High distinction

85 - 100

·      Work demonstrates initiative and originality in research, analysis and argumentation;

·      presents innovative, insightful interpretations of specific works of art, architecture, film and/or other media, which are used throughout to demonstrate points being made;

·      effectively integrates visual analysis and critical engagement with scholarly debates to develop a rich and thorough analysis of its object(s) of study;  

·      indicates awareness of complexities and qualifications in argumentation;

·      demonstrates careful thought about the critical, historical and/or theoretical context;

·      provides evidence of wide-ranging reading;

·      is properly referenced and well-presented;

·      writing is clear, fluent, and persuasive.

A High Distinction is distinguished from a Distinction by the depth and sophistication of visual analysis deployed, and by the evidence of independent, critical thinking. Work which is awarded a mark of over 90% in senior level units of study will often contain some publishable or potentially publishable elements.

Distinction

75 - 84

·      Work demonstrates an intelligent understanding of, and individual engagement with, material;

·      visual analysis is well developed and harnessed to the argument, with thoughtful, detailed visual exposition of specific works used to demonstrate points;

·      addresses an issue and presents a well-argued, coherent case;

·      demonstrates careful thought about the critical, historical and/or theoretical context;

·      demonstrates an independent and critical attitude to readings;

·      written work is properly referenced and well presented, with a clear structure and coherent overall argument;

·      writing is characterized by individuality, clarity, and independent insight. 

A Distinction is distinguished from a High Credit chiefly by the quality of its analysis of the works of art under discussion, and by its level of critical understanding and intellectual enquiry.

Credit

65 - 74

·      Work provides evidence of independent reading and thinking about relevant works of art and their contexts;

·      demonstrates capacity to undertake close analysis of works of art and develop with c independent observations;

·      demonstrates a sound grasp of subject matter and a good appreciation of key issues and contexts   

·      shows understanding of relevant critical and theoretical considerations and of the conceptual issues raised;

·      avoids summary;

·      indicates an intelligent attempt at a critical or theoretical argument;

·      is clearly and effectively written;

·      is well-referenced.

A High Credit is distinguished from a Low Credit chiefly by the extent of independent analysis of works of art, and by some obvious attempt to interpret the outcome of close analysis.

Pass

50 - 64

58-64% (High Pass) Work of a good, satisfactory standard.

·      Work demonstrates a broad and reasonably accurate command of the subject matter and some sense of its broader significance; 

·      demonstrates a genuine attempt at independent reading and thinking about works of art 

·      generally avoids summary, paraphrase or unsubstantiated assertion;

·      arguments may contain some oversimplification or superficiality;

·      may sometimes present quotation for illustrative purposes merely, but does also present the outcome of some critical analysis;

·      is adequately expressed;

·      is adequately referenced.

50-57% (Pass) Work of an acceptable standard.

·      Work provides evidence of having read and thought about relevant works of art and issues;

·      attempts a coherent argument though there may be ellipses in argumentation;

·      discussion of works of art tends towards description rather than analysis; 

·      insufficient preparation for a visual test may be indicated by missed or incorrect identifications, lack of familiarity with periods, styles, key critical issues

·      may paraphrase fairly extensively;

·      tends to use quotation for illustrative purposes only;

·      may tend towards generality in answering a question;

·      may present simplistic comment or unsubstantiated assertions;

·      is adequately expressed though there may be some weaknesses in this area;may contain some referencing errors.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any of the following reasons:

·      little or no analysis of works of art; in a visual test, an inability to correctly identify works, periods and styles; serious mistakes in identification, indicating lack of understanding of the material taught;

·      minimal research;

·      irrelevance of content; 

·      unacceptable levels of paraphrasing;

·      excessive use of quotation for illustrative purposes only, without any attempt at analysis;

·      excessive level of generality in answering a question;

·      sloppy, inconsistent presentation;

·      inappropriate or obscure expression;

·      incoherent general structure;

·      inadequate referencing;

·      late submission of work without extension.

Students can also access the Grade Descriptors on the Department of Art History website:http://sydney.edu.au/arts/art_history/student_resources/assessment.shtml