MEDIA STUDIO:
Course Description: Projects
reflect equal attention to student’s conceptual, technical and artistic
development. Screenings, related readings, and discussions of influential
themes help give background to the history and theory of contemporary
artistic practice in a highly technological and scientific culture. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours Course Structure: Professor: Studio Lab Instructor: Sections 1& 2: Ryder Cooley email: coolec@rpi.edu office: West Hall 301 email: veasec@rpi.edu office: West Hall 301 ____________________ Student Mentors: Bridgette Alexandra Kenkel email: kenkeb@rpi.edu office: Studio 214 email: sachsj@rpi.edu office: Studio 214 Sarah Merlin email: merlis@rpi.edu office: Studio 214 Nicole Van Slyke email: vansln@rpi.edu office: Studio 214 Andrew Rarig email: rariga@rpi.edu office: Studio 214 Noah Lucas Email: lucasn@rpi.edu office: Studio 214 office hours: ____________________ Class Times: (attendance is mandatory and is taken at each lecture and each studio lab) Lecture: Tuesday, 6:00pm to
7:50pm, Sage 5101 Studio Lab Sections:
02 Wednesday, crn 60618, 12 - 1:50AM, West Hall 211 04 Wednesday, crn 61328, 12 - 1:50, West Hall 214 ___________________________________________________________ Course syllabus: is subject to minor changes, a current version is accessible here: Courses Other Media Studio Imaging Assignments: PROJECTS: Short
Studies: * Emotion Sketches: Intuition & Creativity Due: Sept 5 submitted electronically by 11:59 PM Critiqued in studio
Sept 6 * Pixel Art: create a pixel art head image of your classmate in
collaborative groups of 4. Due: Sept 12 submitted electronically by 11:59 PM Critiqued in studio
Sept 13 * Self Portrait: Beauty/Age: create a self
portrait photograph, then using photoretouching and
image manipulation skills learned in studio make it as beautiful/handsome as
possible, then age yourself 20 years Due: Sept 19 submitted
electronically by 11:59 PM Critiqued in studio Sept
20 * Environmental
Landscape: the
landscape of today and tomorrow, ideation of the future Due: Sept 26 submitted electronically by 11:59 PM Critiqued in studio
Sept 27 * Identity: Personal
Logo: create a unique printed personal logo tag Due: Oct 3 by submitted electronically by 11:59 PM Critiqued in studio
Oct 4 * Nano Bot: explain visually and with text what nanotechnology is and then visua Due: Oct 17 submitted electronically by 11:59 PM Critiqued in studio
Oct 18 * BioArt net
Project: living tissue culture, genetic, morphologic
modifications, biomechanic constructions are some
of the many techniques bio artists use, posing technological, ethical and
social questions. Create a website about a unique bioart project you
would be interested in creating Due: Oct 31 submitted electronically by 11:59 PM Critiqued in studio
Nov 1 * Stop action
Animation: using still images construct a short animated
narrative or story Due: Nov 7 submitted electronically by 11:59 PM Critiqued in studio
Nov 8 * SuperHero: create your own, new
superhero, using flash animation, rotoscoping, or
morphing. Create an interactive function which serves to challenge your
superhero. Due: Nov 14 submitted electronically by 11:59 PM Critiqued by TA via
email Final Project: * FINAL PROJECT: The final project should be an exploration that expands on one of the lecture topics and can be a more in-depth approach to one of the short studies. You are required to articulate your final project in an artist statement of from one to two paragraphs whereby your concept, methodology and at least 5 bibliographic references/influences are stated for the pre review process. All final projects are due in your studio
critique on Wednesday, November 29. All pre-critiqued and perfected
short study projects and final projects are due the last day of studio class,
Dec 6. 2006. __________________________________________________________ Lecture Topics:
Aug 29 –
Introduction/ What is Digital Imaging?/ Intuition & Creativity/ tangram exercise/
/ intro to gesture
& emotion short study Week 2 Sept 5 – The History
