Required Texts:
Compressor tutorials on Lynda.com
Readings posted to Blackboard

Course Description 

As moving-image technology shifts, so do the possibilities for storytelling and creative expression.  This course will focus on expanding conceptual and technical skills in emerging forms of cinema, such as interactive narrative, multi-frame video, transmedia, and database cinema, with a special focus on online video and the opportunities presented by online cinema.  While this course will implement several kinds of software and interfaces, the emphasis is on the conceptual and creative implications of these tools, and on innovating new forms, ideas, and stories as a result of their implementation.  In addition, throughout the course we will interrogate the notions of “new media” and “cinema” in an effort to arrive at our own working definitions of these concepts.

Important Note

This course is centered on the notion that each student will pursue a unique creative path requiring different kinds of technical knowledge. Therefore, you are expected to take the initiative to learn techniques and software as needed to meet the goals you set for yourself with assignments. Support and resources will be offered to you, of course, but responsibility for your own learning is a crucial element of this class.

Be sure to back up all of your project work during and at the end of each work session. 

Computer Usage 

Do not use class time for Internet or email purposes.  If you are discovered using class time to read email or explore the Internet (unless part of the class discussion) you may be asked to leave and/or will receive an absence for that day.  The same penalty applies to anyone who answers a phone call or text messages during class.

Classroom Behavior

It is important that we are able to balance our candor with respect for the ideas or subject matter addressed by the works in this class.  The goal in this course is to critique the work, as it stands before us as an audience – not the person who created it.  Bear this in mind when critiquing others’ works, as well as when it is your turn to be critiqued.

Disruptive and rude behavior—including carrying on side conversations, eating/drinking, using computers for non-class work, arriving late, leaving early, and cell phone calls/texts—will not be tolerated.  Food and beverages are not permitted in the lab. 

Disabilities

If there is any student in this class who has special needs because of learning, physical or other disability, please contact both me and Disability Support Services (DSS) at 616-331-2490. 

Furthermore, if you have a disability and think you will need assistance evacuating this classroom and/or building in an emergency situation, please make me aware so I can develop a plan to assist you.

Academic Honor Code

Responsibility for your own learning is in your hands, and that includes an understanding of and commitment to honesty and integrity in your scholarly work. Violations or attempted violations of academic honesty include, but are not limited to, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and multiple submissions of the same work in different courses. Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of another person’s labor, ideas, words or assistance.  All work done in this course is expected to be the original effort of the student(s) presenting the work.  Violations may result in failure of the assignment and possibly failure of the course. 

Attendance & Participation

This class will move quickly as we tackle multiple tools, platforms, and concepts. Your active participation in class is essential to your learning and the overall thriving of the class.  Attendance is not required; however, failure to participate in class will result in a lowering of your participation grade. No incompletes will be given in this course.

Late Work

I will accept late work up to the next class meeting after the deadline.  Your grade will be lowered one grade for each day it is late.  Work will not be accepted after this grace period.

Grading Breakdown

*Please note that while I am happy to discuss your grade, my policy is that you must wait 24 hours after receiving a graded assignment back before approaching me with questions or concerns.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE

(subject to change – student is responsible for keeping up with any changes)

Back to Teaching Resources