UNR Art 245 Syllabus

ART 245: digital media 1

University of Nevada, Reno –– Summer, 2012

06/11/2012 – 07/13/2012

Mondays through Thursdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Classroom: CFA 207

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This lab/studio course is an introduction to concepts and practices of computer art and related media with an emphasis on contemporary experimental applications. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The primary objective of Art 245, Digital Media I is to provide an introduction to the critical studies of digital media. Students will learn how to analyze the foundations, cultural forces and context that are synthesized in contemporary media art and technology. This will be accomplished through a balanced investigation of both the history and theory surrounding digital media while at the same time being involved in the creation of visual art through the conceptual utilization of the computer and related technologies. This course emphasizes the personal development of critical thinking, artistic and technical skills. You will be challenged with controlled experimentation using a variety of digital processes towards visual art production. The course presents students with opportunities to work with digital imaging, animation, video/sound/time-based media, the Internet and social media as creative areas of discourse. This course is the introductory course to the Digital Media program and is a prerequisite for all other course offerings required for the studio major and minor.

PREREQUESITE:

ART 100 or one studio art course.

COURSE PHILOSOPHY:

The Digital Media program exists as part of the larger Art Studio program for the Department of Art – all studio programs currently focus on the development of a contemporary approach to studio art practice and theory. Digital Media emphasizes an artistic, experimental and technical approach to learning to utilize media systems for the creation of art. The intent is to provide an intensive learning environment that considers the computer as a broadly flexible tool or medium available to the contemporary artist. Specific project assignments will also push you to consider the conceptual use of such tools. This is a thoroughly hands-on course. You will be expected to learn how to use the tools at your disposal – this is not a software-training course. You will learn in this class by doing – students will be given broad introductions to a variety of applications and devices as incorporated into their project assignments. Learning to use these complex graphics programs, online technologies and computer peripherals takes much dedication of time and a flexible attitude towards experiential practice and learning. Learning to become proficient utilizing new technologies is accomplished through both individual and shared experience. What you derive from this class in terms of technical learning will largely be defined by the amount of time you spend exploring and experimenting and taking advantage of the support resources available to you through the Digital Media Studio, the Dynamic Media Lab (@ One) in the KC and through online tutorials. Finally, you will be challenged constantly to consider just what you are doing with these new tools - the true challenge of this course is to engage in the creation of critical, challenging, thoughtful, meaningful and conceptually sound creative experiments.

TECHNIQUES:

You will be introduced to the following basic programs and systems: Adobe Photoshop, Soundtrack and/or Audacity, Final Cut Pro/iMovie, Processing, HTML Website/Blog Development, Flatbed scanners, Digital cameras, Laser printer, Color inkjet printers and more.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Students will develop an understanding of Digital Media Art history and theory, gain knowledge of contemporary issues and practices within the broad world of Digital Media art, and consider their work in relationship to that world.

• Students will learn and demonstrate technical proficiency in Digital Media production tools.

• Students will create Digital Media art projects and critique their work and the work of others in a positive and constructive manner.

METHODS AND PRACTICE:

Class time will consist of lectures, screenings, discussions, technical workshops and demonstrations, critiques, in-class assignments and studio time.  Students are expected to complete a workload outside of class and to demonstrate an ability to troubleshoot independently.

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is required at all classes.  There are no excused absences EXCEPT for religious or health reasons. Students are expected to notify the teacher if they have an unavoidable absence.  Two or more unexcused absences will negatively affect the student’s grade.

CRITIQUES:

Critiques are mandatory and will be held often.  Students will be prepared to present their own finished work and to speak honestly and thoughtfully about each other’s work.  We will discuss work on three levels: technical, formal and conceptual.

READINGS:

There is not a required textbook for this class. All class readings will be made available as a digital download or a printed handout.

SUPPLIES:

                 

Each student will require a minimum 8 gb FLASH DRIVE to transfer their files.

COMPUTER/PRINTER ACCESS:

Students may complete their work in the Digital Media Studio during class time or open lab hours, on your own computer, or in the Knowledge Center’s Dynamic Media Lab. Printing will be discussed in class.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1.     Assignments: All assignments must be finished, posted on the blog, and ready to present by their due date.

2.     Blog Participation: All assignments, large or small, MUST be documented weekly on the class blog! In addition, you will share links, comment on each other’s works, and discuss pertinent issues.

3.     Readings: Read and be prepared to discuss all class readings. Post 1-2 critical questions about each reading on the blog.

4.     Critiques: Participate by sharing your thoughts in an honest, helpful way.

5.     Writing / Presentation: Students will write on and present about an artist or exhibition. More information will be provided in class. All presentations will occur on July 10.

6.     Final Project

EVALUATION:

• Class and Blog Participation: 15%
• Assignments: 50%
• Presentation: 10%
• Final Project: 25%

GRADES:

                 

A = 4.0   93-100

A- = 3.7  90-92  

B+ = 3.3  87-89                   

B = 3.0  83-86    

B- = 2.7   80-82  

C+ = 2.3  77-79                   

C = 2.0  73-76   

C- =1.7  70-72

D = 1.0  60-69                     

F = 0  0-59            

DISABILITY STATEMENT:

If you believe that you have a disability that may warrant accommodations in this class, I urge you to speak to me so that, together, we can work to develop methods of addressing needed accommodations.