Course Identification
Program:                                Games Programs
School:                                    Creative Media
Course Code:                        COMM22301
Course title:                           Media Cultures 1

Course Description:

This course will enable students to develop an understanding of the theory and practice of time-based, interactive and digital arts and media. It will assist students to understand the continuous cultural, institutional and aesthetic transformations caused by communication innovations.

The course will explore the interrelation of art and technology by exploring the evolution of communications' technologies and concepts, with an emphasis on the development of digital media. Historical, cultural and theoretical perspectives of media will be extensively explored. The course will examine how the language of new media relies on cultural forms and conventions from prior media such as fine art, graphic design, industrial design, architecture and cinema .

As a means of applying these theoretical and historical perspectives, this course will also explore the theory and practice of writing and conceptual development techniques to suit a range of media. There will be a strong emphasis on the development of analytical and presentation skills, with course work including individual and group research and production.

Learning Objectives

The learning approach in this course will be student-centred and project-based. Students will be expected to utilise the processes of lateral, analytical and critical thinking, both at an individual and group level through class exercises, critiques, reviews and discussions.

The exploration of existing models, theories and paradigms will be essential, allowing students to develop their knowledge base of creative strategies. Students will further enhance their knowledge through practi   cal application, providing both creative and conceptual solutions to multimedia problems.

Analysis and evaluate a variety of media relevant to the program as a whole.

•  Understanding how media operate in shaping and disseminating information, meaning and experience.

•  Understanding of the relationship and influences between art and technology.

•  Understanding of major economic, aesthetic, technological, cultural and theoretical developments in world media.

Develop and explore linear & non-linear spaces through spatial and aural mediums:

•  Develop original content through heightened conceptual and idea generation processes suitable for multimedia productions.

Investigative problem identification and innovative creative solutions:

•  Develop forms of narrative storytelling within interactive, animation and video works.

Ongoing analysis development and application of conceptual processes:

•  Develop a language for discussing media, art and technology.

•  Develop creative conceptual responses to a brief.

•  Identify and evaluate a range of presentation and essay themes.

•  Practice independent research.

Record, document & present concepts, process & outcomes

•  Meet deadlines and develop skills for the professional presentation of material.

•  Develop skills to effectively give and receive constructive criticism within a group situation.

•  Conduct effective seminar presentations.

•  Develop a writing routine by maintaining a writing journal.

Awareness of contemporary methodology and developments:

• Compare knowledge of contemporary media to older media forms.
• Initiate, identify, define, evaluate & apply research methodologies:
• Actively identify, record & incorporate visual and conceptual influences.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment is based on progressive assessment briefs, and class exercises. In completing the assessment briefs, the student must demonstrate the knowledge acquired through the planned learning experience.

Assessment will progress through each development stage and students will receive written feedback and participation in group critiques (formal and informal).

ASSIGNMENTS:

Assessment Tasks  12x Class exercises.

Class exercises will follow from weekly class content and are to be submitted on the 'digital + art + games' network site (unless otherwise specified). http://dagrmit.ning.com/

Please note that these exercises will generally be set on a weekly basis and are to be completed before class the following week.

Each exercise is worth 5% of the total mark (60% in total).

Work submitted late will not be assessed.

Marks will be deducted for spelling mistakes, poor proofreading and lack of correct citations.

If someone else has already posted the example you were going to use, you will have to find another (first in, best dressed!) or you will receive only 1%(out of 5%) mark for the exercise.

1x Major Assignment

A collaborative assignment to be completed in small groups (max. 4 members). Groups will research a dead, current or potential communications technology or concept. They will produce

•  Either a trailer-style video introducing it to the world or a short video documentary/overview of the topic. You can use original footage or mash-up found footage, stills and text.
Due week 12.

•  A brief synopsis, script and storyboard for the video. Due Week 8.

Completed videos will be uploaded to YouTube and 'digital + art + games' network site http://dagrmit.ning.com/

This assignment is worth 30% of the total mark.

Class participation and writing journal

All students are expected to participate in class discussions and activities. This is worth 10% of your total marks.

In addition you are expected to keep a writing journal or visual diary in which you record class notes; extracts from reading; things that have caught your attention (eg web-grabs, magazine articles, notes re films or television programs, etc); etc. Your writing journal/visual diary will not be marked.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on the student's knowledge and understanding of the topics as per the course outline. Students should keep a copy of all work submitted for assessment. Loss or corruption of data (student's electronic based work) is not a valid reason for late or non-submission of work. Assignments that do not conform to the required format will be returned to the student for resubmission. Assignments must be received by the due date otherwise the student will incur a grade penalty. Any resources used in the student's work must be cited properly. Submitting substantially similar work to meet requirements of any other subject is not permitted without the written permission of the lecturer.

Assessment Criteria

All assessment tasks will be provided in writing via briefs and verbal reinforcement. Criteria include:

•  Participation in individual and group activities

•  Originality of ideas

•  Ability to present ideas and respond to critical analysis

•  Research skills

•  Effective communication (verbal and written)

•  Completing the assessment tasks on time

•  Presentation standards (including spellcheck, grammar, proofread).

RESOURCES
'digital + art + games' network site   http://dagrmit.ning.com/
Media Cultures links http://del.icio.us/shiralee
Digital Art + Games Seminar program

BACKGROUND: Jared Tarbell www.levitated.net/

Lecturer: shiraleesaul[at]westnet[dot]com[dot]au