Course Syllabus - Introduction to Digital Art and Culture
Art 127, Sec. 02
Class meets: Tues./Thurs. 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm, Room 2114, Art and Architecture Building
Instructor email: hkumao@umich.edu
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INTRO TO DIGITAL ART AND CULTURE
Course Description * Assignments & Grading * Readings & Books * Equipment & Supplies |
This is an introductory course in digital art and culture with a focus on creating artwork for the web and using the web as a tool, research resource, distribution channel, and exhibition/interactive site. We will examine the basic history of the computer and computing in the arts, theories and trends in media art and digital culture. We will study artists who use the computer as a medium, tool, or subject matter, screening work from the web, video, film, DVD, and CD-ROM. As we examine work in a variety of forms (net art, digital video and audio, interactive works, animation, hypertext documents, etc.), we will contextualize the concepts through readings available on-line and handed out in class.
We are living in a unique moment in history in which all forms of cultural production and distribution are becoming based on computer technologies. This increasing dependence on images for information and images as knowledge necessitates visual and digital literacy, as well as a technological, cultural literacy.
As we investigate the various forms and problematics of making art with digital tools, we will critically assess the contemporary artistic landscape. What kind of artistic/cultural practice is possible using digital, web, and computing tools? How do they relate to conventional disciplines and how are we to assess them critically?
The tools we will cover to realize projects include: HTML, Photoshop 6.0, Go-Live, Illustrator 10, Sound Edit 16, digital cameras, I-movie, and Flash.
Class time will be divided between discussions, technical demonstrations, screenings of artwork, and work time. There will be assignments using the software/hardware as well as written homework assignments about the readings and artwork.
While the majority of imagery and ideas on the web are commercial, the focus of this class is on creating ART and a critical understanding of technology while using these commercial tools in an overly corporate context. There will be a total of 4 assignments for the course, three smaller assignments and a larger final project.
Since this is an Introductory level course, no prior knowledge is required, however you will need to start THINKING DIGITALLY IMMEDIATELY. Success in electronic art (or any medium) requires being able to think in that medium. As you watch tv, look at web sites, and view web art think about how it was made, and what the main conceptual issue is.
Attendance:
Attendance will be checked regularly. 3 lates= one absence. 3 unexcused absences will result in an “F” grade. Late assignments will only be accepted one week after the original due date. They will be graded down one full grade. After one week, the grade becomes an F.
Being absent from a critique will result in a lowering of the grade for that assignment. Students are expected to be active, vocal participants in critiques, discussions, and in-class exercises.
Students are expected to come to class “WORK READY.” This means attending class on time, with your digital files. Students not ready or willing to work in class will be counted as ABSENT. This includes checking your email, chatting online, shopping, checking your stock quotes, etc. during class. We have only 3 hours to learn a great deal. Please refrain from those activities until after class is over or during a break.
There will be 3 smaller projects and one final project, and numerous readings and written responses due over the course of the semester.
Class Requirements
1. Set up IFS account (virtual storage)
2. Do assigned projects and homework ON TIME
3. read linked articles
4. look at web art
5. participate in class discussions
6. start thinking critically and digitally
| Project 1: Digital Hybrids, Cyborgs, and Simulacra (Photoshop) Create 2 images using Photoshop: a hybrid being/creature and a place defined by a map. Each image must use at least 3 images in its creation, composited into some kind of whole image. Consider human/animal/machine combinations, or organic with inorganic,photo images with non-photo media such as drawings, scientific information, texts, etc. |
Due Jan. 29 | 15% |
| Project 2: Time: Basic Digital Animation and Sound (Gif loops and Sound Edit 16) 1. Create a short animated gif loop (for possible use on your web page later) using text or images. Think about a gesture or activity that might take on new meaning when looped infinitely (this is what a gif loop will do on your web page). 2. Create a short digital audio piece using audio samples, interviews, collected or appropriated sounds. This can also be used for your web page later, if desired. |
Due Feb. 21 | 20% |
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Project 3: Web Site and Interactivity (HTML, Adobe Go-Live) |
Due March 19 | 20% |
| Final Project of your own choosing:
Proposal must be approved by instructor. |
Due April 17 | 30% |
| Homework assignments over the course of semester, attendance |
on-going | 15% |
READINGS AND BOOKS
Texts available at Shaman Drum bookstore, 311-315 State Street., 734-662-7407
1) Visual Quickstart Guide to Photoshop 6.0, Elaine Wenmann and Peter Lourekas, 2001, Peachpit Press $22
2) Visual Quickstart Guide for Go-Live 5.0,Shelly Brisbin, 2001, Peachpit Press, $20
3) online readings will be linked from the on-line syllabus/schedule
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
You will need at least 3-5 zip discs for storage of your graphic and audio files. I would also suggest having headphones handy for the audio portion of the class.