Outline

Overview

This unit of study introduces you to screen printing and its broad application across media. The unit explores the technical basics of this process through various projects. It provides for the development and enhancement of critical skills through group and individual tutorials and critiques and the acquisition of technical knowledge required to independently access and use the Printmedia studio facilities.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 1000-level from CAVA or 12 credit points at 1000 level from CASF
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rebecca Beardmore, rebecca.beardmore@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Joshua Boerma, joshua.boerma@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Janet Parker-Smith, janet.parker-smith@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 3 July 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Creative work	Studio Project 1 Production/creation of editioned screen print on paper using 3 or more colours	30%	Week 01 Due date: 24 Jun 2026 at 13:00	1350 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Core Vocabulary Quiz Early Feedback Task	0%	Week 02 Due date: 29 Jun 2026 at 09:00	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Research file and work proposal for Project 2 Written Project Proposal and Research File: incl. researched artists, artworks, images, materials, scale, preliminary sketches etc.	20%	Week 02 Due date: 01 Jul 2026 at 13:00	900 words equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Studio Project 2: Q&A in-class critique Q&A/oral critique of Studio Project 1: Series of print based works incorporating photographic, typographic and/or experimental alternative substrate/materials. (in-class, in front of the work, with lecturer).	25%	Week 04 Due date: 15 Jul 2026 at 09:00	1125 words equivalent	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Studio Project 2: Submission final prints and support Series of print based works incorporating photographic, typographic and/or experimental alternative substrate/materials.	25%	Week 05 Due date: 23 Jul 2026 at 16:00	Equivalent to 1125 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= 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

Classes run twice a week (Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs) 9-12pm, 1-4pm. There are 4 classes/week with open access in the workshop on Fridays (tech supervised).

Students are expected to attend 90% of classess and complete all assessment projects.

Assessment criteria

Assessment Criteria
Detailed assessment rubrics for each assignment are in Canvas.

*Please note the Q&A live crit assessment is compulsory. This is a secure assessment and must be conducted in person on the nominated class date and time. No exceptions or online alternative modes of presentation will be accepted.

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:

Late work will have marks deducted.

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
-	Introduction to studio, discussion of course requirements and demonstration of basic processes, Screen Prep and manual stencil making.(Supervised Studio work)	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Screen Exposure, demo printing process, colour palettes. (Supervised Printing)	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Paper, Ink, Prep, Printing and Registration. (Supervised Printing)	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Supervised Studio Time and demos	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Submission of Assessment Task 1: Class Critique, Oral Feedback and Intro Task 2 (presentation and seminar: Screen printing as conceptual medium in contemporary art)	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Digital Image Prep: Working with Photos and Type in screen printing	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Submission of Assessment Task 2: Class Critique, Oral Feedback and Intro presentation to Task 3 (Project Proposals) and 4 (self-directed project)	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Guided studio work and demos (TBC)	Tutorial (3 hr)
	One on one consultation (in class) focusing on conceptual development + demos (TBC)	Tutorial (3 hr)
	Guided studio work	Tutorial (3 hr)
	In class critiques (TBC)	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Additional requirements from Sydney College of the Arts

Students must attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Unit Coordinator.
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 the forfeiture of 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

Tutorial presentations and readings will be delivered in class and uploaded to 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. Demonstrate a good understanding of the necessary steps for producing basic screen prints. This includes creating positives, use of photo-sensitive emulsion, screen exposure and wash out
LO2. Have developed a critical understanding of the screen print process and its contextual use in contemporary art
LO3. Demonstrate problem solving skills and independent thinking through their use of the medium to create contemporary artworks
LO4. Apply acquired knowledge in the creation of artwork that reflects a critical engagement with existing creative 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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

The assessment structure for Studio Project 2 has been revised to align with the new Sydney Assessment Framework. The assessment item has been split into {2 x 25%} components: Studio Project 2: Q&A in-class critique (secure assessment) Studio Project 2: submission (Open) The Q&A critique reflects the live studio format used at SCA, where assessment occurs in-person, in front of the student’s work. The lecturer poses questions directly to the student. Phones are not permitted during this session. Questions are not provided to the students prior to assessment but students may bring up to five dot points to guide their responses. This format ensures the assessment is invigilated, secure, and consistent with studio-based pedagogies. The assessments have been re-designed to ensure efficiency in marking while maintaining the integrity of the unit learning outcomes. The previously separate task (2) has been amalgamated into the Q&A critique and submission components. This approach streamlines assessment without reducing the depth of engagement or the rigour of evaluation, ensuring that students continue to meet all intended learning outcomes.

Additional information

Additional costs

Students will not be charged a material levy for consumables but will be required to pay a non-refundable $20 screen hire for the semester. Students will also be expected to purchase some higher quality paper (available from art supply shops or can be purchased from the studio technician)

Work, health and safety

For WH&S reasons, students are required to wear sturdy close toed boots/shoes in the screen print workshop and purchase nitrile gloves (available from hardware shops or the SCA Print Lab on Level 3 OTC). Students are also advised to wear an apron to protect clothing.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CAEL2053: Screen Printing: an Introduction

Intensive June - July, 2026 [Block mode] - 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

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links