processes and learn to describe and analyse artworks through critical reflection. Students will be asked to consider First Nations and Indigenous perspectives and a range of social, cultural, ethical and environmental issues contributing to current debates in contemporary arts practice.

This course provides a common foundation for students undertaking the Bachelor of Visual Arts program by orienting students on how to navigate their program of study, the School of Art & Design, and institutional and external learning resources . Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) instruction is an integral part of this course.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. recognise and apply terminology, concepts and core skills fundamental to visual arts practices;
2. work independently and collaboratively to acquire skills and knowledge for use in arts practices;
3. recognise and reflect on Indigenous and First Nations perspectives and cultural contributions;
4. demonstrate an awareness of current debates and relevant social, cultural, ethical and environmental issues in contemporary art;
5. experiment with materials to take aesthetic and conceptual risks; and
6. describe and discuss the studio-based outcomes and artworks by one’s self and others.

Research-Led Teaching

The lecturers in this course will incorporate their specific research interests into the lecture and activity content.

Field Trips

Tuesday October 20: Canberra Contemporary Art Space and the Canberra Biennale

Additional Course Costs

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

The Material Fee is payable to the School of Art & Design to supply consumables and materials that become your physical property. The Additional Materials Fee is payable for materials you use in

addition to those supplied as part of the course. You can purchase additional material from the Workshop and take advantage of the GST-free status. These materials are also WHS and workshop process compliant.

For further information and to Pay Materials and Access Fees go to: https://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees  

Required Resources

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for all studio classes, including closed footwear.

Notebook or sketchbook, pens and pencils. 4-8GB USB drive.

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.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, 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	Tuesday July 28, Lecture: Introduction to Art in Context and Project 01: 2-3pm Lecture Theatre 1.42_School of Art Bldg 105, and Studio 3-6pm, SSP G.67 or Studio: Thursday July 30: 2-5pm, SSP G.67	Project One commences Introduction to the Course
2	Tuesday August 04, Studio GROUP A: 10-1pm, Book Studio 1.39 and 1.40 and Lecture: Performing Text: 2-3pm Lecture Theatre 1.42, Studio GROUP B 3-6pm, Book Studio 1.39 and 1.40or Studio: Thursday August 06: 2-5pm, Book Studio 1.39 and 1.40	Project One continues
3	Tuesday August 11, Studio GROUP A: 10-1pm, Book Studio 1.39 and 1.40, Lecture: Foundations of Contemporary Art: 2-3pm Lecture Theatre 1.42, Studio GROUP B: 3-6pm, Book Studio 1.39 and 1.40or Studio: Thursday August 06: 2-5pm, Book Studio 1.39 and 1.40	Project One continues
4	Tuesday August 18, Studio GROUP A: 10-2pm, Book Studio 1.39 and 1.40 and Studio GROUP B: 2-6pmorStudio: Thursday August 13: 2-6pm, Book Studio 1.39 and 1.40	Project One concludesAssessment Item 01 Due
5	Tuesday August 25, Lecture: The Readymade, Material Agency and Introduction to Project 02: 2-3pm Lecture Theatre 1.42_School of Art Bldg 105, Studio 3-6pm, SSP G.67orStudio: Thursday August 20: 2-5pm, SSP G.67	Project Two commences
6	Tuesday August 25, Lecture: Material Ethics and the Anthropocene: 2-3pm Lecture Theatre 1.42, Studio 3-6pm, SSP G.67orStudio: Thursday August 27: 2-5pm, SSP G.67	Project Two continuesMid-Semester Break September 07-19
7	Tuesday September 22, Studio SSP G.67 2-6pmorStudio: Thursday September 24: 2-6pm, SSP G.67	Project Two continues
8	Tuesday September 29, Studio SSP G.67 2-6pmorStudio: Thursday October 01: 2-6pm, SSP G.67	Project Two continues
9	Tuesday October 06, Lecture: Counter Memory, Place and History and Introduction to Project 03, 2-3pm Lecture Theatre 1.42, Studio 3-6pm, SSP G.67orStudio: Thursday October 08: 3-6pm, SSP G.67	Project Two concludes, Assessment Item 02 DueProject Three commences
10	Tuesday October 13, Lecture: Authorship, Discourse, Circulation and the Unstable Meaning of the Artwork: 2-3pm Lecture Theatre 1.42, Studio 3-6pm, SSP G.67orStudio: Thursday October 15: 3-6pm, SSP G.67
11	Tuesday October 20, Field Trip CASS, Canberra Art Biennale: 2-4pm, Studio 4-6pm, SSP G.67Studio: Thursday October 22: 3-6pm, SSP G.67
12	Tuesday October 27, Studio 2-6pm, SSP G.67orStudio: Thursday October 29: 2-6pm, SSP G.67	Group Feedback session

