This course provides students with a working understanding of how textiles-based and textiles-informed methodologies can be deployed in contemporary art. Through set projects students will apply and extend basic techniques in conjunction with further topic specific material processes. Contemporary textiles practices afford multiplicity: they enliven rich and diverse threads of thinking through making. Each set project involves deepening analytical engagement with and a hands-on approach to complex issues, such as the material culture of marginalised people or environmental regeneration as it takes place on campus. Supported by seminars, group critique and tutorials, students will become increasingly independent in developing their own research-led methodologies and artworks. The resolution of projects includes learning how to display outcomes in ways relevant and appropriate to contemporary art.

Students may complete this course up to three times for a maximum credit value of 18 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:

• Subverting Stitch: Labour, Gender and Image
• Plants and Place: locating colour and fibre

The practices of tending, gathering and processing natural materials can embed a knowledge of plants and place into crafted objects. This knowledge can then be carried, worn and shared. The focus of this course is to gain an insight into local knowledge, plants and places and to deepen that understanding through material processes. Students will learn how to undertake a materials-based investigation of their immediate environment and how to communicate these processes and outcomes. Through research and experimentation students will develop skills and knowledge relating to the rich historical, social and cultural meanings embedded in these processes and produce creative and conceptual outcomes.

• Textile Thinking: materialising embodied knowledge

This course investigates textile-based actions and ideas to critically position bodies and materials in knowledge making practices; both within contemporary art and broader philosophical discourse. Through set projects, students will reframe textile techniques as generative processes for creating installations, tactile images, objects and performances. With each iteration the spatial, temporal and affective possibilities of textiles will be explored processually and in the display of finished works. Critique, lectures, readings and discussion are integral to developing informed and expansive methodologies.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. demonstrate competency with a range of advancing technical skills in relation to studio area & contemporary art practice;
2. independently explore the potential of material/s & methods relevant to the studio area and set projects;
3. recognise and analyse precedents and influences on artistic practice; and
4. evaluate chosen studio methodologies on the outcomes of studio projects. 

Research-Led Teaching

Textile Thinking has developed from Lucy Irvine's practice-led research. Students will be exposed to a range of ways to think through, with and about textiles.

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
1	9.00-10.00 SoAD Lecture Theatre (1.42 SoAD Bldg 105) Course overview FOLDS | lecture 10.00-13.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio Workshop inductions Sewing machine inductions FOLDS | paper	[T1-4] Overview of all assessment tasksHomework expectations 1HR reviewing course overview, class summary and familiarisation with Wattle 2HRS reading and research 1HR T1 2HRS T2
2	9.00-13.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio class discussion FOLDS | fabric	Homework expectations 2HRS T1 4HRS T2
3	9.00-10.00 SoAD Lecture Theatre (1.42 SoAD Bldg 105) LINES | lecture 10.00-13.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio LINES | polythene & fabric string	Homework expectations 2HRS reading and research 2HRS T1 2HRS T2
4	9.00-13.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio class discussion LINES | string & rope installations	T1 due midnight Sunday 16th March (contributions to the Textiles Thinking Journal after this date and time will be late and therefore not be included in the assessment).Homework expectations 2HRS T1 3HRS T2
5	9.00-10.00 SoAD Lecture Theatre (1.42 SoAD Bldg 105) HOLES | lecture 10.00-13.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio HOLES | felt, paper & fabric	Homework expectations 2HRS reading and research 1HR T2 Critic preparation 3HR T2 Folio
6	9.00-13.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio install FOLDS | LINES | HOLES Folio Week 6 Critique introduce CRITICAL CLOTH part 1 | abjection, opulence & care	T2 assessed in class Homework expectations Watch CRITICAL CLOTH part 1 | abjection, opulence & care lecture 2HRS reading and research 3HRS T3
7	PUBLIC HOLIDAY	Homework expectations Watch CRITICAL CLOTH part 1 2HRS independent reading and research (preparation for CRITICAL CLOTH part 2 | Independent Inquiry) 3HRS T3
8	PUBLIC HOLIDAY	Homework expectations 2HRS independent reading and research (preparation for CRITICAL CLOTH part 2 | Independent Inquiry) 4HRS T3
9	9.00-10.00 SoAD Lecture Theatre (1.42 SoAD Bldg 105) CRITICAL CLOTH part 1 | embodied volumes & spaces > installation practices 10.00-13.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio CRITICAL CLOTH part 1 | embodied volumes & spaces > installation practices Install CRITICAL CLOTH part 1| abjection, opulence & care for assessment 14.00-16.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio Review CRITICAL CLOTH part 1 Joint lecture with ARTH4027/8027 Sir Roland Wilson Building 3.02	T3 CRITICAL CLOTH part one assessed in classHomework expectations 2HRS reading and research 4HRS T3
10	9.00-13.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio CRITICAL CLOTH part 2 | Independent Inquiry class discussion and individual tutorials 14.00-16.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio CRITICAL CLOTH part 2 | Independent Inquiry	Homework expectations 6HRS T3
11	9.00-13.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio CRITICAL CLOTH part 2 | Independent Inquiry class discussion and individual tutorials 14.00-16.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio CRITICAL CLOTH part 2 | Independent Inquiry	Homework expectations 6HRS T3
12	9.00-13.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio CRITICAL CLOTH part 2 | Independent Inquiry > complete works and display CRITICAL CLOTH part 2 | Independent Inquiry > critique 14.00-16.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio CRITICAL CLOTH part 2 | Independent Inquiry > critique	T3 part 2 assessed in class Homework expectations Semester One Textiles Exhibition scheduled opening 17.00 Friday 23rd May Deinstall Mon-Wed 26th-28th May 4HRS T4 + exam period
13	Exam Period	T4 submitted via Wattle by midnight Wednesday 4th June

