VM470 Advanced New Media Projects
Section-0 Fall 2011
Image by Cody McCann.
PROFESSOR: John (Craig) Freeman
EMAIL: john_craig_freeman@emerson.edu
PHONE: (617) 824-8862
OFFICE HOURS: Ansin 1111, MTW 11:00-11:50 a.m. or by appointment
CLASS MEETS: Ansin 112, MW 2:00 – 3:45 p.m.
PREREQUISITE: VM363, VM375, VM362 or VM351 (Seniors Only). Can be repeated once for credit pending portfolio review.
DESCRIPTION: New Media Projects provides an opportunity for senior VMA students, working in computer animation, interactive media, motion graphics, digital photography, networked performance, audio, or other forms of new media, to create advanced portfolio work. Projects, both collaborative and individual, will be developed in the context of peer-based critique and analysis. The focus will be on using new technologies for creative self-expression. Students complete the course with an original portfolio-ready project.
OBJECTIVES:
• To develop students’ skills in the production of capstone portfolio work
• To introduce students to artists that shaped and continue to shape new media
• To assist students in further developing their visual literacy, critical thinking and communication skills
• To apply these skills to express themselves creatively and critically
REQUIREMENTS:
• Attend every class meeting
• Complete all required reading
• Contribute and engage in all class discussions and critiques
• Come to class prepared to work
• Present a project proposal
• Present progress on the project twice
• Present the completed final project during scheduled exam
READING:
• Digital Art; 2nd edition, by Chritiane Paul, Thames and Hudson, London ISBN 8978-0-500-20398-9
SOFTWARE TRAINING:
Students are expected to have the technical skills necessary to produce work in the new media forms that they choose for their project, or at least be fluent enough to solve problems independently. Additional technical training will not be included in the content of the course nor will we work as a group to develop such skills during class time. Although one-on-one help will be provided as time allows, students are responsible for developing necessary remedial technical skills independently. There is a license for the entire Lynda.com library available in the Media Services center on the 3rd floor of the Ansin building and Design3 has arranged special discount pricing on your gaming needs. You are encouraged to identify and purchase, if nessasary, additional software training materials based on your specific needs.
ASSIGNMENTS: Propose, develop and complete an original, portfolio ready work of new media art. You will be evaluated based on the projects originality, expressive creativity, conceptual depth and technical expertise. It can be narrative or abstract but should be rich in interpretive possibility.
Project Proposal
Each student will present a project proposal to the class. We will discuss the proposal and either approve the project or recommend changes. Students will be evaluated on the quality of the idea, the proposal and the presentation. Test your work and equipment ahead of time. The proposals must include: a concept narrative, a script (if applicable), a storyboard, and a production schedule.
• The Concept Narrative should be concise and to the point and should be around 750 words. The content will make up the oral part of the presentation to the class, but should not be read aloud.
• If a script is applicable to your proposed project, write one.
• The Storyboard should include high quality digital color illustrations at a 960 x 540, 72 dpi.
• The production schedule should be organized and succinct. Include specific dates. Your list must be specific to your needs.
Presentations are formal and should be prepared in a PowerPoint presentation format saved in a folder titled lastname_firstname along with any linked movie files and must be turned in at the Assignments_In folder prior to the critique.
Presentation One
Students will present the progress of their project during a prescheduled time. The presentation must include the following:
• A stand-alone project file or folder titled lastname_firstname(.ext) in whatever format is appropriate for your work and in the format that you intend to complete the final project. It should run on a Mac.
• Prepare an optimized project directory or directories stripped of all unnecessary files and folders. Be prepared to open production files and demonstrate techniques that you learned in your production process.
• In addition to a presentation of your progress on your project to date, students are required to research and prepare a report on a new media project, artist or collective from the resources listed in the Reading section above. The work that you choose to report on should have influenced your work or should provide a context for your project.
Your presentation must be placed in a folder titled lastname_firstname and turned in at the Assignments_In folder prior to the critique.
Projects that do not conform to these specifications or that are turned in late will result in a lower grade.
Presentation Two
The requirements for Presentation Two are the same as Presentation One
Final Project
Each student will present the finished project during the scheduled final exam time. Your project should be saved as a stand-alone project file titled lastname_firstname.ext in whatever format is appropriate for your project. All projects must include audio, titles and credits. The work must be turned in at the Assignments_In folder prior to the critique. Projects that do not conform to these specifications will result in a lower grade. Late final projects will not be accepted.
