School of Art - University Electives, Semester 1 2022

Your program requires you to complete courses from a list of University Elective options.  These courses can be from anywhere in the University, or from within the School of Art.  To choose your elective please visit the University Electives site. We have listed Semester 1 and 2 School electives below for your reference. Details of Semester 1 offerings are listed below. Please note that offerings can be subject to change. Details of Flexible Term School electives/intensives are found on their own page.

To add an university elective in Enrolment Online, choose the relevant term, select 'Add classes', then 'Class Search' tab, and search for the name or course code of the course you are interested in. These are first in, first served with space in the course.

For more information about a course, please contact the Studio Lead of the offering studio.

Please note: although we would like to offer all of the courses below, courses are subject to viability and may not run if numbers are too low.

Course Information

Offering Studio & Studio Lead/Coordinator

2022 University Electives

Semester 1 University Electives

VART1704 Alternative Photographic Processes
VART3511 Art and Photography
VART3514  Ceramic Fundamentals
VART1325  Drawing Elective
VART3470 Jewellery Fundamentals
VART1316  Painting Elective
VART3478  Photographic Screenprinting
VART3590 Photography 101
VART2022 Temporal Drawing
VART1398  Sculpture Elective

Semester 2 University Electives

VART1704 Alternative Photographic Processes
VART3511 Art and Photography
VART3480  Artist's Books
VART3514 Ceramic Fundamentals
VART1325  Drawing Elective
VART1221  Lithography: Drawing to Print
VART1316  Painting Elective
VART3590 Photography 101
VART2027  Public Art Projects
VART1398  Sculpture Elective
VART3464  Video Art
VART3473 3D Printed Objects

Semester 1 University Electives

This course introduces you to the beginnings of Photography to the present day. You will examine the early photographers exploring the chemical and physical phenomena that define the medium of photography. You will also explore the techniques, processes, history, and cultural connections that are such a significant part of photography. The studio will be presented through a variety of activities including workshops, darkroom, experimentation, lectures, critical analysis, discussion, practice, presentation and reflection.

Please find link to the course guide.

This course you will investigate how photography functions within a fine art context. It is a fully integrated online course, where you will be able to navigate the course materials independently. The course will provide you with an overview of historical and contemporary photographic ideas and practice. ou will be exposed to a diverse range of significant local and international artists who draw upon a variety of photographic technologies in their practice, and investigate the language of photography and how it informs fine art photographic image making. The course provides you with opportunities to respond to lectures and explore ways of processing and articulating your own ideas with photographic techniques through digital SLR camera craft and digital software editing processes. Practical activities aim to engage you in applying photographic discourse to your contemporary art practice.

Please find link to the course guide. 

In this online course you will explore and experiment with the physical properties of materials and develop fundamental skills in the making of objects through ceramic methods. You will also address conceptual and technical concerns related to the making of objects. This course will also help you to understand the relationships between idea, concept, form and material as you begin to develop an individual approach to your art practice.

**Students will be issued a materials list prior to semester start

Please find link to the course guide.

In this elective course you will learn studio skills and competency in drawing the figure. 
You will explore the methods, materials, and concepts concerning perceptual drawing. These range across the application of appropriate materials in a range of drawing modes and studio settings; perspective and non­perspective approaches to visual representation; proportion, form, weight and volume; figure/ground relationships; positive/negative space; use of props and backdrops; details of head, feet, hands; depiction of movement; serial and sequential works. Your learning will develop across four thematic Modules culminating in a self-developed project.

Please find link to the course guide. 

In this course you will be introduced to the basic knowledge and skills required in the making of jewellery and small-scale objects. You will explore new possibilities for creating jewellery and objects, through the relationship to the body and experimentation with a broad range of materials, including metal. This course will assist you to develop conceptual, perceptual, formal and aesthetic concerns as related to jewellery objects.

Please find link to the course guide. 

This elective will give you an elementary understanding of the concepts and materials and contexts used in the production of paintings. You will be encouraged to experiment with and respond to materials; develop an awareness of visual perception and intuitive sensibilities; and see painting as a self-reflexive ongoing practice, which may link to your major area of study.
You will extend your knowledge regarding Painting through experimentation with different painting supports; preparation of grounds; various painting media; colour mixing; colour theory; compositional and spatial considerations. Studio based learning via projects and instruction sessions where you will be producing paintings, drawings and collages. There will be individual consultations with the lecturer involving feedback and appraisal on exercises and self-directed projects where appropriate.
Advanced projects are negotiated with students with a greater experience in the subject. The course is supported by individual visual research, including the production of a visual diary. Group tutorials, critiques, demonstrations, student presentations and gallery visits. Methods of Production, Health and Safety will be experienced.

Please find link to the course guide.

This course will introduce you to screenprinting processes and technologies that focus on photographic, drawing and text based printing. The objectives of the course are to provide you with the skills and knowledge to: produce photographic screenprints; reflect upon the role of screenprinting in contemporary art; and expand the aesthetic and conceptual possibilities of your art practice utilising a reproductive medium.

Please find link to the course guide.

The course approaches the medium of photography as modes of communication, art and creative technical skills. In studying this course you will be shown how photography has developed throughout its history and its theoretical contexts. We will discuss how our growing understanding of the principles of human perception and communication has influenced photography. You will be introduced to basic principles of the camera and you will also be provided with techniques for responding to the content and structure of photographs.  You will gain a visual literary on how images are created, presented and read across a wide genre of photographic fields. This course will provide you with the opportunity to examine and establish professional image capture workflows using a digital SLR and/or interchangeable lens camera. You will develop skills in how to control image craft, edit images and present them to communicate ideas and concepts.

Please find link to the course guide. 

This course is designed to introduce students to the traditions of sculpture within the framework of current art practice and to develop sculptural values and competence in the use of materials and techniques. In this course you will develop a greater understanding of sculptural concepts and materials through the development of your personal art practice through experimental object making. Students will be introduced to a range of skills including modelling, construction and assemblage using simple sculptural materials through studio teaching. 

Please find link to the course guide.

Temporal drawing, refers to Drawing over time and explores the connection between the practice of drawing and experimental animation, developing a deeper understanding the many aspects of drawing/mark making and its translation to movement and the moving image. 

We will ask questions such as: What can be used to make a mark, what things leave a trace? And how can this be captured over time? We will experiment with both traditional and more ephemeral process-based media, such as inks, water, scratched surfaces, dust, light, and shadows. 

Incorporating both collaborative and individual class projects, this studio-based course will also be complimented by a range of lectures, screenings, demonstrations, and group tutorials. 

No prior experience necessary 

Please find link to the course guide.