This studio-based course explores a range of experimental approaches to drawing and its relationship to contemporary art practice. Drawing is everywhere – it is a way of describing and making sense of the world, our dreams, emotions and actions. In this studio-based course students work with drawing to develop independent projects that explore drawing as both an autonomous contemporary practice and as a tool and process which informs interdisciplinary approaches to making. Using a range of materials and processes, combined with lectures and seminars, students will work through a series of projects aimed at developing a broader understanding of the extraordinary range of possibilities offered by drawing. Work health and safety (WHS) 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:

• Drawing Beyond the Line

This course explores interdisciplinary and expanded possibilities of drawing in contemporary art practice. Focusing on process and materiality, projects include experimentation with drawing that is indexical, sculptural, animated, mechanical and kinetic. It introduces students to different modes and meanings of drawing that emerge through unconventional media and methods of mark-making. Studio practice will be tied to research into relevant contextual frameworks introduced in lectures, readings and discussion.

• Narrative and Meaning with Drawing

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

Field Trips

Occasional excursions may be scheduled throughout the semester.

Additional Course Costs

The School of Art & Design provides additional access to the workshop areas and use of equipment, tooling and consumable items during extra hours. For this access the School charges the Optional Workshop Fee. This is not a compulsory fee and is not essential to course completion, however if a student chooses not to pay it, access to the workshop areas and equipment outside of stated course hours is not allowed.

The School of Art & Design supplies materials that become your physical property on payment of the relevant material fee. You can choose to pay the Materials Fee and have these materials supplied through the School of Art & Design, allowing you to take advantage of the GST-free bulk purchasing power of the ANU. These materials are also WHS compliant.

Please go to the payment portal located on the Required Resources and Incidental Fees page here on the School of Art & Design website. Follow the prompts to the payment portal, select the relevant discipline and the fee you wish to pay for.

If you need assistance please contact the Technical Officer in the relevant discipline or at the administration offices of the School of Art & Design.

Examination Material or equipment

In addition to the physical presentation of the work students may use a laptop or tablet to present supporting material.

Required Resources

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 expected to purchase basic art materials for this course. Costs may be incurred for scheduled excursions.

Students are requested to refer to the School of Art & Design website for information: http://soa.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees

Recommended Resources

Wattle. Ensure that your details are correct as Wattle will be the primary method of communication between lecturers and students.

See Wattle for reading lists and other resources.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Individual feedback in studio class time
• Group critique sessions
• Class discussions
• Via email if requested

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	Seminar: Course overview and introduction to Exploring Drawing ProjectStudio practice: Frottage
2	Group discussion responding to set materialStudio practice: Automatic Drawing	Independent study and participation in class activities contribute towards assessment tasks.
3	Seminar: ZinesStudio practice: Collage	Independent study and participation in class activities contribute towards assessment tasks.
4	Group discussion responding to set materialStudio practice: Zine making	Project 1: Exploring Drawing due Monday Week 4Independent study and participation in class activities contribute towards assessment tasks.
5	Studio practice: Zine makingFeedback meetings with lecturer	Independent study and participation in class activities contribute towards assessment tasks.
6	Studio practice: Zine makingCritique session	Independent study and participation in class activities contribute towards assessment tasks.
7	Seminar: Drawing in Space and introduction to Major ProjectDrill Hall Gallery: Light Source exhibition visitStudio practice: locating sites for Drawing in Space installations	Project 2: Zines due Monday Week 7
8	Studio practice: Drawing in Space installations	Independent study and participation in class activities contribute towards assessment tasks.
9	Seminar: Expanded DrawingStudio practice: Drawing in Space installations	Independent study and participation in class activities contribute towards assessment tasks.
10	Research project group presentations	Research projects due Friday Week 10
11	Studio practice: Major project tutorials	Independent study and participation in class activities contribute towards assessment tasks.
12	Studio practice: Major project critique sessions	Independent study and participation in class activities contribute towards assessment tasks.
13	Examination Period	Major Projects due.

