KAB370 Advanced Contemporary Art: Critical Practice
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | KAB370 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 60cp of completed KAB% or KVB% units |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Independent creative practice with portfolio of artworks/ critical writing; developed knowledge of relevant historical and theoretical contexts in contemporary art. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,020 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $4,944 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KAB370 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 60cp of completed KAB% or KVB% units |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Independent creative practice with portfolio of artworks/ critical writing; developed knowledge of relevant historical and theoretical contexts in contemporary art. |
| Coordinator: | Rae Haynes | r.haynes@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This advanced unit is focused on independent practice and critical engagement with current theoretical and philosophical contexts in contemporary art. Creative and critical practices in contemporary art are interwoven, combining content, form and process with deep understandings of historical and emergent cultural contexts. In this unit, professional-ready practices are developed through independent and adaptable learning frameworks and praxical approaches that foster formal experimentation and conceptual innovation. In-depth research and analysis of relevant topics, issues and debates in the expanded field of contemporary art and culture, frame the substantial development of your chosen independent practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically debate issues in contemporary art and its cultural influence
- Present independent understanding of contemporary art informed by in-depth research
- Expertly demonstrate advanced knowledge and application of techniques, concepts and critical contexts of contemporary art
- Demonstrate ethical judgement and professionalism in your writing, research and art practice
Content
This unit addresses content such as critical contexts in contemporary art with a focus on understanding diverse cultural perspectives and engaging in critical debates in relation to intersectional, feminist, queer and decolonial practices. Key themes include considerations of art in relation to politics, ethics and aesthetics and framing analysis of contemporary art in terms of materiality and form, practice and process, content and context.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following:
lectures will provide theoretical, cultural and contextual frameworks for contemporary art, and tutorials will focus on critical discussion and analysis of key texts, artworks and creative practices. In studio-based activities, you will develop creative and critical works in your chosen form, as devised in your negotiated major assessment, and benefit from feedback on works in progress through individual and group critiques.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will gain progressive feedback in this unit by participating in regular reviews and critiques with academics and peers, discussing writing and artworks in development. You will also receive written feedback on your Assessment 2: Literature/Contextual Review, which will directly relate to and inform your final assessment.
Assessment
Overview
The summative assessment for this unit includes the presentation of a critical argument as part of a panel discussion and the research and writing of a literature/ contextual review relevant to your chosen area of practice. The major assessment item for this unit is devised in negotiation with your academic supervisor and involves the production of a portfolio of creative and critical work (artworks and/or critical texts). Formative assessment involves progressive feedback on major works in development.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Panel Discussion
You will present a researched, individual oral argument as part of a group panel discussion addressing a selected topic.
Assessment: Written Literature/ Contextual Review
You will research and write a literature/ contextual review that frames your chosen area of creative work in relation to key authors, critical texts, artworks and practices in the field.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Negotiated Portfolio
In negotiation with your academic supervisor, you will devise, develop and present a portfolio of creative or critical work involving for example 1) folio of documented artworks accompanied by a researched artist rationale, 2) written critical essay, or 3) combination of artworks and critical writing.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement)
This unit also requires a Tier 2 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio. Some students may be required to complete a Tier 3 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is a hands on induction on specific machinery.
A Project Risk Management Plan is also mandatory.
Costs
Student contributions to the production costs of artworks. Cost varies depending on the nature of individual studio practice.
Resources
Texts, references and images as well as technical and digital resources are available through the Canvas site for this unit. Digital and fabrication workshops, computer labs, art studios, gallery and exhibition spaces are available on site.
Resource Materials
Other
To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.
Risk Assessment Statement
For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.
You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.
For CIESJ Tiers 2 and 3 Health and Safety requirements, you will be instructed on safe procedures and the required safety gear for all studio and workshop processes that are demonstrated. Health and Safety files are readily available for all materials and machinery in all studio areas. Technical supervision is provided for workshops and available on a regular basis during the week. Technical supervision is mandatory in 3D workshop and printmaking studios.
A minimum of three students is required for after-hours access to studios.
Risk assessment forms must be completed and submitted before project work starts. You have an obligation to make yourself familiar with and adhere to the Contemporary Art Studio Health and Safety Procedures and Documents provided on Canvas as part of the unit. For further information also refer to the QUT Health and Safety website.
Contemporary Art engages with a wide range of content and contexts and this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matter that could be considered confronting or triggering. This includes, but is not limited to, discussions about and representations of trauma and violence, as well as experiences of mental and physical health. These may be in relation to topics including race, class, gender, politics, and religion. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Relates to: ULO1, Panel Discussion - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio - Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
Relates to: ULO3, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio - Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO3, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Panel Discussion, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio - Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
Relates to: ULO4, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO1, Panel Discussion - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO4, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio - Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Panel Discussion, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio - Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Panel Discussion, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO4, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio