This course introduces students to the field of moving image practice in the field of contemporary art, providing foundational skills, concepts, and contexts for working with time-based media. With a focus on video, animation, and experimental screen practices, students develop both technical proficiency and critical awareness through studio-based projects. Emphasis is placed on artists’ approaches to moving image as a space of inquiry, process, and experimentation, where questions of duration, sequence, montage, and visual narrative are tested through making.

Seminars and tutorials complement studio activities by introducing relevant histories and contemporary debates in moving image art. Depending on the topic, students will engage with a diversity of practices, spanning video art, animation, installation, and screen culture, and consider how artists’ moving image operates within galleries, festivals, public space, and emerging digital environments.

This course is designed as a point of entry into moving image practice and is a prerequisite for advanced 2000-level topics in immersive media, VR, and AR (ARTV2651). Students may enrol in this course more than once, up to a maximum of 12 units, provided they complete a different topic each time. Course content, assessment, and reading lists vary according to the topic and the expertise of the convenor. Please refer to the class summary for details on the specific topic offered in a given semester.

Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Introduction to Video Art, Editing and Montage

This topic introduces students to the foundations of moving image practice through video art, found footage, DSLR video capture, and montage. Creative projects focus on camera work, editing techniques, and sequencing, while seminars consider historical and contemporary artists who employ montage, appropriation, and time-based strategies. Students gain experience with DSLR video production and editing workflows, developing artworks that explore the aesthetics and politics of the cut. Through iterative making, students are encouraged to experiment with narrative and non-narrative forms, reflecting on how technical choices shape the experience and meaning of moving images.

Expanded Animation 

This topic introduces students to experimental animation as a foundation of artists’ moving image practice. Working through studio-based exploration, students will experiment with a range of approaches that may include stop-motion, frame-by-frame drawing, digital compositing, projection, and combinations of these techniques. Emphasis is placed on playful inquiry, process, and material experimentation as a way of discovering how moving images can operate across different contexts and platforms. Students will develop independent studio research by refining processes, testing installations, and considering how animation can be expanded to intersect with contemporary art and hybrid media practices.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. identify and use basic techniques and principles appropriate to moving image practice;
2. employ safe and professional studio work processes using the specialised equipment;
3. explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects; and
4. develop works that respond to contemporary moving image practice theories and art practices.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is developed and taught by Dr Anna Madeleine Raupach, whose practice-based research draws on experimental animation and mixed-reality technology. This course is informed by her research developed through a PhD in Media Art at UNSW Art & Design (2014) and a Fulbright Scholarship in Expanded Animation at the University of Southern California (2024), among other multidisciplinary projects.

Field Trips

Occasional excursions may be scheduled throughout the semester.

Additional Course Costs

Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Class Summary and include tuition, teaching materials, and student access to the workshops and university equipment for the stated course hours.

The Course Material Fee is payable to the School of Art & Design to supply consumables and materials that become your physical property.

The Additional Materials Fee is payable for Materials you use in addition to those supplied as part of the course. You can purchase additional material from the Workshop and take advantage of the GST-free status. These materials are also WHS and workshop process compliant.

For further information and to Pay Materials and Access Fees go to: https://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees  

Examination Material or equipment

In addition to the physical presentation of the work students may use a laptop or tablet to present supporting material.

Required Resources

Students are expected to purchase basic art materials for this course (notebook / visual diary, pens, pencils) and an external hard drive or USB drive with at least 16GB storage. If using a personal computer for digital work, students must use software in accordance with course projects. Access to Adobe Creative Cloud is provided to all students.

Costs may be incurred for scheduled excursions.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Individual feedback in studio class time or staff consultation hours
• Group critique sessions
• Class discussions
• Via email if requested

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture: Illusion of motionStudio class: Flipbook
2	Studio class: FlipbookLab: Copy stand and digital workflow introduction
3	Lecture: Transformation, Metamorphosis + TranslationStudio class: Rotoscoping introduction	Assessment task 1: Flipbooks due before class
4	Studio class: RotoscopingLab: Animated objects - group copy stand project
5	Studio class: RotoscopingLab: Animated objects - group copy stand project video editing
6	Studio class: Rotoscoping	Assessment task 2: Animated objects - group copy stand projects due in class screening
7	Lecture: Major project introductionStudio class: screening, research, experimentation	Assessment task 3: Rotoscoping due
8	Studio class: Independent project development, proposal feedback meetings	Assessment task 4: Independent Work Proposal due
9	Lecture: Major project conceptual developmentStudio class: Independent project production
10	Studio class: Independent project production
11	Studio class: Critique session
12	Studio class: Independent project production
13	Examination period: final works due and public screening	Assessment task 5: Independent Projects due