Tutorial Registration

N/A

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Project 1: Exploring Drawing	15 %	11/08/2025	25/08/2022	1, 2, 3, 4
Project 2: Zines	25 %	15/09/2025	29/09/2025	1, 2, 3, 4
Research Project	20 %	10/10/2025	24/10/2025	2, 3
Major Project: Space & Light	40 %	*	27/11/2025	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 ‘Canvas’ 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

Studio teaching time: 4 hours per week

Independent research: 6 hours per week minimum

Students are expected to engage in class exercises and studio practice, mastering skills and techniques. An adventurous, experimental, individual and technically competent approach is encouraged. Personal research is a key requirement in the development of your independent project.

Participation in the weekly classes is essential to fulfilling the learning outcomes of this course. If you cannot attend all of the scheduled classes, please consider a different course.

Examination(s)

All studio work and accompanying documentation is assessed physically. In addition to the presentation of physical work students may upload digital material or a laptop or tablet to present supporting material.

Assessment Task 1

Project 1: Exploring Drawing

This project brings together objects, paper surfaces, and drawing and construction tools to explore methods of extending drawing beyond the line and into a constructed composition.

We will explore drawing in this way through three techniques over three weeks: frottage, automatic drawing, and collage. The outcome of this project will be a large collection of experimental works on paper according to project guidelines. Indicative quantities of works are 50 frottage drawings, 20 automatic drawings, and 3 collages, at various scales.

Due Monday Week 4.

Value: 15%

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Engagement with techniques Frottage, automatic drawing, collage (LO1, 2)	Extensive investigation and engagement with all techniques. Frottage is inventive and diverse, automatic drawings are intuitive and expressive, collage shows strong compositional intention.	Strong engagement and variation in all techniques. Work builds thoughtfully from week to week.	Solid use of each technique with some experimentation and consistency.	Basic use of each technique. Meets minimum quantity but shows limited variation.	Incomplete or missing work. Minimal understanding or application of techniques.
Process and material experimentation  Iterative use of tools, paper, and mark making ?(LO1, 2)	Innovative and confident use of diverse materials. Combinations of processes are tested through several iterations. Clear responsiveness to material qualities.	Consistent experimentation with a good range of materials and processes.	Some variation and testing of materials. Evidence of willingness to try new tools or processes.	Limited experimentation. Reliance on familiar tools and processes.	Little or no experimentation. Basic use of materials or careless application.
Intention and composition Exploration of scale and format through deconstruction and reassembly ?(LO1, 2)	Sophisticated integration of textures and drawing into a unified whole. Novel approaches to scale and format. Clear direction and refined compositional strategies.	Strong compositional development and thoughtful relationships between scale and format within works.	Compositional intent is visible. Some attention to relationships between works, format or layout.	Weak development of composition. Relationships between pieces unclear or underdeveloped.	Final works are incoherent and/or unresolved.
Studio contributions Participation in and responsiveness to discussion and feedback (LO3, 4)	Highly engaged in studio processes. Contributes consistently and responds to feedback. Peer exchange used productively.	Regular studio contributor. Shows process-based thinking and adapts work over time.	Generally consistent participation. Some evidence of reflection and development.	Attendance and work completion adequate, but limited process development.	Minimal participation. Work lacks progression or responsiveness to feedback.

Assessment Task 2

Project 2: Zines

Create two zines that express your sensory and personal experience of studying art and/or design.

Zine 1: Personal Zine

This zine expresses your personal experience related to the subjects of art and design or your time at ANU School of Art & Design. 

Zine 2: Fan Zine

This zine documents your research into an artist you are passionate about as a form of creative engagement with their work.

Suggested approaches to both zines are outlined in the project guidelines.

Submit at least 3 copies of each zine and all your research and development materials (sketches, mock ups, text, notes, tests, experiments, etc).

