New Course Proposal - TECH 124 New Media Images

Tom Calvert, Jane Fee, and Robert D. Cameron

Revision B - February 4, 2003

Calendar Information

Course Number: TECH 124

Course Title: New Media Images

Credit Hours: 3 Vector: 0-3-1

Course Description

The social and psychological effects of technological developments on contemporary art and design practices are explored. An introduction to basic semiotic and design terminology provides a foundation for discussing the cultural role of visual communications. Conceptual and structural frameworks for developing non-linear narratives are considered and implemented through basic digital video production and editing techniques. The role of network structures in shaping art and design practices are examined and developed in relation to interface design and web-based software applications.

Prerequisite: None.

Recommended: None.

Corequisite: None.

Special Instructions: None.

Course(s) to be dropped if this course is approved:

TECH 121-1 New Media: The Computer Image
TECH 122-1 New Media: Non-Linearity & the Procedural Image
TECH 123-1 New Media: Designing a Network

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.

2004-1 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?

No.

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 121, 122 and 123 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?

No.

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 Objectives:

In this course students will learn to:

Articulate the differences between subjective and objective descriptions of sound and hearing
Analyze environmental sound
Develop methodology for audio and video recording
Digitize audio and video image
Understand basic semiotic concepts related to media narratives
Apply icon, index, symbol as imagery in your own creative practice
Experience an enhanced relationship of sound to your body
Create non-linear narratives with digital video
Develop audio and video editing techniques
Identify, analyze and discuss basic network structures
Explore the relationships between nodes in a network
Understand the historical, theoretical, and critical basis to the techniques explored
Critically reflect upon your own production
Develop the ability to articulate intention in work through written and verbal critique
Develop methodology for representation of the basic elements of aural and visual form
Understand the relevance of the prehistory of media technology to its subsequent development.

Course Description:

This course examines the digital media, its relationship to the traditional media and the resulting influence that these media have upon each other. What is new about new media? Is it the new ways in which we interact with the media? Is it the new blending of media technologies? This interdisciplinary studio course offers students the chance to explore these questions through analysis of the change and continuity in the contemporary media landscape, engaging with both practical and theoretical frameworks of the new media art practice.

New Media Images provides an introduction to digital poetry, music, sound art, film, special effects and gaming production as well as the delivery of digital media via internet: net art, radio and television. Through hands-on art practice students investigate the conceptual and structural framework for developing nonlinear, interactive and procedural narratives. Lectures and readings complement the studio practice by giving a theoretical and critical grounding in the examination of the role of computers, hypertext and networked environments in shaping the way we tell our stories. They have become as much a cultural device as a computing device.

Pre- or Co-Requisites: None

Delivery Method: Studio Lab (SL)

Learning Activities and Evaluation:

Web Presentation 1. hour
Offline Reading 1. hour
Studio lab and workshop sessions 3.0 hours
Assignments 2.5 hours
Total Hours 7.5 hours
Audio-Visual Project 40%
Net Art Project 40%
Participation 20%

Texts, Resources & Materials

Text: No required text for this course

Software: Email Effects (freeware), BBEdit Lite (optional)

Materials: Zip disk, mini DV tape

Platform Requirements: PC

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