Introduction to Digital Art
ART 4813 SEC 001
T TH 9:30 am – 12:20 pm
B 17 FJC

Professor Adam Brown
Office hours: Tuesday & Thursday 2-3

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is an introductory digital art production course designed to explore the intersection of technology and culture both historically and practically.  Furthermore, this course is intended to provide a foundation for more advanced study in electronic media.  Lectures, demonstrations and screenings will cover the practical and conceptual use of computers by visual artists.  In addition, current trends and evolving theoretical concepts within electronic media and their relationship to "intermedia" will be explored.  We will cover topics such as digital imaging, sound, web design and interactive multimedia in art making. Class time will consist of artist screenings, technical lectures/exercises and creative projects. We will explore how electronic content/information relates to the physical world?

No prior computer experience is necessary, but it is recommended that you have a basic knowledge of Macintosh OS or Windows.

SCHEDULE:
Like your creative work this course is a work in progress. It is your responsibility to consult the course web site for changes in the schedule.

READING ASSIGNMENTS:
Reading assignments will be comprised of handouts, the class web site, and web pages, all of which will be distributed throughout the semester. The assigned reading materials are designed to compliment the imaginative process and provide a context for creative projects. Students are expected to have the readings completed with a written response before class on the days indicated on the schedule.

EXHIBITIONS/SCREENINGS:
You will be required to attend two artist lectures outside of class during the fall semester. In response to each lecture you will be required to write a one page (typed) for each. Lecture dates and times will be posted on the class website.

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:
An approximately one page description of the readings, with 2-3 key points of the author, is due when indicated on the schedule-- No exceptions. If two articles are to be read, they can be compared and contrasted in one summary, one page, providing sufficient detail is offered by you, the writer. If you know you will be busy in a particular week, do your readings ahead of time.

ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is MANDATORY. Interaction and collaboration are an important aspect of the learning process and are critical for establishing trust among your peers. Please note that your grade will be reduced one full letter grade for every two absences. Six absences will result in a failing grade for the course.  This policy will be strictly enforced. If you need to miss a class please contact me in advance.

LAB HOURS:
The media lab hours will be posted.
(It is generally open weekday evenings and all day on Saturday and Sunday)

*We will be looking for volunteers to staff the media lab.

GRADES/EVALUATION:
Attend and participate fully! Offer thoughtful comments on others work; take a leadership role in discussion in class and in the online community outside of class. Bring new ideas to class! Listen to others views with respect, attend class on time, and turn in work on time. Be Critical.

Approximate Grade Distribution:  

Participation and Attendance 20%
Studio (in class) Assignments 20%
Projects 50%
Writings Assignments 10%

Grading is based on conceptual and aesthetic merit as well as technical execution and effort (as in any arts course). Late assignments will be significantly downgraded .

 A      Excellent work exceeding expectations. Outstanding participation, attendance, and assignments.  A student producing work in the top 20% of his or her class.

 B      Above average assignments and mastery of tools and concepts, participation and attendance.

 C      Average execution of assignments, participation and attendance.

 D      Well below average work, participation and attendance.

 F       Unsatisfactory work, participation and attendance.

**Late assignments are not accepted without doctor's note or evidence of an emergency. If you are having an emergency, email me a.s.a.p. Incompletes for the course will not be given except in cases of evidence of personal hardship/illness discussed in advance.

READINGS:
required readings will be available for download from the course website.

SUPPLIES:
flash drive or memory stick to backup your work, Camera - This can be traditional or digital, yours or borrowed. (Digital cameras are preferable)

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION POLICY:
Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from demonstrating his or her ability should contact me as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate involvement in the class.