Outline

Overview

This unit of study introduces you to the language of art through venue and media publications created for the dissemination, critique and promotion of contemporary art. We will critically examine different forms of contemporary writing for the arts including the journal article, exhibition catalogue, online blogging, press releases, reviews, conference papers, and anthology chapters to discover the various structures of description and argument used and how they change across media publications. Through practical workshops, group critiques and individual tasks you will develop your capacity to produce effective writing for eventual publication in the field of contemporary art.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	144 credit points including (FASS3999 or FASS3333 or equivalent) or 72 credit points from CASF and CAST
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sanne Mestrom, sanne.mestrom@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	ASSESSMENT 3: Academic Essay – Theoretical/Contextual Research Write an Academic Essay based on Theoretical/Contextual Research	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 10 Jun 2026 at 23:59	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	ASSESSMENT 1: Artist Statement Written statement	20%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59	800-1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	ASSESSMENT 2: Audio/video recording (10 minutes max) Audio/video recording (10 minutes max)	30%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59	2000 words/10 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Three assessments build progressively from explanatory to evaluative to argumentative writing.

Assessment 1 (20%, Week 4): Artist Statement analysing the arc of artistic practice (1000 words).

Assessment 2 (30%, Week 9): Critical Podcast—either an exhibition review or artist interview demonstrating oral communication skills and theoretical engagement (10 minutes, 3+ scholarly sources).

Assessment 3 (50%, Week 13): Academic Essay exploring theoretical frameworks or methodologies relevant to Honours research without duplicating thesis content (2000-3000 words, 10+ academic sources).

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission, must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to reference and acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, as set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1). As a general guide, a High Distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction indicates a very high standard, a Credit indicates a good standard, and a Pass indicates an acceptable standard.

Result	Mark Range	Description
High Distinction	85-100	Performance in assessment tasks demonstrates 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 demonstrates 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 demonstrates the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard. Artwork or written work displays 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 demonstrates 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, and 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 understanding of conceptual ideas and practices, and does not satisfy most or all of the basic unit 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:

Work submitted after the deadline will incur a penalty of 5% of the total marks earned for the assessment per calendar day. Work submitted 20 calendar days or more after the deadline will not be assessed and will receive a mark of zero.

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	Week 1: Introduction – The Landscape of Art Writing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Week 2: The Explanatory Text – Artist Statements and Manifestos	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Week 3: Practical Skills – Library Resources and Research Infrastructure	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Week 4: Workshop – Assessment 1 Drafts and Peer Review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Week 5: The Evaluative Text – Reviews and Podcasts	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Week 6: Theory, Theoretical Frameworks, Conceptual Frameworks	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Week 7: Non-teaching week (academic will supply online references related to Recording Techniques and Podcast Structure)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Week 8: The Artist Interview as Critical Practice	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Week 9: Workshop – Assessment 2 Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Week 10: How a Chapter Extends an Argument	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Week 11: The Value of Peer Review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Week 12: Using AI Ethically and Effectively in Research Writing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Week 13: Three Minute Thesis Workshop and Final Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: students are expected to attend 90% of their classes. Note that this is a requirement of all SCA courses. Absences beyond this threshold must be accounted for by documented illness or misadventure. Failure to meet this requirement will result in penalty. If you attend fewer than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board which 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. For this course it is especially advised to spend some part of this time in exploring art reviews, blogs, podcasts and relevant journal articles.

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

Core Text:

Williams, Gilda. How to Write About Contemporary Art. Thames & Hudson, 2014.

Scholarly Writing and Argument:

Carter, Susan, et al. Doctoral Writing in the Creative and Performing Arts. Routledge, 2020.

Hart, Chris. Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Research Imagination. 2nd ed., Sage, 2018.

Kivunja, Charles. 'Distinguishing between Theory, Theoretical Framework, and Conceptual Framework.' International Journal of Higher Education, vol. 7, no. 6, 2018, pp. 44-53.

Kiley, Margaret, and Gina Wisker. 'Threshold Concepts in Research Education.' Higher Education Research & Development, vol. 28, no. 4, 2009, pp. 431-441.

Art Criticism Sources:

Artforum (international contemporary art criticism)

Frieze (contemporary art and culture)

Art & Australia

Eyeline (Australian journal with substantial review section)

The New Yorker (cultural criticism including visual art)

Online Resources:

Artsy (www.artsy.net)

Artnet (www.artnet.com)

University of Sydney Library subject guides for Visual Arts

EndNote citation management | University

AI Guidelines:

sydney.edu.au/students/academic-integrity/artificial-intelligence.html

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 competence with grammar, expression and style in writing about art
LO2. Apply skills of communication and cognition relevant to the discourses, methods and histories of art writing and criticism
LO3. Demonstrate development in art writing
LO4. Show critical awareness in the study and appraisal of works of art and the activities of artists
LO5. Be committed to the challenges and expectations of the course as well as the discipline of art writing and crticism
LO6. Apply, test and investigate possibilities of innovation as they may present themselves to the task of writing about art and artists
LO7. Uphold a global perspective that applies and ethical perspective that accounts for cultural differences and diversity
LO8. Apply workplace health and safety

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.

Students will be advised of ways to provide feedback for this unit and encouraged to respond

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CAVA4001: Art Writing and Artists

Semester 1, 2026 [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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links