Outline

Overview

Why Art Matters explores the importance of art in the world, through object-based seminars, lectures and student led presentations. It asks why art is so fundamental to human experience, and how we might study it and articulate its importance. It builds key art historical skills of recognition, analysis, interpretation and expression, and introduces students to a wide variety of different material objects and artworks. The course is taught in small group streams, largely in the Chau Chak Wing museum and will help all majoring art history students build confidence and skill in researching, analysing and communicating about art.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Art History
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 1000 level in Art History
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Mark Ledbury, mark.ledbury@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Reflective Journal A reflective journal outlining student learning processes and achievements	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2000-word equiv.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Early Feedback Task Students use their experience in weeks 1 and 2 (tour of the Chau Chak Wing exhibitions week 1, online lecture in week 2) select one object on display in the Chau Chak Wing museum (from any of the display/exhs ) and argue for its current relevance.	10%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	#earlyfeedbacktask	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Q&A following object analysis presentation A question and answer session involving questions from tutors and staff posed immediately after the student presentation on individual objects. The Q and A will elicit and test follow up, depth of research and ability to spontaneously answer queries.	10%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Nov 2025	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group presentation Week 13 An Oral presentation presented live and assessed live (2500-word equiv. total)	30%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	15min presentation/1000wd per student	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Object Analysis (Individual Oral presentation) Students individually present one object chosen from the objects in the OBL seminars (Weeks 4-11) and present with cue cards only (no computers, no powerpoint) in front of or with the object. Research (cue cards) to be submitted to Canvas.	20%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = 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

Object Presentation and write up. 10 minutes prepared object presentation, with Research Report of 1000-1500 words. You’ll be given a list of objects from which to select one, prepare and research it, and present it orally to your seminar group in weeks 4-12. The Research Report can develop ideas from your presentation and feedback and should be 1000-1200 words. the Presentation counts as 500-750 words equivalent. The Oral Presentation and write up are counted as two assessments and the write up must be submitted via turnitin.
Group presentation. In Week 13, Groups of 4 students will present a 20 minute presentation to a plenary session – and answer questions for 10 minutes. Groups will start to prepare this presentation in week 7, and each student will contribute c750 words equivalent to the presentation. All members of the group receive the same mark for the presentation. Guidelines and criteria will be on the Canvas site and there will be a chance for rehearsal/questions built in to the course timetable. Presentation scripts and Powerpoints to be submitted as PDF via turnitin.
Reflective Journal each student keeps a reflective journal assessing and analyzing their learning and their encounters with objects , as well as their research and their preparations for the final presentation. (2000 word equivalent, text/images/sketches – to be submitted as a pdf document through Turnitin) Guidelines and examples of reflective journals will be on the Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

HD	Result name High distinction	Mark Range 85 - 100	Description Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
AF	Absent fail	0 - 49	When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.
CN	Cancelled	No mark	When your enrolment has been cancelled.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

