This course introduces students to basic techniques for making textiles-based images, objects and surfaces in a contemporary art context. Set projects enable experimentation and lead to proficiency in topic specific material processes. Each set project also provides an access point towards understanding how textiles entangle histories, geographies, trade, culture and science. Through seminars, guided research and critique students will begin to connect their own studio investigations and outcomes with relevant contemporary textiles, along with broader art-related, theory and practice. Work health and safety instruction is an integral component of this course.
Students may complete this course twice for a maximum credit value of 12 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:
- Pattern Making: repeat methods and fabric assemblage
The course introduces students to various forms of pattern making from imprinted repeat imagery (for example, batik stamps) to the assemblage of three-dimensional cloth forms. Patterns are fundamental to how we communicate, interpret and fabricate. Students will explore the cultural, biological and cognitive significance of patterns, connecting textiles to broader themes. Through set projects, lectures and discussion students will learn key skills in iterative design, textiles techniques and critical inquiry.
- Woven Worlds: interlaced structures and surfaces
This course introduces students to the material and conceptual processes of weaving. In tandem with learning different techniques, students will explore the significant role that weaving has played in global trade, industry and technology. Lectures, discussions and set projects will support students as they come to understand the construction and systems of the world through weaving and begin to situate contemporary textiles in larger cultural and historical narratives.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- identify and use basic techniques and principles appropriate to textiles;
- employ safe and professional studio work processes using the specialised equipment;
- explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects; and
- develop works that respond to contemporary textile theories and art practices.
Research-Led Teaching
Both the convenor and lecturer bring their practice-led research into traditional and experimental weaving to this course. Students will begin to develop their own materials-based and theoretical research skills to apply further at 2000 level.
Additional Course Costs
There will be a materials fee of $75 associated with this course. Please see Wattle for the relevant payment link and further details.
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, 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 |
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1 | 13.00-14.30 SoAD Lecture Theatre (1.42 SoAD Bldg 105)
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[T1-4] Overview of all assessment tasks[T2] Term 1 Folio beginsHomework expectations:
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2 | 13.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T1] Discussion groups in preparation for Woven Worlds presentations[T2] Table loom samplers begin Homework expectations:
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3 | 13.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T1] Discussion groups in preparation for Woven Worlds presentations[T2] Table loom samplers continue, and large-scale experiments beginHomework expectations:
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4 | 13.00-14.30 SoAD Lecture Theatre (1.42 SoAD Bldg 105)
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[T1] Woven Worlds presentations [T2] Samplers and Large-scale experiments continueHomework expectations:
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5 | 13.00-14.30 SoAD Lecture Theatre (1.42 SoAD Bldg 105)
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[T1] Woven Worlds presentations [T2] Samplers and Large-scale experiments continueHomework expectations:
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6 | 13.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T2] Term 1 Folio due
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7 | 13.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T3&4] Term 2 Projects beginHomework expectations:
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8 | 13.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T3&4] continueHomework expectations:
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9 | 13.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T3&4] continueHomework expectations:
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10 | 13.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T3&4] continueHomework expectations:
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11 | 13.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T3&4] continueHomework expectations:
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12 | 13.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T3&4] physical works assessed in class and OneNote submitted via WattleHomework expectations:Table Loom and Outdoor projects will be reinstalled for the Semester One Textiles Exhibition. Showcase scheduled opening 17.00 Friday 23rd May Deinstall Mon-Wed 26th-28th May |
13 | Exam Period | [T3&4] OneNote submitted online via Wattle; physical equivalent submitted by hand 9.00 Thursday 29th May |
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 |
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Woven Worlds Presentation | 20 % | 13/03/2025 | 27/03/2025 | 1,2,3,4 |
Term 1 Folio | 30 % | 30/03/2025 | 10/04/2025 | 1,2,3,4 |
Table Loom Project | 25 % | 22/05/2025 | 26/06/2025 | 1,2,3,4 |
Outdoor Project | 25 % | 22/05/2025 | 26/06/2025 | 1,2,3,4 |
* 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 ‘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
Participation is a key part of developing safe professional studio practice, critical thinking and academic communication skills. Participation includes contributing to class discussion, being a considerate studio buddy and fully engaging and taking responsible in collaborative assessment tasks.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Woven Worlds Presentation
Value: 20%
Format: 4-minute individual PowerPoint presentation plus 4-minute group conclusion PowerPoint and 3-4-minutes of questions
Due date: presentations in class on March 13th & 20th
Return date: written feedback via Wattle March 27th
For the Woven Worlds Presentations students will be organised into thematic groups of 4 or 5. A problem statement will be provided to each group. Students will use this problem statement to frame their individual presentation about a particular artist/textile precedent. The group will also work together, by first comparing their individual analysis and then compiling a group conclusion in response to the original problem statement.
