Outline

Overview

Experimental Drawing encourages you to develop your own visual language as a catalyst for creative thought and a means to develop greater visual literacy. Through an in-depth studio investigation into a variety of modes, approaches, materials, tools and techniques, Experimental Drawing opens the field of drawing into the exploration and discovery of new and interdisciplinary methods of mark making and visual communication. You will be encouraged to take risks, be innovative, work collaboratively, and stretch your perceptions of the medium by translating these experiences into a unique and speculative approach to the processes of drawing and mark making. In addition to studio based activities and production where you will develop a portfolio and establish archives of source material that you can draw on for future creative endeavours and experimentation, you will participate in peer-evaluation and undertake theoretical research.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CADR1006
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jane Gavan, jane.gavan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	3. Visual diary/research file - Canvas upload Upload of journal activity - Requirement to demonstrate learning and practice engagement.	25%	Formal exam period Due date: 16 Nov 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 01 Dec 2026	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	4. Self-directed creative project work - Canvas Upload Performance, recital or jury assessment performance, or exhibition	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 22 Nov 2026 at 23:00	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	1. Core Vocabulary Quiz Out-of-class quiz assessing foundational knowledge of the unit.	0%	Week 03 Due date: 17 Aug 2026 at 09:00	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	2. In Class Presentation of curated set project work: 5 Selected Drawings In class assessment - presentation of creative work for feedback.	35%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 09:00	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

1. Core Vocabulary Quiz: An out-of-class quiz assessing foundational knowledge of key concepts, terminology and artists introduced in the unit.

2. In-Class Presentation of Curated Set Project Work (5 Selected Drawings): Students present five selected drawings that demonstrate experimentation, technical development and critical engagement with contemporary drawing practices.

3. Visual Diary/Research File: A visual diary documenting research, experimentation, process, reflection and the development of ideas throughout the semester.

4. Self-Directed Creative Project: A resolved body of self-directed drawing work demonstrating experimentation, conceptual development, technical proficiency and critical reflection on contemporary drawing practice.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	The grade appropriate to course work that fulfills the requirements of the course and meets the assessment criteria to an exceptionally high degree.
Distinction	75 - 84	The grade appropriate to course work that fulfills the requirements of the course and meets the assessment criteria to a high level.
Credit	65 - 74	The grade appropriate to course work that fulfills the requirements of the course and meets the assessment criteria to a satisfactory level, some to an exceptional or most to a high level.
Pass	50 - 64	The grade appropriate to course work that fulfills the requirements of the course and meets the assessment criteria to a satisfactory level.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don鈥檛 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see .

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the听Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late Submission Unless an approved extension or Special Consideration has been granted, late submissions will incur a penalty of 5% of the maximum available marks per calendar day (or part thereof). Work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date will receive a mark of zero, in accordance with the 爆料王 Assessment Procedures. Note : in class assessments are expected to be presented on the day. Please ensure you attend week six class in order to meet the requirements for this unit. This is typical of Studio creative units where we enjoy sharing our work with others and getting feedback from teachers and peers. Please discuss with your lecturer if you have any questions.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website听provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the听Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)听which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a听simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for听special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,听听includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy听reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Drawing the unseen - line	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Performativity and gesture	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Light and tone	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Drawing back into collage	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Addition and erasure	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	In Class assessment presentation - 5 drawings & 5 pages of Visual Diary	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Variable Scale	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Blind drawing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Colour	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Self-directed project	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Self-directed project	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Self-directed project	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner鈥檚 Board. The Examiner鈥檚 Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours鈥� preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Additional requirements from Sydney College of the Arts

Students must attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Unit Coordinator.
All assignments are compulsory and must be attempted.听
You must attend scheduled assessments to be eligible to pass.听Non-attendance at assessment on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment.听

听

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Suggested references + readings听

This is a studio art practice unit -听 often our references are in the form of creative works that extend beyond these texts below.听

These books are useful starting points and offer references for the unit.听

Davidson, Margaret. Contemporary Drawing: key concepts and techniques /听New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 2018
McIntyre, Arthur. Australian Contemporary Drawing:听Resurgence and redefinition Bowen Hills, Qld: Boolrarong, 1988听
Teel Sale, Claudia Betti. Drawing: a contemporary approach, Belmont, Calif. : Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas听

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an in-depth understanding of contemporary art practices, histories and theories
LO2. communicate their ideas creatively and effectively
LO3. demonstrate rigorous and independent thinking
LO4. engage critically with social, cultural and ethical issues and apply local and international perspectives to extend their creative practice
LO5. use appropriate technologies and media to effectively gather information
LO6. critically evaluate information.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit has amended based on student feedback. There will be clearer information regarding required materials and assessments and renewed rubrics.

Additional information

Additional costs

Required Materials This unit encourages experimentation with a wide range of drawing materials, surfaces and processes. The list below outlines the minimum materials required to participate in studio activities. Students should be able to assemble this kit for approximately AUD $100 by purchasing student-grade materials and shopping around. There is no expectation that students purchase additional specialist drawing materials beyond those listed below. Throughout the semester, students may also work with found, recycled and shared materials as part of the experimental nature of the unit. Visual Diary Visual diary or sketchbook (A4 minimum size) Drawing Papers Cartridge paper: A4 鈥� minimum 20 sheets A3 鈥� minimum 10 sheets A2 鈥� minimum 10 sheets Students should expect to replenish paper throughout the semester as required. Drawing Materials Compressed charcoal (2 sticks) Willow charcoal (1 pack) Graphite pencils (3 grades, e.g. HB, 2B and 6B) Graphite stick (1) Black drawing pens (3: fine, medium and broad nibs) Black or brown drawing ink (1 small bottle) Kneadable eraser (1) Standard eraser (1) White oil crayon or oil pastel (1) Masking tape (1 roll) Assorted synthetic brushes (3鈥�5) Creative experimentation and resourcefulness are valued over the use of expensive or professional-grade art materials. Students are encouraged to purchase student-grade materials and source affordable alternatives where appropriate. We encourage you to explore materials by using all you have gathered. Materials are available from most art supply retailers, including Art on King (Newtown, student discounts available), Eckersley's (Paddington, Sydney CBD and other locations), Officeworks, and other art supply stores. You may want to visit Reverse Garbage in Marrickville - a centre for recycled materials

Site visit guidelines

Dress for experimentation: wear enclosed footwear and practical clothing that can withstand the occasional splash, smudge or spill.

Work, health and safety

University Work Health and Safety policies and procedures (available via the University WHS website).

Safe use of drawing materials, tools and studio equipment, as outlined in Canvas and demonstrated in class.
Students must wear enclosed footwear and appropriate clothing during all studio activities.
Report hazards, injuries, incidents or damaged equipment immediately to teaching staff.
Only approved materials and processes may be used; higher-risk activities require staff approval and supervision.
Maintain a clean, organised workspace and follow staff directions to ensure a safe studio environment.
Emergency procedures, first aid locations and evacuation information are available in Canvas and the teaching spaces.

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

爆料王

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CAEL1001: Contemporary Drawing: Experimental

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links