Program Overview

Introduction to the University Program

The Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a wide range of programs for students. Below are the details of one such program.

Program Details

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

Printmaking has a rich tradition in the visual arts that, through its various mediums, can concisely communicate to and reflect the modern world. This unit is designed to develop students' skills and techniques in printmaking, including a broad range of practices such as lino printing, screen printing, intaglio, and mono printing.

Campus Offerings

The program is offered at the following campuses:

• Brisbane
• Melbourne
• Strathfield

Incompatible Units

• ARTS225 - Print Media

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

1. Make evident an understanding of the interrelationship between printmaking practices, techniques, and research.
2. Create project-based artworks using diverse approaches, methods, techniques, and materials.
3. Analyse and interpret contemporary printmaking art forms in the context of their own practice.
4. Critically evaluate the way in which historical and theoretical contexts of art can inform their own practice.

Content

Topics will include:

• Development of technical skills, knowledge, and understanding of printmaking through practical demonstrations, workshops, and printmaking clinics.
• Lectures detailing historical and contemporary practitioners.
• Focus on Workplace Health and Safety for the professional artist.

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate their achievement of each learning outcome. Assessments include:

1. Portfolio of prints A (30%): Assesses skills and techniques acquired during lectures/demonstrations in the use of printmaking practices, techniques, and wider research.
2. Portfolio of prints B (30%): Assesses skills and techniques acquired during lectures/demonstrations and studio practice in the use of technical applications and variable media.
3. Self-Directed artwork and research documentation (40%): Ties together skills in competency developed throughout the lectures and practical sessions, testing skills in the documentation of Visual Arts research processes and understanding of contemporary art practice.

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

The learning and teaching strategy for this unit focuses on fostering studio culture where core competencies such as skills-based printmaking techniques, critical and reflective thinking, and research investigations occur. This is implemented through weekly lectures, practical demonstrations, and exercises/clinics that contextualize the assessments relative to the learning outcomes in the context of contemporary printmaking practice and its historical lineage.

Representative Texts and References

• Covey, Sylvie. (2016). Modern printmaking: A guide to traditional and digital techniques. Watson-Guptill Publications Inc.
• Grishin, S., & Leti, B. (2011). Bruno Leti, portrait of a printmaker: matrix to paper, forty years of printmaking. Macmillan.
• Hartill, B. & Clarke, R., (2004). Collagraphs and mixed-media printmaking. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Martin, Judy. (2018), A guide to printmaking techniques Search Press Ltd.
• McDonald, J., (2009). Woodblock painting of Cressida Campbell (2nd ed.). Public Pictures.
• Stanfield, Francis. (2019). The printmaking ideas book. Octopus Publishing Group.

Locations and Credit Points

• Locations: Brisbane, Melbourne, Strathfield
• Credit Points: 10

Year

2026