(1) It is expected that, unless an application for a simple extension or special consideration has been approved, students will submit all assessment for a unit of study on the due date specified. If assessment is completed or submitted within a period of extension, no academic penalty will be applied to that piece of assessment. (2) If an extension is either not sought, not granted or is granted but work is submitted after the extended due date, the late submission of assessment will result in an academic penalty as outlined in section 7A of the Assessment Procedures 2011.This document is available at https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiOvvO5gK_xAhWX7XMBHeA5BPsQFjAAegQIBhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sydney.edu.au%2Fpolicies%2Fshowdoc.aspx%3Frecnum%3DPDOC2012%2F267%26RendNum%3D0&usg=AOvVaw0YF_FjnjvtHwXmwG3DHL12 If a student misses their presentation slot for individual presentations, without special consideration or other reason, and does not make arrangements for a reschedule, they will receive a zero grade for that presentation, but may submit a write up. Any individual not present for the group presentation or found not to have been a consistent contributor to the group work will receive a zero mark for the group presentation- see the specific guidelines in the Canvas documentation.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Why does Art Matter? and what's this course about? This is a plenary (i.e, whole group) introduction to the course, its questions, and its methods as well as practical information about how it will happen. You will meet Mark Ledbury, the course convenor and co-teacher, , and learn more about the Chau Chak Wing Museum, our home for the entire course. You will also meet Jane / Eve and members of the CCW curatorial team and have tours of CCW and its collections and current exhibitions in groups.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	All Students will watch the Online Lecture prepared by Mark on "Why Art Matters" and also work on the selection of their objects for the individual presentation. There is no face-to-face contact this week.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	The Matter of art- intro to object-based learning, and the importance of objects and object-research to Art History. This is the first of the 10 weeks of classes you'll be taught in the OBL seminar rooms (202 or 203) in the Chau Chak Wing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Object Based Seminar 1- you will be in the CCW museum seminar rooms or galleries for these sessions. This will be the first of the Thematic seminars (there are 8 of these in total) All these seminars are compulsory to attend.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Object Based Seminar 2- you will be in the CCW museum seminar rooms for these sessions - and you MUST look at the object lists on canvas ahead of the session.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Object Based Seminar 3- you will be in the CCW museum seminar rooms or galleries for these sessions - consult the canvas site for details	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Object Based Seminar 4- you will be in the CCW museum seminar rooms or galleries for these sessions - consult the canvas site for details	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Object Based Seminar 5- you will change tutors but will remain in the CCW museum seminar rooms or galleries for these sessions - consult the canvas site for details	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Object Based Seminar 6- you will be in the CCW museum seminar rooms or galleries for these sessions - consult the canvas site for details	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Object Based Seminar 7- you will be in the CCW museum seminar rooms or galleries for these sessions - consult the canvas site for details	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Object Based Seminar 8- you will be in the CCW museum seminar rooms or galleries for these sessions - consult the canvas site for details	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	This is rehearsal week for presentations: In the normal groups, and using the normal seminar rooms, Mark and Caroline will be available via a sign-up sheet to run through group presentation drafts, A sign up sheet will be on canvas - this is absolutely vital in helping us ensure you are all wel prepared for the Presentations the following week.	Rehearsal (2 hr)
Week 13	Presentations- given in front of plenary sessions- these will take place on Monday/Friday of Week 13 at times/schedules to be arranged on Canvas	Presentation (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

All students attend all classes on this unit, which is vital given the student-led, object-based nature of this course

While we will record object-based sessions, the nature of the space and activities mean that the recordings will not reflect the learning experience in class.

All students must give an individual live presentation with an object during weeks 4-11.

All students must be part of a group presentation, must attend one of the week 13 group presentation sessions . (see Canvas for more details)

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

Material to prepare sessions and the general reading list for the unit will be on the Unit Canvas site

Required VIEWING and RESEARCH replaces required reading for the 9 seminars.

All Students must be familiar with all objects for discussion for every week. Lists are available on canvas

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Students encounter and engage a variety of global traditions of art and explore the critical debates that help relate different traditions within the broader history of art in the world
LO2. Students engage with objects to hone skills of observation and analysis, extending and amplifying their critical practice.
LO3. Students acquire knowledge of specific areas, periods, genres and styles of art and visual culture.
LO4. Students extend their skills and abilities in presenting visual material through critical argument in extended written and oral presentations.
LO5. Students assume responsibility for their own research methods and encounter the full spectrum of methods of research and scholarship
LO6. Students engage with each other as peer supporters and learners through preparation, engagement and questioning

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Early Feedback task added After feedback from the first year of running the unit Further reading has been added to the canvas site The individual presentation assessment will have clearer instructions for creation and submission Further instructions/models will be added to Canvas for assessments All students will be taught by both teachers to ensure a variety of teaching styles.

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

For guidelines on how to work with objects in the CCW study rooms, see the Canvas site.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARHT2680: Why Art Matters

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links