New Course Proposal - TECH 117 Systems of Visual Representation

Tom Calvert, Jane Fee, and Robert D. Cameron

Revision A - January 30, 2003

Calendar Information

Systems of 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional and interactive visual representation are surveyed as they apply to both physical and digital media. Classical notions of 2D mark making and 3D linear perspective are introduced along with contemporary alternatives with digital media. Topics in interactivity include narrative concepts, color and composition as meaning, and modes of perception and reception. The course culuminates with the development of an interactive time-based group project centered on multimedia, user interactions and medium of delivery.

TECH 118-1 2D Visual Representation
TECH 119-1 3D Visual Representation
TECH 120-1 Interactive Visual Representation

Rationale for Introduction of this Course

This course consolidates three 1-credit module-based (5 week) courses into a single 3-credit semester-based course.

Will this be a required or elective course in the curriculum; probable enrolment when offered?

Required; enrolment estimated at 400 per year.

Scheduling and Registration Information

Indicate Semester and Year this course would be first offered and planned frequency of offering thereafter.

2003-3 and annually thereafter.

Which of your present CFL faculty have the expertise to offer this course? Will the course be taught by sessional or limited term faculty?

Clements-Vivian, Dulic

Are there any proposed student fees associated with this course other than tuition fees?

Is this course considered a `duplicate' of any current or prior course under the University's duplicate course policy? Specify, as appropriate.

Students with credit for TECH 118, 119 and 120 may not take this course for further credit.

Resource Implications

Note: Senate has approved (S.93-11) that no new course should be approved by Senate until funding has been committed for necessary library materials. Each new course proposal must be accompanied by a library report and, if appropriate, confirmation that funding arrangements have been addressed.

Provide details on how existing instructional resources will be redistributed to accommodate this new course. For instance, will another course be eliminated or will the frequency of offering of other courses be reduced; are there changes in pedagogical style or class sizes that allow for this additional course offering.

This course will use the resources already in place for the three 1-credit modules it replaces.

Does the course require specialized space or equipment not readily available in the department or university, and if so, how will these resources be provided?

Does this course require computing resources (e.g. hardware, software, network wiring, use of computer laboratory space) and if so, describe how they will be provided.

No new resources are required by virtue of this course consolidation.

Course Outline

Course Description:

This course addresses the problem of representation within the computer as a medium for artistic practice. What does it mean to be a "digital Artist?" Where is the place of creativity and artistic expression within a digital environment? How do creativity and logic interact? This interdisciplinary course offers students the chance to explore these questions through hands-on art practice achieved by encoded processes. This is an introduction to the logic of formal representation and creative audio-visual thinking that are fundamental to understanding the computer's role in the future of the arts and design.

The focus of the course is placed on the basic elements of auditory and visual language, which can be understood as the problem of the representation of a complex reality within the computer structure. The course focuses on investigations of form and representation systems that have taken place over the previous century. Students learn how representation and culture are intrinsically linked. Hands-on studio practice and weekly skill building exercises illustrate the intersection of computation with the traditional arts. Students investigate form through the use of physical materials and the basic visual and aural programming. Lectures and readings complement the studio practice by giving an historical, theoretical, and critical grounding to the techniques explored.

The course introduces basic principles of representation— the point, pixel, line, plane, volume, fractional dimensions, pitch, frequency, wave intensity, sample and bits—as it introduces basic principles of computation— variables, repeats, and if/then/else constructions. Building on these core concepts, we further investigate the problem of the time, movement, interactivity, programmed response, and networking. No previous programming and art practice experience is needed. Finally, these skills are be applied to a single project.

NOTE: these outlines are drafts and are subject to change. Official textbook list should be consulted.