Introduction to New Media NMED 1000 Y Summer I 2013 General Course Description A survey of artistic developments related to the electronic era, the relationship of computerfacilitated arts to traditional genres and a critical examination of selected contemporary works. Course Approach Welcome to convergence culture, where old and new media collide, where grassroots and corporate media intersect, where the power of the media producer and the power of the media consumer interact in unpredictable ways. Convergence culture is the future... (Jenkins, Henry. Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York: New York University Press, 2006: 2). Throughout the course we will investigate Convergence Culture in theory and practice. We will work with key software applications--photoshop, Premier, and Dreamweaver--to learn some basic technical aspects of new media production. As well, we will explore various forms of contemporary new media art and some of the ways in which new media affect our lives and alter our perceptions and communications. NB: in the case of any discrepancy of dates, we will defer to those listed on moodle. Instructor: Dana Cooley Office Hours: By appointment email:dana.cooley@uleth.ca Location: BVC, N637 Times: 9:00 5:50 (please note that lecture & lab periods are going to be flexible and will vary week to week) Required Course Materials 1. Due to the fact that the computer lab is only available to you during course hours, you will need to have a way to work on your assignments outside of class. If you have (or have access to) copies of Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, and Dreamweaver at home, then NMED 1000 Y Summer I, 2013 Page 1 of 8
you re fine. However, if not, you will need to access the software through an Adobe Creative Cloud membership which will cost approximately $90.00 (3 x $29.99 USD). PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL DISCUSS THIS DURING OUR FIRST CLASS - DO NOT PURCHASE BEFORE THEN. 2. portable external hard drive (at least one 256 GB or larger) 3. data back-up service (home computer or additional external hard drives) 4. other storage / recording media as needed (USB flash drive, DVD-R, CDs, etc) 5. headphones: invest in the best quality you can afford Required Texts Custom Course Pack online texts as assigned Assignments and Grading due date assignment weighting Week 3 Saturday May 25 project #1: Photoshop 20% Week 5 Saturday June 8 project #2: Premiere 20% Week 8 Saturday June 29 project#3: Dreamweaver 20% Week 8 Saturday June 29 exam 20% duration of course participation 20% Percent Mark Letter Grade Grade Points Percent Mark Letter Grade Grade Points 95-100 A+ 4.0 90-94 A 4.0 86-89 A- 3.7 82-85 B+ 3.3 78-81 B 3.0 74-77 B- 2.7 70-73 C+ 2.3 66-69 C 2.0 62-65 C- 1.7 58-61 D+ 1.3 50-57 D 1.0 0-49 F 0 NMED 1000 Y Summer I, 2013 Page 2 of 8
Aims & Outcomes introduce you to basic technical aspects of new media creation and production as well as build a vocabulary for thinking about, making, and discussing visual works familiarize you with some theories about new media; provide a survey of artistic practice which employs new media; and have you explore this terrain through production, discussion, research, critical reflection, and writing equip you to apply and articulate technical and critical skills in a creative manner and put you on the path to becoming media literate Upon completion of this course you should: have a basic technical competence in key new media software applications and knowledge of key terms associated with new media production be knowledgeable of, think critically about, and articulate (both orally and in writing) some of the theories of new media and ways in which artists use new media, as well as the fundamental visual devices of art & design be able to apply the technical and critical knowledge you ve acquired not only to future projects, but to your daily lives as media literate consumers and producers Method of Instruction (indicative) This course will be comprised of a combination of lectures, demonstrations, tutorials, screenings, critiques, group work, and discussion. Method of Evaluation The weighting of assignments and participation as outlined above. Here are a few points to keep in mind: WRITING Your writing should demonstrate a critical engagement with your subject; your goal here should be to produce work that is thoughtful and thought provoking. Your texts should be written in a clear, cogent manner. In order to do so, you need to closely scrutinize your subject through repeated viewings / readings / listenings. Also, where appropriate, you will need to undertake research to flesh out your arguments and provide evidence for your claims. Further, your writings should show an awareness of the conventions and context of your subject as well as of the form in which you are writing. Always include proper citation NMED 1000 Y Summer I, 2013 Page 3 of 8
and images where relevant. Please note that all work is to be typed and double spaced. Clearly mark your name on all documents. Assignments To be uploaded to moodle unless otherwise indicated. All aspects of all assignments you submit are expected to reflect care and thoughtfulness, to be creative, professional, and polished. PREPAREDNESS Please come to class prepared to tackle in-class activities and share the progress you have made since we last met. Although there will be some time in-class to work on tasks, you are expected to complete the majority of your work outside of class. ATTENDANCE If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what we covered and catch up. Missing more than two classes may result in the instructor refusing to mark submitted assignments, suspension or failure. Three absences equates to automatic failure of the course. Please be on time--this is only courteous. If you are late three times this will be considered an absence. Also, arriving more than 10 minutes late will be considered an absence. And, obviously, if you leave at the break you will be marked as