This unit identifies the central theories and dynamics of contemporary visual art praxis that will inform the student¿s year-long individual research projects. It also provides an essential framework to develop an understanding of research methodologies to support your project. Topics include approaches to researching, the artist¿s methodology, the author's voice and its role in the organising and structuring of texts. You will further develop your critical and analytical skills through readings, discussion and essay writing. Students present an individual seminar on developing studio/dissertation research and write an essay identifying the concepts and practices relevant to their projects.

In this unit of study you will research and begin to develop a substantial and coherent body of studio work for exhibition that is individually conceived and planned. In addition, you will research and prepare the first draft of a 5000-7000 word research paper. Both are monitored through meetings with your supervisor who provides advice and feedback. Through the critical intersection of praxis and theoretical enquiry you will develop methods to engage critically with contemporary ideas pertaining to visual art practice. By undertaking intensive studio investigations you will deepen your understanding of your own production of artworks and strengthen connections with the broader arts field.

In this unit, you will continue with your independent studio project, building on the preparatory activities for your studio artwork and research paper completed in your first semester. Through a continued exploration within the studio, you will work towards refining a body of work to be presented for examination. Throughout the semester you will also refine your paper with the submitting of drafts to your supervisor as milestones, commencing with a first draft submitted in the first week and finishing with a final research paper of 5000-7000 words ready for examination. You will continue regular meetings with your supervisor, who will provide feedback on your studio work and your written drafts.

This unit identifies the central theories and dynamics of contemporary visual art praxis that will inform the student¿s year-long individual research projects. It also provides an essential framework to develop an understanding of research methodologies to support your project. Topics include approaches to researching, the artist¿s methodology, the author's voice and its role in the organising and structuring of texts. You will further develop your critical and analytical skills through readings, discussion and essay writing. Students present an individual seminar on developing studio/dissertation research and write an essay identifying the concepts and practices relevant to their projects.

In this unit of study you will conduct supervised and independent study focused on a self-nominated research topic. The outcome of this year-long study is a dissertation of 15, 000 words that should demonstrate a commitment to serious scholarship, a focussed investigation, disciplined editing and rigorous analysis. Throughout this semester you will work towards refining your research interests, conducting research and developing an argument towards a first written draft. Regular meetings with your supervisor provide advice and feedback. Candidate should demonstrate consistent progress in individual research.

This unit of study follows on from CAHO4008. At the end of this unit you are required to present a 15, 000 word dissertation concerned with the field of contemporary visual arts that should demonstrate a commitment to serious scholarship, a focused investigation, disciplined editing and rigorous analysis. In this unit, you will develop your written research project from the initial research and preparatory tasks completed in your first semester through a series of progressive drafts to a refined, completed dissertation suitable for examination at the end of the unit. Regular meetings with your supervisor will continue to provide advice and feedback.