Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course introduces students to how art functions as collective expression of cultures, nations, and communities across history, and develops skills in visual literacy and analysis; image-based communication; and the psychology of visual perception.
Looking at Art has two key aims:
- Develop an understanding of different ways of looking at art: historically, socially, culturally, and as individuals.
- Develop an understanding of visual perception: how visual senses shape knowledge in ways that differ to other mental processes.
Students learn to hone their visual skills: visual observation, visual analysis, and visual literacy. They learn to understand how humankind identifies themselves as groups through collective visual consciousness.
The course surveys art from across the world and includes painting, sculpture, drawing, moving image, architecture, ceramics, installation. Students also consider how curators, art exhibitions and art galleries shape how we look at art.ﾠﾠ
The course provides students with a fundamental ‘tool kit’ for the critical study of visual arts and visual culture, and introduces students to:
- visual analysis & visual literacy techniques & terminology
- art historical categorisation & periodisation
- critical theories about visual perception & aesthetics
- art & cultural diversity
- exhibition curation & display
- vocational opportunities in the visual arts.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students do not require ﾠany prior knowledge about art to enrol in this subject.
Students from any discipline can expect this course to provide them with:
Skills in understanding art from the past and present
Skills in visual analysis, visual literacy and visual communication
An understanding of concepts of visual perception
Methods for applying an understanding of aesthetics and the historyﾠ of art to a broad range of intellectual fields in the humanities and sciences
Skills to develop a vocational career in art curating and working in the visual arts and culture ﾠindustries
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
HA106
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Dr Christian Rizzalli
Mr Tobias Broughton
Dr Madeleine King
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
In Person Learning
Looking at Art is a course based on active-learning. Students will acquire visual analysis skills in art museum workshops and develop a deeper awareness of how visual perception shapes conceptual meaning across a diverse range of cultural contexts. The UQ Art Museum is a teaching clinic for this course, providing opportunities to study artworks up close in the Collection Study Room and in the public galleries. Artistic periods and genres covered in this course include Renaissance art, Modernism, contemporary art, and cross-cultural art. Site visits to galleries are a fundamental component of the course and not only assist students' understanding of the material conditions of art works, but also how art history connects to the global arts industry more broadly.
Class Allocation
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
- Develop methods & techniques for visual analysis and articulating responses to art
- Acquire an understanding of art historyﾠ vocabulary, categories, styles ﾠ& periods
- Learn skills to write about visual art and how to maintain visual focus in written expression
- Develop fundamental understanding of critical methodologies for understanding art and aestheticsﾠ
- Introduce understanding of exhibition display and concepts of spectatorship
- Introduce vocational opportunities ﾠin the visual arts
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically appraise artworks - Critically appraise an artwork or visual representation in oral and written form and identify historical context of artworks and visual culture.
LO2.
Apply history of art and aesthetics broadly - Understand key periods in art history and fundamental theories about aesthetics. Apply ideas gained from the history of art and aesthetics to diverse intellectual fields of study
LO3.
Gain familiarity with visual arts industry - Be familiar with principles of arts curating and methods and principles of exhibition display.
Understand fundamental terminology and methodologies used in the visual arts industry.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Worksheets
|
15% |
24/03/2025 - 19/05/2025
To be submitted in class in Weeks 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12. |
| Essay/ Critique | Visual Analysis | 40% 800 Words |
4/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
45% 1500 words |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Worksheets
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
24/03/2025 - 19/05/2025
To be submitted in class in Weeks 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12.
Task description
Five worksheets with short questions on aspects of the lecture and readings will be distributed in class in weeks 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12. The worksheets with be completed individually towards the end of the tutorial and handed in directly to the tutor at the end of class. Each worksheet is worth 3% of final grade. Worksheets are pass/fail: if you answer the question and submit it, you will pass.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submitted in class.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Please note: this is an in-class assessment item and students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact your tutor or course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available.
Visual Analysis
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40% 800 Words
- Due date
4/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Students are required to write a visual analysis of 800 words that uses a specific theme to describe one artwork currently on display at the UQ Art Museum Collection Study Room. Students must apply visual analysis techniques learnt in class to identify particular elements and aspects of the work and explain how they work together to promote the theme of their choice. Access to the collection study room to view the art work will take place during tutorials in Weeks 3 and 4 only. There is no access to the study room permitted outside of scheduled tutorial times.
AIMS OF ASSESSMENT:
- Create a focused and coherent theme of interpretation that is used as a frame of reference for description of the artwork
- Demonstrate understanding and application of visual analysis elements and visual literacy techniques
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
This assignment will be submitted electronically via Blackboard using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45% 1500 words
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
The final exam is in two parts: Part A (20 minutes) is a series of short image identifications. You will be required to identity each image with the artist, title, and year of work. Part B (60 minutes) is an in-class essay. You will be given three questions to choose from: select ONE of the questions to write your response. There will be 10 minutes of reading and preparation time provided at the beginning of the exam. No external materials permitted.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | Laptop compatible with Inspera |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
UQ is presently rolling out a new assessment tool, Inspera Assessment. Inspera Assessment provides additional functionality to complement the existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a greater range of question types and accessibility provisions.