The purpose of the different themes and particular artistic examples is to explore a multitude of woven worlds. Each group is effectively opening a world of weaving to the class, guiding them through principles, techniques and ideas by way of tangible material evidence and creative examples.
Rubric
Criteria | HD | D | C | P | F |
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Identify principles [LO1] | Identifies principles in a sophisticated manner and can locate those principles in a specific cultural, contemporary and/or historic context | Identifies principles and can locate those principles more broadly | Identifies principles and attempts to locate them more broadly | Identifies principles but has not adequately contextualised them. | Principles are not clearly identified. |
Professional skills [LO2] Contribution to discussion groups and presentation planning | Student has proactively contributed by often leading group discussion and offering good solutions in presentation preparation | Student has been a solid group member by contributing to discussions and taking their share of responsibility in presentation preparation | Student has been in class for all group discussions and has done what has been asked of them in terms of presentation preparation. | Student has been in class for all group discussions and has attempted to make some contribution to the presentation preparation | Student has let their group down by not attending class and/or not fulfilling their part in presentation preparation |
Professional skills [LO2] Use of Powerpoint slides | Excellent use of slides: images are properly annotated, well sized and positioned; titles and bullet points are used only to contribute to an argument and do not detract from the overall design | Good use of slides: images could be slightly better annotated, sized and positioned; titles and bullet points are used mainly to contribute to an argument and do not detract from the overall design | Slide design has been considered but certain design choices detract from the overall presentation | Basic use of PowerPoint, design considerations need to be practiced | PowerPoint skills are subpar the slides are sloppy and careless |
Evaluation and understanding of creative practice [LO3&4] | Excellent evaluation of how materials and techniques can be used creatively to respond to and/or expand our understanding of thematic concerns. | Good evaluation of how materials and techniques can be used creatively to respond to and/or expand our understanding of thematic concerns. | The presentation makes some sound connections between materials and techniques and how artworks can be made in response to thematic concerns | The presentation makes basic connections between materials, techniques and ideas. | The present makes insufficient connections between artworks and ideas. |
Collective thematic evaluation [LO3&4] | Final group evaluation clearly responds to the original problem statement and provides the class with insight and a nuanced understanding of a particular theme. | Final group evaluation responds to the original problem statement and provides a good understanding of a particular theme | Final group evaluation responds to the original problem statement and provides some good understanding of a particular theme | Final group evaluation responds to the original problem statement, but the connections and conclusions are basic | Final group evaluation does not adequately address the original problem statement or is confusing |
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Term 1 Folio
Value: 30%
Format: Weaving sampler and OneNote (approx. 700-800 words)
Due date: Weaving sampler assessed in class Week 6, Thursday 27th March and OneNote submitted midnight Sunday 30th March
Return date: informal feedback in Week 6 critique and formal written feedback via Wattle Thursday 10th April
The Term 1 Folio consists of an individually completed table loom sampler and a OneNote that documents technical and experimental development as well as responses to weekly prompts. Because students will be working collaboratively on the large-scale experiments and some of the results might be fleeting; the OneNote will provide the basis for assessment as a means to capture your progress and ideas. The OneNote is expected to genuinely demonstrate iterative learning: it needs to be updated weekly and used for self-evaluation. While assessing early weaving proficiency this task also helps develop research and time management skills.