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 out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Project One: Text, voice, address and design	25 %	18/08/2026	25/08/2026	1,2,4,5,6
Project Two: The assisted readymade and material agency	25 %	06/10/2026	06/10/2026	1,2,4,5,6
Project Three: Archive, Place, and Counter-Memory	25 %	10/11/2026	03/12/2026	1,2,4,5,6
Research and Documentation	25 %	10/11/2026	03/12/2026	1,2,4,5,6

* 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

Participation is an essential and required part of this course. This is an in-person, hands-on, seminar and studio-based course in which student learning and knowledge is actively constructed and extended through interactive discussions, group collaborations, and working with materials and processes in studio and workshop settings with supplies materials and supervised use of equipment adhering to WHS protocols. Students are expected to be prepared and ready to participate in every lesson, and to immediately contact the course convenor, lecturers and technical officers to swiftly make-up for any missed delivery. This is a fast-paced course that rotates through several studios and projects, so staying current is critical as each project is scaffolded and builds on the prior week.

Participation is measured quantitatively and qualitatively every week through participation activities as distinctly indicated in the assessment task rubrics, and are included in every assessment task.

Examination(s)

Assessment tasks are to be completed throughout the semester with one assessment item due during the exam period.

Assessment Task 1

Project One: Text, voice, address and design

Requirements: Portfolio of drawings and prints made in response to the class exercises, visual diary prompts, and after-class activities. Including 5 drawings/prints/zines/collages worked up to finished presentation and 2 letterpress blocks. Value 25%

Rubric

Criteria	Exceeds Expectations (100-70)	Meets Expectations (69-50)	Below Expectations (49-0)
STUDIO ENGAGEMENT:  Demonstrate consistent and active engagement in studio sessions, including punctuality, preparedness, WHS adherence, clean ups, and cooperation with peers.   (LOs 1,2)	Always present and fully engaged throughout each studio session, showing initiative in discussions and activities. Consistently adheres to all safety protocols without reminder and actively contributes to a positive and productive lab environment.	Attends and participates in studio sessions, comes prepared, and follows WHS protocols. Contributes to lab activities as expected and participates in clean-up.	Sometimes late or unprepared for studio sessions, sporadic participation or disengaged. May need reminders to follow WHS protocols and clean-up efforts. Undependable or withdrawn in class.
TECHNICAL SKILLS & EXPERIMENTATION:   Demonstrate an understanding of drawing and printing processes, including letterpress chase setting and design. Experiment with approaches of deconstruction and reconfiguration with printed and drawn works to make complex meaningful works. (LOs 1, 2, 5)	Project work incorporates advanced processes using the material provided and inventive self-directed work.  Extensive experimentation with a range of visual and material forms resulting in original outcomes.	Project work incorporates standard work using the material provided and some experimentation with the self directed work. Work is presented without an overaching development. A range of visual and material forms are used with mixed success, however outcomes demonstrate competence with introduced workflow.	The project is not complete. Limited evidence of experimentation and testing with visual and material forms results in outcomes that do not demonstrate understanding of introduced techniques.

Assessment Task 2

Project Two: The assisted readymade and material agency

Requirements: Students choose and work with 3 objects that hold symbolic and material resonance. Student will dissect the chosen objects into sections and re-combine materials into two unique sculptural works. Value 25%

