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Unit of study_

CAVA4003: Art Making and Artworks

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

In this unit of study, you will develop a self-directed practice-led visual art project in tandem with a close critique of international artworks created for contemporary art events. We will explore and critique political themes, methods and conceptual approaches that contemporary artists use to suggest the diversity of global contemporary art and life. As well as the BVA/BAS, this unit would be an ideal project for honours students wishing to do a discrete project outside their major project. If you are enrolled in CAHO4006, your work for this unit of study will be a separate supplementary studio project.

Unit details and rules

Unit code CAVA4003
Academic unit Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
48 credit points from Visual Arts or 72 credit points from CASF and CAST
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Alex Gawronski, alex.gawronski@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Mitchel Cumming Cumming, mitchel.cumming@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment hurdle task Project 3: Final work
Presentation of creative work
50% Formal exam period
Due date: 03 Jun 2024 at 23:59
3000w equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment hurdle task Project 1: Maquette
Presentation of creative work
30% Week 04
Due date: 11 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1800w equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Project 2: Critical writing
Submission of critical writing
20% Week 08
Due date: 15 Apr 2024 at 23:59
1200w equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

PROJECT 1 - MAQUETTE: 30%

Create a maquette (or maquettes) that concretely reflect your ideal exhibition scenario. To do this you might want to create a model of an ideal gallery or other exhibition space. You do not need to be ‘realistic’ in this project, you can be as ambitious or outlandish as you like: want to exhibit on Mars? At the bottom of the ocean? Go for it. You want to create an entire complex of interrelated spaces that you and your community can exhibit, perform, speak and lecture in? Forget monetary restrictions, this is an exercise in projective thinking. Of course, you can pitch to a known venue but don’t feel restricted by the usual material constraints when imagining this scenario. Remember, to change a system of opportunities means envisioning what those changes might entail. NB: You’ll need to bring in whatever materials you need to realise this project.

PROJECT 2: ARTIST STATEMENT/CRITICAL WRITING: 20%

A) - Write a considered artist statement about the aims of the above project. Consider your overall ‘vision’, what were you trying to communicate/achieve and how did you go about it? Remember, a good artist statement is a type of critical argument that positions your work in relation to ideas.

B) - Write an interpretative critique of another work in the class. The point here is to draw out and critically discuss in a focused way what you interpret as the main themes or ideas you perceive in the work. (Submit to CANVAS).

PROJECT 3: FINAL CREATIVE WORK: 50%

Locate and research a contemporary artwork exhibited locally or internationally that specifically addresses current political or social themes. Consider what you believe to be successful (and/or unsuccessful) about this work. From this consideration, develop your own ‘version’ of the work you have chosen. Approaches could include honing-in on one aspect of the work and elaborating it further (eg. In addressing their subject matter has the artist overlooked anything you could develop independently?) or, it could involve ‘re-ordering’ and physically reworking various dimensions of the nominated work. The form this work takes is up to you and could involve either singular or multiple media. The challenge is to develop a new work that speaks to the specific work you have selected. The success of the work will depend both on its innovation and its clear discursive relation to the ‘original’. NB: You’ll need to bring in whatever materials you need to realise this project.

 

 

Assessment criteria

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.

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:

Assessment Submission Work not submitted on or before the due date is subject to a penalty of 5% per calendar day late. If work is submitted more than 10 days after the due date, or is submitted after the return date, the mark will be 0. Details of the Faculty Resolutions and Provisions regarding late work: Undergraduate: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/arts/rules/faculty_resolutions_arts.shtml

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
Formal exam period Final Assessment and presentation of finished artworks Presentation (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 01 Introduction to Unit & to Project 1 - research, and class discussion Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 02 PROJECT 1 – Studio time + individual tutorials Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 PROJECT 1 – Studio time + individual tutorials Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Group critique and discussion Project 1; (Submit visual documentation and notes to CANVAS) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 05 Introduction to Project 2; research, class discussion, individual tutorials Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 PROJECT 2 - Research, class discussion + individual tutorials Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Group critique and discussion of Project 2; Submit written work to CANVAS. Introduction to Project 3 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 PROJECT 3 - Studio time + individual tutorials Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 PROJECT 3 - Studio time + individual tutorials Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 PROJECT 3 - Studio time + individual tutorials Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 PROJECT 3 - Studio time + individual tutorials Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 PROJECT 3 - Studio time + individual tutorials Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

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. If a unit of study has a participation mark, your attendance may influence this mark. For more information on attendance, see

http://sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2014/345&RendNum=0 .

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

Suggested readings will be made available on Canvas.

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. demonstrate independent thinking through conceptualising and developing individual studio projects
  • LO2. contextualise ideas with an understanding of contemporary sculpture and the broader field of contemporary art
  • LO3. manipulate forms, materials and technologies with skill, understanding and an awareness of individual project concerns
  • LO4. critically evaluate concepts and the material resolution of their work
  • LO5. apply WH&S 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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Work, health and safety

Please wear closed in boots. Some are available, but these are limited and shared and you must bring your own socks.

Please comply with any verbal WHS instructions given to you. Failure to do so might have you banned from the studio/workshop.

Please wear mask and safety glasses where required.

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.