Outline

Overview

This unit of study will focus on the development of an in-depth understanding and application of the ceramic surface. It will explore notions of trace, impression, wound, scar, identification, memory and memento through material layering and surface specificity, and the construction of meaning associated with surface qualities such as depth, absorption and incorporation. You will be introduced to a range of applied ceramic surfaces including ceramic pencil, paint and crayon, glaze, screenprint and decal production, as well as found and mixed media surfaces, and kiln firings. Initial instruction and individual experimentation will form the foundations for the completion of a student-generated studio project. This unit would be of particular interest if you want to develop your investigation into three dimensional form and/or broaden the possibilities of the two dimensional surface.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points in CAEL units of study at 2000 level including CAEL2048 or CAEL2072
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CAEL2073
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jan Guy, jan.guy@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
Creative work	Final work 10min in person interview with final project work present	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 28 Nov 2025 at 23:59	six weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	experimental folio experimental folio of maquettes	20%	Week 06 Due date: 13 Sep 2025 at 23:59	500 wd equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Proposal for final work research and write proposal with images for final work	30%	Week 08 Due date: 27 Sep 2025 at 23:59	800-1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Experimental Folio – students will be required to upload a series of ceramic surfaces tests with images and annotation from inclass instruction (further detailed notes in Canvas)
Proposal for Final Work - students will be required to research, plan and write a proposal for a final creative artwork, present the plan in class and upload the final proposal to CANVAS (further detailed notes in Canvas)
Final Work – students will be required to complete a creative artwork(s) based on their proposal from Task 2 and discuss this work during a 10 minute interview with academic staff. (further detailed notes in Canvas)

Assessment criteria

result name	mark range	description
High Distinction	85-100	performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard Displays innovative and imaginative thinking. Artwork or written work demonstrates initiative and ingenuity in research and production, confident and proficient application of materials and critical skills
Distinction	75-84	performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard Artwork or written work demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness in research and production, competent application of materials and critical skills throughout, receptiveness to critical feedback, and a willingness to explore new ideas
Credit	65-74	performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard Artwork or written work displays some evidence of initiative in research and production, competent application of materials and critical skills in most areas, receptivity to critical feedback and a willingness to explore new ideas.
Pass	50-64	performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard Artwork or written work contains evidence of a broad and reasonably accurate command of material and technical proficiency, responds to critical feedback in fairly direct translation.
Fail	0-49	Does not perform the assessment task to an acceptable standard Artwork or written work displays clear deficiencies in technical skills, little or no response to critical feedback, a lack of engagement with the unit of study, fails to demonstrate any understanding of conceptual ideas and practices, does not satisfy most or all of the basic unit of study requirements.

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:

Loss of 5% of assignment possible mark per day of lateness.

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. Technical: Studio Induction; 2. Introduction to unit of study - discussion of projects; readings - creative and critical thinking. 3. Making test tiles and stamps (demonstration).	Studio (3 hr)
Week 02	1. Seminar: Body Excavations and inscriptions – initial layers between form and skin (trace, impressions, scar, wounds) (reading) 2. Making maquettes for testing 3. Planning your Project	Studio (3 hr)
Week 03	1. Seminar: Skins 1- The building blocks of Slips and Colour (trace and identification) (reading) 2. TECH - Making coloured slips; applying slip and oxides to maquettes/test tiles (inlay, sgrafitto and drawing	Studio (3 hr)
Week 04	1. Individual Tutorials - Bring preliminary draft of proposal for final work. 2. Work on maquettes/prototypes	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	1. Seminar: Skins 2 - The building blocks of Glazes (identification) The Qualities of Glaze Materials 2. Pack and fire bisque kiln	Studio (3 hr)
Week 06	TECH WEEK: 1.Glazes - making, mixing, testing, applying, customising 2. Packing a glaze kiln	Studio (3 hr)
Week 08	Individual Presentations and Group Discussion (Pecha Kucha)	Studio (3 hr)
Week 09	1. Seminar: A Third Skin: embellishments and imperfections (print, enamels, lustres) 2. Studio work on final project.	Studio (3 hr)
Week 10	Individual Tutorials for Final projects (concept and technical)	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	TECH WEEK: 1.Demonstrations and trialing of applications onto fired glazed surface.(enamels and lustres). 2. Printing Techniques on raw and bisque clay	Studio (3 hr)
Week 12	1. Tutorials for Finalising projects 2.Begin Project Firings	Studio (3 hr)
Week 13	1. Summary, Problem Solving and Assessment Instructions 2. Prepare for last Project Firings	Studio (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

It is expected that you attend the weekly classes in full. The three hours you spend in the weekly class should be supplemented by at least another three hours of independent study in the Studio/library/online research/gallery visits each week.

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

All class readings will be accessible through the Reading List in your CANVAS site.

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. communicate their ideas creatively and effectively
LO2. employ appropriate materials and technologies in developing creative research outcomes
LO3. be responsible and accountable for their own learning and professional practice
LO4. use appropriate technologies and media to effectively gather information
LO5. critically evaluate information
LO6. Apply OH&S principles to all aspects of 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.

Some changes have been made to class structure to give more depth to practical activities.

Additional information

You will need to wear steel capped boots in the studio. If you don’t have your own we have some available in the studio, but you must bring your own socks.

Additional costs

Studio Fee $100 (provides a limited supply of tools, clay and glaze materials). If you have individual material needs you will need to finance these yourself

Work, health and safety

Face to face studio learning will require you to adhere to regulations the discipline has put in place for the safety of all.

You will also need to follow the Health and Safety regulations specific to the Ceramics studio.

It is important that you follow Staff instruction in the Studio.

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CAEL3017: Skin and Sign: Ceramic Surfaces

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links