of Digital Culture, The Screening: The Story
of Computer Graphics Week 3 Sept 12 – Digital Portraiture:
Issues of Beauty/Age Visiting artist: Dan
Ostrov Week 4 Sept 19 – The
Landscape / The Environment / Refuse / Photo Digital
Ideation/ metaphor, symbol, allegory/Photomontage Visiting artist: Ryder Cooley Week 5 Sept 26 – Identity / Logos / Logo Count/ Identity
Politics and Gender Representation / Identity Politics: Race & Class
Representation Screening: The
Merchants of Cool Week 6 & 7 (no
lecture class week 7) Oct 3 – Nano
Perspectives, visiting artist: Screening Biomed/Biotech film Oct 10 – NO lecture
Class, Tuesdays FOLLOW MONDAY SCHEDULE Week 8 & 9 Oct 17 – BioArt: issues and ideas Visiting artist: Julia Reodica & Boryana
Rossa Oct 24 – NetArt Screening: The Net: the Unabomber Week 10 Oct 31 – Motion/Emotion “To give
life to” Visiting artist: Shawn Lawson Screening: William Kentridge Week 11 & 12 Nov 7 – The Military Entertainment Complex/ gaming / machinima/ superheros Screening: Why We Fight Nov 14 – Flash
animation Screening: Waking Life Week 13 (before Thanksgiving) & 14 (just
after Thanksgiving) Nov 21 – Final
Project Pre-reviews/discussions Nov 28 – Final
Project Pre-reviews/discussions Week 15 Dec 5 – Exhibition
of student work at 6pm at: The Flavor Café
& Gallery (518) 266-9253 Get
directions ________________________________________________________
During the semester there will be required
readings related to the short studies and lectures. You will write a short
reaction paper for each - a one page double spaced summary of the essay’s
major points and your personal reactions to the content. New Media from Borges to HTML
By Lev Manovich Reaction paper Due Sept 6
Chapter 3
Spectatorship
Chapter
6 Consumer Culture & the
Manufacture of Desire Reaction paper Due: Oct 4 Nanotechnology:
Issues Practices of Looking: An Introduction
to Visual Culture Chapter
8 Scientific Looking, Looking at Science
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Adobe
Photoshop CS2 Studio Techniques by Ben Willmore
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Macromedia
Dreamweaver 8: Training from the Source (Training from the Source S.)
by Khristine Annwn Page
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Macromedia
Flash 8 for Windows & Macintosh (Visual QuickStart
Guide) by Katherine Ulrich |
Optional, and free: an online Photoshop book located at RPI’s library. You must be connected via the RPI server. Photoshop at Your Fingertips: Get In, Get
Out, Get Exactly What You Need by Jason Crawford Teague http://library.books24x7.com/login.asp?ic=0
http://library.books24x7.com.libproxy.rpi.edu/book/id_4177/toc.asp
There is also Safari, a service provided by the library
for many textbooks [sometimes only 1 user license for each, though] http://proquest.safaribooksonline.com/?uicode=rpi
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Skills
1. basic Photoshop
2. using a digital camera
3. animated gifs/ claymation with cell phone
cameras
4. scanning
5. basic html
6. basic Dreamweaver
7. basic Flash: animation/ rotoscoping/
morphing/interactivity
Media
Studio / Imaging is a pre-requisite to a significant
number of e-studios. The following are the topics and skills that students
coming out of Media Studio Imaging aim to have:
* Intro to history and theory of image making
* Intro to 2-D design principles
* Ppi, dpi –
resolution familiarity
* Familiarity with the full range of image
formats
* Compression
* Basic photo skills
* Raster imaging – photoshop
* Vector drawing - illustrator
* Basic scanning techniques
* Basic printing skills
* Digital stylus drawing skills
* Color manipulation skills
* Intro to web media
* Ability to discuss and analyze work
critically
Required
materials:
*A digital camera (dslr (preferred) or digital
point and shoot), film camera, or 4 disposable cameras. Digital cameras are preferable.
The Arts Department equipment room (ER) has some digital cameras available to
sign out. The equipment room is located on the ground floor of West Hall.
