IMT:syllabus
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[edit] INTRODUCTIONS
Image Theory is a course designed to dissect and analyze the role images play in contemporary society. Within our ever-increasing utilization of modern medias such as photography, film, video, the Internet, and virtual reality to transmit image-based information, new relationships have transformed the way we communicate with other people as well as the way we receive, structure and learn new information. How has the image become the predominant method of communicating ideas and how is it used in combination with other modes of communication? How do these images affect the way we experience and remember events? How does this exposure alter our values and self-identity? Finally, how have visual artists used image relationships to create powerful and lasting work?
[edit] ASSIGNMENTS
Papers and Creative Projects: In collaboration with our reading discussions, you are expected to apply your skills to a series of related written and creative assignments. Since I assume the class to be widely varied in skill level and preferred artistic medium, creative assignments will be “medium independent” and will in some cases have written components. I do, however, expect thoughtful, creative, and thorough work in all cases.
Details for each assignment can be found by following their respected link!
- Reproductions/Simulations project (10%): Modern technology has a major impact on global distribution of image and redefines our relationship to the ‘original’, altering our sense of authenticity. Part1: Identify a universally recognized contemporary image artifact in our culture. How did this become so widely known? How has its journey been affected by media reproducing technology (the camera, the magazine, cinema, TV)? What evidence exists of it jumping media formats (from photo to film to tv, back to print ad, etc)? How has its original significance evolved through a variety of cultural meanings? Formulate your thoughts in a 3-4 page essay. Part2: Each student will bring a variety of images of their choosing to our in-class workshop (these will be destroyed!). These will be passed to another student who will then modify and re-create the image, which will then pass along again, and so forth. We will employ drawing, painting, collage, photocopy, etc. We will do this as an in-class workshop!
- News Story Analysis - w/partner (10%): You will be asked to do a shot-by-shot breakdown of a news story of your choice in tabular form (more on this later). Part1: You must also give analysis on the relationship between visual and audio/verbal content, graphics, and the use of editing. You will do a first-wave analysis by viewing the clip muted, then again with sound. We will also look at the relationship between content and viewer expectations. Part2: The second part of this project is to then create a comic strip style counter-narrative using gathered still frame images of your choice.
- Midterm paper (15%): By mid-semester we will have covered quite a bit of theory to prepare for our second-half discussions of media applications. To prepare for this you will select two image based media artifacts that have significant personal important or meaning to you. Examples might be a comic book, a film, a photograph, a painting, a TV show (specific episodes), videogames, magazines, advertisements, etc. Your examples must each be from a different category / media type. In a 6-page essay you are to analyze your historical relationship to these artifacts in the context of a few of our readings and discussions: Benjamin (reproduction), Baudrillard (simulacra), McLuhan (hot&cool media), Hall (encoding), Debord (spectacle), hi/lo culture, media literacy, and so on. Please follow proper formatting and sourcing as suggested here.
- Advertising project (10%): Select a print advertisement. Drawing on our readings and discussions, analyze the appeal of this ad. Part1: Consider the product advertised, the intended audience, imagery used, other visual aids included such as text. Does the ad sell the product based on an identified demand and need, or does it attempt to create a want and desire. What cultural and sub-cultural meanings are employed: beauty, rebellion, youth, strength? Does the ad manipulate its reader? Part2: Create an advertisement dealing with a distinctly different subject/object of your own using photoshop, collage, or any other means. Do a similar analysis as above. Further instructions for part2. Total written length 3-4 pages.
- Museum/Mall project – w/partner (10%): Today’s museums and shopping malls are far more than a market for viewing art and trading goods. It is multimedia experience competing with and catering to our sense of personal and cultural identity. Part1: You are required to visit a museum or mall and take written documentation of how this machine operates. Where do we see cultural and fashion codes, social and class markers? How is image used in tandem with “product” to make a “sale”? How is it used in tandem with other media to sell identity? Part2: Visit a location heavily saturated with surveillance technology where you’re not likely to get arrested for mischievous behavior (malls are good choices here!). Use Steve Mann’s theories on the reflectionism and diffusionism of surveillance to engage your voyeur. (more on this later!)
- Gibson reading analysis/quiz (10%): Gibson’s novel “Pattern Recognition” ties into a surprising number of topics we will be discussing this semester. As we move into our sections on new media it will be important to have a solid grasp of his ideas. A quiz on the reading material will be given as a result.
- CANCELED Rhizome project: Visit the www.rhizome.org website and select an example from the rhizome Artbase collection. In a concise 2-page reaction paper detail how you feel this work fits within the context of Manovich, Deleuze/Guattari, and the tenants of the hacker manifesto.
- Pop Quizes (15%): There will be three(3) pop quizzes at various points over the semester. These quizzes are designed for the sole purpose of evaluating your ability to keep up with the assigned readings. For those keeping up with the readings the quizzes will not be difficult.
- Final Paper/Project – w/partner (20%): The final paper is intended as a venue for you to extend one topic, reading, or a group of related topics, into a more extensive discussion. You will do this in groups of two. (see link for details)
[edit] ATTENDENCE & DISCUSSIONS
You are expected to attend each session. Excessive absence will affect your grade, which depends heavily on class participation. Everyone is expected to partake in meaningful, constructive efforts aimed at progressing their own ideas/work as well as those of fellow students. Simply attending class is not enough. All students are required to digest assigned readings in order to fully participate.
[edit] ACADEMIC HONESTY
Any material used from external sources must be referenced appropriately. Use whichever citation method you are comfortable with (i.e. bottom of page, end of paper, etc.) as long as you use this method consistently. Always include a full bibliography of your sources. Any plagiarism or cheating will be punished with a failing grade and disciplinary action by the College Board.
[edit] TEACHER AVAILABILITY
In addition to the normal class times, I will also be available in the photo office (basement of Traina Center) Tuesdays 12:00-1:00pm or by appointment. These are my minimum hours of availability.
Let’s face it; the teacher doesn’t always know the answer. If there is something you don’t know that I don’t know, we can work together to find an answer. I encourage you to push the boundaries of your knowledge and grow beyond the basic outline of this course since it also benefits your fellow students and me too!
[edit] REQUIRED TEXTS
William Gibson “Pattern Recognition” ISBN: 0-425-19868-5
Henry Jenkins “Convergence Culture” ISBN: 0-8147-4281-5
Additional readings will be assigned as is detailed in the weekly schedule. These may change as the semester progresses. In lieu of a course reader, all additional readings will be made available online.
