NMDA 200
Intro to New Media Art Intensive
The Static Image
3:45-6:45, Fall. 2002
Room 413

home

Course Description:
The objective of this course is to investigate and implement practical and discursive knowledge around fields related to computer influenced art practices AKA "New Media". Using Lev Manovich's "Language of New Media" as our primary text, the class will introduce the student to a working knowledge of imaging software including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver, as well as augment that knowledge with historical and contemporary examples and theoretical discussion. Though we will be reviewing the larger scope of new media practices, the students work will focus primarily on static image manipulation, and large scale digital photography.

The class will be broken down into three components:

Lectures: are devoted to presentation of conceptual material, screening and discussions of recent works in new media. In addtion to contemporary photography, we will review CD-ROMs, DVDs, web sites, digital films, computer games, and works in traditional media influenced by digital processes including film, animation, and painting.
We will discuss general principles of organisation of photographically oriented works and influences drawn from animation, cinema, and comics and compositional principles drawn from fine arts. We will look at how these principles can be applied to static media.

Demos: will introduce students to a working knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver.

Projects: will include the construction and group analysis of student produced digital prints, and web sites. The collective projects will attempt to draw realistic parallels between theoretical texts and a development of a digital art practice.

Course Requirements:
Required Text: Lev Manovich's "Language of New Media".
Materials: 2 Zip disks
Prerequisites: None

Attendance:
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.