Outline

Overview

This unit of study introduces building processes relevant to Sculpture and Installation. You will learn basic construction techniques alongside a series of material-based workshop activities to gain confidence in the safe use of machinery and equipment within the studio and workshoops. You will consider a range of ideas, including negative forms and anti-monuments, challenging the preconceptions of 'what is sculpture?'. The unit introduces a broad range of traditional and contemporary sculptural practices: including the use of wood, metal, fibre, clay, plaster wax, soap and found-objects. The unit combines studio work, seminars, student presentations, group discussions and critiques.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Alex Gawronski, alex.gawronski@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Zoe Robertson, zoe.robertson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Online task	Canvas survey #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 10 Mar 2025 at 23:59	NA
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Project 1 - Small Sculpture Project 1	30%	Week 06 Due date: 31 Mar 2025 at 23:59	8 minutes (approx)
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Project 2 - Proposal Project 2 - Proposal	20%	Week 09 Due date: 28 Apr 2025 at 23:59	8 minutes (approx)
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Project 3 - Final Sculpture Project 3	50%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2025 at 23:59	15 mins
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

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

EARLY FEEDBACK TASK: Complete this online quiz accessible on Canvas (10 questions), to ensure you understand the core tasks and requirements for this Unit.

PROJECT 1: Develop, resolve and present a small sculptural work. This project will focus on ideas, concept exercises and technical skills explored in class during the first 4-5 weeks. A group critique will be held in week 6, each student will have 8 minutes to present their work and receive feedback. Please see CANVAS for more information.

PROJECT 2 (proposal) Make a artwork proposal presentation using Petcha Kucha format (20 images, 20 seconds per image) and PowerPoint. Your presentation will be followed by a group discussion and feedback. The talk will be PowerPoint presentation and each student is to upload to Canvas notes with the pdf of the talk of the presentation. Please see CANVAS for more information.

PROJECT 2 (final work): Using your Week 9/10 proposal presentation create, resolve and present a final sculpture. This assessment is a 15 minute individual discussion with your tutor and with the artwork.Please see CANVAS for more information.

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
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Assessment Criteria

This unit uses standards-based assessment for award of assessment marks. Your assessments will be evaluated solely on the basis of your individual performance

General advice on grade descriptors are available on the University of Sydney Current Students website:

You need to satisfy requirements as determined by academic staff, including attendance, communicated to you through the Sydney College of the Arts Handbook, unit of study outlines, other written notifications and/or verbally through tutorials or seminars. All requirements must be met in order to be eligible for an assessment.

Your work will be assessed according to the following criteria, based on: attendance; participation and responsiveness to the unit of study and academic direction; written work; studio work and other unit of study work; tutorial and seminar team discussion. These criteria apply to studio-based learning and to theory units of study.

1. Competence

Demonstration of the development and application of practical and intellectual competency and skills appropriate to the unit of study.

2. Development

Demonstration of the ability to initiate and realise your own objectives for studio practice and theory work within the requirements of the unit of study and of your developing knowledge of the historical and theoretical context of your practice. You are expected to improve your abilities, competency and understanding over the course of a semester, and over successive semesters.

3. Critical Awareness

Demonstration of developing a critical awareness and knowledge of the unit of study and the ability to objectively evaluate your own work, select appropriate methods and materials and to formulate and evaluate ideas/methods.

4. Commitment

Demonstration of commitment and self-motivation in respect of the unit of study. The level of commitment to study in the academic program is reflected in:

the development of self-motivation applied to individual, group or assignment-based work;

the degree of participation in all units of study including group work, project submissions, essays and discussions;

the development of a consistent work pattern; and

the regularity and punctuality of attendance and submissions.

5. Innovation

Demonstration of innovative and imaginative thinking, appropriate to the unit of study, evidencing the quality of ideas underlying your work and development in your studies.

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.

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:

Assessment Submission Work not submitted on or before the due date is subject to a penalty of 5% per calendar day late. If work is submitted more than 10 days after the due date, or is submitted after the return date, the mark will be 0. Details of the Faculty Resolutions and Provisions regarding late work: Undergraduate: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/arts/rules/faculty_resolutions_arts.shtml

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.

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	1) Introduction to unit outline and expectations 2) Practical Exercise #1: '50 Things'	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	1) Found Object Assemblages (independent learning) Group A 2) Wood Carving Exercise in Sculpture workshop (tech) Group B 3) Flexible Mould making in Ceramics studio (tech) Group C	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 03	1) Found Object Assemblages (independent learning) Group C 2) Wood Carving Exercise in Sculpture workshop (tech) Group A 3) Flexible Mould making in Ceramics studio (tech) Group B	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 04	1) Found Object Assemblages (independent learning) Group C 2) Wood Carving Exercise in Sculpture workshop (tech) Group A 3) Flexible Mouldmaking in Ceramics studio (tech) Group B	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 05	1) Individual Tutorials (Task 1) works in progress 2) Continue work on Task 1 sculpture	Studio (3 hr)
Week 06	In-class student presentation of Task 1 - Small Sculpture (30%)	Studio (3 hr)
Week 07	No classes: begin independent planning/maquettes for Task 2 - Proposal	Independent study (3 hr)
Week 08	1) Group and individual Tutorials (task 2 planning) 2) Planning and maquettes	Studio (3 hr)
Week 09	1) Project 2 (Proposals): Individual Student Presentations using Petcha Kucha format (20%) 2) Tech Individual Consultations with Tim in Sculpture workshop (half class) 3) Tutorials and studio time (half class)	Studio (3 hr)
Week 10	1) Project 2 (Proposals): Individual Student Presentations using Petcha Kucha format (20%) 2) Tech Individual Consultations with Tim in Sculpture workshop (half class) 3) Tutorials and studio time (half class)	Studio (3 hr)
Week 11	Individual Tutorials (final work in progress)	Studio (3 hr)
Week 12	Individual Tutorials/ Final Works in progress	Studio (3 hr)
Week 13	In-class student Presentation of Task 3 - Final Sculpture (50%)	Studio (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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.

If a unit of study has a participation mark, your attendance may influence this mark.

For more information on attendance, see http://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2014/345&RendNum=0.

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

There will be 'living Bibliography' on Canvas with relevant readings added as required.

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 independent thinking through conceptualising and developing individual studio projects
LO2. contextualise ideas with an understanding of contemporary sculpture and the broader field of contemporary art
LO3. manipulate forms, materials and technologies with skill, understanding and an awareness of individual project concerns
LO4. critically evaluate concepts and the material resolution of their work
LO5. apply WH&S to all aspects of studio 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.

More dedicated individual tutorials throughout the Semester and in-class discussion of works in progress.

Additional information

Additional costs

$100 materials fee covers casting materials and some wood materials (limited). Beyond this students' must provide their own materials.

Work, health and safety

Please wear closed in boots. Some are available, but these are limited and shared and you must bring your own socks.

Please comply with any verbal WHS instructions given to you. Failure to do so might have you banned from the studio/workshop.

Please wear mask and safety glasses where required.

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) and automated writing tools

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

CAEL2092: Sculpture: Form and Materials

Semester 1, 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) and automated writing tools

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