About
This foundation studio course focuses on the use of computational methods and techniques to produce critical art projects about society and culture. Hands-on studio exercises will experiment with the production of sound, image and time-based media, as well as net-based platforms. Studio practice will be framed and examined through readings, film screenings and group discussion engaging theory, history, and context for new media production within contemporary art.
Course Requirements
Foundations Media: Computation + Art is multidisciplinary in nature, combining aspects of critical theory, art, and technology. Students are not required to have any specialized technical experience, and those from various disciplines and backgrounds including, but not limited to, art practice, media studies, computer science, design, architecture, and engineering are encouraged to enroll. Students should be willing to conceptualize and design their projects in public or virtual scenarios, and collaboration and group work will be encouraged to maximize the benefits of cross-disciplinary skill sets. In addition to projects, periodic readings and participation in online forums and documentation will be required. Course requirements include: mandatory attendance, completion of the weekly assignments, periodic larger projects including a final project, presentations, online documentation of work completed for the course, and the active participation in a class blog. Please see attached for details regarding course rules and regulations.
Grading
Total Grade = 15% attendance and class participation + 25% online forums and documentation + 20% exercises + 40% term projects. Grading will be based on a review of the following questions. Did you challenge yourself? Did you work diligently and practically to meet these challenges? Did you complete all of your projects on time? Did you participate in discussions and critiques? Did you attend every class and screening?
Reviews
Work in progress reviews will be conducted periodically to allow for peer input and collaborative learning. Final reviews will consist of formal presentations of work, followed by instructor-led critiques and feedback. A final public exhibition may be held at Brown University in addition to an online presentation.
Methodology and Technology
This course has no formal prerequisites. However, students will be asked to engage various technological platforms and software. These platforms include web-based frameworks (WordPress, Twitter, Tumblr), creative software (Adobe Creative Suite, various F/OSS applications), and coding environments and languages (HTML, CSS, Processing, NodeBox). While we will introduce these platforms and go over the basics together, class time will be focused on the conceptual basis for using these technologies for art making. This means that students will be responsible for learning the software in large part on their own with the help of their peers.