NMDA
461
Advanced New Media Projects
8:00AM to 3:00PM
Room 405
Course Description:
The objective of this course is to investigate and implement discursivity in
/ around / related to hypertext markup language and its monstrous progeny -
the internet. With readings on Simulation, Ted Nelson’s Xanadu project,
Delueze’s Rhizome, Hayles’ Dematerialization, Cybernetics, Teleprensense,
Gaming, Artificial Intellegence, and Moraveckian Transhumanism, the course will
attempt to trace the precursors and history of hypertext as well as its applicability
to post-modern practice.
Projects will include the construction and implementation of each students’
own website as well as collective projects. The collective projects will attempt
to draw realistic parallels between the above-listed theoretical texts and the
day-to-day workings of the internet.
Course
Requirements:
Required Text: None, all readings will be xeroxes or available on the
internet.
Materials: By the first day of class, students should have acquired an
internet service-provider which will supply an email account and at least 3
MB of disk space for a personal website.
Prerequisites: A primary knowledge of data-entry, basic html and file-transfer
protocol is required as well as simple Photoshop skills such as scanning, image
manipulation and jpeg compression. This course is a mid-level course and not
intended for students wanting to learn the technical basics of website design
or the implementation of advanced skills such as Java, Real Audio, frames or
cgi-scriptsAttendance:
Three absences = F, Three tardies (15 mins late or ealy departure) = One Absence.
Each absence lowers the final grade by one point.
Failure to show on scheduled presentation days lowers the grade by one point.
Making up presentation appointments is only available if there are open appointment
times or if, between yourselves, you can switch dates.
Grading: Projects and Assignments:
Research – 25% of the grade will be based on proof of research completed.
Development – 25% of the grade will be based on the student’s ability
to choose, develop, illustrate and elaborate upon a topic of their choosing.
Application – 50% of the grade will be based on the student’s ability
to understand and apply the topics and themes discussed in class to the subjects
/ objects they present.
Grading:
Quarterly and Overall:
Development – 30% of the grade will be based on the student’s ability
to show initiative, develop and expand skills in conceiving and designing webpages.
Application – 40% of the grade will be based on the student’s ability
to form connections between the readings presented and the structure, performance
and symptoms of the internet.
Participation – 30% of the grade will be based on the student’s active
participation in readings and discussions.