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.

Additional Course Costs

Studio Materials Fee $65

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, test pieces, visual diaries, drawings and other support material.

Students will present their work for assessment in a nominated time and place within the Sculpture and Spatial Practice Workshop.

Required Resources

See Wattle

Recommended Resources

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.

Lincoln Welder links for welding and cutting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNp5uU6jF2w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd1L_9nljdg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ixRV9VBkU

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	Week 1: Seminar - Introduction & course overview; WHS; Studio demonstration & practiceInduction to workshop and Materials Handbrake  Drilling  Rollers  Riveting  Cardboard  Students begin template-making with cardboard.	Critical reflection (CR) min 250 words x 4 (Due weeks 3,6,9,12) 20%Portfolio of studio work + CR(Project 1 - Due Week 3) 20%Portfolio of studio work + CR (Project 2 - Due Week 6) 20%Portfolio of studio work + CR (Project 3 - Due Week 9) 20% Portfolio of studio work + CR (Project 4 - Due Week 12) 20%
2	Week 2: Contextual lecture ; Studio demonstration & practice Sound art; inductions (form cowbell pieces) Lectures on material sound, machine sound; open studio This week, Dr Pia Van Gelder will share their practice and introduce students to fundamental exercises in listening and recording. Students will divide their time between constructing their bell and listening exercises.  Students will be divided into groups rotating between sound experiments and inductions into metal works Induction to workshop and Materials Guillotine  Hammering  Tin snips  Filing
3	Week 3: Studio practice; group critique (Project 1 due)Students finish and present their prototype bells in class (Assessment Task 1)	Studio work + CR (Assessment 1) 25%
4	Week 4: Contextual lecture/slides; Studio demonstration as required & practice; Students introduced to artists working with metal in expanded contexts. They will begin to develop another modified cowbell.
5	Week 5: Contextual lecture/slides; Studio demonstration as required & practice; Students are to continue making an adaption of cowbells and have a consultation with the Lecturer.
6	Week 6: Studio practice; group critique (Assessment Task 2 due)	Studio work + CR (Assessment 2) 25%
10	Week 10: Contextual lecture; Studio demonstration & practice OR excursion to relevant cultural institutionWeek 11: Contextual lecture; Studio demonstration & practice;Week 12: Performance; group critique
12	Week 12: Performance; Documentation, group critique	Studio work, Performance + CR (Assessment 4) 25%
78	Weeks 7-9: Students will design and make a third instrument of their choosing. This could involve making a third bell with additional modifications or an expanded understanding of this form. This is an opportunity to consolidate and build on design and construction skills.  NB Extra materials required at this stage will need to be purchased/acquired independently in consultation with lecturer and Tech Officer.	Studio work + CR (Assessment 3, Due Week 9) 25%

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
STUDIO: Assessment Tasks 1-4 Portfolio of Student Works/Performance (Week 12), Documentation, Critical Reflections due Weeks 3, 6, 9, 12	20 %	05/03/2025	12/03/2025	1,2,3,4
Critical Reflections of Projects 1-4	20 %	26/03/2025	04/04/2025	1,2,3,4
	20 %	30/04/2025	07/05/2025	1,2,3,4
	20 %	21/05/2025	04/06/2025	1,2,3,4
	20 %	05/03/2025	04/06/2025	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

• 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 Thursdays from 2-3pm is expected
• Participation in weekly Clean Up of the Sculpture and Spatial Practice Workshop on Thursdays from 3-4pm is expected

Assessment Task 1

STUDIO: Assessment Tasks 1-4 Portfolio of Student Works/Performance (Week 12), Documentation, Critical Reflections due Weeks 3, 6, 9, 12

Each assessment point addresses specific sculpture topics, to be developed in conversation with lecture content, which will focus on contemporary practice at the intersection of metalworking and sound art. Studio requirements include evidence of three distinct skills/tools/processes per assessment, documentation and presentation of studio work. To do well in the course, students must demonstrate sustained engagement (process photos, development of work across multiple instances) with 9 of the 12 studio process options. (This “menu of options” approach works, see for example this summary from Alexis Shotwell at Carleton.) 

