ARHT1001: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

Unit outlines now display a small icon AI Allowed = AI allowed restricted AI = restricted AI to indicate which assessments allow you to use AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot Chat. Make sure you are aware of how AI can be used, as unauthorised use is a breach of academic integrity.

ARHT1001: Style and Substance: Introducing Art History

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Taking a diverse, global view of art making from the Ancient to the Modern world, ARHT1001 will introduce students to key philosophical and methodological approaches in the field of Art History. As our experiences are increasingly mediated through a variety of visual platforms, this course will help students develop critical perspectives on visual communication. The development of professional skill sets will be a key focus. As such, the course serves as an essential introduction to Art History for those considering a career in the arts, education, or the museum and design sectors.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Art History
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Mark De Vitis, mark.devitis@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Ksenia Radchenko, ksenia.radchenko@sydney.edu.au
Mark De Vitis, mark.devitis@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz Early Feedback Task Reading Student Writing
Assess student writing provided by former students #earlyfeedbacktask
5% Week 03
Due date: 10 Mar 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 10 Mar 2025
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Assignment AI Allowed Essay
Research a work on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
60% Week 09
Due date: 28 Apr 2025 at 23:59
2500
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Short release assignment Writing Visual Analysis
Taken in Week 13 tutorial class (or lecture for those with Academic Plan)
35% Week 13
Closing date: 30 May 2025
1500
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
AI allowed = AI allowed ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Student is consistently working at the highest level expected standards. Demonstrates consistently high levels of critical and analytical thinking, and is consistently pursuing independent ideas regularly.

Distinction

75 - 84

High-level functions are in evidence much of the time. Able to adapt concepts, and produce analytical and critical thinking in a way which demonstrates independence much of the time.

Credit

65 - 74

Student has successfully reached the base standard of work. The work is largely, if not wholly accurate.

Higher level functions – analysis, critical thinking, and independent thinking, in evidence, though in need of consistency/development.

Pass

50 - 64

Student is not yet regularly working at the desired level. Further work is required to develop to a standard that is required.

Fail

0 - 49

Work of an satisfactory standard that does not demonstrate engagement with course learning, skills, or set-tasks.

 

.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Monday Lecture - Welcome + Orientation - What is Art History and What do Art History Students Need to Learn? Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Tuesday Lecture - Key Skills in Art History - Undertaking a close study of a work of art Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Monday Lecture - Visual Analysis II: Methods and Methodologies Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tuesday Lecture - Teotihuacan: City of The Gods Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Welcome to Art History: Art and its Impacts Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Monday Lecture - Why Make Art? Cave Art Across the Globe Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Tuesday Lecture - Everywhen: Art and the Indigenous Cultures of Australia Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Tutorial - Key Skills in Art History: Analysing Student Writing Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Monday Lecture: Facing the Canon: The Classical as Exemplar Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Tuesday Lecture - Classicism: Then to Now Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Analysing Art: Visit to the Chau Chak Wing Museum Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Week 05 Monday Lecture - Making and Materials: Origins of the Italian Renaissance Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Tuesday Lecture - Space and Art: Seeing and Believing Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Tutorial: Assessment Skills - The Research Essay Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Monday Lecture - The High Renaissance Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tuesday Lecture - Challenging Art Narratives: Highs and Lows of Canonical Art Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial - Key Skills: Reading Art Scholarship and that Enigmatic Smile Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Monday Lecture - Skills in Art History: Researching a Work of Art Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Tuesday Lecture - Workshops at the Art Gallery of New South Wales Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7
Tutorials - Assessment workshops at the Art Gallery of New South Wales Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Monday Lecture - Art and China Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tuesday Lecture - Art Materials: Porcelain and China Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutorial - Key Skills for the Research Essay Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Monday Lecture - Key Issues in Art History: Women in Art Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Tuesday Lecture - Women Artists Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial - Key Debates in Art History: Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists? Wait ... What?! Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 10 Monday Lecture - Key Issues in Art History: The Art Museum Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tuesday Lecture - Museum Skepticism Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Tutorial - Art History Debates: The Museum as a Way of Seeing (at the Chau Chak Wing Museum) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Week 11 Monday Lecture - Dress, Fashion and Art Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tuesday Lecture - Analysing Fashion and Fashion Objects Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial - Fashion and Power Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 Monday Lecture - Art of the Eighteenth Century Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Tuesday Lecture - Rococo goes Digital Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Art History Debates - Art History Debates: The Digital as a Way of Seeing Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Monday Lecture - Writing Art History Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tuesday Lecture - Writing Art History Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Key Skills in Art History: Writing on Art Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.

  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.

  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All required reading in this unit of study is available electronically through our CANVAS course site.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. develop an understanding of key practices and methods of the discipline of art history
  • LO2. develop skills of visual literacy - the ability to analyse a work of visual art
  • LO3. develop new skills of critical thinking, problem solving and information literacy
  • LO4. develop academic and professional writing and communication skills
  • LO5. learn about the traditions of a wide variety of cultural groups
  • LO6. build confidence and resilience working with others and on self-managed projects
  • LO7. engage with leading organisations beyond the university and learn about their professional practices.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Feedback from students has allowed for streamlining of assessment tasks.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 21 Feb 2025.

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