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
This course introduces students to the skills required for practice-led research, these include project management, self-evaluation, critique, contextually positioning class activities and reflexive learning.
Field Trips
A field trip to the Drill Hall Gallery is scheduled for Week 2.
Additional Course Costs
There will be a materials fee associated with this course. Please see Canvas 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 | 14.00-15.30 Seminar Room 1.29 (SoAD Bldg 105)
14.30-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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Overview of all assessment tasksAll-school and Textile Workshop inductions |
| 2 | 14.00-16.00 Field Trip to Drill Hall Gallery
16.15-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T1] Discussion groups in preparation for Pattern Symposium[T2] Batik Folio begins Field trip voluntary declaration forms |
| 3 | 14.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T1] Discussion groups in preparation for Pattern Symposium[T2] Batik Folio begins Field trip voluntary declaration formsDye Lab inductions |
| 4 | 14.00-18.00 Seminar Room 1.29 (SoAD Bldg 105)
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[T1] Pattern Symposium due |
| 5 | 14.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T2] Batik Folio continues |
| 6 | 14.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T2] Batik Folio continues Plan access to facilities during mid semester break |
| 7 | 14.00-15.30 Seminar Room 1.29 (SoAD Bldg 105)
15.30-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching Studio
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[T2] Batik Folio due [T3&4] discussed in detail and supported with preparatory tasks |
| 8 | 14.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching StudioCollective Projects
Pattern Manifesto
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[T3&4] continueSewing machine and tufting gun inductions |
| 9 | 14.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching StudioCollective Projects
Pattern Manifesto
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[T3&4] continue |
| 10 | 14.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching StudioCollective Projects
Pattern Manifesto
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[T3&4] continue |
| 11 | 14.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching StudioCollective Projects
Pattern Manifesto
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[T3&4] continue |
| 12 | 14.00-18.00 Textiles Upstairs Teaching StudioCollective Projects
Pattern Manifesto
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[T3&4] Due |
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 | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern Symposium | 20 % | 15/08/2025 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Batik Folio | 30 % | 19/09/2025 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Collective Projects | 20 % | 24/10/2025 | 1,2,3,4 |
| Pattern Manifesto | 30 % | 24/10/2025 | 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
Pattern Symposium
Value: 20%
Due in class 15th of August, Week 4
Details of task:
In Week 4 students will participate in the Pattern Symposium comprised of presentations, student-led pattern making activities and collective mapping of contexts, theories and principles relevant to the course. At the beginning of the semester students will choose a pattern from a slide deck of examples to research and analyse. Each example is grouped thematically within a sphere of pattern making. Organised into small thematic groups, students will compare their individual analysis and identify key aspects or characteristics that their examples share. The group will then devise a short experimental activity that will help the class gain further insight into a particular technique, concept or concern through participatory pattern making.
Preparation for the Symposium will include class readings, an exhibition field trip, formal and informal discussions, independent research and the planning and practicing of the student-led activities within a small group.
Format
· 5-minute Individual PowerPoint Presentation that analyses an example from the slide deck
· 5-minute group reporting on key aspects and characteristics
· 5–10-minute student-led pattern making activity
· Participation in collective mapping of contexts, theories and principles online and in class.
Feedback
- Questions and responses during the symposium from peers and lecturer
- Formal written feedback with release of marks
A full rubric for each part of this assessment task will be available on Canvas and discussed in Week 1
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Batik Folio
Value: 30%
Due by 2pm 19th of September, Week 7
Details of Task:
From Week 2-Week 6 students will explore repeat pattern design and basic batik techniques. The focus will be on materials-based inquiry as an integral part of iterative design. In other words, letting results in the Dye Lab lead how the designs become increasingly refined. Class activities will include looking critically at source imagery to inform aesthetic and technical choices, initial sketches, designing repeat patterns on paper, carving and experimenting with simple batik stamps through to designing, printing and dyeing a more complex batik fabric. In addition to class activities, students are expected to develop and refine this folio outside class time. This will require planning access to resources, adhering to a Dye Lab schedule and consistently maintaining WHS standards.
In preparing the Batik Folio, students must demonstrate safe and professional studio practice. The folio itself should reflect the acquisition of basic techniques, an engaged iterative approach and design evaluation skills. This task and assessment feedback will help students gain project management experience and creative criticality for more ambitious and conceptual work in Term Two.
Format:
· A folio containing material tests, sketches, paper designs, simple batik stamp printed fabric and a length of batik fabric with a refined design measuring at least 1 metre by 1 metre. Students can include a physical or digital visual diary as part of their design development.
· Folio to be installed for assessment in the Textiles Workshop before class in Week 7.
· In preparation for the Batik Critique students should be ready to discuss what they learnt through the design process and which aspects of their refined design they feel are most successful.
Feedback
· Peer review as part of the Week 7 Batik Critique.
· Informal feedback during class, particularly in Week 5 & 6
· Formal written feedback with release of marks.
A full rubric for each part of this assessment task will be available on Canvas and discussed in Week 1
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Collective Projects
Value: 20%
Due for completion in class 17th October Week 11, Collective Projects class participation and Canvas forum assessed weekly
Details of task:
In term two, students will co-design and co-create a series of set projects in class. Task 3 introduces new techniques and materials including fabric assemblage and tufting. Students will be assessed for their technical competence, participation and engagement in class activities, particularly in terms of creative and collaborative problem-solving and professional studio practice. Week by week students will contribute to discussion forums on Canvas that evaluate the pattern making potential of their collective projects and make further connections to the map of contexts, theories and principles generated during the Pattern Symposium in term one.
Format
- Participation in class activities
- Individual panels or components added to collective projects
- Canvas Forum in response to weekly prompts
Feedback
- score accumulated weekly for responses to weekly prompts on Canvas
- Informal feedback during tutorials in Weeks 9 & 10
- Formal feedback and grade for whole task on completion of the course
A full rubric for each part of this assessment task will be available on Canvas and discussed in detail in Week 7
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Pattern Manifesto
Value: 30%
Due in class 24th October Week 12
Details of task:
In term two students will work independently to develop a brief manifesto and to create a pattern that communicates, expresses, or embodies that declaration. Besides clearly drawing from the themes and theories explored throughout the course, the manifesto can be artistic, political or outlandishly fantastical. What is important is how the pattern furthers the manifesto in practice.
Students can choose which pattern making techniques and materials they wish to use. However, it is important to note that a large amount of this task will be undertaken in independent study time, so this requires planning access to resources such as the Dye Lab, tufting guns and sewing machines as well as consistently maintaining WHS standards.
Format:
- a 2–3-minute Pattern Manifesto presentation designed to convince the class of your cause and that compels them to use, wear or replicate your pattern because of what it represents. This presentation can be performed live in class or can be recorded as a video. You are encouraged to be creative with the presentation format so that it is as creative and engaging as the ideas and pattern it is communicating.
- Folio including a final pattern textile along with its accompanying design and development iterations.
A full rubric for each part of this assessment task will be available on Canvas and discussed in detail in Week 7
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.
Returning Assignments
Students will remove all material experiments, tests and final works from the Textiles Workshop in the first week of the exam period.
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 |
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Lucy Irvine
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
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Lucy Irvine
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