Due Monday Week 7

Value: 25%

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Experimentation and Process Evidence of experimentation with media, format, and approach. Iterative exploration in mock-ups and final outcomes. (LO1, 2)	Highly experimental and innovative approaches, exceptional synthesis of diverse materials and methods, various iterations builds final outcome.	Strong exploration of materials and forms, experimentation supports the creative aims of the work.	Moderate experimentation, uses some varied techniques, though with limited refinement or risk.	Minimal experimentation, relies heavily on familiar or conventional methods.	Little or no experimentation, limited or missing process development.
Conceptual strength Zines communicate a distinctive perspective and insight into personal and artistic experience. Fan Zine expresses strong, thoughtful engagement with the chosen artist. (LO1, 2)	Exceptional originality in both zines. Ideas are insightfully developed and critically reflective with strong personal and conceptual resonance.	Clear and coherent ideas with thoughtful interpretation. Strong conceptual engagement with artist and personal interpretation.	Concepts are evident and supported. Some creative interpretation, artist connection may be descriptive more than critical.	Basic concepts present but underdeveloped. Surface-level engagement with themes or artist, lacks personal insight.	Lacks clear conceptual focus. Weak or missing thematic development, minimal or no engagement with artist or personal reflection.
Materially resolved works Attention to detail in page sequence, layout, composition, text, cover design. ?(LO1, 2)	Layout is highly effective and intentional, material and composition choices enhance conceptual impact, zines are well-crafted and resolved.	Zine design is clear and well-structured, layout supports meaning, minor areas for refinement.	Layout and material choices are functional, some inconsistencies in designs.	Layout is basic or incoherent, minimal attention to design or sequencing.	Unfinished works, weak or incoherent visual structure.
Collaboration and participation Engagement in studio activities and critique and responsiveness to feedback and discussion. (LO3, 4)	Proactive and generous collaborator, meaningful contributions to peers’ zines, feedback clearly integrated into works.	Effective collaborator, contributed to shared tasks and responded constructively to feedback.	Participated in group work, some engagement with peer editing or critique.	Limited collaboration or feedback response, minimal input into shared tasks.	No evidence of collaboration, absent from critique or unwilling to engage in feedback.

Assessment Task 3

Research Project

A 500 word summary and bibliography about a chosen topic, discussed in Q&A format in an oral presentation.

Due week 10.

Value: 20%

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Identify and reflect on examples of experimental drawing practice within contemporary art (LO3, 4)	Examples of experimental drawing practice are independently identified from a range of sources. Artworks are analysed and evaluated to inform a critical reflection contextualised by a broader framework of contemporary art.	Examples of experimental drawing practice are independently identified from a range of sources. Artworks are analysed and reflected on with links drawn to other contemporary artworks.	Examples of experimental drawing practice are introduced to the student rather than independently identified. Artworks are described rather than analysed to form basic reflections. There is limited understanding of how examples are related to a contemporary art framework.	Examples of experimental drawing practice need to be introduced to the student. Artworks are described but not reflected on. An understanding of how examples are related to a contemporary art framework is not demonstrated.	The student does not identify or reflect on examples of experimental drawing practice.
Research and reflect on relevant theoretical and philosophical framework (LO3)	A range of relevant material including journal articles, essays, podcasts, interviews are referenced to build a comprehensive review of the topic.	Relevant material including journal articles, essays, podcasts, interviews to explore the general topic.	The student looks only to familiar sources for theoretical material. References are unrelated to the topic.	The student is not familiar with relevant theoretical material. References are unrelated to the topic.	There is no evidence of engagement with theoretical material.
Explain research and articulate a position on a topic (LO3, 4)	The student clearly articulates their research in detail. Responses to questions indicate well-formulated positions on the topic.	The student clearly articulates broad research. Responses to questions indicate thought out positions on the topic.	The student can explain their research. Responses to questions indicate that a position on the topic is still developing.	The student can speak about their research but explanations are unclear. Responses to questions indicate an unformed position on the topic.	The presentation does not explain research.
Use academic referencing where required ?(LO3)	Academic referencing is used correctly.	Academic referencing is used correctly, with some mistakes.	Academic referencing requires further attention to the style guide.	Academic referencing is inconsistent.	Academic referencing is not used.