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
Textiles Thinking Journal	20 %	16/03/2025	21/03/2025	LO1&3
FOLDS | LINES | HOLES folio	25 %	21/03/2025	28/03/2025	LO1,2&4
CRITICAL CLOTH Folio	35 %	02/05/2025	09/05/2025	L01-4
Independent Inquiry Critical Reflection	20 %	04/06/2025	26/06/2025	LO2,3&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 assessed as part of tasks 1-3. This is to emphasise how important participation is in critique, discussion and studio activities as part of shared learning and developing professional practice. 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 responsibility in collaboration and co-working.

Assessment Task 1

Textiles Thinking Journal

Word limit: approx.200 words per page contribution

Value: 20%

Format: OneNote pages including text, images and videos plus comments and questions on other students' pages

Due date: midnight Sunday 16th March

Return date: Friday 21st March written feedback via Wattle

Over the first four weeks of the course students will collaboratively create a journal that analyses and evaluates textile methods. The journal also accumulates a rich resource of textual and artistic references and can be used to generate discussion and discover shared research interests. Each student is expected to contribute a page each week in response to set prompts and to make at least 2 comments on pages contributed by peers.

Further details will be discussed in Week 1 and also be available on Wattle.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	C	P	F
Research skills [LO3]	Consistently contributes pertinent textual and artistic references demonstrating a very high recognition of relevant precedents	Contributes relevant textual and artistic references demonstrating sound understanding of relevant precedents	Contributes textual and artistic references, though they are of varying relevance or merit	Has demonstrated basic research skills by contributing textual and artistic references though the student needs to consider how well these relate to the course content and/or academic requirements	Demonstrates insufficient research skills
Analysis [LO3]	Analysis of textual or artistic precedents is critically interconnected to textile methods	Analysis successfully connects precedents and textile methods	Some good analysis of precedents and methods though these have not been completely successful connected to each other	Attempts to analyse precents and methods though the student needs to consider the difference between analysis and description	Insufficient analysis - precedents and methods are basically described
Participation [LO1]	Contributions and comments have been made each week as per the given prompts. These demonstrate a consistently high level of engagement with course content, discussion and the sharing of ideas.	Contributions and comments have been made each week. These demonstrate a good level of engagement with course content, discussion and the sharing of ideas.	Contributions and comments have been made 3 of 4 weeks. The student is developing their participatory skills with some good engagement with course content, discussion and the sharing of ideas.	Contributions and comments have been made 2 out of 4 weeks. The student has demonstrated some engagement with course content, discussion and the sharing of ideas.	Contributions and comments have been made 1 week or less. And/or the student has not demonstrated an adequate level of engagement in response to prompts or the contributions made by peers.