Please reserve ahead of time.
* An ink jet printer capable of photo quality is highly suggested. *Wacom or cordless graphics tablet and stylus. If digital art is your area of study,
a graphics tablet is highly recommended as you will use it for future
personal and class work.
*Flash drive (aka
jump drives, memory sticks) for backup of your files. Look for USB 2.0 Hi-Speed label
if possible. In comparison to burning CDs, Flash drives are a faster and
simpler way to store media or transfer media
from one computer to another. Just stick it into the USB port on your
computer and within a few seconds a new drive appears on your desktop.
* Optionally you can use cds (approximately
8 to 10) or 3 data dvds.
*
a
journal for your thoughts concerning your projects and their development.
Places to
check for digital cameras:
B&H Photo Video
New Egg
Tiger Direct
or Directly to the Manufacturer
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Screenings:
Genius - Leonardo da Vinci The story of the brilliant Italian artist,
sculptor, architect and engineer is told in this informative program.
Leonardo’s legacy to the world came in so many forms; in the breathtaking
beauty of The Last Supper and The Mona Lisa; his rich collection of drawing;
the mirror-written notebooks containing original thoughts on astronomy,
biology and physiology. This DVD features: State of the art 3D graphics to
explain and test Leonardo’s theories and designs, outstanding computer
animated reconstructions, the paintings and drawings, rare period imagery,
expert commentary and analyses by Dr. Alan Cartwight,
School of Engineering at the University of Warwick, Dr. Peter Borcherds, School of Physics and Astronomy at the
University of Birmingham and Dr. Martin Kemp, Trinity College Oxford. 50 min.
The Story of Computer Graphics From its early development as an obscure topic of
research, to its widely accepted role as an important communication tool,
Computer Graphics has a rich history of human accomplishment. This movie
attempts to document some of the most compelling stories behind the striking
graphics and technology that we take for granted in today's imagery. This is
the "human" story of the pioneers that are revolutionizing visual
communication, through a community with its own unique culture. 93 min
THE MERCHANTS OF COOL Examines the tactics, techniques, and cultural
ramifications of these marketing moguls in 'The Merchants of Cool.' Rushkoff talks with top marketers, media executives and
cultural/media critics, and explores the symbiotic relationship between the
media and today's teens, as each looks to the other for their identity."
The
Merchants of Cool Website at PBS.org features interview, information, and
STREAMING VIDEO of the entire documentary.
Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage by Heather Rogers
Author and filmmaker Heather Rogers will screen her documentary on the
political history of rubbish in the
For more information, visit http://www.alternet.org/story/27456/
The Net: The Unabomber, LSD and the Internet Director: Lutz
Dammbeck
Ultimately stunning in its revelations, Lutz Dammbeck's
THE NET explores the incredibly complex back-story of Ted Kaczynski, the
infamous Unabomber. This exquisitely crafted inquiry into the rationale of
this mythic figure situates him within a late 20th Century web of technology
- a system that he grew to oppose. A marvelou
Biomedicine
and Biotechnology 47min dvd] / a presentation of Films for the Humanities
& SciencesR856.4
.B615 2004
Why We Fight Is American
foreign policy dominated by the idea of military supremacy? Has the military
become too important in American life? Jarecki's
shrewd and intelligent polemic would seem to give an affirmative answer to
each of these questions. He may have been the ultimate icon of 1950s
conformity and postwar complacency, but Dwight D. Eisenhower was an
iconoclast, visionary, and the Cassandra of the New World Order. Upon
departing his presidency, Eisenhower issued a stern, cogent warning about the
burgeoning "military industrial complex," foretelling with ominous
clarity the state of the world in 2004 with its incestuous entanglement of
political, corporate, and Defense Department interests. (view
trailer) www.whywefight.com
Waking Life, written & directed by
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Exhibitions/Performances:
iEAR Presents! Check the RPI
art department website for monthly schedule:
http://arts.rpi.edu/content/events.html
Mass MOCA www.massmoca.org
The
The Center for
http://www.bard.edu/ccs/exhibitions/
The Center for Photography
http://www.cpw.org/index.html
(1 hour south of
EYEBEAM http://www.eyebeam.org
Whitney
Museum of American Art
http://www.whitney.org/
The Museum of Modern Art
http://www.moma.org/
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Tips:
How to Succeed (in class)
This class will require that you challenge your
preconceived notions of computer-based art by expanding and challenging your
vision, inventiveness, imagination and motivation. The successful student
in this class will be highly self-directed and disciplined to explore new
techniques for using the tools. Although self mastery of the tools is
encouraged, the successful student will be willing to explore, experiment,
and invent new ways to achieve his/her creative goals.