Rubric
Criteria | HD | D | C | P | F |
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Weaving proficiency [LO1] | Exceptional comprehension and use of techniques and materials | Well-developed comprehension and use of techniques and materials | Developing comprehension and use of techniques and materials | Basic comprehension and use of techniques and materials | Has not demonstrated sufficient comprehension or working use of techniques and materials |
Completed inductions and responsible studio work management [LO2] | All necessary inductions are complete, and the student always works responsibly (participating in clean up, organisation of work area and safe handling of equipment) | All necessary inductions are complete, and the student mainly works responsibly (participating in clean up, organisation of work area and safe handling of equipment) | All necessary inductions are complete though some aspects responsible studio work management need further development | Student has not completed all inductions, and some aspects responsible studio work management need further development | Student has not completed all inductions and/or there are concerns about compliance, consideration of others and safety |
Experimentation [LO3] | Extensive exploration of creative possibilities that consistently probes at the parameters of given techniques and materials. | A good level of experimentation that often explores the parameters of given techniques and materials | Proficient experimentation, developing the confidence and commitment to explore parameters | Demonstrates a satisfactory level of experimentation but has been limited in how far or how much techniques and materials have been explored | Very little to no experimentation in implementing basic techniques. |
Response to thematic prompts [LO3&4] | Consistently insightful and exciting response to prompts; demonstrates deeply engaged and iterative learning and making week by week | Some insightful and exciting responses to prompts; demonstrates engaged and iterative learning and making week by week | Has responded to all prompts and is developing ways to engage in learning and making | Has responded to most prompts at a basic level. The creativity of the response is limited | Has only responded to 3 prompts or less |
Research supporting studio practice [LO4] | Has researched at least 3 relevant artists, historical/cultural precedents or texts independently and made explicit and relevant connections between these examples and course content. | Has researched at least 2 relevant artists, historical/cultural precedents or texts independently and made explicit and relevant connections between these examples and course content. | Has researched at least 2 relevant artists, historical/cultural precedents or texts independently and made connections between these examples and course content. | Has researched at least 1 relevant artists, historical/cultural precedents or texts independently and made connections between these examples and course content. | Does not demonstrate independent research |
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Table Loom Project
Value: 25%
Format: Completed woven artwork and OneNote (or equivalent) development and research documentation
Due date: Completed artwork assessed in class Week 12, Thursday 22nd May. OneNote submitted online via Wattle; physical equivalent submitted by hand 9.00 Thursday 29th May
Return date: Thursday 26th June
The Table Loom Project consists of a completed table loom artwork along with research and development material captured in a OneNote or physical visual diary. Students will select a theme and a prompt from Term 1 as the impetus for a woven artwork. While exploration and experimentation are still encouraged, what differentiates this project from the table loom sampler is the inclusion of design development and more sustained focus on particular techniques, principles and ideas to produce an artwork. Class will be structure to support this deeper material and conceptual engagement.
