This course introduces intermediate techniques and creative approaches for glassmaking. Surface textures, shapes and forms in glass will be crafted. Using a combination of digital and analog approaches, the possibility of scaling from intimate to architectural, and from functional to sculptural will be explored. Set projects are aimed at developing skilled making as well as integrating ideas into art, design and craft. Lectures and group discussions assist students to develop an awareness of artists and designers within the field as well as locate their developing works within the broader field of visual practices. The course is designed to accommodate learning for students with different levels of experience. Work health and safety (WHS) instruction is integrated throughout the syllabus.
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:
- Intermediate and Advanced Glassblowing A
This course will build on the fundamentals of glassblowing with a thematic focus on how material and metaphor can produce meaning. Students are asked to consider the relevance and pertinence of glass and use their growing knowledge of the material to develop ideas for sculptural practice. Assignments foster the acquisition of skills for glassblowing, including colour work and traditional vessel shaping methods. Relevant cold working methods are introduced.
Integrated demonstrations, lectures, projects, class discussions and critiques provide students with a broader understanding of historical and contemporary practices. Seminar lectures will focus on materiality, transformation, process and abstraction in visual arts and design to inform set projects as well as individual explorations. Work health and safety (WHS) instruction is integrated throughout the syllabus.
- Intermediate and Advanced Glassblowing B
- Glass Casting
This course introduces principles and processes for kiln casting of glass. Techniques for mould making, casting and cold finishing are taught. Set projects are aimed at developing the student's ability to work the material, as well as integrate thematic ideas within a developing practice. Lectures and group discussions assist students to develop an informed understanding of artists and designers within the field, as well as locate their practice within the broader field of craft, design and visual arts. The course is designed to accommodate learning for students with different levels of experience. Work health and safety (WHS) instruction is integrated throughout the syllabus.
- Alternative Process in Kiln Forming
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate competency with a range of advancing technical skills in relation to glass & contemporary art practice;
- independently explore the potential of material/s & methods relevant to glass and set projects;
- recognise and analyse precedents and influences on artistic practice; and
- evaluate chosen studio methodologies on the outcomes of studio projects.
Additional Course Costs
Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Course Outline and include tuition, teaching materials and student access to the workshops for the stated course hours. Students are requested to refer to the School of Art website for information: http://soa.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees.
Optional Workshop Fee
This Workshop Fee is for additional access to the workshop and use of equipment, tooling and consumable items during extra hours. It is not essential to course completion. Payment of the Workshop Fee is optional, but if a student chooses not to pay it, access to the workshops outside of stated course hours is not allowed.
Material Fee
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.
Materials will be supplied for Tasks 1--2 at a moderate scale: mould making materials, clay, wax with the addition of 1kg of casting glass. Additional materials can be purchased from the glass store or purchased independently.
Examination Material or equipment
For scheduled assessments, reviews and critiques, students will present their work to date, completed works, support material and tests, folios, relevant contextual research. All materials will be set up ahead of assessment sessions, and presented to staff over the course of scheduled assessment. All assessments requirements will be discussed during class, and teaching staff is available for any question related to the assessment process.
Recommended Resources
Reading lists and additional resources will be added to the Wattle page for this class.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- One--to--one consultation with staff during class contact time. You will also have the option of signing up for a tutorial every few weeks. Talk to Staff about this option.
- Class critique, class discussions and reviews: Verbal feedback will be given by staff and peers at student presentations, reviews and group meetings in class. Staff will give feedback for assessment tasks, including the final assessment.
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.