• Be self-motivated and self-disciplined. You
will succeed by your own efforts. You are expected to do at least 4 hours
preparation for each class.
• Be on time for class
• Learn the technical material in a timely way.
• Do your readings and contribute to the class discussions.
• Do your work – on time.
• Be involved in discussions and critiques. Critique of each other’s work is
to be constructive. It is a gift to your fellow classmates to help them and
yourself improve in your technique and criticality.
• Do not do your email, instant messenger, or other class work in class. Just
don’t be tempted and do not open these applications during class. Turn off
your cell phone. Infraction of this rule will result in final grade pena
• Do not alter any material or file that you did not create.
• Ask questions! This is a beginning class and no question is too elementary
or advanced. Demonstrating the willingness to experiment, ask, and fail while
discovering is a guaranteed path to success in this class.
• MS: I&I is a taste of the field that will
give you the opportunity to explore the possibilities of digital creativity
using computers. You are encouraged to continue taking electronic media
classes to continue gaining more in-depth knowledge, skills and creativity.
Time Management:
DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! Waiting until the last
minute to complete the assignments will guarantee long nights and incomplete
work. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions about your
assignments in class by starting your work early and managing your time.
Backups
Always back-up your work frequently. Systems crash when least expected and
you could loose your work. It is a good idea to make more than one backup --
that means making a copy onto your flash drive, a CDR and/or the server. Software
or media failure is not an adequate excuse for missed deadlines or assignment
extensions. Remember to also save often while you are working. Save each
file as a new file by giving it a new name. You can discard your earlier
versions later.
Evaluation:
10% Class Participation
11% Written reaction papers on readings
63% Short Studies (There are 9 assignments @ 7% each)
16% Final Project
Grade Scale
90-100 A – Outstanding; pushing limits of student’s conceptual, technical,
artistic ability
80-89 B – Good; thoughtful, thorough, and creative completion of project
70-79 C – Average; Project completed according to minimum requirements
60-69 D – Poor; does not meet minimum assignments
Below 60 F – Fail; failure to complete the assignments
Laptops:
It is required that you bring your laptop to every lecture and studio
lab. Important: Writing emails, instant messages and other unfocused forms of
communications, unless specifically desired by the instructor, are not
tolerated and count against your class participation. As a student enrolled in Arts, you have card access to West Hall 211
and 214, which are under graduate imaging labs.
Software:
Students will be using Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Flash. These
applications are available on some computers in the studio labs in the arts
department. It is highly recommended that you purchase these programs with an
educational discount at the RPI computer store.
General:
Try
not to batter or deface any equipment in any way or lose files and folders
belonging to our class or other classes. The facilities are all of ours
and Arts does not have funding to replace any gear that is taken or
destroyed. Please report studio lab problems to lab staff immediately via
email at:
engine-l@lists.rpi.edu
Please follow the guidelines for working in each
studio very carefully, as you will be held personally responsible for
problems you incur.
• Always save onto
your own media or into your account as files left on hard drives will be
removed.
• Also, please keep in
mind the highly addictive aspects of working with computers. Many people lose
track of time and later wonder why they have severe back, neck and eye
problems. It is a good idea to take a rest every 15 to 20
minutes. Look up or beyond your computer or, better still, at a long
distance to relax your eyes. Take a walk or stretch. Fatigue can
lead to frustration. Stay in touch with your body's needs. Working with
computers can at times be frustrating. Before having a breakdown, take
a break.
