Purpose

This course provides an introduction to the possibilities, techniques, and practicalities of time based digital imaging, We will combine software training with creative practice, art history, and critical thinking. While the development of technical skill will be expected, this course will focus primarily on art making, and will be taught as a multidisciplinary studio art course which uses digital tools. Through in-class workshops, students will learn the basics of Mini DV camera operation, lighting, sound and digital editing with Final Cut Express software. (No prior knowledge of video cameras or Final Cut is assumed.) This course will also provide students with a brief history of video and video artists.

Students are expected to have a self starter, and will, in some instances, need to invent their own solution to a complex problem. Our primary goals for this course will be thinking critically, thinking creatively, producing exceptional work, and embedding material with thought.

I take sweat equity very seriously, and expect you to work hard for your own benefit.The standards of this course are high. I expect you will enjoy many aspects of the course if you are prepared to work hard, and take on new challenges. So, use our time together to test yourself and make work in which you're deeply invested. Work toward guiding the small decisions with your own personal beliefs, and make the work you want to make.

This class will require participation and patience. It is not approached as a typical lecture or technical environment, but one where we learn from each other and solve problems collaboratively. Students are expected to be respectful of their peers. Creative and reading assignments should be done on time, and comments should be thoughtful and constructive. On occasion, students who are not occupied will be asked to design materials for displaying class work. Both concept and execution should illustrate critical thinking and engagement with the objectives of each assignment.

Success in this class will be measured by a combination of your work ethic, your ability to think critically, and your attention to craft.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential. Students are allowed three unexcused absences during the semester.
Any absences beyond that will affect your final grade by minus 5% per missed class. Repeatedly arriving late to class and/or repeatedly leaving early will also lower your final grade.*
If you miss a class (or a part of a class), it is strictly your responsibility to make up the missed material.

*The only absences that are considered excused are absences due to participation in University-sanctioned activities and programs, family or medical emergencies. You must give proof. Proof may be submitted up to the date of our final exam. After that date I will no longer accept proof.

Projects

Students will complete five projects for this course. These projects are organized around different aspects of digital media. Keep in mind that this course is an art course and will graded accordingly. Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Concept and Creativity- 25%
Has the artist thought about the project critically and developed a response unique to their own experience? Does the artwork clearly communicate something to viewers? Is the response thoughtful and creative? Or, is it overly predictable?

• Understanding and Execution of the project- 25%
Did the artist carefully consider the project and its objectives as described in the syllabus. Is it well executed? Is it well thought out? Does it make sense?

• Craftsmanship - 25%
Does the artist display attention to technique and detail.
Does the artist skillfully manipulate the images? Are all details carefully finished and/or intentional-looking?

• Effort and Improvement - 25%
Commitment and work ethic.
Did the artist work hard to improve their knowledge and achieve the results they desired? Is the student asking questions to gain a better understanding? Is their project personally challenging? Has the student been using class time to their advantage?



Critiques

Participation in all in-progress and end critiques is mandatory and constitutes part of your overall grade. On the day of critiques, you must be present and your work must be complete AT THE START of the critique in order to be accepted. If you are late for a critique, at my discretion we may not critique your work. If, for whatever reason, you do not have work on the day of critique, you are still required to attend and participate in the critique.

Late work will only be accepted at my discretion, and will be marked down 15 points for each class period.

Reading Responses

When noted, you will be required to submit a brief (one page or so) written response to assigned readings on the due date of the reading. The reading responses are not intended to be formal book reports. But, they should provide your honest opinion about the reading and evidence of critical thought. All written work will be graded on a credit/no credit basis, and will factor into your participation grade.

Sketchbooks

You are required to keep a sketchbook. This will function as your visual journal for the duration of the class. USE IT! Write down important and new ideas we discuss. Show me that you are thinking out of class about the projects. Use it for sketching, thinking, writing …fill it up! Your sketchbook will also figure into your participation grade.

Studio and outside work

Studio time is scheduled in class for each assignment. Students are expected to come to classes identified as "Studio" prepared to work. People who complete projects early don't get to leave any earlier. So plan your time wisely and challenge yourself. Even if you prefer to work from your home computer or PC, you are required to attend studio classes prepared to work with any and all files that you are using in the project. You are welcome to use your own laptops as long as you have the necessary software.

Work outside of class is required. The average student requires approximately 6 hours of work a week outside of class. Open lab times will be posted on this website as soon as they are available.

Final

In addition to completing a self-evaluation, each student is required to document all projects on CD. Students will turn this in on the day of our final exam with a printed copy of the self-evaluation. It is imperative that you keep all of your files from the semester so that you will have them at the end for this purpose.

Grading

Your final grades will be determined by the following:

Supplies

• A portable hard drive for saving and transporting files is strongly encouraged
* Sketchbook
* Miscellaneous supplies as needed

Recommended Books

Final Cut Express Editing Workshop by Tom Wolsky,

Focal Press, 2007

Producing Great Sound for Digital Video by Jay Rose,

CMP Books, 2003

Audio Post Production by Jay Rose,

CMP Books, 2002

Sound Design by David Sonnenschein,
Michael Weise Productions, 2001

Statement of nondiscrimination:
Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office for Equity and Diversity, Siceluff Hall 296, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns
(i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head.

Statement on disability accommodation:
To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Director of Disability Services, Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY). Students are required to provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. Disability Services refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. For information about testing, contact the Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, (417) 836-4787.

Statement on academic dishonesty:
Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following the university’s student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at http://www.missouristate.edu/assets/provost/AcademicIntegrityPolicyRev-1-08.pdf
and also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library. Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy.

Dropping Classes
It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. For information about dropping a class or withdrawing from the university, contact the Office of the Registrar at 836-5520.

Cell phone policy:
The use by students of cell phones, pagers, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes is prohibited. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent mode and cannot be taken out during class. At the discretion of the instructor, exception to this policy is possible in special circumstances. Check this link for the complete policy.