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Flipbook	10 %	12/03/2026	27/03/2026	1,2,3
Animated objects: group copy stand project	15 %	02/04/2026	17/04/2026	1,2,3
Rotoscoping	25 %	22/04/2026	06/05/2026	1,2,3,4
Independent Work Proposal	10 %	28/04/2026	06/05/2026	3,4
Independent Project	40 %	05/06/2026	02/07/2026	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Studio teaching time: 4 hours per week

Independent research: 6 hours per week minimum

Students are expected to engage in class exercises and studio practice, mastering skills and techniques. An adventurous, experimental, individual and technically competent approach is encouraged. Personal research is a key requirement in the development of your independent project.

Participation in the weekly classes is essential to fulfilling the learning outcomes of this course. If you cannot attend all of the scheduled classes, please consider a different course.

Examination(s)

Studio work and accompanying documentation is assessed via online submission and group screenings (except Assessment Task 1). In addition to final work students are required to include digital material to present supporting material.

Assessment of the final project (Task 5) will be via online submission that will be accompanied by a screening of works as projections on the SOA&D building, in collaboration with Localjinni artist-run-initiative on the evening of either 9th or 11th June (weather dependent).

Assessment Task 1

Flipbook

Create a hand-drawn 24-page flipbook to demonstrate the concept of the illusion of motion. Details will be provided in class and on Canvas.

Value: 10%

Due: Week 3, before class.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Understanding of motion and pace	Smooth illusion of motion with strong attention to detail in timing and pacing	Clear illusion of motion, timing mostly controlled, minor pacing issues	Motion evident, although timing may be uneven or pacing sometimes awkward	Basic motion, inconsistent timing and/or limited control	Illusion of motion not demonstrated
Completion and presentation	Highly resolved, 24 pages all completed in detail, flips smoothly	Complete with room for more attention to detail	Complete but page consistency varies	Missing elements, presentation rough	Not submitted and/or substantially incomplete

Assessment Task 2

Animated objects: group copy stand project

In pairs, create a 30-second animation using objects and the copy stand, in response to the theme 'Metamorphosis'. Individually, edit and add sound to any part of the group animation. Include with your submission documentation (in your choice of online, digital or physical format) of experiments and process undertaken to produce the work. Further details will be provided in class and on Canvas.

Value: 15%

Due: Week 6, in class screening.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Metamorphosis and timing	Strong metamorphosis theme, controlled pacing, smooth continuity and/or deliberate, effective disruption	Clear control of timing, effective metamorphosis, but may have minor continuity issues	Control of timing still developing, pacing may be uneven, metamorphosis unclear	Basic sequencing, frequent continuity issues reduce quality of metamorphosis	Not readable as animation or insufficient amount of work
Use of copy stand, camera technique, and image quality (lighting, focus, exposure)	Stable framing of strong compositions with even image quality	Consistently strong technique, minor image quality issues	Recurring technical issues but still viewable	Major technical problems with copy stand and/or camera use: flicker, exposure, or motion issues impact viewing	Use of copy stand and camera is not demonstrated
Successful export and inclusion of audio	Effective audio enhances animation, correct export format	Strong audio choices, may have minor issues with export	Basic audio added, may have issues with export	Audio missing or inadequate, major export issues	No audio engagement, export incomplete
Collaboration and group work	Contributes and shares ideas and tasks, strong communication, well organised workflow	Effective teamwork, clear communication, mostly organised	Functional teamwork, uneven contributions or planning	Poor coordination, limited evidence of shared process	Does not participate in collaboration

Assessment Task 3

Rotoscoping

Create a 45-second moving image work using rotoscoping and video editing techniques, in response to the theme 'Translation'. Include with your submission documentation (in your choice of online, digital or physical format) of experiments and process undertaken to produce the work. Further details will be provided in class and on Canvas.

