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Unit outline_

CAHO4005: Contemporary Arts Honours Seminar

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit identifies the central theories and dynamics of contemporary visual art praxis that will inform the student’s year-long individual research projects. It also provides an essential framework to develop an understanding of research methodologies to support your project. Topics include approaches to researching, the artist’s methodology, the author's voice and its role in the organising and structuring of texts. You will further develop your critical and analytical skills through readings, discussion and essay writing. Students present an individual seminar on developing studio/dissertation research and write an essay identifying the concepts and practices relevant to their projects.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
CAHO4001 or CAHO4003 or CAHO4006 or CAHO4008
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Rebecca Beardmore, rebecca.beardmore@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Rebecca Beardmore, rebecca.beardmore@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment hurdle task Research Essay: Critical Analysis of Journal Article or Book Chapter
Essay
50% Formal exam period
Due date: 04 Jun 2024 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment Annotated Bibliography
Annotated Bibliography
20% Week 06
Due date: 26 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 09 Apr 2024
1200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO5 LO3
Presentation hurdle task Seminar presentation
Oral/visual presentation with notes
30% Week 08
Due date: 16 Apr 2024 at 23:59
15 minutes presentation + group discuss
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

  • Annotated Bibliography: An Annotated Bibliography is not just a list of referenced material sourced in your research, each citation should be followed by an annotation (a short paragraph) that includes a summary, an evaluation, and a reflection of that resource relative to your project. This tool will be used to support the development and writing of your Analytical Essay and your Honours Research Paper.
  • Seminar presentation: Your seminar will present the ‘all-over’ picture of your project: the main concerns, ideas, aims. The focus will be on your studio work, how it has been evolving since week 1 and should include visual material of your work, and/ or video or other media as appropriate.
  • Research Essay: Critical Analysis of Journal Article or Book Chapter: The purpose of this written task is to help you to develop a proficiency in theoretically unpacking and justifying what you are doing in your research project.

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

performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard

Displays innovative and imaginative thinking. Artwork or written work demonstrates initiative and ingenuity in research and production, confident and proficient application of materials and critical skills 

Distinction

75-84

performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard

Artwork or written work demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness in research and production, competent application of materials and critical skills throughout, receptiveness to critical feedback, and a willingness to explore new ideas

Credit

65-74

performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard

Artwork or written work displays some evidence of initiative in research and production, competent application of materials and critical skills in most areas, receptivity to critical feedback and a willingness to explore new ideas.

Pass

50-64

performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard

Artwork or written work contains evidence of a broad and reasonably accurate command of material and technical proficiency, responds to critical feedback in fairly direct translation. 

Fail

0-49

Does not perform the assessment task to an acceptable standard

Artwork or written work displays clear deficiencies in technical skills, little or no response to critical feedback, a lack of engagement with the unit of study, fails to demonstrate any understanding of conceptual ideas and practices, does not satisfy most or all of the basic unit of study requirements. 

 

 

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 Introduction and Expectations Research class: what is research - an overview Project 1: Annotated Bibliography (20%) - Intro and discuss. Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 02 Getting started with research – Library Research Skills Workshop (meet Fisher Library) Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 Creating a research framework. Methodologies, models, approaches and strategies for practice-based research projects. Intro Project 2: Seminar Presentation (30%) Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Writing for Research- Forms of writing and how to begin Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Studio Lab: Experimental outcomes showcase #1 (Compulsory) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 06 Critical writing; Critical analysis of a journal article – reading, writing, deciphering Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Art Week No Class. Students sign up for activities and performances. Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 08 1. Student Seminar presentations and discussion (assessment task 1) Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 1. Student Seminar presentations and discussion (assessment task 1) Studio (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 1. Student Seminar presentations and discussion (assessment task 1) Field trip (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 1. Student Seminar presentations and discussion (assessment task 1) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Studio Lab: Progress outcomes showcase #2 (Compulsory) Studio (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 13 1. A Guide to writing your First Draft (Research Paper) 2. Essay writing tips - Summaries, Challenges, Queries 3.Professional Practice guides (Liam) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8

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

Additional requirements by the Sydney College of the Arts

  • Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the unit coordinator or relevant delegate.
  • All assignments are compulsory and must be attempted. You must attend scheduled assessments to be eligible to pass.
  • Non-attendance at assessment on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration will result in forfeiture or marks associated with the assessment.

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 readings for this unit will be accessed through  Canvas.

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. situate your own practice within the field of other practices
  • LO2. demonstrate rigorous and independent thinking
  • LO3. engage critically with social, cultural and ethical issues and apply local and international perspectives to extend your creative practice
  • LO4. communicate your ideas professionally, creatively and effectively
  • LO5. locate your creative perspective in the broader arts and social community
  • LO6. demonstrate awareness, sensitivity and empathy to subjective, cultural and racial differences
  • LO7. use appropriate technologies and media to effectively gather and disseminate information
  • LO8. apply Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) to all aspects of studio practice.

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
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         
LO7         
LO8         

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

Some changes have been made to this unit since it was last offered in response to student UoS feedback.

Disclaimer

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

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.