Assessment Task 4

Major Project: Space & Light

This project explores the notion of ‘expanded drawing’ through a series of activities focused on space and light. These experiments encourage you to reconsider drawing as a dynamic and spatial practice that moves beyond the boundaries of the page to engage with sensory, spatial and material conditions.

Part One:

• ‘Drawing in Space’ installation  
• Documentation of ‘Drawing in Space’ installation 
• Collage or 2D drawing extension of installation documentation

Part Two:

A resolved artwork or series of works that in response to the ideas of Space and Light introduced in Part 1. Continuing this exploration independently, you may choose to extend your initial work or shift direction in response to the concepts and practices explored in the course so far.

Both parts (except ‘Drawing in Space’ installation) to be physically presented in Exam Week, along with a half-page artist statement and all your research and development materials (sketches, mock ups, text, notes, tests, experiments, etc).

Due: Examination period (date TBC)

Value: 40%

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Conceptual strength Engagement with ideas of space, light, chance and control in the context of expanded drawing  (LO2, 3, 4)	Demonstrates sophisticated conceptual understanding of the project context. Explores light, space and expanded drawing sophisticated, nuanced, and inventive ways.	Strong conceptual focus. Explores themes of light, space, and expanded drawing in thoughtful and creative ways.	Sound understanding of core concepts. Responds to themes of light, space and expanded drawing with some originality.	Basic conceptual engagement. Makes some reference to light or spatial ideas but lacks depth or clarity.	Weak or absent conceptual development. Little evidence of engagement with course themes or expanded drawing.
Experimentation and process Iterative use of materials, methods, and spatial engagement (LO1, 2, 3, 4)	Highly experimental and process-driven. Explores an extensive range of materials and iterations and embraces the role of unpredictability.	Strong experimentation with process. Responds well to the role of unpredictability to engage with material and spatial exploration.	Competent experimentation. Some risk-taking evident, though methods may be somewhat predictable or under-developed.	Limited experimentation. Some reliance on conventional approaches to drawing.	Minimal experimentation. Process lacks curiosity, variation, or engagement with the physical, material, and/or sensory dimension of the project.
Considered development of resolved work Initiative and independent thinking in project progression and presentation of final work ?(LO1, 2, 3, 4)	Final outcome is highly resolved, ambitious, and conceptually coherent. Shows excellent independent direction. Work develops meaningfully from Part One or explores a clear new direction with insight.	Well-resolved outcome and thoughtful presentation. Clear and purposeful development. Decisions are well-informed by earlier experiments and course ideas.	Outcome shows effort and some independent thinking. Some continuity or self-direction is evident, though inconsistently developed.	Work is finished but lacks clarity or development. Limited independent thinking. Final decisions may feel disconnected or unresolved.	Work is incomplete, poorly executed, or shows no evident progression or direction.
Studio participation and reflection Engagement in discussions, activities, and reflection on process in class and artist statement (LO3)	Fully engaged studio presence. Actively contributes to dialogue, reflects critically on process, and integrates insights into practice.	Consistent studio participation. Thoughtful contributions and some reflection on process and development.	Attends and participates in most activities. Some reflection, though may lack depth.	Basic attendance and engagement. Limited evidence of reflection or contribution to discussion.	Minimal participation. Little evidence of engagement with studio process.

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

Where necessary, online submission will be facilitated through Canvas .

Hardcopy Submission

All studio work and accompanying documentation is physically presented and assessed except where otherwise stated. Please note that in the event of implementing Covid safe work practices such as working from home, it may be necessary for student work to be documented and uploaded for remote assessment.

Late Submission

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 take work with them following assessment.

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

N/A

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