Program Overview

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Introduction to the University Program

The Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a wide range of programs for students. One such program is the ARTS236 - Ceramics/Multimedia unit.

Unit Overview

This unit focuses on developing students' individual art-making intentions in 3D ceramic and/or multimedia art practice. It examines various media, techniques, and skills in areas such as object making, broadening students' awareness of contemporary art practice, and the ethical use and reproduction of images, particularly Indigenous motifs.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Explain the relationship between historical, theoretical contexts, and the ethical use and reproduction of Indigenous motifs in contemporary 3D practice.
• Apply studio-led practices to the development of concepts and artwork.
• Create project-based artworks using a variety of skills, methods, techniques, and materials.
• Prepare a research and documentation portfolio.

Unit Content

This studio-based unit supports the development of students' individual art-making intentions in 3D ceramic and/or multimedia art practice. It includes an examination of various media, techniques, and skills in areas such as object making, broadening students' awareness of contemporary art practice, and the ethical use and reproduction of images, particularly Indigenous motifs.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment tasks are designed as creative responses to briefs, emphasizing both technical and conceptual aspects of working in ceramics and multimedia. The research portfolio documents process, reflective thinking, and the relationship between the creative outcome and research evidence of relevant contemporary practices.

Assessments

The unit includes three studio projects:

1. Studio Project 1: Create 3D objects using a variety of materials and techniques to test out forms.
2. Studio Project 2: Create a series of 3D structures applying studio-led practices to the development of concepts and artwork.
3. Studio Project 3: Create project-based artworks using a variety of skills, methods, techniques, and materials.

Learning and Teaching Strategy

The learning and teaching strategy for this unit focuses on fostering studio culture and embedding core competencies such as critical thinking and studio-led research methodologies. This strategy is implemented by presenting lectures that contextualize the assessments in relation to contemporary art and craft practice and their historical lineage.

Representative Texts and References

The unit includes a range of representative texts and references, such as:

• Buszek, M. (ed.) (2011). Extra/ordinary: craft and contemporary art. Duke University Press.
• Chapman, P., McElvoy, D. (2016). Mixed media in clay: Techniques for paper, clay, plaster, resin and more. F&W Publications Inc.
• Cobb, S. (2018). Mastering hand building: Techniques, tips, and tricks for slabs, coils and more. Voyageur Press.

Locations and Credit Points

The unit is offered in Melbourne and Strathfield, and it is worth 10 credit points.

Year

The unit is available in 2026.