University of Technology Sydney

57227 Curation

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Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Communication: MAP and Sound and Music Design
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject investigates contemporary forms of content curation. Through case studies of the curation of film festivals, GLAM (Galleries, Library, Archive and Museums) and contemporary art spaces, channels and events, students are exposed to the institutional contexts for evaluation, promotion, distribution and exhibition of media and creative content. Students' critical engagement is developed through the practice of assessment and reviewing. They learn screen industry applications of content curation, the influence of various forms of industry gatekeeping, and how to measure selection and success criteria from different industry perspectives. To understand the process of curation students explore the relationship between commercial, critical, cultural and emotional responses to content through consideration of questions such as: What makes creative and media content outstanding? How can we measure and compare content? By what standards of merit do we rate certain creative and media content and make value judgments? Who sets these standards? How can we best communicate our evaluations to others? The learning outcomes of this subject are transferable to a diverse range of curation practices.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a. Evaluate the practices of curation around Indigenous content
b. Describe different curatorial practices and techniques in a range of cultural contexts
c. Critique creative curation practices in industry
d. Synthesise and apply knowledge through strategic concept development

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:

  • Reflect critically on trends in emerging media (1.2)
  • Apply high-level collaborative research and entrepreneurial skills to business, curation and understanding audiences (2.2)
  • Be respectful of diverse cultural contexts (3.1)
  • Counter negative stereotypes and respect cultural protocols (4.1)
  • Engage with innovative works and practices of Indigenous practitioners (4.2)
  • Engage audiences and communities for impact and change (5.2)
  • Evaluate how communication works in a professional creative media context (6.1)
  • Demonstrate high-level abilities and self-awareness as an oral, written and visual communicator (6.2)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is delivered in block mode incorporating a range of teaching and learning strategies; including lectures, presentations, in-class discussions, case study analyses and project-based learning. In-class and out of class activities include case studies, guest lectures, scenario activities, concept development, project pitching, screenings and project development. These will be complemented by preparatory work prior to block mode classes using a range of resources provided on the online UTS site, and out-of-class development activities. Students are expected to regularly check and engage with subject materials on the online UTS site in order to effectively manage their learning experience in this subject.

Students will gain formative feedback, normally verbal, at several points in the session, initially in response to in-class learning activities and later in-class during the development phases of their experiential strategy and support materials. They will receive written summative feedback in response to their submitted assessment items.

Content (topics)

This subject will equip students with skills to create curated projects that deploy innovative and future focused screen-based storytelling. Students develop practical approaches to curation in a range of cultural contexts and sites along with an understanding of the complex issues surround the practice of curation. Specific topics addressed in this course will include, gatekeeping, cultural protocols, the cultural capital tied to notions of merit, taste and judgement along with the intersection of curatorial, cultural and commercial interests.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Indigenous Content Curation Case study

Objective(s):

a, b, c and d

Weight: 40%
Length:

5 minute presentation plus slides and 1500-word summary.

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Clarity and professionalism of verbal presentation 25 b 6.1
Depth of analysis concerning Indigenous culture and representation 20 a 4.2
Depth of analysis concerning Indigenous principles and protocols 20 a 4.1
Relevance of critical reflection and analysis with regard to curation issues 20 c 2.2
Professionalism and design standard of support materials 15 d 6.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Curated Festival - Audio-visual Pitch and Documentation

Objective(s):

b, c and d

Weight: 60%
Length:

The video is 3 minutes long. The supporting documentation is 1500 words with supporting tables, graphics and visual materials.

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Evidence of a well-thought through strategy for engaging audience through diverse media forms 20 d 1.2
Depth evident in curatorial approach and plans for concept execution 20 c 2.2
Demonstrated understanding of cultural context within which the festival is to take place 20 b 3.1
Degree of detail in and feasibility of festival impact strategy 20 d 5.2
e. Professionalism and strength of production values evident in submitted material. 20 d 6.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

This subject is based on a collaborative approach which involves workshopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor.

Recommended texts

Listed on Canvas

References

Listed on Canvas