Other Information
This is a topic--based course that alternates over two years (odd and even years). In odd years the class will introduce silicone retrievable mould making approaches. In even years this class will focus on mould making through retrievable plaster moulds.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
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1 | Overview of course outline and weekly program.Slide discussion. Workshop induction for WH&S.Task 1: Studio demonstration of open faced glass casting Clearing and volumizing mould to finish.Students working with clay and making moulds. | Finish moulds. |
2 | Loading Kilns. Intro to firing programs.Discussion of burn out firing project. | Work on tech notes and sketch books. |
3 | Divest mould and cold working.Students discuss objects for burn out.Making moulds | Respond to Reading 1. Finish moulds. |
4 | Loading Kilns. Firing programs part 2.Programing kilns.Annealing | Work on tech notes and sketch books. |
5 | Divest kiln and cold working.Cold working | Respond to Reading 2. Finish cold working |
6 | Class discussion and review.Group crit of Task 1. | Assessment Task 1 due |
7 | Start task 2. Discussion of ideas and themes.Demonstration: Retrievable mould making in plaster.Demo and students working. | Work on tech notes and sketch books. |
8 | Demonstration: Wax pouring.Progress and finish plaster retrievable moulds. Outside of class task: Pour waxes. | Review slides, make comments. Work on tech notes and sketch books. |
9 | Research PresentationsMaking moulds and steaming out. | Task 4 Assessment |
10 | Making moulds and steaming out.Load Kilns. | Work on tech notes and sketch books. |
11 | Divest kiln and cold working. | Work on tech notes and sketch books. |
12 | Cold working. | Work on tech notes and sketch books. |
13 | Assessment Period | Assessment Tasks 2 and 3 due. Final assessment (during exam period): Present all tasks, including task 1 & 2 as well and all journals. |
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 |
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Portfolio of Studio Work/Visual Journal I | 40 % | 27/03/2025 | 1,2,3,4 |
Portfolio of Studio Work/Visual Journal II | 40 % | 29/05/2025 | 1,2,3,4 |
Contextual Support Material | 10 % | 29/05/2025 | 3 |
Studio Theory Presentation | 10 % | 01/05/2025 | 3 |
* 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
Attendance at weekly sessions is necessary to absorb skills and direct your projects. Non-engagement will result in your withdrawal from the course.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Portfolio of Studio Work/Visual Journal I
Introduction to cast glass: Two glass casting projects will introduce this process and teach awareness and skills. Students will learn open faced and burn out casting methods by making their own works. Students will learn glass casting techniques, including mould making, kiln firing schedules and some cold working processes. Approximately 6 classes plus self--directed time dedicated to this project.
• Address the theme of Nature/Culture through the development and making of glass castings.
• Using the methods of open face or burn out castings present no less than four objects, two of which must be finished through coldworking methods.
• Consider the readings and examples of artists working within this theme to develop your response.
• Reflect on your technical, creative and contextual development through a journal.
Students will do well with this task when they can demonstrate an integrated reflection of their ideas with the material. This should include an experimental approach and be supported by tests and wider contextual research (see task 3). Each student should articulate a brief plan for their work to be developed through class discussions, group critiques and tutorials. The studio work will demonstrate an enquiry and exploration of ideas with the material.
In the visual journal, students will produce imagery, drawings and preparatory works related to kiln cast glass. The aim of this task is to build awareness and practical skills for kiln casting, informed by technical demonstrations and online lessons, while also allowing students to engage with themes and properties of glass. The journal will show evidence of reflective drawing and sketching in the development of creative work. Students are also tasked with producing visualisations of proposed works, using combinations of drawings/sketches, writing and digital applications. Students will do well with this task when they can reflect on the material properties, utilize their developing skills and link these with their contextual awareness to present new ideas and possibilities.
Presentation requirements: For assessment, students will present a body of material tests, physical models and completed works, accompanied by self-directed experiments and models. For the visual journal, students will present a body of drawings, visualisations and designs for work to be produced in glass, documented and uploaded to Wattle. Documentation of the works must be submitted to Wattle.
Rubric
Criteria | HD | D | CR | P | F |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acquisition of skill and competence. LO1 | Consistently develop a command of skills, with potential for innovation. | Apply skills relevant to those of a developing professional practitioner. | Develop and apply a broad range of skills at a competent level. | Develop and apply a limited range of skills at an adequate level. | Technical skills are below standard. |
Development of sketches, models, and experiments LO2 | Evidence of individual exploration of the potential of within projects and self-directed activity. | A thorough exploration of materials is demonstrated in projects and self-directed activity. | Materials exploration is attempted in projects and self-directed activity. | Materials explored only as directed in projects and self-directed activity. | Insufficient materials exploration carried out in projects and limited self-directed activity. |
Framing and contextualisation of creative work LO3 | Analyses and integrates contextual, historical and theoretical knowledge with. criticality in presenting and discussing self-directed work. | Analyses and integrates contextual, historical and theoretical knowledge in presenting self-directed work. | Recalls contextual, historical and theoretical knowledge in self-directed work. | Some evidence of the integration of contextual, historical or theoretical knowledge projects/self-directed work. | Fails to address this criteria within the most or all projects. |
Creation and evaluation of a body of work using Kiln Cast glass LO4 | Extensive, reflective investigation and application of concepts and processes applied to self-directed works suitable for exhibition. | A thorough investigation and application of concepts and processes applied to self-directed works. | Concepts and processes applied in development of self-directed works. | Attempts the application of concepts and processes to self-directed works. | Limited evidence and application of concepts and processes within self-directed works. |
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Portfolio of Studio Work/Visual Journal II
Replication:
The process of casting is one of replication, and this can be taken literally or as a creative prompt. The goal is to use cast glass to either make multiples, or to utilise multiples as a method of construction within a single cast object. Alternatively you may consider trying to replicate, translate or imitate another object or material using glass. Students will explore work in cast glass while developing retrievable mould making skills. Students will develop an initial form from found or sculpted objects using a silicone mould. They will also develop wax models, create investment moulds and cast at least one completed glass object.