Electronic Communication:
Email: All students are expected to have an active electronic mail
account, and should check mail at least four times a week for class
information. Some essential class information is communicated by email only.
Statement On Academic Integrity:
Class Specific: Collaboration and discussion about class projects is
actively encouraged, and is in no way considered cheating. This is a studio
course, and personal ownership of information is not deemed to be
appropriate. Original images are required except where indicated
otherwise. Projects are expected to reflect personal endeavor, but may
also be collaborative in nature.
Academic Honesty:
Student relationships are built on mutual respect and trust. Students must be
able to trust that their teachers have made responsible decisions about the
structure and content of the course and that they are conscientiou
Gender-fair language:
Because the way we speak and write affects the way we think, everyone in
this course is expected to use gender-fair language in all discussions and
writing. A guide to gender-fair language is available from the
Class Attendance and Participation Policy:
As an enrolled student, you have made a commitment to this class and your
attendance is a significant part of that commitment. Attendance is mandatory
at each and every lecture and studio class. Two (2) unexcused absences will
result in a reduction of one entire letter grade. Two lates
= one absence. A good amount of your participation evaluation is in your
contribution to class critiques. Critiques are peer review discussions on a
project’s artistic and technical approach. Your studio lab instructors will
help facilitate critiques during lab.
(An absence is considered excused if the student has informed his/her
Teaching Assistant by phone, email or in person before the beginning
of the class (lecture or studio) and the excuse is considered reasonable.)
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Helpful sites:
Rensselaer Computer HelpDesk: http://helpdesk.rpi.edu/
Other References:
How to make Very cool things:
http://makezine.com/
HTML:
Bare Bones Guide to HTML: http://werbach.com/barebones/download.html
Web Style Guide : http://www.webstyleguide.com/index.html?/contents.html
WWW Help Pages: http://werbach.com/web/wwwhelp.html
W3C HyperText
Markup Language (HTML) Home Page http://www.w3.org/MarkUp/
ARTS Sites:
1. Google the artist’s name on the
Web
2. On-Line Journals and Listserves to Subscribe to:
Rhizome http://www.rhizome.org/
Telepolis http://www.heise.de/tp/
Ctheory http://www.ctheory.net/
Nettime http://www.nettime.org/
RunMe (Code Art)
http://runme.org/
3. Archives
Bitstreams
http://www.whitney.org/bitstreams/#
Women’s New Media Gallery http://trace.ntu.ac.uk/traced/guertin/assemblage.htm
Netartistas Latinoamericanos http://www.internet.com.uy/vibri/netart_latino.htm
Digital Performance Archive http://dpa.ntu.ac.uk/dpa_site/
4. Electronic Arts Institutions and Festivals
Ars Electronica http://www.aec.at/en/index.asp
Banff Centre for the Arts http://www.banffcentre.ca/bnmi/programs/
Daniel Langlois
Foundation http://www.fondation-langlois.org/
ISEA
(International Society of Electronic Arts) http://www.isea2004.net
DEAF (Dutch Electronic Arts
Festival) http://www.deaf04.nl/
Transmediale (
VIPER Festival (
5. Some other Recommended Art
Sites:
Tiffany Holmes
http://www.tiffanyholmes.com/Projects/index.html
Miguel Chavalier http://www.miguel-chevalier.com
Emergent Systems http://accad.osu.edu/~rinaldo/
HorizonZero http://www.horizonzero.ca/
ZoneZero http://www.zonezero.com/
The Remedi
Project http://www.theremediproject.com/
Turbulence (Net Art) http://turbulence.org/
ArtPort (
6. Online Exhibition Archives
Techno Seduction http://www.cooper.edu/art/techno/
Beyond Interface (net art and
hypertext) http://www.archimuse.com/mw98/beyondinterface/
ShockofTheView http://www.walkerart.org/salons/shockoftheview/sv_front.html
Art Entertainment Network (
010101 (SFMOMA) http://010101.sfmoma.org/
Digibodies http://www.digibodies.org/