Outline

Overview

This unit of study explores key processes and issues related to the production and exhibition of experimental film works. The unit includes discussions, readings and screenings of relevant historical and contemporary film works. It focuses on the creative potential of the physical properties of film. You will produce a short 16mm film project. A Bolex 16mm camera workshop and hand processing of 16mm film will also be an integral part of this unit of study.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level from CAEL or 12 credit points at 2000 level from CAST
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	John Tonkin, john.tonkin@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Janet Merewether, janet.merewether@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	Research Journal 8 journal posts (100-150wd each)	10%	Formal exam period Due date: 21 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Nov 2025	700 wd equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Final Project Self-directed creative audiovisual work	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Nov 2025	Video, 2-4 min (eq 2200 wd)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Rhythm Film Project Creative audiovisual project responding to theme of rhythm	30%	Week 05 Due date: 07 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Sep 2025	Video, 60 seconds (1200 wd equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Final Project Proposal Written task and oral presentation	10%	Week 07 Due date: 21 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Oct 2025	5 min presentation + 200 word blog post	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Rhythm Film Project: Create a short audiovisual work that explores the theme of rhythm (including sound). You will be introduced to various techniques for making experimental film, including camera-less techniques for working directly on 16mm film celluloid as well as other techniques such as rotoscoping and stop-motion animation. You will also be asked to research into how these methods have been used historically and in contemporary practice.
Final Project Proposal: 5 minute presentation in class using Powerpoint or from your blog. Make a blog post with links to relevant references/support materials. For the Final Project, you need to develop your own self-directed idea/concept. Students must choose two of the techniques explored in the workshops and describe how they relate to their idea conceptually. The proposal must also address the resource requirements and projected production schedule timeline for the project. In addition, the proposal must reference at least two existing works of other artists that are relevant to your project for conceptual or aesthetic reasons.
Research Journal: Post regularly about your research and project development to a journal (blog). You are expected to make at least 8 posts of approx. 100-150 words each. You should articulate the development of your major project idea and contextualise it within the field of experimental film.
Final Project: Conceive, create and present a substantial moving image work employing at least two of the techniques acquired within the class. You need to develop your own self-directed idea/concept which is informed by the techniques, historical concepts and theories of experimental film.

PLEASE NOTE: Assessments have been adjusted and reweighted from what appears in the handbook.

All assessment tasks must be attempted to pass this subject.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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

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

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	1. Introduction and course outline; 2. Introduction to experimental cinema; 3. Project 1 discussion 4. WHS induction	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	1. Films made without a Camera. 2. Introduction to photochemical film terms. 3. Additive and Subtractive techniques	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	1. Films made without a camera : Additive and Subtractive techniques - lecture, screenings and practical. 2. Scratch and paint techniques. 3. Digitising and Steenbeck induction	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	1. Films made without a Camera - contact printing on 16mm. Darkroom Induction & WHS. 3. Steenbeck/digitising inductions	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	1. Rhythm and the audio visual relationship. 2. Digital / Analogue technques. 3. Steenbeck/digitising	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	1. Revision of concepts.2. ideas generation, consultation and feedback	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	1.Student presentations of Rhythm Films. 2 development feedback on project 2 proposal	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	1. Student presentations of Project 2 Proposal; 2. Discussion and feedback	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Student project consultations and feedback session	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Student project consultations and feedback session	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	1. Work-in-progress Screening; 2. Project problem solving, development and feedback session.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	1. Work-in-progress problem solving, development and feedback session	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	1. Work-in-progress class presentations and peer feedback session	Tutorial (3 hr)

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 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

Experimental Filmmaking: Break the Machine by Kathryn Ramey (2015)

https://www-taylorfrancis-com.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/books/9780240824017

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 an in-depth understanding of experimental film practices, histories and theories that informs their own creative processes to produce a self-directed experimental 16mm film project
LO2. express an understanding of the context of their experimental film work in relation to international current and historical film-art practice
LO3. demonstrate rigorous and independent thinking and technical competency in 16mm film production
LO4. engage critically with social, cultural and ethical issues and apply local and international perspectives to extend their creative practice
LO5. use appropriate technologies and media to effectively gather information
LO6. communicate their ideas creatively and effectively.

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.

Changes have been made since this unit was last offered - it has been modified and refined for in-person delivery

Additional information

Additional costs

Please note, there is a $60 materials fee for this unit. There are also optional experimental film techniques that you will be introduced to that will incur additional costs. eg Super8 film stock, processing and scanning

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

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CAEL3016: Experimental Film

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links