o v e r v i e w | p r o j e c t s | s c h e d u l e | r e s o u r c e s

course syllabus: EDPX 3990: EDP Undergraduate Capstone   
winter 2016, MW : 5PM- 7:50PM
http://www.du.edu/~tweaver2/edpx3990
Timothy Weaver, <tweaver2@du.edu>, 303.871.3279
Shwayder Art Building, 213, office hrs: W 11AM -1PM
Noah Phillips, < nnnoooaaahhh@gmail.com>
office hrs: T 11AM -1PM

: : C O U R S E   O V E R V I E W : :

This course provides time and guidance for individual students to develop complex works that are a culmination of their EDP studies. All projects will need to synthesize the principles of experience, emergence, and engagement taught throughout the program. All projects will require both writing and making, the balance of these two to be determined by the nature of the work

The conceptual framework of this capstone course will be to synthesize, expand, establish and sustain the creative practice of class participants within the domain of emergent digital practices. The course will build upon an existing knowledge and project base with considerations for psychological, social and cultural context; artistic/design philosophy; media literacy; access; semiotics; identity; content delivery architectures; venture funding; venue development and dissemination of new media. The course will specifically extend these concepts into practice by employing an established foundation of works as ground for upgrade/transformation to professional-grade materializations, venue participation and distributions. This materialization will be integrated as core elements for the construction of domain identity, collateral and infrastructure for continued professional investigations and practice.

Essential to the conceptual and domain-base of the course framework, project endeavors and ventures will be the grounded with sustainable elements, collateral, support networks and strategies in relation to professional and creative trajectories, praxis and survival. 

Emphasis in this course is on professional grade materialization of individual explorations as new media artists, designers and developers and development of a network of support to sustain a future of professional creative endeavors, ventures and careers.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

: : t h e o r y : :
:: Expand the theoretical concepts that form the foundations of new media praxis, design, developments and equivalents/translations from multidisciplinary art forms and art history;

: : c o n t e x t : :
:: Build further insight into the psychological, cultural and social contexts which define the environment of interactive media access and interpretation and lay the foundation for the evolution of future creative investigations;

: : t e c h n i q u e : :
:: Broaden an appropriate base of digital tools and technique for the realization of works that amplify the language of interactive new media;

: : c r i t i c a l   d i a l o g u e : :
:: Perpetuate an evolving vocabulary and language for the enablement of critical dialogue/analysis, and social engagement of interactive works, expansion of new media theory and exchange of ideas and criticism;

:: Foster a collective diversity of criticism that promotes experimentation, research, and affirmation of new creative thought, identity, and possibilities;

: : d o m a i n : :
:: propagate the exploration, professional development and identity within the domain ecologies of new media

: : s u s t a I n a b i l i t y : :
:: Establish a utilitarian resource-base for establishing an outlook of sustainability and facilitating a sustainable creative praxis

: : v e n t u r e : :
:: Establish insight, networking and resources for creative venture proposal, development and funding and realization. 

: : n e t w o r k : :
:: Develop an inclusive group environment for the questioning, discussion, and exploration of the potential directions and fate of contemporary new media artists and their work for the near future;

:: Expand a collaborative and cooperative network among class participants for future creative endeavors outside the academic institution; and

: : r e s o u r c e : :
:: Establish resources as a platform and expansive points of reference to connect future creative ventures with sustainable praxis.   

COURSE POLICIES
In order to meet course objectives the following requirements are critical to the attainment of an inclusive environment that is supportive to all participants:  

Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. 2 unexcused absences constitutes the drop of 1 letter grade (2 lates=1 absence). An unexcused absence from any critique or portion of a critique will constitute the drop of 1 letter grade for the quarter. An unexcused absence from the final critique will constitute a failure (F) for the quarter.

disability and/or medical accommodation
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability or medical condition should contact the Disability Services Program to coordinate reasonable accommodations. They are located on the 4th floor of Ruffatto Hall; 1999 E. Evans Ave.303.871. / 2372 / 2278/ 7432. Information is also available on line at http://www.du.edu/disability/dsp; see the Handbook for Students with Disabilities.

Professionalism
Professional level of attention, courtesy and respect will be shown during presentations, lecture and critiques among all course colleagues. This necessitates that there is no cellphone, no texting and no laptop distractions during class presentations, discussions or exchanges. 

Participation
Active and supportive participation in all project critiques, discussions, and presentations will be expected from all group members.

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 cohorts.   No excuses, or explanations.

Grading
Work will be graded on the basis of fulfillment of course requirements combined with an assessment of assigned work. This assessment will be weighed in terms of degree of effort/ creativity, participation and individual growth through the session.  Grades will be assigned according to the University Policy as follows:

A           superior/excellent
B           good/better than average
C           competent/average
D           minimum passing
F           failing