Rubric
Criteria | HD | D | C | P | F |
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Technical competency [LO1] | Exceptional comprehension and use of techniques and materials, maintains a commitment to progressing technical skills and know how throughout Term 2 | Well-developed comprehension and use of techniques and materials, demonstrates commitment to progressing technical skills and know how | Developing comprehension and use of techniques and materials. More progress could have been made but the technical competency is generally sound and continues to develop | Demonstrates ongoing technical competency at a basic level | Has not demonstrated sufficient comprehension or working use of techniques and materials |
Professional Studio Practice [LO2] | Studio space and equipment are used exceptionally well to experiment and remain organised in a shared work environment. | Studio space and equipment are used well to experiment and organise in a shared work environment. | Studio space and equipment are used proficiently and safely in a shared work environment. | Studio space and equipment are used adequately and safely in a shared work environment. | There has not been adequate consideration or use of studio space and equipment |
Response to theme and prompts [LO3&4] | Ambitiously creative and conceptually sophisticated response Ongoing self-evaluation of creative possibilities as the project develops | Creative and conceptually sound response. Some good self-evaluation of creative possibilities as the project develops | Response has some creative or conceptual limitations Demonstrates development of creative possibilities within these limitations | Basic response Project shows little development, but an outcome is delivered | Response demonstrates a lack of understanding of course content and/or a project outcome is not delivered |
Research supporting studio practice [LO4] | Has researched at least 3 relevant artists, historical/cultural precedents or texts independently and made explicit and relevant connections between these examples and the development of the table loom project | Has researched at least 2 relevant artists, historical/cultural precedents or texts independently and made explicit and relevant connections between these examples and the development of the table loom project | Has researched at least 2 relevant artists, historical/cultural precedents or texts independently and made connections between these examples and the development of the table loom project | Has researched at least 1 relevant artists, historical/cultural precedents or texts independently and made connections between these examples and the development of the table loom project | Does not demonstrate independent research |
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Outdoor Project
Value: 25%
Format: Collaborative outdoor woven artwork and individual OneNote (or equivalent) development and research documentation
Due date: Completed artwork assessed in class Week 12, Thursday 22nd May. OneNote submitted online via Wattle; physical equivalent submitted by hand
Return date: Thursday 26th June
Students will work in small groups to design, weave and install a woven artwork to be displayed in the SoAD Dye and Fibre Garden. Each group will select a site and theme and a prompt from Term 1 as the impetus for the work. Assessment consists of the collaborative outdoor artwork and an individual OneNote or visual diary that documents the project's research and development.
Collaboration is considered as a professional studio process. Though the project will be assessed as a whole, individual contributions will also be weighed up. Individual contributions to the ideation, development and delivery of the project will be ascertained from the OneNote or visual diary documentation and observations in class.
Rubric
Criteria | HD | D | C | P | F |
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Technical competency [LO1&2] | Exceptional comprehension and use of techniques and materials, maintains a commitment to progressing technical skills and know how throughout Term 2 | Well-developed comprehension and use of techniques and materials, demonstrates commitment to progressing technical skills and know how | Developing comprehension and use of techniques and materials. More progress could have been made but the technical competency is generally sound and continues to develop | Demonstrates ongoing technical competency at a basic level | Has not demonstrated sufficient comprehension or working use of techniques and materials |
Professional Studio Practice [LO2] | Studio space and equipment are used exceptionally well to experiment and remain organised in a shared work environment both indoors and on site outside. | Studio space and equipment are used well to experiment and organise in a shared work environment and on site outside. | Studio space and equipment are used proficiently and safely in a shared work environment and on site outside. | Studio space and equipment are used adequately and safely in a shared work environment and on site outside. | There has not been adequate consideration or use of studio space and equipment and on site outside. |
Response to thematic prompts [LO3&4] | Ambitiously creative and conceptually sophisticated response Ongoing self-evaluation of creative possibilities as the project develops | Creative and conceptually sound response. Some good self-evaluation of creative possibilities as the project develops | Response has some creative or conceptual limitations Demonstrates development of creative possibilities within these limitations | Basic response Project shows little development, but an outcome is delivered | Response demonstrates a lack of understanding of course content and/or a project outcome is not delivered |
Collaboration [LO2] | Excellent collaboration in which all group members consistently contributed towards the development and completion of the project | Good collaboration in which most group members worked well together towards the development and completion of the project | Collaboration skills are still being developed by some group members however everyone contributed something towards the development and completion of the project | The projects development and final presentation (though perhaps not completion) were reliant on some of the group members doing most if not all of the work | Project outcome was not delivered and/or group was significantly dysfunctional |
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.
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
Convener
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Research InterestsContemporary art, spatial practice, textiles, sculpture, public art, architecture, experimental weaving and place making |
Lucy Irvine
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Melanie Olde
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