Include 9 of the following in assessment documentation, plus participate in performance, to pass the course: 

1. Handbrake 
2. Drilling 
3. Rollers 
4. Riveting 
5. Guillotine 
6. Hammering 
7. Tin snips 
8. Filing 
9. Cardboard template making 
10. Spot welding 
11. Welding 
12. Grinding/docking (TBC)

These activities are subject to change depending on the availability of studio equipment

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	N<>
1.Identify and use basic techniques and principles appropriate to sculpture and spatial practice	Identifies and uses basic techniques and principles appropriate to sculpture and spatial practice to a very high level.	Identifies and uses basic techniques and principles appropriate to sculpture and spatial practice to a high level.	Identifies and uses basic techniques and principles appropriate to sculpture and spatial practice to a competent level.	Identifies and uses basic techniques and principles appropriate to sculpture and spatial practice to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to 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.	Employs safe and professional studio work processes using the specialised equipment to a very high level.	Employs safe and professional studio work processes using the specialised equipment to a high level.	Employs safe and professional studio work processes using the specialised equipment to a competent level.	Employs safe and professional studio work processes using the specialised equipment to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to 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	Explores and evaluates the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a very high level.	Explores and evaluates the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a high level.	Explores and evaluates the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a competent level.	Explores and evaluates the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to an adequate level.	Insuffient ability to explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects.
4.Develop works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.	Develop works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a very high level.	Develop works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a high level.	Develop works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a competent level.	Develop works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to develop works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.

Assessment Task 2

Critical Reflections of Projects 1-4

Critical Reflections

Word Count: 250 words (x4) written to accompany each Project Submissions (weeks 3, 6, 9 & 12)

Due: 9am of your week 12 class

• Use these headings to structure your reflection:

1. Titles for your works/project
2. Short description of the works including the research and technical methods you used to make them (50 words)
3. Rationale: why did you make these works the way you made them? Why did you work with the concepts you worked with? Why did you use the materials and techniques you used? How do you situate the work in an art historical genealogy and contemporary art context? (50-100 words)
4. Critical Reflection: how successful are the works? What would you do differently if you made them again? Are there particular significations to discuss? Are there poetic accidents or intuitive outcomes that can be analysed? (100 -150 words)

• Follow Bibliographic, Style and Format guide below
• Submission: The Critical Reflection should be submitted digitally before class

Bibliography:

• Include at least 3-4 scholarly references formatted in the Chicago style (see below). These may not be websites. You may access peer-reviewed journals online using the University's databases, but otherwise, online content does not count towards the four scholarly references.
• At least one of these scholarly references must be about the artworks by other artists that you speak/write about.
• At least one reference must be a theoretical/philosophical text which contributes to your thinking/methodology.
• Only two of the references may be from the required and recommended reading for this course.

Format

• The text should be double-spaced, in size 12 Times New Roman format.

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	N<>
3.Explore and evaluate (critically reflect upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a very high level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a high level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a competent level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to critically reflect upon, explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a very high level.
4.Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a very high level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a high level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a competent level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.

Assessment Task 3

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	N<>
3.Explore and evaluate (critically reflect upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a very high level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a high level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a competent level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to critically reflect upon, explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a very high level.
4.Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a very high level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a high level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a competent level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.

Assessment Task 4

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	N<>
3.Explore and evaluate (critically reflect upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a very high level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a high level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a competent level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to critically reflect upon, explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a very high level.
4.Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a very high level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a high level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a competent level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.

Assessment Task 5

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	N<>
3.Explore and evaluate (critically reflect upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a very high level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a high level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a competent level.	Explores and evaluates (critically reflects upon) the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to critically reflect upon, explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects to a very high level.
4.Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a very high level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a high level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to a competent level.	Critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices to an adequate level.	Insufficient ability to critically reflect upon developed works that respond to contemporary sculpture and spatial practice theories and art practices.

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