Students will do well with this task when they can demonstrate an integrated reflection of their ideas with the material. This should include an experimental approach and be supported by tests and wider contextual research (see task 3). Each student should articulate a brief plan for their work to be developed through class discussions, group critiques and tutorials. The studio work will demonstrate an enquiry and exploration of ideas with the material.
In the visual journal, students will produce imagery, drawings and preparatory works related to kiln cast glass. The aim of this task is to build awareness and practical skills for kiln casting, informed by technical demonstrations and online lessons, while also allowing students to engage with themes and properties of glass. The journal will show evidence of reflective drawing and sketching in the development of creative work. Students are also tasked with producing visualisations of proposed works, using combinations of drawings/sketches, writing and digital applications. Students will do well with this task when they can reflect on the material properties, utilize their developing skills and link these with their contextual awareness to present new ideas and possibilities.
Presentation requirements: For assessment, students will present a body of material tests, physical models and completed works, accompanied by self-directed experiments and models. For the visual journal, students will present a body of drawings, visualisations and designs for work to be produced in glass, documented and uploaded to Wattle. Documentation of the works must be submitted to Wattle.
Rubric
Assessment Criteria | HD | D | CR | P | F |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acquisition of skill and competence. LO1 | Consistently develop a command of skills, with potential for innovation. | Apply skills relevant to those of a developing professional practitioner. | Develop and apply a broad range of skills at a competent level. | Develop and apply a limited range of skills at an adequate level. | Technical skills are below standard. |
Development of sketches, models, and experiments LO2 | Evidence of individual exploration of the potential of within projects and self-directed activity. | A thorough exploration of materials is demonstrated in projects and self-directed activity. | Materials exploration is attempted in projects and self-directed activity. | Materials explored only as directed in projects and self-directed activity. | Insufficient materials exploration carried out in projects and limited self-directed activity. |
Framing and contextualisation of creative work LO3 | Analyses and integrates contextual, historical and theoretical knowledge with. criticality in presenting and discussing self-directed work. | Analyses and integrates contextual, historical and theoretical knowledge in presenting self-directed work. | Recalls contextual, historical and theoretical knowledge in self-directed work. | Some evidence of the integration of contextual, historical or theoretical knowledge projects/self-directed work. | Fails to address this criteria within the most or all projects. |
Creation and evaluation of a body of work using Kiln Cast glass LO4 | Extensive investigation and application of concepts and processes applied to self-directed works suitable for exhibition. | A thorough investigation and application of concepts and processes applied to self-directed works. | Concepts and processes applied in development of self-directed works. | Attempts the application of concepts and processes to self-directed works. | Limited evidence and application of concepts and processes within self-directed works. |
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 3
Contextual Support Material
Students will submit responses to readings and presentations in preparation for weekly seminars. They will also independently compile references including inspiring works, images or relevant texts. This task includes a technical section which must contain a detailed account of processes introduced. For assessment, students will upload responses to readings in preparation for weekly seminars. They will also upload a PDF that includes indicative pages of their research to Wattle
Rubric
Criteria | HD | D | CR | P | F |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written and verbal response to assigned readings LO3 | Engages dialogue through critical analysis, integrating icontextual, historical and theoretical knowledge which inform indivisual position. | Written and verbal responses are analytical, integrating contextual, historical and theoretical knowledge | Written and verbal responses are descriptive of historical and theoretical context. | Written and verbal responses recall historical or theoretical context. | Fails to address this criteria within the most or all projects. |
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 3
Studio Theory Presentation
Seminars introduce historical precedents, contemporary artists and their works in a creative and broader social context. Students should also independently research relevant sources of inspiration and explore issues they wish to engage. By presenting their research and leading a discussion, students actively demonstrate an understanding of the material being introduced. For assessment, students will create a PowerPoint document (uploaded to Wattle) and lead a 15-minute Studio Theory Presentation on a chosen topic relevant to kiln formed glass and/or its broader context.
Rubric
Criteria | HD | D | CR | P | F |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Presentation of Contextual Research LO3 | Offers critical analysis and generates discussion of contextual, historical and theoretical knowledge. | Analyses and integrates contextual, historical and theoretical knowledge. | Presents contextual, historical and theoretical knowledge. | Recalls contextual, historical or theoretical knowledge. | Fails to address this criteria within the most or all projects. |
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
Studio based work will not be held by staff after assessment. Staff will keep a photographic record of work presented for review and final assessment. Folios / journals will be returned one week after due date.
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
Resubmission of works is not common in a studio--based course, as students can seek feedback on projects throughout the semester. Requests for resubmission will be handled on a case--by--case basis.
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 Interestshttps://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/sarmiento-j |
Dr Jeffrey Sarmiento
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Dr Jeffrey Sarmiento
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