Inspera Assessment will be used for this invigilated on-campus digital assessment and students in this course will complete this using their own device. Details about Inspera Assessment, including an introduction to Inspera functionality and where to go for support, are available here: https://elearning.uq.edu.au/student-guides-original/inspera-assessment-original
Further information will be provided on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
All learning resources are accessible through Blackboard or directly from the UQ Library
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Introduction to Course Lecture includes overview of course structure, introduction to art history, overview of assessment requirements. |
Tutorial |
Week 1: No tutorials Note there are NO TUTORIALS scheduled in Week 1. |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Visual Literacy and Visual Analysis Lecture on 'unpacking an artwork' and learning how to identify different visual elements of an image and interpret their meanings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 tutorial: Visual Literacy and Visual Analysis Introduction to Art History Tutorial discussion of requirements for Visual Analysis Assessment, and consideration of lecture material and readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 3: PAUSE WEEK NO CLASSES Due to the weather event, no classes are scheduled in Week 3. |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4: Space and Illusionism Lecture on how space and illusionism are created in figurative and abstract works of art. Includes introduction of relevant art historical vocabulary. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 tutorial: UQAM Collection Study Room module 1 UQAM Collection Study Room Module 1 Tutorial will be held in the UQ Art Museum Collection Study Room. Meet your tutor in the foyer of the gallery and we will learn how to put visual analysis techniques into practice with specific works of art. During the tutorial you will be able to choose any of the art works currently on display to analyse for your first assignment. |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Time and Narrative Lecture on the different ways in which artists have sought to represent or embody aspects of duration and temporality in art. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 tutorial: UQAM Collection Study Room module 2 UQAM Collection Study Room Module 2 The second of two tutorials in the UQ Art Museum Collection Study Room dedicated to your Visual Analysis assignment. Please meet your tutor in the foyer of the gallery. Please note that this will be the final opportunity to view the chosen art work for your assignment in person before it is due. |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Renaissance Perspectives Guest Lecture by A/Prof Andrea Bubenik examining a multitude of ideas and techniques of perspective in the Renaissance context. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 tutorial: Renaissance Perspectives Discussion linking the set readings and lecture to specific artworks. Completion of Worksheet 1 in class. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Modernism and Modern Art Guest lecture by Dr Christian Rizzalli. Examines the explicit spirit to represent modernity in art and how it was perceived originally in Europe, and then internationally. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 7: Modernism Tutorial Group discussion on modernism and modernity with reference to the lecture and readings. Completion of Worksheet 2 in class. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Art in Museums and Galleries Lecture by Dr Amelia Barikin: historical overview of the display of art in galleries and museums, charting developments in the presentation of art to the public from the opening of the Louvre to the present. |
Tutorial |
Week 8 Tutorials: Site Visit to QAGOMA Meet your tutor at Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art, Southbank, to learn about the collections and curatorial activities of public art institutions. |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Art and Identity In what ways might art be used to challenge social and political hierarchies of identity? We will look at aspects of gender and sexuality with reference to art practices in Australia and internationally. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 9: Art and Identity tutorials Group discussion linking the set readings and lecture to specific artworks. Completion of worksheet 3 in class. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10: No lecture public holiday |
Tutorial |
Week 10 tutorial: Site Visit UQ Art Museum There is NO LECTURE in Week 10 due to the public holiday. For your tutorial, please meet your tutor at UQ Art Museum for a visit to the exhibitions. Please note that the Monday 12:30-2:00pm tutorial will not be held on the public holiday (5/05). Students in this tutorial have the option to visit the UQ Art Museum during any of the other tutorial timeslots in week 10. However, students from the Monday tutorial will not be penalised or disadvantaged if they are unable to attend during the other tutorial times. Please contact the Course Coordinator if you have any concerns. |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Cross Cultural Connections Lecture on art and cultural reciprocity: how does cross-cultural communication work? Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 tutorial: Cross-cultural connections Tutorial discussion linking the set readings and lecture to specific artworks. Completion of worksheet 4 in class. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12: What is Contemporary Art? How do we categorise contemporary art? What is it, what forms does it take, and where can it be found? Lecture by Dr Amelia Barikin considering the art of our own time in the context of globalisation and heterogeneity. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 12 tutorials: what is contemporary art Discussion of the lecture and readings in relation to specific art works. Completion of worksheet 5 in class. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13 Lecture: How to prepare for the final assessment Final lecture of the course: revision of major learnings and key themes, explanation of how to prepare for final assessment |
Tutorial |
Week 13 tutorial: practice exercises for final exam Tutorials will include practice exercises in preparation for the final exam |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module .
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.