Unit outline_

ARHT6964: Art and the Moving Image

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

The moving image is a defining feature of much contemporary art and its impact has been transformative. This unit explores the influences and intersections between art and the moving image. Through studying the moving image in a range of mainstream and experimental contexts - from art cinema, film and video to the impact of the digital and the proliferation of social media - the unit assesses the aesthetic implications of the rise of the screen image. In examining the history of artistic innovation with the moving image the unit also considers how institutions have sought to collect, preserve and exhibit the moving image.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Art History
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Keith Broadfoot, keith.broadfoot@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written work Visual Analysis
Visual Analysis (Video or Written)
40% Week 08
Due date: 23 Sep 2025 at 23:59
2500 words equivalent AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Portfolio or journal Review
Review
20% Week 12
Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59
1000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Written work Essay
Essay (Video or Written)
40% Week 13
Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59
2500 words equivalent AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Assessment summary

Visual Analysis: This assessment will require you to develop a critical understanding of the use of a formal feature in a moving image work.

Essay: This assessment will require you to utilise lecture and research material to develop a coherent critical argument. 

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

Work of an exceptional standard

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of a very high standard

Credit

65 - 74

Work of a good standard

Pass

50 - 64

Work of an acceptable standard

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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.

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
Week 01 Styles of Editing Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Deep Focus and the Long Take Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Screen as Window Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Point of View Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Art Cinema Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Sound & Music Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Slow Cinema Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Painting & Cinema Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 The Posthuman in Cinema and Art Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Expanded Cinema Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Television Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 History of Moving Image Art Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Review Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

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.

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. Obtain a critical understanding of the changing nature of moving image screen practices
  • LO2. Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect upon and analyse the moving image
  • LO3. Understand how different technologies and forms impact on the nature and reception of the moving image
  • LO4. Obtain an historical understanding of the changing interactions across art and the moving image

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.

This is a new unit of study

Disclaimer

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

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