SUPPLIES:
• Mobile FireWire or Hi-Speed USB 2.0 removable hard drive. I recommend LaCie. Minimum requirement is 40GB of storage space. 7200 (RPM) speed is preferable. Thumb/flash drives are not recommended for this course. Options can be found at: http://www.lacie.com/
• CD-R or DVD-Rs as needed.
GRADING: The final grade will be determined according to the following criteria based on the corresponding percentages.
• Presentation One: 20%
• Presentation Two: 20%
• Participation: 10%.
• Attendance: 10%.
• Final Project: 40%
I will meet with each student individually at mid-semester to evaluate performance up to that point. An Incomplete will only be issued if there are extenuating circumstances related to illness or critical personal emergency and only after administrative notice has been received.
POLICIES: Attendance and punctuality is required at all class meetings and will be reflected in the final grade. According to College policy, unexcused absences beyond five will result in a failing grade. Everyone must come to class prepared and engaged and everyone must participate in discussions and critiques. Your undivided attention is required during all discussions and critiques. No email, web browsing or other computer work will be allowed during these times.
Students should be aware of the College policies regarding creative and academic dishonesty and the penalties for plagiarism and software piracy. While it is accepted that there may be occasion for stylistic or historical inspiration, influence and reference, the student will be asked to produce original work from ones own study and investigation.
If you have a disability that warrants accommodations in this course, please register with the Disability Service Coordinator at 216 Tremont Street, 5th Floor, (617) 824-8415.
COURSE CALENDAR: Subject to changes as necessary.
Wednesday 09/07/11
Introductions:
Syllabus: http://johncraigfreeman.net.
Assignment: Prepare proposals for next week and get book.
Lab Operations: Lab policies.
Monday 09/12/11
Reading:
Proposal Discussion: Vet initial ideas.
Lesson Files:
Lesson: Proposals.
Wednesday 09/14/11
Due: Project proposal presentations.
Monday 09/19/11
Due: Project proposal presentations continued.
Tuesday 09/20/11
The Department of Visual and Media arts, in association with the Goethe-Institut Boston presents “Animation Expanded,” a talk about the relationship between the visual arts and german animation by Ulrich Wegenast. Tuesday September 20, at 7pm at the The Kevin Bright Family Screening Room, 555 Washington Street, Boston, MA.
Wednesday 09/21/11
Open Lab: Work on projects.
Monday 09/26/11
Critique: Presentation One”.
Wednesday 09/28/11
Open Lab: Work on projects.
Monday 10/03/11
Critique: Presentation One.
Wednesday 10/05/11
Open Lab: Work on projects.
Monday 10/10/11
Columbus Day observed: (no classes).
Wednesday 10/12/11
Critique: Presentation One.
Monday 10/17/11
Critique: Presentation One.
Wednesday 10/19/11
Mid-semester Evaluations: Individual Meetings.
Open Lab: Work on projects.
Monday 10/24/11
Mid-semester Evaluations: Individual Meetings.
Open Lab: Work on projects.
Wednesday 10/26/11
Mid-semester Evaluations: Individual Meetings.
Open Lab: Work on projects.
Monday 10/31/11
Critique: Presentation Two.
Wednesday 11/02/11
Studio: Work on projects.
Monday 11/07/11
Critique: Presentation Two.
Wednesday 11/09/11
Studio: Work on projects.
The Department of Visual and Media arts, a public screening by Chris Landreth. Wednesday November 9, at 8pm at the The Bordy Theater.
Monday 11/14/11
Critique: Presentation Two.
Wednesday 11/16/11
Studio: Work on projects.
Monday 11/21/11
Critique: Presentation Two.
Wednesday 11/23/11
Thanksgiving observed: (no classes).
Monday 11/28/11
Studio: Work on final projects.
Wednesday 11/30/11
Studio: Work on final projects.
Monday 12/05/11
Studio: Work on final projects.
Wednesday 12/07/11
Studio: Work on final projects.
Monday 12/12/11
Studio: Work on final projects.
Due: All late work must be turned in or it will not count on final grades.
Fri. 12/16/11
Final Critique: 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Final Exam Schedule.
Due: Final Projects.
Augmentationist Interanational