absent. These absences will affect your participation grade. PARTICIPATION Participation entails attending class, being prepared, and, importantly, your engagement with the class. You need to bring your curiosity to the table here, to be open to new ideas and prepared to question and critique, challenge and counter, dissect and defend. Although speaking in class isn t easy for everyone, every effort will be made to keep our classes supportive and encouraging sessions. Merely turning in assignments on time, having ticked all the boxes, will likely get you a passing grade. Similarly, a perfect attendance record will likely result in a passing grade for participation. To attain higher marks, you will have to earn them. You are expected to apply yourself diligently to all aspects of the course; be thoughtful, critical, creative, and considerate. Ps & Qs Courtesy towards the instructor and fellow students is expected: this means paying attention when someone else is speaking (not chatting with your neighbor, checking your NMED 1000 Y Summer I, 2013 Page 4 of 8
text messages, or surfing the Internet, etc.). This dismissive behaviour is extremely rude and WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. You will be warned once. The next time, you will be asked to leave the class and this will count as an absence. PLAGIARISM To plagiarize is to pass someone else s words, ideas, or work off as your own--in other words, plagiarism is a form of cheating. This is a very serious offence, one which can result in academic suspension or expulsion. For a fuller explanation of what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it see the University of Lethbridge s web page: http://www.uleth.ca/lib/guides/research/display.asp?pageid=28 For the current university policy on Cheating and Plagiarism, please consult the current University of Lethbridge calendar. EXAMINATIONS Alternative arrangements for writing a missed exam may be made at the discretion of the instructor. Deferrals may only be granted in extenuating circumstances such as extreme illness or other serious circumstances beyond the student s control. Work commitments, holidays or traffic are not considered legitimate reasons for missing an exam. Students who fail to write final exams must provide satisfactory evidence of illness or extenuating circumstances AND must have the approval of the Dean for a makeup exam. For missed exams, a grade of F (0 marks) will be given. Deferred final exams can only be written at times set by the school and instructor. Please note that if a final exam deferral is granted, the date will be set by the instructor and department. Students who fail to write final exams must provide satisfactory evidence of illness or extenuating circumstances AND must have the approval of the Dean for a makeup exam. For missed exams, a grade of F (0 marks) will be given. EXAM POLICIES For security reasons, students may not leave the examination site during the first thirty (30) minutes nor enter after the first thirty (30) minutes. Data or internet-enabled phones (i.e. Blackberry, I-Phone etc.), laptops or other electronic devices may not be used during examinations without prior approval of the instructor. Students, who are found to have an electronic device on their person or desk during an examination, could be in breach of the NMED 1000 Y Summer I, 2013 Page 5 of 8
electronic devices policy, which could result in a 0 grade on the exam. Please see additional examination policies in the 2012/2013 University Calendar, page 86. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY In cases of academic misconduct, you will receive an F on the assignment and/or you will receive an F in the course. Students can find further information in the 2012-2013 Calendar. Ethical Conduct: The University s policies are described in the calendar and all students are expected to read and comply with them. Special care should be taken to understand and avoid the Academic Offenses of Plagiarism and Cheating listed in the Student Discipline Policy EXTENSIONS Extensions will not be given except in extenuating circumstances such as illness and bereavement (both of which require documentation and consultation with instructor). LATE SUBMISSIONS Projects submitted late will receive a deduction of one letter grade per day, unless prior arrangements have been negotiated with the instructor. Students with Disabilities: Students with learning disabilities should contact the instructor during our first class if any special circumstances / needs are required. For further information about university policies see the University Calendar: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/academic-calendar/2012-13/list Projects 20% each PROJECT #1: PHOTOSHOP PROJECT #2: PREMIERE PROJECT #3: DREAMWEAVER NMED 1000 Y Summer I, 2013 Page 6 of 8
Exam 20% The final exam will assess your knowledge of technical and theoretical aspects of new media. Weekly Schedule Please note: we may deviate slightly if we need to spend more time on certain aspects of the curriculum. However, deadlines won t alter. May 11 introduction to the course what is new media? digital imaging basics Photoshop: getting started May 18 NB: Due to stat holiday hours today will be 9.00 am - 12.50 pm Fundamentals of art & design Photoshop May 25 Project #1 due Reading: "Introduction" from Henry Jenkins' Convergence Culture Video terms & File Formats Premiere: getting started June 1 Reading: "Understanding Intellectual Property"; "Copyright Law in Canada"; "Is you Creation Eligible for Copyright Protection?" Premiere crits NMED 1000 Y Summer I, 2013 Page 7 of 8
June 8 Project #2 due Reading: "An Intermedia with 2 billion screens peering into it" - Kevin Kelly. Course Pack or online: http://itruminations.wordpress.com/2010/01/29/an-intermedia-with-2-billionscreens-peering-into-it/ Web Histories HTML basics June 15 Web anatomy Web design Dreamweaver: getting started June 22 Dreamweaver crits June 29 Project #3 due exam NMED 1000 Y Summer I, 2013 Page 8 of 8