School of Art - University Electives, Semester 2, 2021

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 2 School electives below for your reference. Please note that offerings can be subject to change.

To add an elective in Enrolment Online, choose the 'Class Search' tab, select the relevant Term, and search for the name or course code of the course you are interested in. You then preference your time/day in myTimetable.

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

Semester 2 - University Electives

VART1704  Alternative Photographic Processes
VART3511  Art and Photography
VART3480  Artist's Books
VART3514 Ceramic Fundamentals
VART1325  Drawing Elective
VART1969  Drawing Intensive (flexible term course)
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 2 - 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.

In this course you will investigate how photography functions within a fine art context. This is investigated through an overview of historical and contemporary photographic ideas and practice. You 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 traditional and experimental photographic techniques. Class activities aim to engage you in applying photographic discourse to your contemporary art practice.

Please find link to the course guide. 

In this course you will explore the possibilities offered by the artist’s book for the presentation of visual information and ideas. A broad range of book binding methods will be introduced and applied in studio workshops that encourage you to think laterally about what a book might be and how a narrative might be constructed. The methods of bookbinding covered in this course incorporate both adhesive and non-adhesive book binding methods, from simple folding techniques to more formal sewn binding methods. You will discuss and apply bookbinding methods appropriate to a range of mediums in order to extend your art practice.

Please find link to the course guide.

In this 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. 

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 life drawing. These range across the application of appropriate materials in a range of drawing modes and studio settings; perspective and non-perspective 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 include drawing from the model, group workshops and demonstrations.

Please find link to the course guide.  

This is an intensive course in drawing. It is designed to establish a sound foundation for articulating drawn visual imagery from both observed reality and concepts. This includes exploring fundamentals of drawing from the figure, the inanimate subject, spatial perspectives and an application of these elements in the context of ideas and process, notions of display and critical feedback. 

The course is based within the genres of analytical drawing and visual field drawing and includes a self-directed Drawing project that will provide participants with the opportunity to develop resolved drawings combining elements from the previous experiences of the intensive as well as other approaches to making and installing from their own area of study. Theoretical and conceptual discussion is an ongoing component of the intensive in addition to videos, reading lists, feedback forms, documentation and group discussions. 

Please find link to the course guide.  

** This course needs to be added through flexible term in enrolment online not semester 2.

Through practical workshops this course introduces and explores a range of processes and techniques of lithography as a medium for drawing. Line and wash techniques will be developed over a series of projects. This elective provides an introduction to lithographic skills processes, such as, preparing a stone, drawing on a stone, processing the stone with adding and subtracting to your image as well as providing ongoing students with an opportunity to extend existing skills. You will gain an understanding of safe handling of materials and processes within the lithography studio, and how to apply these to the visual expression of conceptual principles.

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.

** You will choose your class via myTimetable.

Please find link to the course guide.

The course approaches the medium of photography firstly as a unique approach to human communication, secondly as an art form, and thirdly as a medium that requires the acquisition of a unique set of technical skills. In studying this course you will be shown how photography has developed throughout its history. 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.In this course you will experiment with image design and creation to communicate specific messages to target audiences.This course will provide you with the opportunity to examine and establish professional image capture workflows using a DSLR and/or interchangeable lens camera. You will develop skills in how to control image formation and the resulting visual communication using semi-automatic and manual exposure controls to capture a broad range of subject matter with control and accuracy.

Please find link to the course guide. 

This course introduces the practice of art in public spaces. You will explore a range of works created outside the gallery or domestic environment including sculpture, light works, street installation, public painting, performative, social or relational works, virtual projects and art integrated within landscape and the built environment. You will review and critique the role of these works in contributing to ideas of public space. Your investigation and reflections will inform how your work will develop and move into public spaces and inform the development of your projects about and for public space.

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 establishment and/or further investigation of a personal art practice based in object making. Students will be introduced to a range of skills including modelling, construction and assemblage using simple sculptural materials through online teaching.

Please find link to the course guide.

In this course you will examine technical, historical and theoretical aspects of video art practice. The course encourages you to develop a critical dialogue between your practice and the history of video art, as they relate to installation and screening-based modes of exhibition. Through a series of exercises and a program of integrated screenings, class discussions and gallery visits, the practical demands of video production will be contextualised. You will develop capacities in the processes of video technology and production relevant to your studio practice. The material covered reflects the breadth of moving image production and draws upon examples from cinema, television, video art and examples of video technology in the home, work and public arena.

Please find link to the course guide.

In this course, you will explore and experience a range of materials and processes using digital manufacturing techniques and CAD modelling software to build jewellery and objects. Digital manufacturing processes covered will include object printing and use a variety of outsourced and in house printing including Form labs printing. CAD modelling will focus on learning basic to advanced Rhino software. This course will be delivered by artists who use digital technology and printed artefacts in their own work through face-to-face classes. 

Please find link to the course guide.