Intro to eMAD
ARTD 2315 and DMST 2000, T/TH 8:00 am- 10:50 am

Instructor: Rafael Fajardo
email: rfajardo@du.edu
website: mysite.du.edu/~jfishbur/emad

Office Hours Fall 2010
Tuesday & Thursday Before Class or by appointment

Description
Introduction to eMAD lays the groundwork for visual semiotics and design literacy, to understand how meaning is formed. It consists of practical design applications reflecting cultural, social, political and psychological contexts.
"The real issue is not talent as an independent element, but talent in relationship to will, desire, and persistence. Talent without these things vanishes and even modest talent with those characteristics grows." -Milton Glaser

Course Objectives
Create a historical and theoretical context: We will develop an understanding of the history and theory of New Media, digital art, and digital design.
Learning new tools: We will begin to develop new media production skills with basic software literacy. We will also create lifelong professional practices that enable you to continually learn uses and applications of new tools.
Creative applications: We will apply this knowledge and skill in new media based projects.
Critical engagement: We will earn to critique art projects rigorously and constructively.

Course Policies
In order to meet course objectives the following requirements are critical:

Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. 3 unexcused absences constitutes the drop of 1 letter grade (3 lates=1 absence). The 5th absence is an automatic failure from the class. An unexcused absence from any critique or portion of a critique will constitute the drop of 1 letter grade for that project. An unexcused absence from the final critique will constitute a failure (F) for that project.

Participation
Active and supportive participation in all project critiques, discussions, and presentations will be expected from all group members. Class preparedness, dedication, self-direction and self-motivation are expected. Class projects (concept, critical content, technical proficiency, craftsmanship and presentation) do not entirely revolve around a completed product; other factors such as level of risk and ambition, process, progress and creative problem solving affect your project and thus your grade.
You are expected to check your email daily, but not during class time. Assignment changes and announcements will be sent via email; it is your responsibility to keep up with the class via electronic means.
Turn cell phones OFF before you arrive to class (no text messaging etc). NO headphones during class, unless instructed.

Critiques
Active participation in all discussions and critiques is essential. Critiques are the fundamental exercise in developing your skills as an artist. It is in this arena which interaction and collaboration with your peers determine the success of your work. 3 major and several minor critiques are planned; this is for work in progress and exercises as well as completed projects. Successful critiques include: thoughtful input during critiques and class discussions, and the ability to give and receive critical feedback. Your full attention and participation is required for every student’s project. An unexcused absence from any critique or any portion of a critique will constitute the drop of one letter grade for that project. An unexcused absence or missing any portion of the final critique will result in a failing grade for the final project.

Required Materials
You will need at least 1GB of portable storage (flash or thumb drives, portable hard drive, etc.) and DVDs (-R). In addition you may need other items as indicated per project. Other supplies will vary from individual to individual.

There is no required textbook, but students are required to subscribe to the Intro to eMAD online tutorial library on lynda.com. Instructions will be given on the first day of class.

Quality of Work
All creative work under consideration for critique or discussion under this course should be of a completed/finished quality that warrants the attention and respect of your class colleagues. No excuses, or explanations.
Grading

A= exceptional performance in all areas, consistent and excellent progress in areas of concept development, technique and creativity close to a professional level. Exceptional critique performance, thorough understanding of course issues, completion of all work
B=above average performance in all areas listed above - solutions are unique, noteworthy and beyond competent, but not consistently excellent.
C=average performance and acceptable progress in areas of concept development, technique, creativity and critique performance, understands basic course issues, completion of all work and acceptable attendance
D=below average work and progress, does not attempt to further one’s current level of technical abilities, poor development and research of project concepts, marginal creativity, very little critique interaction, poor understanding of course issues, not all assignments completed
F= failing performance and progress, fails to grasp course concepts, failure to complete assignments, poor attendance

Total is based on 100%
Participation / Critique Involvement / Community and Personal Commitment=20%
Presentations=10%
Exercises=10%
Projects=30%
Final Project=20%
Sketchblog and Reading Reaction Statements=10%

Evaluation Standards
Participation with peers, craftspersonship, experimentation, and effective execution are all vital components of a successful project both in the classroom and in the outside world. As a student in this class you will be expected to carry out your work with an objective of cultivating knowledge and collecting new experiences, not just completing projects for a grade.
additional note- If a student has a documented disability and wishes to have special arrangements made to facilitate a more effective learning environment, I must be notified by the student within the first two weeks of the start of the course. The student must also provide proper documentation stating the condition of the disability. This will remain confidential unless the student chooses otherwise.

Expectations
This is a demanding course intended for mature students. I will expect a full and consistent commitment of time and effort. Projects that are late for critiques and deadlines will be failed.
Deadlines do not change for equipment problems. In the case of equipment failures you are to find alternative means of producing assignments. If after reading this syllabus, and hearing the class introduction, you are hesitant about your commitment do not take the class.
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Agreement
I have read the syllabus for ARTD 2315 & DMST 2000 thoroughly. My questions and concerns as of this date have been
asked and I understand the content of the course and what is expected of me.

Name______________________________ eMail address___________________
Signature________________________________ Date_____________