This course in the Practice of New Media grounds you in the critical language, concepts, and practice in the field of New Media.
"I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones."
--John Cage
What is the course focus?
Our basic question is what is New Media--and more specifically, what is New Media for me, when I make New Media work? Answering these questions will take us through readings, class discussions, viewings of New Media projects, videos, and review of classmates' work. Your goal is not merely to understand but to question and push the ideas and techniques in the work you encounter.
How is this course cross-method?
This approach to design integrates perceptual, conceptual and creative components in our evaluation and creation of new media work. We read provocative essays about the nature, scope and effects of new media; we view a wide array of new media work; and we create new media work. We create with our hearts, think with our guts, and relate our work to the larger world. We wonder how our work will either help or harm the living planet and its beings.
How does this course use readings from At the Edge of Art?
This course focuses on the first four chapters--on code art, computer games, online autobiography, and political activism. The book provides us with conceptual definitions and salient examples of creative work in each category. We then ask students to research and produce their own examples of work on each of these four edges of art.
What are students saying about this course?
"Before taking this class I didn't understand that there were so many different aspects or approaches to new media....Looking at all the different categories of new media art, and seeing artists' work, helped me to understand this."
"It was very interesting to learn about and see examples of new media in action, and earn about the different forms of new media art that there are."
"I liked the At the Edge of Art book; I think that it gave good examples and explained the material well."
"This was by far my favorite class, and I honestly would not change anything about it."
What resources are available for educators?
The following resources are available as a free download here:
- online syllabus
- printable syllabus
Please note that these resources are updated periodically; please check back for the most recent version or contact Joline Blais with any questions.