Assessment Task 2

FOLDS | LINES | HOLES folio

Value: 25%

Format: Folio of independent explorations and a 4-minute presentation delivered as part of Week 6 critique

Due date: Friday 28th March

Return date: informal feedback in class and written feedback by Friday 11th April

After materials and methods have been introduced in class it is expected that students will iterate from class activities and push their material exploration further. The FOLDS | LINES | HOLES folio consists of the further iterations pursued independently outside class time.  For the Week 6 Critique, students will install their folio of iterations, and in a 4-minute presentation identify the one they think is most successful and why.

Further details will be discussed in class and also be available on Wattle.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	C	P	F
Technical competency [LO1]	Excellent use of technique, the student has consistently progressed their skills and has been successfully ambitious	Good use of technique the student has progressed their skills and has been ambitious, though more practice might make for greater success	Some good use of technique and skill progression, more ambition, practice and/or material engagement is recommended	Demonstrates basic technical competency	Has not demonstrated basic technical competency
Exploration [LO2]	Independently explores methods introduced in class to consistently push materials and processes further, achieving exciting and impressive results.	Independently explores methods introduced in class to engage with materials and processes further, achieving some exciting results	Independently explores methods introduced in class though the results have not gone much further than class activities	Has worked independently outside class time but the results show limited exploration of materials and methods	Has not adequately continued to work outside class time and therefore demonstrates limited exploration
Evaluation of processes and results [LO4]	Demonstrates the critical capacity to evaluate processes and results at a very high level. The student is in an excellent position to develop their own studio methodologies.	Demonstrates the capacity to evaluate processes and results a high level. With some further development critical thinking the student is in a good position to develop their own studio methodologies.	Has identified most successful processes and results but is still developing the critical capacity to fully evaluate why and how these are successful.	Has identified and described processes and results	Inadequate identification and description of processes and results
Participation [LO1]	Consistently engaging and critically aware in class discussions and activities, makes valuable contribution to critique	Mainly engaging in class discussions and activities, makes valuable contribution to critique	Attends class and participates in activities Has made some contribution to discussion and critique	Attends class and participates in activities however further active engagement in discussion and critique is required	Has not provided an adequate reason for not attending or participating in class activities

Assessment Task 3

CRITICAL CLOTH Folio

Value: 35% Part 1 (10%) Part 2 (25%)

Format: Part 1 Folio of spatial and affective material investigations presented in class in Week 9

Part 2 independent enquiry and 4-minute presentation for Week 12 critique

Due date: Part 1 Friday 2nd May in class, Part 2 Friday 23rd May in class

Return date: Part 1verbal feedback in individual tutorials Week 10, Part 2 written feedback Thursday 26th June

The first part of the CRITICAL CLOTH FOLIO bridges between the set projects of Term 1 and an independent enquiry. It involves further exploring the spatial and affective qualities of textiles, taking more time with surfaces and volumetric possibilities. In the second part of the CRITICAL CLOTH Folio students will develop their own methodologies combining materials, processes and artistic or philosophical discourse to produce an artwork.

