DMST 2365

Digital Video Art

Catalog Description

This course continues the investigation of theories and practice of electronic media and expands into an exploration of video art, providing the basic principles of video technology and independent video production through a cooperative, hands-on approach utilizing small format video. Prerequisite: ARTD 2315 or DMST 2000 Intro to eMAD. Cross listed with ARTD 2365 & DMST 4365. 4.000 Credit hours

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Course Overview

Conceptual methods of visual thinking found in new media, focusing on digitally generated imaging and time-based media will be investigated. Projects are used as a platform for creative expression focusing on the skills necessary for the conception and completion of ideas. Topics for examination and discussion will include contemporary trends in new media, technological developments, perception and manipulation of time and aesthetics, as well as conceptual, cultural and global issues.

This course encourages thoughtful engagement in complex ideas through visual application and will focus on developing and strengthening of personal concepts, creative problem solving, and the ability to successfully complete a project from conception to fruition. Students will prepare for presentations and the ability to discuss and critique their work and the work of fellow students. Projects will cover a range of challenging subjects from the personal to the public. Students are expected to research and develop their personal vision to prepare for a cohesive body of work. In addition, students will investigate the most effective method to display their work.

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Course Objectives

By the end of this course you will:

Think critically about video as a medium

Have knowledge of the history and future of video art

Have working knowledge of cutting edge tools for video creation and manipulation

Understand the process of planning and executing video artwork

Understand the process of disseminating video art

Create meaningful content laden video art

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Materials

You will need an external hard drive for this course. The hard drive recommendation is a Firewire 800 (IEEE 1394/b) with a spindle speed of 7200 RPM or faster. Most will also have USB 2 but this is not advisable for video editing. Recommended brands are Lacie, Seagate, and G-Tech (we do not recommend Western Digitals because they are the lower quality division of Seagate). It is also advised that the new drives are formatted for the MAC (the faculty can assist with this task). SAVE YOUR WORK ON YOUR OWN HARD DRIVE - computers will be automatically erased upon restart.

You may need to purchase DVDs (-R), flash/thumb drive, and headphones. In addition you may need other items as indicated per project. Other supplies will vary from individual to individual.

It is the student's responsibility to secure/check-out a digital camcorder for use in this class. Students are not required to purchase a camcorder for this class, however any late assignments due to equipment problems will be considered late -- includes projects turned in after class starts. The eMAD program has HD camcorders available for check out. Students check out a camcorder for 48 hours at a time, from the eMAD Equipment Checkout room. If the camera is not returned on time, students will not be able to borrow again. If all of the camcorderÕs parts (e.g. batteries, charger, instruction booklet) are not returned on the designated day/time, then students may be charged for these items. Be mindful that returning the equipment on time does impact grades since other students require the equipment for their projects.

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Policies

This class will combine individual work in the lab with individual and group instruction. Students must come to class prepared to work. Showing up without necessary files or equipment is the same as not attending. Although students may also use their home computers to work on projects, this is not a valid reason to not attend. It will be necessary to work outside of class to complete all projects and assignments. A minimum of eight hours per week of work outside of class is suggested to get an average grade of a C. Computer failure, equipment malfunction, and file corruption are not accepted as excuses for late or unfinished work so BACK UP YOUR WORK. The computer labs are used by many students, so the labs are in high demand. Budget time accordingly as "unavailable computer time" will also not be accepted as an excuse. Participation in all class discussions and critiques as well as constructive use of lab time is considered in the final grade for each project. At any time in the creation process students should be able to produce notes, drawings,charts etc from their sketchbooks, as well as discuss and articulate the nature of their work to their peers as well as to the instructor.

Attendance is mandatory. Attending class is the responsibility of the student. Lectures and demonstrations may be given or changed without notice and every class will start with professional examples of relevant work so punctuality is essential. An individual who is absent, late or sleeps during class will be responsible for getting the information missed. Students will be allowed two (2) absences without penalty. Any absence in excess of two will result in a 10% grade reduction of the final grade for the course per absence. All absences will be counted. A student who misses 15 minutes or more of a class (late or leave early) is considered absent. A student who sleeps will be considered absent. A student who will acquire absences due to a University sponsored activities must provide necessary documentation from the appropriate office prior to the absence to make any special arrangements for missed work.

For any absence due to religious beliefs, written notification should be provided in the first two weeks of the quarter; the student is responsible for any missed work. Any special medical or personal problems that occur, where absenteeism will exceed the allowed two, will require verification by a physician or emergency medical association (a letter from Student Affairs merely explains an absence, and will not qualify as an excuse). These situations may require course withdrawal or "Incomplete" status on the final grade. Six absences mandate an automatic grade of "F." Three late arrivals (less than 15 min.) will equal one absence.

Cultural Events: The attendance/participation to a minimum of 3 cultural events is required, as it is a critical component of professional practice. These events facilitate networking, opportunities and involvement in communities, to name a few of the benefits.

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Grading

Grades will consist of the following:

Assignments @ 35%

Reading Responses @ 5%

Project 1 @ 25%

Project 2 @ 25%

Participation @ 10%

Projects and assignments will be graded on the following basis, listed in order of importance.

Development, creativity and originality of concept or problem solution

Technical development and demonstration of skills

Craftsmanship and presentation of work

Participation in classroom discussions and critiques in connection with the work

Your grade will be calculated according to the following standards:

A = Excellent (100-90%)- work pushes far beyond the project stipulations and shows clear evidence of extreme time, dedication, care and thought about the project as evidenced in effective execution of original/thoughtful ideas.

B = Good (80-89%)- work exceeds the basic criteria, provides creative solutions to the problems and shows technical proficiency. Student has made the project "theirs" in that they do not need to explain project stipulations before showing the work.

C = Average (70-79%)- work fulfills all requirements, does not expand on techniques shown in class, ideas are close derivations of popular culture.

D = Unsatisfactory (60-69%)- work might meet basic criteria but in a careless and/or thoughtless way. Technical proficiency is rudimentary and no chances were taken.

F = Failure (0-59%)- the work does not meet the basic criteria.

Late projects will be penalized a letter grade for every class period they are late. Turning a project in after the beginning of the critique counts as one class day late.

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Lab Rules

It is your responsibility to adhere to all rules regarding the use of the DMS/eMAD labs and equipment. You will be given a sheet stating all rules. Please see Elizabeth Harris in the DMS office if you need a form to access the DMS lab in Sturm Hall.

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Plagiarism

Solutions to assignments you submit will be your own work. A student who is discovered to have plagiarized another's work will immediately receive a grade of F for the course, and a recommendation for disciplinary action will be forwarded to the Dean of Students.

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Software

We will be using Final Cut Pro 7 and Quicktime 7. You can purchase the Final Cut Studio at academic pricing for $299 at the University Bookstore. A computer running OS X is required for the software. It is your responsibility to work out times when you can use the DMS labs or to make other arrangements for doing your work. Please do not download and/or install trial versions of software or any other onto campus computers.

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