Outline

Overview

In Studio 4 you will produce a body of work for the graduate exhibition. You are expected to refine your skills to produce final outcomes that demonstrate a rigorous process of research, analysis and critical awareness. This is designed to prepare you for professional life, independent art practice and/or postgraduate study.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	CAST3001 or EXCH3005
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Oliver Smith, oliver.smith@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 Presentation: "New Contemporaries" Creative assessment / demonstration	60%	Formal exam period Due date: 28 Nov 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 13 Dec 2025	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	"New Contemporaries" Proposal + Work-In-Progress Presentations Creative assessment / demonstrations	40%	Week 06 Due date: 12 Sep 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 26 Sep 2025	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

"New Contemporaries" Proposal and Work-In-Progress: from preliminary explorations, students will develop a proposal for a major work of art, that will become the basis for the work presented in the graduating exhibition. The proposal will address the what, why & how aspects of the intended project and will include a draft timeline. The proposal will include a rationale providing a theoretical / conceptual background to the project and will address key issues inherent to the student’s ideas. Importantly, students will also present work-in-progress.
Final Work: from the proposal and studio exploration students will continue to develop a major work of art throughout the rest of the semester to be presented at assessment and appropriately installed by the student for the "New Contemporaries" exhibition. This assessment task includes troubleshooting the logistics of how to mount a successful work of art in an exhibition context. Additionally, the development of the work will involve practice-based research including a visual diary, journal, review, proposal, drawing and project development, studio and associated technologies, materials, tools and workshop practice, photographic documentation and group/discussion participation.

Assessment criteria

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.

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.

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.

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
Formal exam period	Exam Week 1 Self-Directed: no formal classes / Exam Week 2 Final Work Presentations by Friday November 28 (60%)	Studio (8 hr)
Ongoing	New Contemporaries Exhibition Opening: Wednesday December 3, 6-8pm	Studio (2 hr)
STUVAC	Self-Directed: No formal classes	Studio (8 hr)
Week 01	Monday PM: Technical Demonstrations / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 01	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorial	Studio (6 hr)
Week 02	Monday PM: Technical Demonstrations / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorials	Studio (6 hr)
Week 03	Monday PM: Technical Demonstrations / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorials	Studio (6 hr)
Week 04	Monday PM: Technical Demonstrations / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorials	Studio (6 hr)
Week 05	Monday PM: Technical Demonstrations / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorials	Studio (6 hr)
Week 06	Monday PM: Technical Demonstrations / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Friday AM + PM: New Contemporaries Proposal + Work-In-Progress Presentation (40%)	Presentation (6 hr)
Week 07	Performance Week: schedule to be announced, no formal classes	Performance (8 hr)
Week 08	Monday PM: Technical Demonstrations / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorials	Studio (6 hr)
Week 09	Monday October 6 Labour Day Public Holiday: no formal classes	Independent study (2 hr)
Week 09	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorials	Studio (6 hr)
Week 10	Monday PM: Technical Demonstrations / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorials	Studio (6 hr)
Week 11	Monday PM: Technical Demonstrations / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorials	Studio (6 hr)
Week 12	Monday PM: Technical Demonstration / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorials	Studio (6 hr)
Week 13	Monday PM: Technical Demonstration / Workshops / Consultations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	Friday AM + PM: Studio / Tutorials	Studio (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Additional requirements from 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.
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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

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 aptitude in the skills, systems, and approaches to contemporary art practice
LO2. Produce artworks at an advanced level of conceptual and technical expertise that demonstrate an in-depth understanding of contemporary art practices, and the histories and theories informing each student’s own creative processes. Students will show evidence of development in skills and technologies, and the capacity to reflect on the art-making process.
LO3. Demonstrate well developed critical awareness within art-making: the appropriate application of concepts, and the development of the appropriate means of applying them
LO4. Demonstrate a commitment to self-directed art practice, deploying qualities of consistency and openness with the objective of shaping a dedicated art practice.
LO5. Confidently adopt an experimental and imaginative approach to the studio process to pursue idiosyncratic, innovative outcomes.
LO6. Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work in groups collaboratively, reflectively and consultatively
LO7. Show awareness, sensitivity and empathy to subjective, cultural and racial differences
LO8. Apply Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) 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.

This unit has been changed in response to student feedback. More professional practice activities have been developed to assist in the production of the final work and more opportunities for feedback on individual studio work have been added.

Additional information

Additional costs

This unit includes a fee of $200.00 which is a contribution to the cost of the New Contemporaries exhibition.

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

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

CAST3002: Studio 4

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

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