Further details will be discussed in class and also be available on Wattle.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	C	P	F
Technical competency CRITICAL CLOTH Part 1&2 [LO1]	Excellent use of technique, the student has consistently progressed their skills and has been successfully ambitious	Good use of technique the student has progressed their skills and has been ambitious, though more practice might make for greater success	Some good use of technique and skill progression, more ambition, practice and/or material engagement is recommended	Demonstrates basic technical competency	Has not demonstrated basic technical competency
Exploration [LO2] CRITICAL CLOTH Part 1&2	Independently explores methods introduced in class to consistently push materials and processes further, achieving exciting and impressive results.	Independently explores methods introduced in class to engage with materials and processes further, achieving some exciting results	Independently explores methods introduced in class though the results have not gone much further than class activities	Has worked independently outside class time but the results show limited exploration of materials and methods	Has not adequately continued to work outside class time and therefore demonstrates limited exploration
Resolution [LO1&2] CRITICAL CLOTH Part 2	Final outcome of independent enquiry is well resolved and thoughtfully installed demonstrating a skillful use of surface, space and affective qualities	Final outcome of independent enquiry is mostly well resolved and thoughtfully installed demonstrating a highly competent use of surface, space and affective qualities	Final outcome of independent enquiry demonstrates developing skills and understanding of installation, surface, space and affective qualities	Final outcome of independent enquiry demonstrates basic skills and understanding of installation, surface, space and affective qualities	Final outcome of independent enquiry demonstrates a considerable lack of effort or understanding of course requirements
Participation CRITICAL CLOTH Part 1&2 [LO1,3&4]	Consistently engaging and critically aware in class discussions and activities, makes valuable contribution to critique	Mainly engaging in class discussions and activities, makes valuable contribution to critique	Attends class and participates in activities Has made some contribution to discussion and critique	Attends class and participates in activities however further active engagement in discussion and critique is required	Has not provided an adequate reason for not attending or participating in class activities

Assessment Task 4

Independent Inquiry Critical Reflection

Value: 20%

Format: Written reflection 800-900 words plus annotated images and bibliography submitted as a PDF via Turnitin

Due date: submit via Turnitin by midnight Wednesday 4th June

Return date: Thursday 26th June

• Articulate what kinds of spatial, temporal and/or affect possibilities you set out to explore in CRITICAL CLOTH part 2 (50 words)
• Identify and explain how 4 artists and 2 texts that have informed your independent inquiry (300 words)
• Go into further detail about how your own making deepened or changed your understanding of 1 particular artist and 1 particular text. (100 words)
• How did your thinking change or develop through the making process? (50 words)
• Describe your rationale for how you installed/presented the final artwork. (50 words)
• How was the final work received and interpreted and was this different from your intention? (50 words)
• What has surprised or challenged you the most and as a result how you did or could have refined your methodology further? (100 words)
• Try to articulate what you have learned as a result and how you might apply that learning in future courses or creative practice. (100 words)

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	C	P	F
Research [LO3]	At least 4 highly relevant artists and 2 texts have been included (with at least 2 artists and 1 text have come from independent research)	At least 4 relevant artists and 2 texts have been included (with at least 1 artist and 1 text have come from independent research)	At least 3 artists and 1 text have been included and/or their relevance to the independent enquiry is not entirely convincing	At least 2 artists and 1 text have been included and/or their relevance to the independent enquiry is quite basic or not entirely convincing	Insufficient research that does not meet the criteria of the task
Analysis [LO2&3]	Analysis of textual or artistic precedents is critically interconnected to independent exploration of materials, processes and ideas	Analysis successfully connects precedents and independent exploration of materials, processes and ideas	Some good analysis of precedents and methods though these have not been completely successful connected to each other, or there is some doubt as to whether the references have been included in retrospect	Attempts to analyse precents and methods though the student needs to consider the difference between analysis and description there is doubt as to whether the references have been included in retrospect	Insufficient analysis - precedents and methods are basically described
Evalutation of methodologies and outcomes [LO4]	Sophisticated articulation and evaluation of chosen studio methodologies. Able to make nuanced interconnections between materials, processes, ideas and philosophical concerns	Good evaluation of chosen studio methodologies. Demonstrates understanding of how a methodology is comprised	Has identified most successful aspects of processes and results but is still developing the critical capacity to fully evaluate why and how these are successful as part of a studio methodology and what the intention was.	Has identified and described processes and results that were chosen for independent inquiry	Inadequate identification and description of processes and results

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