New aesthetics already exists in information interfaces and information tools that we use in everyday life. In other words, new aesthetics of information culture manifests itself most clearly in computer software and its interfaces. ... [C]omputer applications employed in industry and science – simulation, visualization, databases – are the new cultural forms of information society. The challenge before us is to figure out how to employ these tools to create new art; in short, how to interface them not to quantified data but to human experience, subjectivity and memory.    -- Lev Manovich, 'new media' artist and theorist, from Info-Aesthetics

Varieties of magic have developed organic models of art and science, incorporating theories of materiality. Experiments have been carried out and discoveries have been made through ritual and conflating reality with an image or simulation."     -- Patrick Clancy, 'new media' artist and curator

Images demonstrate transformation, not information.            -- Bruno Latour, cultural theorist

description

This course will build working knowledge of digital media through experience of time-based production and delivery concepts and tools. Prerequisite: ARS 162 and permission of the instructor.

objectives

This course is an introduction to digital motion graphics and animation. Using processes of 2-D animation, interactive video, and relevant audio design processes, we will focus on digital media as framework for the exploration of human experience, subjectivity, and memory. Through studio production and experimentation, through screening of animations and other media by artists, and through discussion, we will consider the computer as a window to practices of art which emphasize such exploration.

This semester our work will involve the development of skills and critical strategies related to time-based production, including:.

• basics of audio and video recording, editing, mixing
• 2D animation using vector-based, structured graphics and bitmapped content
• Web streaming of time-based audio-visual content
• "real-time" performative (interactive) strategies for audio-video.
• intro to 3-D graphics and 3-D animation utilizing "open source" tools (as the time of the semester allows)

required web account

You are required to obtain a free, student web account on the sophia.smith.edu webserver. You will need to fill out a Sophia Account Request Form available online at http://www.smith.edu/its/tara/account_forms/sophia_account.pdf . The printed-out form then must be delivered to the ITS help desk (2nd floor, Stoddard Hall).

required reading and viewing materials

On-line (web) or photocopied materials will be assigned during the semester.

required textbook (1)

• Christiane Paul, Digital Art (London: Thames and Hudson, 2003). Price: $15

Optional, recommended books (check the Hillyer Library and bookstore)

• Kit Laybourne, The Animation Book (New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 1998 Digital Edition). "A complete guide to animated filmmaking - from flip-books to sound cartoons to 3D animation." This book can be a valuable contextualization of the digital processes that we will be using this semester, placing them in the context of the traditional "analog" processes from which they derive.
• Noah Wardrip-Fruin and Nick Montfort, editors. The New Media Reader (Cambridge MA: MIT Press, 2003). Note that this optional book includes a collection of historical documents, essays by artists and theorists across 50 years. It also includes a CDROM with historical video, early games, multimedia and other artifacts of New Media.
• Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art (HarperPerennial, 1993)

required resource

Rhizome at www.rhizome.org - You are required to sign up for Rhizome's "Net Art News" announcements list. Rhizome is an artist-run, on-line, not-for-profit organization based in NYC. It features net art projects, reviews, news, announcements, etc. Smith College has free access to this website. Otherwise it is restricted to members. (Access to this website is free to non-members on Fridays, but is otherwise restricted to "members" who pay a single $5 per year fee).

supply expenses (to be discussed in class)

Expect to spend from $40 to $60 on supplies for this course.

Supplies include such items as computer storage media (zip disks, recordable CD-ROMs, etc.), and recording supplies (minidiscs for audio recording, mini-dv and digital 8 videotape for digital video camcorder, optional Sony 'memory stick' for cybershot still cameras), miscellaneous supplies such as idea notebook, production props, batteries, A-V cables. For audio recording you will need to purchase your own set of headphones (approximately $5-10).

Zip disks can be formatted for Mac or PC. Higher-storage 250mb Zip disks are okay too (but not higher than 250). Note that you will probably need additional storage over the semester and that there are alternatives to Zip disks such as USB flash memory and portable hard-drives. (The re-writable CDRs do not work on the DDS Lab computers at this time. CD-RW disks are not recommended, especially since they do not port between MAC and PC.)

attendance

Attendance is required for every class meeting and for the full class period. Unexcused absences will result in a lower grade proportionate to the number of days absent. In addition to non-attendance, unexcused absences include: arriving late to class, leaving class early. The final grade will be reduced by a full letter grade for every unexcused absence beyond three.

One or more outside events will be assigned during the semester. There will be flexibility for those who have commitments that conflict with such events.

special needs

Please let the instructor know if, due to a difference or disability, you need special accomodations in this course. The information you share with her is confidential. Such arrangements will help the instructor facilitate, for the benefit of everyone, the full participation of every person in the course.

grading

The grade you earn this semester will be based both upon the quality of the work you make and the quality of your contribution to the collective knowledge and experience of the class as a whole. Note also that you must turn in assigned projects on time to be eligible for a grade of "A" in this course.

• Your contributions to the collective experience of the class will will be based upon your attendance, participation in class discussions, animation blog, and possibly will include one oral report-presentation. (Earn.up to 20 points).
• The work you produce will consist of a sequence of 4-6 assignments and exercises plus one Final Project (earn up to 80 points total.)
  
• Participation in the planning and production of an end-of-semester exhibition is a requirement of this course.

The quality of the work you produce this semester will be evaluated based upon your demonstrated ability:

1. to take risks.
2. to engage perceptual and representational issues with compelling focus and clarity.
3. to make unusual and unexpected associations within the matrix of visual ideas that comprise your work.
4. to begin to use relevant concepts to articulate the structural and representational issues at stake.
5. to produce 'open-ended work'. (By 'open-ended work' is meant projects which suggest, by and through their visual strategies, further questions and directions to explore).

While your final grade is based on these broad criteria, your individual project presentations will be evaluated based on the objectives detailed in each assignment. Note, however, that you will not be receiving a grade on each individual assignment. Evaluation during the semester (prior to the final grade) will include critiques and may include a mid-semester progress report involving an approximate grade assessment.

rev. 1.23.04