SACE4111: Semester 1, 2026

Units SACE4111 Semester 1 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

SACE4111: Theory and Method

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

The study of art, film, media, performance and text often requires theories and methods that cut across several disciplines. In this unit, experts will demonstrate interdisciplinary readings of critical theory and you will build and critique your own reading list. Researchers will also discuss their own research projects with you, providing an inside look at the pragmatics of cutting-edge research. Whether you are looking for assistance writing about critical theory or methodology in your thesis, or you are searching for what connects university research to everyday life, this unit gives you skills to contextualise your research in a broader intellectual landscape.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Art, Communication and English Administration
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	144 credit points including FASS3999 or equivalent
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Catharine Lumby, catharine.lumby@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	Essay Proposal Essay Proposal	20%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Essay Presentation Essay Presentation	20%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 10:00	1000-word Equivalent Presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay Essay	60%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	4000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

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.

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:

Extensions must be negotiated with Unit coordinator otherwise late penalties will apply.

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	Introduction Interdisciplinarity/transdisciplinarity/ postdisciplinarity. Challenges and opportunities	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction Interdisciplinarity/transdisciplinarity/ postdisciplinarity. Challenges and opportunities	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Critical theory: an introduction. Mapping critical theory.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Critical theory: an introduction. Mapping critical theory.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Critical theory continued	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Critical theory continued	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Methodology. What is a methodology? What methodologies are used in your discipline? What do methodologies do?	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Methodology. What is a methodology? What methodologies are used in your discipline? What do methodologies do?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Disciplinary perspectives: key theories and methodologies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	rspectives: key theories and methodologies	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Key methodologies and theories continued	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Key methodologies and theories continued	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Genres of writing. How to manage your research through writing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Genres of writing. How to manage your research through writing	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Sharing your project. In this class we will all share our projects, describing methodologies and theories, and working towards organising a long essay.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Sharing your project. In this class we will all share our projects, describing methodologies and theories, and working towards organising a long essay.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Developing work	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Developing work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	The Material Turn and Vibrant Matter	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	The Material Turn and Vibrant Matter	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Entangled Objects: Tidal Kin. Stories from the Pacific, Chau Chak Wing Museum	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Entangled Objects: Tidal Kin. Stories from the Pacific, Chau Chak Wing Museum	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Globalism and Environmentalism	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Globalism and Environmentalism	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Globalism and Travelling Theory	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Globalism and Travelling Theory	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance is mandatory.

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

Readings will be negotiated with students as we progress through the semester. Students, for example, will be required to consult with their thesis supervisors about key texts/resources, and we will work with those recommendations, among others.

Students will be encouraged to locate resources on line, rather than there being a required reading list organised through Canvas.

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. interpret critical theory using methods and strategies demonstrated in class
LO2. describe the features of methodologies from multiple disciplines
LO3. synthesise through peer-to-peer discussion the interdisciplinary nature of your own and others’ research
LO4. clearly communicate about plans and progress toward a draft publication
LO5. produce a research-informed piece of writing targeted at, and tailored for, a particular audience

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 is the first time that I have taught this seminar.

Additional information

The students in this seminar will come from a range of disciplines—Art History, Film Studies, Theatre and Performance Studies, Media and Communication and Digital Cultures. All of you will be embarking, over the course of 2025, on a self-directed research project, undertaken within a specific disciplinary context, and under the supervision of a senior academic with expertise and experience in that discipline.
This seminar aims to support you as you develop and start to work on that project. It therefore needs to be guided by the requirements of that project, while also helping you each to understand how those requirements are both enabled by, and constrained by, those disciplinary contexts. That will require some juggling, and a strong element of what I will refer to as 'co-design'. By that I simply mean that while I have offered a broad schedule fo the class, and defined assessable outcomes, the precise nature of our week to week work will be informed, if not driven by, your individual and collective needs, desires, requirements and commitments. Above all, I will help you to develop the skills—and specifically the writing skills—required to excel in an Honours year.

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links