Unit outline_

CAEL2055: Introduction to Contemporary Jewellery

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

This unit of study is focused on studio-based production of contemporary jewellery that engages with the space and physical dimensions of the body. Fundamental to this approach is an investigation into the role of the worn or carried object in personal identity and social communication. Alongside the acquisition of technical expertise appropriate to the assigned projects, critical skills will be developed and enhanced through research assignments, individual tutorials and group critiques. Launching from this technical and conceptual platform you will develop an individual project informed by your research interests.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points of 1000 level from CAVA or 12 credit points of 1000 level from CASF
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Oliver Smith, oliver.smith@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Creative work Project 2 + Support Material
Project 2 creative work + research folio
50% Formal exam period
Due date: 19 Nov 2025 at 23:00

Closing date: 26 Nov 2025
artwork, statement + support material AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task
#earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03
Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59
Short online quiz AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO7
Creative work Samples 1,2,3
conceptual and technical test-pieces + support material
15% Week 05
Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:00

Closing date: 19 Sep 2025
3x preliminary works and statement AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Creative work Project 1 + Research Assignment
Project 1 creative work + research folio
35% Week 10
Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:00

Closing date: 31 Oct 2025
artwork, statement and research document AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
early feedback task = 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

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result Name Mark Range Description
High Distinction 85 – 100% Evidence of careful and considered research; analysis demonstrated complex understanding; a range of ideas and outcomes are explored, evidence of independent thinking, creative reflection and innovative expression; technical skills are highly competent and final work is technically resolved; presentation skills are highly developed and professional.
Distinction 74 – 84% Evidence of a breadth of research; analysis reflects awareness and understanding; a range of concepts are explored with creative reflection and strong outcomes; technical skills are competent; presentation skills are developed and information is clearly delivered and professional.
Credit 65 – 74% Evidence of research is present; analysis is evident but not developed; a range of concepts are explored and produced with creative integrity; technical skills are sound; presentation skills are competent and information is clearly delivered.
Pass 50 – 64% Some research is presented but not sufficiently comprehensive to provide developed analysis; a limited range of concepts are explored with little development evident; presentation skills are inconsistent and lack clarity; technical skills have been applied but not developed
Fail < 50% Little or limited research is evident; no presence of analysis or interpretation of material; concepts are underdeveloped or derivative; presentation skills are weak and lack clarity; skills are not sufficiently developed for independent working in the workshop

 

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.

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
Formal exam period Project 2 + Support Material Presentations (50%) Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
STUVAC Self-Directed Studio Activity Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 01 Unit Introduction Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 02 Studio / Tutorials / Demonstrations / Discussions Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 03 Studio / Tutorials / Demonstrations / Discussions Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 04 Studio / Tutorials / Demonstrations / Discussions Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 05 Studio / Tutorials / Demonstrations / Discussions Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 06 Studio / Tutorials / Demonstrations / Discussions Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 07 Self-Directed Activity - no formal contact time with lecturer Independent study (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 08 Samples 1,2,3 Presentations (15%) Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 09 Studio / Tutorials / Demonstrations / Discussions Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 10 Studio / Tutorials / Demonstrations / Discussions Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 11 Research Assignment + Project 1 Presentations (35%) Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 12 Studio / Tutorials / Demonstrations / Discussions Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6
Week 13 Final Group Discussion: Work-In-Progress Feedback / Problem-Solving Studio (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Additional requirements by the Sydney College of the Arts

  • Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the unit coordinator or relevant delegate.
  • 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 forfeiture or 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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

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. develop and communicate personal aesthetic solutions creatively and effectively
  • LO2. demonstrate an awareness of contemporary jewellery practices, histories and theories that inform your own creative processes
  • LO3. demonstrate experimental approaches to problem solving through critically engaging with information, images and materials
  • LO4. engage critically with social, cultural and ethical issues and apply local and international perspectives to extend your creative practice
  • LO5. gain a competence in basic workshop techniques used in producing body-scale objects
  • LO6. use appropriate technologies and media to gather and present information effectively
  • LO7. understand and apply Workshop Health and Safety procedures in the working studio environment

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.

Projects and course content have been updated.

Process & Documentation Journal: You are required to maintain a journal as a comprehensive record of all sessions attended (projects, critical assessments, studio technology, technical workshops, studio theory, drawing, excursions, visiting speakers, etc.).
This should also include a visual and written record of your ideas and concepts as they evolve.
This will also serve as evidence of your development (for assessment purposes) and will need to be available for discussion with staff, and at assessment. 

Drawing and Models: In developing your work, you will be drawing and making simple models of proposed ideas. This kind of research is a part of standard project development. 

More information related to this unit will be provided in class and on Canvas.

Additional costs

This unit has a Material Levy of $60.00. Details regarding the payment process can be found on the Canvas site. The Material Levy covers the materials provided to undertake the technical samples. Beyond this fee students are expected to supply their own materials for project work. You will also need a sketchbook/journal. Materials and tools are supplied for technical workshops. However students are required to purchase consumables such as saw blades, emery paper and drill bits.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

Students are expected to develop WHS competencies when working the Jewellery & Object workshops.

WHS requirements for specific technical processes are covered in this unit.

When working in these studios the following rules apply:

  • Wear covered footwear (NO high heels, sandals or thongs)
  • Wear long pants
  • No loose clothing (non-synthetic is best)
  • No bare midriffs
  • No scarves
  • No long necklaces
  • Long hair tied back
  • An apron (cotton or leather) is recommended but not essential 

Additional information is provided in Canvas under Studio Etiquette.

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.