Unit outline_

ARHT3681: Fieldwork: Art and the City

Intensive June - July, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit takes students out of the classrooms and into major world cities to explore not only the history of architecture and public space but also the galleries, collections and artworks housed in the city. It offers a vital opportunity for students to learn with and from artworks, buildings, spaces and monuments in situ. Fieldwork may take place in Summer or Winter Intensive periods.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Art History
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 2000 level in Art History or 6 credit points at 2000 level in Art History and CASF1001 and CASF1002
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Donna Brett, donna.brett@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 4 July 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Attendance Quiz
A quiz on the history of Berlin to be taken online before the end of Week 1
0% Week 01
Due date: 04 Jul 2025 at 23:00
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Presentation Group Presentation Site Analysis
Group Presentation of Berlin Sites/Collections
30% Week 02 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO5
Assignment Object/Monument/Exhibition Study
A video in situ in Berlin, or a powerpoint presentation with commentary
35% Week 04
Due date: 25 Jul 2025 at 23:59
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Critical Reflective Journal
Critical Reflective Journal of learning
35% Week 04
Due date: 25 Jul 2025 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO5

Assessment summary

The assignment is to prepare a video or powerpoint presentation on one cultural institution, monument, building, museum, gallery or even group of works that we will be visiting in Berlin.

Assessment criteria

Art History Grade Descriptors 2023

This guide indicates broadly the qualitative judgements implied by the various grades which may be awarded. A more precise evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of individual essays will be provided in examiners’ comments. Evaluation is made with due consideration of the different standards likely to be achieved by students in junior and senior intermediate (2nd year) and advanced (3rd year) units.

Result

Mark Range

Description

High Distinction

 

85%+

Work of exceptional standard

  • 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 of a superior standard.

  • 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.

High Credit

70-74%

Highly competent work, demonstrating clear capacity to complete Honours successfully. This level of work is considered “above average”.

  • 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.

Low Credit

65-69%

Very competent work though not necessarily of the standard to complete Honours.

  • The work shows some understanding of relevant critical and theoretical considerations and of the conceptual issues raised by a unit of study;
  • demonstrates some independent reading and thinking about key works of art and their contexts;
  • uses close critical analysis;
  • avoids summary;
  • attempts a critical or theoretical argument;
  • is clearly and effectively written;
  • is adequately referenced.

A Low Credit is distinguished from a High Pass by the degree of independent discussion of works of art, the clarity of the writing and the extent to which it attempts a more general critical and/or theoretical argument.

High Pass

58-64%

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.

Pass

50-57%

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

Below 50%

Work not of an acceptable standard.

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.

 

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 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Pre-semester The Fieldtrip involves 11 full days of visits to museums and galleries in Berlin. The full programme of visits and viewing is available on the Canvas site and all students will have a detailed copy of the itinerary printed for them. Field trip (66 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

As this unit is an international Fieldwork experience, attendance is mandatory. All students MUST attend every day's activities and rolls will be taken.

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

See Canvas 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. Students know in depth the fabric and artworks of a major city
  • LO2. Students confident in interpreting and analyzing works of art in situ, museum spaces, and architectural and sculptural formations of the city
  • LO3. Students give fluent and persuasive group presentations ‘on site’ and in front of objects
  • LO4. Students understand the deep importance of historical and geographical setting, and material composition, for the understanding of all works of visual art.
  • LO5. Students work together and individually to reflect on their experience and learning

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.

We have taken on board feedback from previous iterations, we have slightly re-weighted the assessments.

See supplied itinerary.

Additional costs

Additional costs include airfares to Berlin and in country tour fee for accommodation and museum/site visits. Other costs including food and other costs are also borne by Students.

Site visit guidelines

Students will receive instructions prior to departure.

Work, health and safety

Students will receive safety instructions prior to departure.

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.