Outline

Overview

This unit of study approaches video art in the broadest sense as it unites a great variety of practices regarding time based manifestations of abiding artistic concerns. Video has become a pervasive medium in contemporary art and makes an appearance in many different contexts that span from the most experimental exhibition settings all the way through to the museum. In this unit, you will undertake a studio-based approach to the production of video art works, including video installation, single channel and synchronized multichannel artworks, streaming video and video as it appears in other digital forms. The aim of the unit is to produce original artworks that forge new image worlds and innovative production methodologies. This unit will be conducted in an open studio framework including a variety of workshops, studios and digital labs.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 1000 level in Visual Arts or 12 credit point at 1000 level Studio Foundation units in Bachelor of Visual Arts
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Haines, david.haines@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	journal keep a journal as a pdf or a link to a blog	20%	Formal exam period Due date: 18 Nov 2025 at 16:00	throughout the semester	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	major self-directed project major self-directed project	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 18 Nov 2025 at 16:00 Closing date: 25 Nov 2025	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Early Feedback Task Multiple choice test #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 19 Aug 2025 at 18:00 Closing date: 26 Aug 2025	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	directed project directed project	40%	Week 08 Due date: 23 Sep 2025 at 16:00 Closing date: 25 Sep 2025	presentation	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

Project 1 – Dream Diary. this project will involve creating an experimental Video Artwork (no longer than 3 minutes duration) that conceptually puts video effects layering at the centre of the idea and demonstrates your competence across a range of skills required to make a finished work.
Project 2 – Major self-directed Project: Title - ReWilding: The project is a springboard and creative response to a number of broad territories. Landscape, Mindscape, Soundscape, Scapehood and Psychogeography. The project is developed via a proposal of 300 words duration. A completed work of art will follow (no longer than five minutes duration) that demonstrates a creative production methodology and a strong conceptual and experimental approach.
Journal or Blog of your research journey
Participation: you will be assessed on your active attention in classes, your participation in class exercises activities and your positive contribution to the overall learning environment of the class.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

PLEASE NOTE: You must attempt all assessment tasks in order to pass this unit!

Assessment criteria

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
HD	High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
DI	Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
CR	Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
PS	Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
AF	Absent fail	0 - 49	When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.
CN	Cancelled	No mark	When your enrolment has been cancelled.
DC	Discontinued not to count as failure	No mark	When you discontinue a unit after the relevant census date but before the DC deadline.
DF	Discontinue – fail	No mark	When you discontinue a unit after the DC deadline but before the DF deadline
FR	Failed requirements	No mark	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
SR	Satisfied requirements	No mark	When you meet the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard, for units which are marked as either Satisfied requirements or Failed requirements.
WD	Withdrawn	No mark	When you discontinue a unit before the relevant census date. WD grades do not appear on your academic transcript

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.

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	Introduction to UoS: Intro to Video Art and Studio Project 1: 40%	Lecture (1 hr)
	Personal Introductions / Discuss Project 1 / Introduction to Exercise 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Introduction to equipment borrowing and OHWS	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 02	The Camera: Formats and Platforms and audio recording	Lecture (1 hr)
	Students Present Exercise 1 / Introduction to Exercise 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Working with your Smartphone and FilmicC and Adobe Premier.	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 03	Performance Video Art & Writing for Performance	Lecture (1 hr)
	Students Present Exercise 2 / Intro to Exercise 3.	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Video Editing	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 04	Students present Project 1 work in progress to class for feedback and discussion	Presentation (2 hr)
Week 04	Digital Post-production and output formats	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 05	Introduction Project 2: Major self-directed Project - 60%	Lecture (1 hr)
	Discuss guidelines and approaches to the 300-word project proposal.	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Individual technical assistance/book a time	One-to-one tuition (1 hr)
Week 06	Studio Project 1 due 40% Students Upload and Present Finished work to the class.	Presentation (3 hr)
Week 07	Non teaching week use the time for production	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Individual tutorials / book a time	One-to-one tuition (2 hr)
Week 08	Advanced editing Video effects	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 09	The Moving image & Camera movement	Lecture (1 hr)
	Introduction to Exercise 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Individual technical assistance/book a time	One-to-one tuition (1 hr)
Week 10	Audio and Field recordings in Video Art	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Students Present Exercise 4 in class. Introduction to Exercise 5.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Work in Progress discussion	One-to-one tuition (1 hr)
	Students present Exercise 5 in class	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Audio Mastering and Finalising Video work	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 12	Work in Progress (in-class presentation and group crit)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Individual technical assistance/book time	Workshop (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Preparation: Students should commit to engaging with approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

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 the 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

Reading or web links where applicable will be provided in class and on 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. Produce video artworks that demonstrate an in-depth understanding of contemporary art practices, histories and theories that informs their own creative processes
LO2. communicate ideas creatively and effectively
LO3. aims to encourage students to develop a range of appropriate theoretical and practical skills in line with their own individual concerns, and to enhance student awareness of an active engagement with research.
LO4. investigate a wide range of image based & sound processes with technical ability

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered except that the thematic of the first and second projects has been changed, and I have added a blog research component.

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)

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CAEL2095: Video Art

Semester 2, 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)

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links