EMAC Syllabus Fall 2008
Fall 2008
Instructor: Patrick Wright
TI: Joshua Haycraft
Wednesday 8:30-2
OBJECTIVE
Electronic Media and Culture (EMAC) is an introductory course that will build a multimedia foundation for student arts by using the computer as the main creative vehicle. Software used to author and edit imagery, HTML, graphics, text, video and sound will be covered. EMAC will also explore ways in which artists use electronic media and how both electronic and digital tools change what is considered ‘art.’
COURSE MATERIALS
• ext. hard drive
• Suggested Textbook: Adobe Photoshop CS2 On Demand by Anderson, et al.
IMPORTANT RULE OF THE CLASS: Attendance at all classes is mandatory. You must be on time. This includes coming back from breaks on time.
ABSENCE AND LATENESS POLICY:
a. Coming to class late twice is equivalent to one absence.
b. Failure to bring in required materials twice is equivalent to one absence.
c. You must stay for the whole class period to be considered present.
d. All missed work must be made up.
e. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to catch up on missed work and find out what to bring to next class.
f. Two late assignments will result in the final grade being lowered one letter.
GRADING STANDARDS: (Please refer to MICA handbook)
• A-Outstanding. The work exceeds basic class requirements and demonstrates a mastery of subject matter. AND, the work is filled with Passion, Passion, and Passion!
• B-Very Good. The work satisfies all class requirements and masters the material in an above average way.
• C-Average. The work fulfills the class requirements and shows an average understanding of the subject matter.
• D-Poor. Work minimally fills the class requirements and demonstrates poor grasp of subject matter.
• F-Failure to complete class requirements.
• I-Incomplete, only granted in the case of a medical or personal emergency. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Patrick Wright and Cheryl R. Garner, Associate Dean for Student Development, (410) 225-2422, cgarner@mica.edu, in such an event.
ADA COMPLIANCE: In MICA’s efforts to provide the highest possible quality
educational experience for every student, MICA maintains compliance with the requirements of the ADA and Section 504. Any student who has, or suspects he or she may have, a disability and wants to request academic accommodations must contact Dr. Kathryn Smith the MICA Learning Resource Center, 443.695.1384, or e-mail ksmith@mica.edu immediately.
HEALTH AND SAFETY: MICA has developed policies and practices to ensure a healthful environment and safe approaches to the use of equipment, materials, and processes. It is the mutual responsibility of faculty and students to review health and safety standards relevant to each class at the beginning of each semester. Students should be aware of general fire, health, and safety regulations posted in each area and course specific policies, practices, and cautions. Students who have concerns related to health and safety should contact Quentin Moseley, Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator at 410.225.0220 or e-mail at qmoseley@mica.edu.
Week 1 - Sept 3
In Class
Electronic Media and Culture – what is it?
Computer basics
Portal basics
Intro to basic HTML
Intro to Photoshop – formatting an image for the web.
Homework
Week 2 - Sept 10
In Class
Introduction to CSS
Redo website w/o tables using only CSS
More Photoshop – dpi, canvas, image size.
Homework
1. Create a 5-7 photograph slideshow using html and CSS on your digital.mica.edu website. The photos should be united thematically and arranged so that their sequence forms somekind of graphic pattern.
2. Create an index.html on digital.mica.edu. Use this page to link to your individual projects.
In Class
Screen Helvetica by Gary Hustwit
Homework
Week 4 - Sept 24
In Class
Review Homework
Revise websites
Setup Blogs at WordPress.com
Create a shared RSS reader page for class
Screen MediaBurn by Ant Farm
Homework
2. Read: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/fashion/17photo.html
3. Using personal and/ or found photos create an untrue image. The image should not look fake. Post the photo on your blog before class. You can use text to support the fakery — you can use captions.
Week 5 - Oct 1
In Class
Review Homework
Vector vs Pixel
Intro to Illustrator – Shapes, Curves, Paint and Text.
Homework
2. Purchase 1 MiniDV tape for next class.
3. Attend Film: Guest of Cindy Sherman by Tom Donahue and Paul Hasegawa-Overacker. Oct 7, 7:30pm Falvey Hall.
Week 6 - Oct 8
In Class
Review Homework
Screen videos by George Kuchar
Video Camera demo
In Class Video: Shoot a 2 minute in camera movie
Capture Video w/ iMovie
Join Vimeo and upload video
Post Video on your web
Homework
2. Watch one of these artist’s videos/films from the MRC and post a blog about it. Sadie Benning. Jem Cohen. Vito Acconci. Bill Viola - The Passing, Chris Marker - La Jetee or Sans Soleil, Alain Resnais - Last Year at Marienbad, Maya Deren, Stan Brackage, Kenneth Anger, Nam June Paik, Walter Ruttmann.
Week 7 - Oct 15
In Class
Intro to iMovie.
In Class: Edit 1 minute movie using your footage. Upload to Vimeo and post to your blog
Homework
2. Watch a documentary that you have not seen and blog about it. MRC has My Brother’s Keeper, Paradise Lost, Somekind of Monster, Capturing the Friedmans, Nanook of the North, Far From Poland, Haxan, Heart of Darkness, History and Memory, Naked Spaces, Olympia, The Aristocrats, The Saltmen of Tibet, Tongues Untied.
Week 8 - Oct 22
In Class
Screen Cremaster IV by Matthew Barney
Review Homework
Screen Matthew Barney: No Restraint by Alison Chernick
Homework
http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2007/10/hitchens200710
http://www.livingoprah.com/
2. Attend Film: Beautiful Losers by Aaron Rose and Joshua Leonard. Oct 28, 7:30pm Falvey Hall.
Week 9 - Oct 29
In Class
Performance Art and documentation
Discuss Regimens and plan a schedule for next week.
Homework
Week 10 - Nov 5
In Class
Homework
Week 11 - Nov 12
In Class
Basic Animation using Photoshop, Illustrator and iMovie
Screen Len Lye, Norman McLaren, Iraqi Kurdistan by Ed Kashi and other animations
Homework
2. Attend Film: Trouble the Water by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal. Oct 18, 7:30pm Falvey Hall. Post a response on your blog.
Week 12 - Nov 19
In Class
Open Class to work on animations
Homework
2. Propose a final project. Post proposal on your blog prior to the next class.
Thanksgiving Break – Nov 26
Week 13 - Dec 3
In Class
Intro to Powerpoint
Open Class to work on final projects
Week 14 - Dec 10
In Class
Week 15 - Dec 17
In Class