Senior Integrated Project

All SIPs are to be advanced-level work. Students are expected to complete preparatory coursework and seek out a SIP advisor in the department prior to the fall of their senior year. Proposals must meet departmental expectations for Studio Art and Art History SIPs. Approval is based on the quality of the proposal, the student’s preparation for the proposed topic, and the faculty advisor’s ability and availability to supervise the proposed topic, approach or technique. 
A Senior Integrated Project in art for a non-major is possible only if the student has taken the relevant courses in the department and secures approval for the proposed project.

Studio Art SIPs

SIPs in Studio Art are usually one unit, typically executed in the winter quarter of senior year. The bulk of a Studio Art SIP includes the creation of a significant body of artwork in an area of focus. Students should have considerable experience, including at least one intermediate/advanced course, in the medium or area of the SIP. Sculpture and ceramics students should take at least three sculpture or ceramics courses, respectively. All Studio Art majors are required to enroll in ARTX490 (Advanced Studio) in the fall before the SIP; this may also be required for non-majors who plan to do Studio Art SIPs. Beyond the production of work, the SIP consists of a midterm and final defense of the project. The SIP document (a reflective narrative description of the project with the addition of supporting research, materials and images) will be due upon completion of the creative work. The student will also have the opportunity to have an exhibition and public presentation of their completed project during the spring term. 

Studio Art SIP guidelines and requirements

Art History SIPs

SIPs in Art History are usually a one-unit research SIP. The research SIP (one unit) is a paper of 40 to 50 pages on a topic in which the student has sufficient background to do advanced research. The topic must be approved in consultation with the SIP advisor prior to the fall of the senior year. Students are required to enroll in ARTX-491:Ways of Seeing in the fall quarter of their senior year in preparation for writing their SIP in the winter quarter.

Art History SIP guidelines and requirements

Internship SIPs

The internship portion of an Internship SIP usually takes place during the summer between the junior and senior year. Students participate in an arts internship that will be a substantial experience, with most students working for approximately 20-30 hours a week. Students should consult with a faculty member about their plans and internship applications early in their junior year and no later than the end of winter quarter.

Studio Art Internship SIP students should register for a one-unit summer SIP. The SIP internship documentation (detailed daily journal, descriptions of the institution and personnel, 15-page research paper, reflective essay) is due at the beginning of the fall term. 

The Art History Internship SIP frequently takes place in a museum or gallery. Students should register for a one-unit winter SIP. Students are also required to enroll in ARTX-491 Ways of Seeing in the fall quarter of their senior year prior to the completion of their written documentation and research paper during the winter quarter of the senior year.

Internship SIP guidelines and requirements

Other Important Information

If you’ll be working with human subjects for your SIP, you must obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.

For more information about ethics training visit the Macquarie University Social Sciences Ethics Training page by Dr. Laura Furge.