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Unit outline_

CAHO4006: Contemporary Arts Honours A

Semester 1, 2023 [Supervision] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

In this unit of study you will research and begin to develop a substantial and coherent body of studio work for exhibition that is individually conceived and planned. In addition, you will research and prepare the first draft of a 5000-7000 word research paper. Both are monitored through meetings with your supervisor who provides advice and feedback. Through the critical intersection of praxis and theoretical enquiry you will develop methods to engage critically with contemporary ideas pertaining to visual art practice. By undertaking intensive studio investigations you will deepen your understanding of your own production of artworks and strengthen connections with the broader arts field.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
A completed Bachelor of Visual Arts or external equivalent degree
Corequisites
? 
CAHO4005
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
Type Description Weight Due Length
Honours thesis hurdle task Development of Studio Work
Negotiated development of Studio work through supervisory consultations.
0% Ongoing Progressive development of Studio Work
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Honours thesis hurdle task Development of First Draft Research Paper
Negotiated development of first draft of paper through supervisory feedback
0% Ongoing Progressive development of Paper
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Ongoing supervisory meetings must be regular and demonstrate studentā€™sĀ development and progression in studio project and drafts of research paper throughout semester 1. The mark for this is assigned at end of semester 2.

Assessment criteria

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 skillsĀ 

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.Ā 

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.Ā 

Ā 

Refer to Assessment grading in Coursework Policy 2014

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 Hubā€™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 aĀ simple extension.ā€Æ 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 canā€™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 forĀ special consideration or special arrangements.

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

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,Ā AI in EducationĀ 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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Ongoing Individual Supervisory meetings with assigned supervisor to discuss and progress studio project and research paper One-to-one tuition (6.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

It is expected that candidates will maintain the consistentĀ development of their written and studio practice throughout he semester.

Candidates attend regular fortnightly meetings with their assigned supervisors.

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no prescribed readings for this unit. Readings are generated through individual research and supervisory meetings.

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. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of contemporary art practices, histories and theories that inform your own creative practice
  • 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. Show 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 and 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 oneā€™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.

No change

Work, health and safety

Please follow the WHS requirements of the Studios you are working in.

Contact Studio Technicians of the studio/workshop to arrange Induction and discuss working schedules.

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.