ART 1601: Introduction to Time and Interactivity
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/jkaiser/1601fall09/
Time: Wednesday,
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Place: Regis W248
Instructor: Jonathan
Kaiser jkaiser@umn.edu
Course
Description
This section of 1601 is an introduction to
time-based, event-based, and media-oriented creative practices. We will learn basic techniques for
video, sound, and digital image production, while thinking critically about the
contemporary social and aesthetic issues that inform our own work and the work
of other artists. Although digital
media tools are central to our work, we will discuss ways of integrating
elements ranging from pencil drawing to performance. Experimentation is encouraged! Emphasis is on developing strong ideas and translating them
into engaging finished work, so developing a vocabulary for talking and writing
about what we do is just as important as developing a proficiency with our
production tools. Classroom time
will include workshops and tutorials, viewings and presentations, discussions,
studio work time, and student project critiques.
Course
Objectives
To develop a personal relationship to digital media
and contemporary art by:
1.
Experiencing, discussing, and critically writing about work and its
historical and cultural context.
2. Cultivating
a vision and artistic practice that reflects personal interests and talents, as
well as an awareness of global conversations and social issues.
3.
Learning the technical skills to make intentional and well-crafted work
with basic digital media production tools.
4.
Making finished art and sharing it with others.
Participation
1. In class verbal participation is important
and together with attendance comprises 25% of the final course grade! Everyone is expected to actively
participate in discussions.
2. Assignments are due at the beginning of
class on due date; late assignments will not be accepted under any conditions.
Students are expected to practice responsible data management and backup (no
"the computer ate my homework" excuses will be accepted.)
3. The intention of this course is to produce
art and to foster open conversations about art and ideas! There are no
"DUMB" comments or questions. It is crucial to the intellectual and
artistic atmosphere of the class that each student should participate vocally
and add to the knowledge pool of the class. Please feel free to engage more
reserved classmates in discussions and to give others a chance to talk!
4.
NO surfing the internet or email during class, NO cell phone use in class, NO headphones unless you are using them
for a project during designated studio time. Violating these rules will be treated as an absence from the
day's class.
Attendance
Punctual attendance is critical. After missing two classes, your grade
will be dropped a full letter grade and each subsequent day missed is another full
letter grade drop. Three tardies
(more than 10 minutes late) will equal one absence and leaving early will count
as tardy.
Access
The studio and the building are open during normal
building hours (7am - 11pm M-F, 9am - 6pm Sat, closed Sundays and
holidays.) Equipment Checkout
hours are as posted on the Checkout Room door. Do not ask for access unless the room is open and
attended. You must present your
student I.D. card in order to check out any equipment. Please help conserve energy by turning
off lights and computers if you are the last one to leave the studio... your
cooperation will be much appreciated.
Departmental policy requires that you must have permission
to be in the studio after 11pm and that two persons must be in the studio
together after hours. A security
monitor is in the building from 11pm - 3am. See the instructors for an after-hours permission slip. The security monitor has been instructed
to eject anyone without a permission slip or working alone after 11pm. You cannot work in Regis Art Center
after 3am.
For your own safety, DO NOT PROP DOORS OPEN and DO
NOT OPEN DOORS FOR ANYONE.
Recommended
Supplies:
+ removable storage device for data backup (such as USB
flash drive)
+ camera or camera phone
Grading
40% Projects 1-4
25% Final
Project
All Projects must be
completed by the beginning of class on the due-date. The project will be graded on the strength of its concept
and the quality of its execution. Demonstration
of sincere effort and personal growth will be taken into account.
10% Response
writings
There will be 2 required blog
posts responding to an artwork of your choice from our class discussions. Write a three paragraph review
discussing the content of the piece and your personal reaction to it. What was the piece about? What techniques did the artist use to
address the subject matter? Was the
piece effective? Why or why not?
25% Class participation
Get involved in class! Ask
questions and participate in discussions.
Share your interests and your discoveries. We'll all learn more, and you'll get a better grade too.
