Syllabus

Basics

Multimedia 1, CCNY Art 39550, Section 1AD, Spring 2011
Dan Phiffer dphiffer@ccny.cuny.edu, Ellie Irons eirons@ccny.cuny.edu
Website: http://mm1.phiffer.org/
Mailing list: http://groups.google.com/group/edm-mm1
Mondays 9:00am–11:50am in CG-122, office hours by appointment

Overview

Multimedia 1 (Art 39550) is an introductory course on media production and theory with an emphasis on the world wide web. You will learn how to decode, create and critique various media artifacts including audio, video and hypertext. In addition to recording, editing, compressing and uploading time-based media, you will explore basic web programming in HTML and CSS. This course has no required texts, although weekly reading assignments will be provided.

Your grade will be based on a combination of in-class participation, weekly reading and blog posts, and projects completed throughout the semester. You can expect approximately 3 hours of out of class work per week, although weeks when major projects or writing assignments are due will likely require more time. If the workload feels unreasonable, let me know. This course syllabus & blog will be updated with weekly material, so try to keep up with it.

Goals

Has the ability to create audio and video content and publish it online
Is proficient with blog publishing platforms and can understand basic html
Understands and is able to discuss media theory as it relates to the web
Is able to effectively critique the work of others and accept critique
Has the ability to place her/his work within an art historical and cultural context

Grades

Class participation + attendance – 25%
Assignments – 25%
Midterm – 15%
Final project – 20%
Meeting deadlines – 15%

Class participation

Time spent in class is structured to include lecture, lab time, discussion and presentations of your work. You will also give one presentation about a media artist. Your participation grade is largely a measure of how involved and prepared you are in class and how effectively you participate online.

Assignments + projects

We'll be having weekly assignments and two big projects, a mid-term and a final project. You may revise and improve any of these up until (before) the final week. Your grades on projects will be determined based on craft and punctuality. Basically I want you to do your best on projects, but to approach them as works in progress. Spend the necessary time to learn the skills involved. You always have the option of returning to unfinished work to improve on it.

Reminders

Lateness and absences will effect your grade. Please turn off mobile phones, instant messaging, email, etc. while in class. Be resourceful, do good work and don't slack off. I am required to notify you that CUNY has a strict policy against academic dishonesty, including plagiarism. Any act of academic dishonesty will be dealt with by applying the most stringent penalties permitted. Cheating includes but is not limited to receiving help during exams and submitting homework without properly acknowledging persons who assisted you. Please review the Policy on Academic Integrity posted on the CUNY website: http://www1.cuny.edu/portal_ur/content/2004/policies/image/policy.pdf