University of Sydney Handbooks - 2011 Archive

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Graduate attributes

Sydney College of the Arts identifies the following areas as an appropriate set of graduate attribute aims.

Research and enquiry

SCA graduates should be able to create new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and enquiry through engagement in the following activities.

  • SCA graduates should develop a coherent understanding of contemporary art practice and be able to identify and articulate their own processes of creativity as visual artists.
  • SCA graduates should be able to use their critical judgement and independent thinking in the areas of visual art critical analysis, histories and theories of art practice.
  • SCA graduates should be able to identify appropriate technologies and be able to apply appropriate materials and processes in the development and resolution of their artwork.
  • SCA graduates should be able to make decisions about the appropriate methods and context necessary for the professional presentation of their research and artwork.
  • Each SCA graduate should develop a specialised area of knowledge within their discipline area(s), as well as some knowledge of how other disciplines of contemporary visual art may relate or contribute to their working outcomes.
  • SCA graduates should have an understanding of the process and benefits of critical, practical and intellectual problem-solving skills in relation to their practice.
  • SCA graduates should have an awareness of the context of their artwork in relation to current and historical contemporary art practice.
  • SCA graduates should have technical skills appropriate to their studio and pertinent to their exploration of scholarly/research activity with the ability to measure outcomes using various methods of reporting such as journals and photo documentation and writing of critical/theoretical texts.
  • SCA graduates should be able to identify, select and use appropriate digital technologies to further their art practice in critical conceptual and creative ways.
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Information literacy

SCA graduates should develop understandings of information literacy as they receive comprehensive instruction in the use of information technology for professional and personal development.

  • SCA graduates should be able to effectively source information and images within the framework of their research plan timeframe.
  • SCA graduates should be able to critically evaluate the quality and relevance of information and images that may support their creative work.
  • SCA graduates should have some understanding of the social and cultural issues relevant in the use of information and images for their research.
  • SCA graduates should be able to use, where appropriate, the latest contemporary media and technology so that information and images can be sourced, applied and documented appropriately for each project/art work.

Personal and intellectual autonomy

SCA graduates should be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges.

  • SCA graduates should have highly developed creative and imaginative abilities that in turn are able to elicit more sophisticated problem-solving skills within their research.
  • SCA graduates should be open to the ideas, materials and process choices of others and their possible impact on each graduate's own research and/or art work.
  • SCA graduates should have an understanding of how to respond effectively to unfamiliar problems in unfamiliar contexts.
  • SCA graduates should have developed skills in the evaluation of their own artwork and be able to research and develop appropriate strategies for improvement or development of their practice.
  • SCA graduates should be able to navigate a wide range of historical and theoretical concerns and be able to relate them to contemporary visual art practice.
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Ethical, social and professional understanding

SCA graduates should hold personal values and beliefs consistent with their role as responsible members of local, national and international communities.

  • SCA graduates should be prepared to act appropriately as professional, practising contemporary visual artists.
  • SCA graduates should be able to stage effective and professional exhibitions/installations and performances of their works and be able to produce supporting documentation such as an exhibition catalogue.
  • SCA graduates should be capable of being imaginative and creative and have the ability to share a lifelong commitment to learning and experimentation.
  • SCA graduates should have a developed capacity for appreciating diversity, and for tolerance and understanding of differing cultural perspectives.
  • SCA graduates should be professional in their outlook and sensitive to the needs of individuals and the communities.

Communication

SCA graduates should recognise and value communication as a tool for negotiating and creating a new understanding, interacting with others and furthering their own learning.

  • SCA graduates should be familiar with the current processes of communication of ideas and be able to use appropriate technologies of communication to support their practice.
  • SCA graduates should have appreciation of visual arts scholarship and research, and the ability to apply theory to practice in familiar and unfamiliar situations, through the use of written, oral and visual means.
  • SCA graduates should have developed ways of articulating their opinions about their artwork and that of others through verbal, visual or written critiques.