Value: 25%

Due: Wednesday 22nd April via online submission.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Conceptual and creative response	Sophisticated interpretation of the project theme with meaning embedded in rotoscoping aesthetic and editing decisions	Clear thematic intent, outcome shows thoughtful decision making with some inconsistencies	Concept addressed but depth or clarity varies across the work	Concept is weakly developed, efforts in technical or visual approach are minimal	Concept is absent or unclear
Rotoscoping technique and visual language	Rotoscoping is expressive and intentional, consistent (or purposefully varied) visual style is deeply considered	Strong control, good technique, with minor inconsistencies in line, registration or style	Competent rotoscoping with noticeable inconsistencies or minor problems in technique	Basic tracing, frequent inconsistencies reduce clarity or cohesion	Minimal or incorrect rotoscoping
Editing, pacing and audio	Cohesive editing, strong pacing and transitions, and effective audio creates a highly resolved moving image artwork	Clear editing intent, integrated audio, with minor pacing or transition issues	Satisfactory editing, some inconsistencies with timing, approach to audio is still developing	Rough editing, pacing issues regularly disrupt comprehension, audio may not fit	Not coherently edited, no consideration of audio
Experimentation informs final work	Evidence of extensive iterative tests and refinement	Clear development of ideas through experiments	Limited evidence of iterative experimentation	Final work is made without documentation of experimental process	No experimentation is undertaken
Workflow	Organised files, correct format and export quality	Workflow mostly organised, minor mistakes in file format and/or export quality	Files or submission may be unorganised with avoidable errors in file format and/or export quality	Disorganised process impacts outcome	Submission is not viewable

Assessment Task 4

Independent Work Proposal

Provide a 500-word proposal for your Independent Project. Include your response to the project theme and the concept of Expanded Animation, a detailed description of the techniques you will use, and three independently researched artist references to support your idea.

Value: 10%

Due: Tuesday 28th April via online submission, to be discussed with the Lecturer in Week 8 class time.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Concept and rationale	Clear and compelling concept, strong and original justification of the project in relation to expanded animation	Clear concept grounded in expanded animation context based on course material	Workable concept linked to the general context of expanded animation	Basic concept with only vague link to expanded animation	Concept unclear, expanded animation not addressed
Methods, feasibility and planning	Detailed technique and workflow, realistic scope, anticipates risks and needs	Solid plan with minor gaps in detail or feasibility	Adequate plan, some steps and/or methods unclear	Minimal planning, feasibility uncertain	Implausible or incomplete project plan
Contextual research	At least three highly relevant artists independently researched and discussed, clear critical links to proposed decisions and aims	Three relevant artists independently researched and discussed, links explained with some analysis	Appropriate artists discussed, writing mostly descriptive and/or artists not independently identified	References included but relevance or connection weak, and/or artists not independently identified	Artist references are missing or irrelevant
Academic referencing	Correct length with appropriate citation and bibliography format	Correct length with some mistakes in citation and/or bibliography format	Does not meet word-limit requirement and/or several  mistakes in referencing	Referencing has frequent errors and/or does not follow style guide	Unacceptable writing quality, major omissions,  integrity concerns

Assessment Task 5

Independent Project

Create a short moving image work in response to the project theme using experimental animation and video editing techniques introduced in class. Include with your submission documentation (in your choice of online, digital or physical format) of experiments and process undertaken to produce the work. Further details will be provided in class and on Canvas.

These works will be projected onto the SOA&D building as a public event in collaboration with Localjinni artist-run-initiative on the evening of either 9th or 11th June (weather dependent). Participation in this event is expected.

Value: 40%

Due: Friday 6th June via online submission.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Conceptual strength and contextual awareness	Ambitious and resolved concept, strong integration of project theme, clear awareness of contemporary moving-image practice	Strong concept, project theme clear, contextual awareness evident	Coherent concept addressing project theme, basic contextual relevance	Basic concept, project theme unclear, minimal contextual awareness	Concept and/or project theme incoherent
Technical skill in animation and editing	Excellent control of chosen techniques, technical choices enhance meaning of the work	Strong execution overall with minor technical issues	Competent animation and editing, technical issues noticeable but work remains effective	Frequent issues in animation, timing, sound, or export reduce impact	Technical requirements not met and/or work is incomplete or not viewable
Experimentation, process and material inquiry	Substantial experimentation, innovative use of materials is purposeful and developed	Some iterative experimentation with materials and process informs the work	Process developed with minor experimentation, limited iterations or material exploration	Minimal experimentation with process or materials	No evidence of experimentation
Refinement and presentation	Highly refined final work, title and credits are cohesive and refined	Refined work with appropriate title and credits included, may have minor issues in workflow	Work is generally resolved, title and credits may be inconsistent or unclear	Partially resolved work, title and credits not appropriately included	Incomplete or unresolved work
Professional practice	Always demonstrates professional workflow, consistently and respectfully contributes to class and participates in screenings	Professional project workflow, usually contributes to class and participates in screenings	Uneven  workflow impacts professional practice, participation in screenings and class is limited	Disorganised workflow, participation in screenings is lacking	Unprofessional practice in participation and/or workflow

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Students are responsible in maintaining digital copies of all their work.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

N/A

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students