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Unit of study_

CAMI5001: Narrative Elements

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Working individually or as part of a production team, you will conceptualise, develop and deliver a narrative-based screen-work. You will be challenged to re-conceive storytelling through moving image and alternate forms. Possible outcomes for the projects could be narrative film, documentary, online, XR, installation or any combination of media production. Lectures, tutorials, seminars, screenings and class exercises provide you with a historical and conceptual framework to develop your own creative projects. Discussion, debate and creative exploration is encouraged. Projects are to be supported by a set of professional standard production documents and the presentation of seminars.

Unit details and rules

Unit code CAMI5001
Academic unit Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
CAMI5002
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andrew Sully, andrew.sully@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Andrew Sully, andrew.sully@sydney.edu.au
George-Alexander Nagle, george.nagle@sydney.edu.au
Tamara Voninski, tamara.voninski@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Creative assessment / demonstration Project Documentation
Documentation
15% Formal exam period
Due date: 11 Jun 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 23 Jun 2024
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO6
Creative assessment / demonstration Creative Project
Project
60% Formal exam period
Due date: 11 Jun 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 23 Jun 2024
5-7 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Presentation Project Proposal Presentation
Seminar presentation
15% Week 05
Due date: 24 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 07 Apr 2024
5 mins pre-recorded video presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Presentation Work-in-Progress Assessment
In class assessment by lecturer/tutor
10% Week 12
Due date: 19 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 16 Jun 2024
5-7 mins video and 10 mins discussion
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Project 1 – Project Proposal PresentationAs part of your major project planning, you will be expected to present a detailed breakdown of your project including a general project description, conceptual outline, aesthetic considerations, visual references and influences, and associated research to the class for feedback and discussion. 

Project 2 – Work-in-Progress Assessment: Each group will upload their work-in-progress. Your work-in-progress will be a fine/rough cut of your film. However, if you are working in animation or other alternative forms then it may be an animatic or other pre-approved forms relative to specific groups. These will be shown and assessed in class.

Project 3 – Project Documentation: In addition to your major project, you will need to show evidence of the processes you have used in the development of your work. You are to submit a fully developed synopsis, treatment and/or script, storyboard, production schedule, budget, equipment list and artist statement to support your project. 

Project 4 – Creative Work: Students are to conceptualise, produce and complete a creative moving image based work 5-7 minutes in length.

All assessment tasks build toward the development and realisation of your Creative Project.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment Tasks have been modified from what is in the handbook.

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

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

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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

For more information see guide to grades.

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 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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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 2023 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 2023. 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
Week 01 1. Screening and discussion of a range of moving image narrative forms; 2. Course introduction and review of possible project outcomes; 3. Project conceptualisation group exercise Studio (3 hr)  
Week 02 1. Elements of narrative 1 – story forms; 2. Creating a Universe and setting rules; 3. Beginnings, middles and ends: 4. Theme, premise and the dramatic question Studio (3 hr)  
Week 03 Project concept pitch Studio (3 hr)  
Week 04 1. Elements of narrative 2 – character assassination(s); 2. Construction and identification, understanding character in relation to narrative form; 3. The elusive “I”; 4. Introduction to class based research project Studio (3 hr)  
Week 05 Story structure Studio (3 hr)  
Week 06 Project Proposal Presentation Studio (3 hr)  
Week 07 1. Story space: understanding the traditions of screen space; 2. Mise en scéne & montage and tone Studio (3 hr)  
Week 08 1. Sound – understanding conventional uses of sound in the filmic space; 2. Spatiality of sound, muti-channel; 3. Sound and image Studio (3 hr)  
Week 09 Editing and montage Studio (3 hr)  
Week 10 Alternative narrative: documentary, fiction, reality TV, hyper-reality and the spaces between. Studio (3 hr)  
Week 11 Screenings/crit - group consultations Studio (3 hr)  
Week 12 Screenings/crit - group consultations Studio (3 hr)  
Week 13 Screenings/crit - students present rough cuts and works in progress for feedback in class environment Studio (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.

  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.

  • 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 of study can be accessed through the library e-reserve and the canvas site.

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. conceptualise, plan and complete a major moving image based project that engages with the contemporary media environment
  • LO2. critically analyse and problem solve through the production process
  • LO3. use a range of current production tools to create creative moving image works
  • LO4. critically understand a range of different approaches to moving image practice and engage with related theoretical and cultural debates
  • LO5. use appropriate technologies and media to effectively gather information
  • LO6. critically evaluate aesthetics, information & narratives in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner.

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.

A change has been made to one of the assessments. There have been some minor changes to the learning activities and some rearranging of the weeks in which certain activities take place.

Work, health and safety

Over the course of the semester, you will be given guidance in the safe use of SCA's production equipment and facilities. You will learn to assess and apply safe work standards to your work in both the production studios and on location. It is essential for the safety of yourself and others and for the safety of the equipment that you follow these guidelines.

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.