Rubric

Criteria	Exceeds Expectations (100-70)	Meets Expectations (69-50)	Below Expectations (49-0)
STUDIO ENGAGEMENT:  Demonstrate consistent and active engagement in studio sessions, including punctuality, preparedness, WHS adherence, clean ups, and cooperation with peers.   (LOs 1,2)	Always present and fully engaged throughout each studio session, showing initiative in activities. Consistently adheres to all WHS protocols without reminder and actively contributes to a positive and productive studio environment.	Attends and participates in studio sessions, comes prepared, and follows WHS protocols. Contributes to studio activities as expected and participates in clean-up.	Sometimes late, absent, or unprepared for studio sessions, sporadic participation or disengaged. May need reminders to follow WHS protocols and clean-up efforts. Undependable or withdrawn in class.
TECHNICAL SKILLS & EXPERIMENTATION:   Demonstrates technical proficiency in the deconstruction and reconstruction of materials through purposeful, sustained experimentation with processes, tools, and methods. (LOs 1, 2, 5)	Project work demonstrates innovative and resolved experimentation with material transformation. Technical processes are applied with precision, and innovative conceptual purpose in the deconstruction and reconstruction of materials.	Project work demonstrates sustained and purposeful experimentation with material transformation. Technical processes are applied effectively in the deconstruction and reconstruction of materials, with a clear sense of intention and development	Project work shows limited consideration of material transformation. Technical processes are lack reslove and sense of intention and development

Assessment Task 3

Project Three: Archive, Place, and Counter-Memory

Requirements: Students use the completed text, and sculpture works from Project 1&2 as the starting point to produce a final time-based or lens-based work using video, photography, and or sound. The work may be a short video, a photographic sequence with sound, a sound walk, a voice-led video, a staged installation for camera, a fictional documentary or photo-essay that re-contextualises Project 1&2 to create a counter-narrative.

Value 25%

Rubric

Criteria	Exceeds Expectations (100-70)	Meets Expectations (69-50)	Below Expectations (49-0)
STUDIO ENGAGEMENT:  Demonstrate consistent and active engagement in studio sessions, including punctuality, preparedness, WHS adherence, clean ups, and cooperation with peers.   (LOs 1,2)	Always present and fully engaged throughout each studio session, showing initiative in activities. Consistently adheres to all WHS protocols without reminder and actively contributes to a positive and productive studio environment.	Attends and participates in studio sessions, comes prepared, and follows WHS protocols. Contributes to studio activities as expected and participates in clean-up.	Sometimes late or unprepared for studio sessions, sporadic participation or disengaged. May need reminders to follow WHS protocols and clean-up efforts. Undependable or withdrawn in class.
TECHNICAL SKILLS & EXPERIMENTATION:   Demonstrates the effective translation of physical objects into time-based media through sustained technical experimentation. Applies appropriate processes to transform the original object both physically and conceptually, producing a counter-narrative that challenges official histories or dominant forms of memory. (LOs 1, 2, 5)	Demonstrates a highly accomplished and inventive translation of physical objects into time-based media. The resulting work presents a compelling and resolved counter-narrative that re-confgures, inherited assumptions, and or dominant forms of memory.	Demonstrates an effective translation of physical objects into time-based media. The work shows clear experimentation and produces identifiable physical and conceptual transformations of the original object. The resulting work communicates a considered counter-narrative that engages with official history or dominant memory.	Demonstrates a limited or underdeveloped translation of physical objects into time-based media. Technical processes are applied inconsistently or with insufficient experimentation, resulting in minimal physical or conceptual transformation of the original object. The relationship between the work and a counter-narrative challenging official history or dominant memory is unclear, unresolved, or insufficiently articulated.

Assessment Task 4

Research and Documentation

Keep an ongoing visual diary (physical/digital or hybrid) that documents your engagement with the course content, lectures, personal extended research and records the steps of your process throughout the semester.

This documentation should consider the following

• Demonstrate the ability to research and reflect upon relevant content beyond course content
• Demonstrate the ability to document course content provided via Canvas
• Your documentation and reflection of processes utilised throughout the semester.

Value 25%

Rubric

Criteria	Exceeds Expectations (100-70)	Meets Expectations (69-50)	Below Expectations (49-0)
RESEARCH & CRITICAL EXPLORATION:   Reflect and document set studio projects, demonstrating connections between processes and broader cultural contexts as they relate to relevant social, cultural, ethical and environmental issues in contemporary art. (LOs 1, 3, 4,6)	High level of critical engagement and reflection evident in visual documentation. Artists and concepts mentioned in lectures and Canvas material are explored. Research and critical reflection show engagement with a range of cultural contexts and links these to students own independent exploration.	Significant level of critical engagement and reflection evident in visual documentation. Some engagement with the artists mentioned in lectures and Canvas material and visual language that draws on art historical context and/or students own personal languages.	Inadequate engagement, with course content in both visual diary and portfolio.

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

Folio to be presented in person on campus on specified dates.

For some forms of assessment (handwritten 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 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.

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