New Media 1000 C – Introduction to New Media
Session:
Instructor:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:
Phone:
Fall 2007
Dana Inkster
dana.inkster@uleth.ca
W862
Tuesdays 11:30am – 1:30pm
381-7145
University Hall Room B772
Tuesdays
Thursdays
13:40-15:30
13:40-15:30
A) What is New Media?
New Media is simply a term to describe how we can combine digital media
together as a whole that is significantly greater than the sum of its parts.
New Media involves creative production of video, audio, 2-dimensional or 3dimensional imaging, which may be distributed via traditional modes of exhibition
(like television) or the web or even via email. It is a powerful communicating
force. It enables you to express your ideas in innovative and compelling ways.
B) Introduction/Program Related Information
This course is a survey of artistic developments related to the electronic
era, the relationship of computer-facilitated arts to traditional genres and a critical
examination of selected contemporary works.
Your work will begin with a written proposal or plan stating the purpose of
the topic to be explored and a detailed outline of the production schedule for the
creation of the project. The proposal will demonstrate:
a) a knowledge of contemporary artistic practice
b) a historical contextualization of the work through an overview of similar art
products being produced today and
c) a knowledge of the vocabulary of artistic creation and analysis.
Preparation of the proposal in this manner ensures a combination and
integration of the competencies already attained. The proposal must be approved
by the supervising instructor before the student can proceed with the project.
C) Objectives and Standards:
 To become familiar with the world of new media & contemporary culture.
 To use different forms of languages and means of expressions.
 To communicate in the language of instruction and another language.
 To use appropriate information processing technology.
 To demonstrate the ability for reflection, analysis and criticism.
 To experience the creative process.
Performance Criteria:
 Identification of known aspects of new media.
 Effective use of languages and forms of languages.
 Correct use of appropriate information processing technology.
 Structured formulation of ideas, analysis and criticism.
 Demonstration of main aspects of the creative process.
Program Related Information:
NMED 1000 allows students to demonstrate their ability to integrate the
skills and knowledge acquired through the various competencies of the program.
This demonstration will take the form of a project that incorporates the objectives
of the competency, utilizes several areas of the student's studies and brings into
play each of the performance criteria outlined by the ministry.
D) Course Content
The course content promotes the artistic and critical application of skills in
service to an integrated final project.
E) Required Texts
Required texts will be distributed by the instructor. Students are expected
to discover and make use of reference materials appropriate to their projects.
The instructor will be available to guide and make suggestions on supporting
material. For those in need of support for critical reading and writing at the
university level, please consult
http://www.uleth.ca/ics/writingcentre/writingresources.htm
F) Departmental Attendance Policy
Attendance in class, lab and fieldwork is mandatory. It is the policy of this
department that more than 4 absences constitute a failure.
The classroom door will be locked 10 minutes after class begins. Arriving
more than 10 minutes late for class constitutes an absence.
G) Late Assignment Policy
Projects submitted late will receive a deduction of 5% per day, unless
arrangements prior to the due date have been negotiated. Late work will not be
accepted after one week
H) Ability Issues
If you have a chronic health issue or require accommodation due to a
disability please identify yourself to me privately and early on. The University has
a Disability Coordinator to assist with any accommodations needed.
I) Costs
Costs for the course will vary according to the nature of the Integrating
Seminar project. They may include the cost of: video or audio tapes, computer
diskettes, local travel for research, admission to museums, film rentals, colour
photocopies or other art materials.
J) Plagiarism
Plagiarism or academic dishonesty is considered a very serious offence
(see the U of L Calendar). The University of Lethbridge subscribes to a
plagiarism detection service called Turnitin.com. Your paper may be submitted to
this service to verify its originality. Information on plagiarism may be found at
<http:www.plagiarism.org/research_site/e_home.html>
Plagiarism occurs when a writer takes the words, ideas or expressions of
another author and claims them explicitly or implicitly (though failure to use
proper credits) as his or her own. Plagiarism is not only cheating, it is stealing
and as such is a violation of copyright laws. Copyright laws insure that an
author's work remains the author's and prevents others from copying without
receiving permission.
Students can make use of published material if they credit the author
properly. To avoid plagiarism you must give proper credit to the authors from
whom you borrow material. You provide credit with footnotes and a bibliography.
You should credit direct quotes, specific ideas used by another writer, an opinion
of another and any displays such as tables, charts or diagrams that have been
used in other works.
Plagiarism can be from many sources including books, magazines,
electronic media or another student's paper or work. To credit information you
must identify the source. Quoted material must be footnoted or endnoted.
Footnotes often appear at the bottom or "foot" of a page. When they appear at
the end of a book report they are called "endnotes."
K) Evaluation
Research Assignment
Artist Statement
Participation
Draft project proposals / Production plans
Three (3) Article Reviews
Critiques
Three (3) Digital Stories
2%
3%
10%
10%
15%
15%
45%
1. One criterion for grading the proposal will be the degree to which the proposal
addresses the objectives of the program.
2. Marks for participation will be based on:
a) attending classes and other meetings prepared and on time. Attendance is
mandatory.
b) responsibility in fulfilling the commitments to your proposed production
schedule
c) positive involvement in course activities and
d) presentation of assignments on time.
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT:
In the support of their project students must:
a) articulate their understanding of the competencies embodied in the New Media
project.
b) explain and justify the techniques of production of the project.
c) present a rationale for the organization and supporting illustrative materials
used in the project.
d) ability to understand and integrate the theory and critical analysis presented in
required texts into project proposals
e) attend conferences with their instructor to pose specific questions about
assignment; obtain feedback and evaluate course progress.
GRADING SYSTEM
Letter
A
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
(%)
(94-100)
(90-93.9)
(86-89.9)
(82-85.9
(78-81.9)
(74-77.9)
(70-73.9)
(66-69.9)
(62-65.9)
(58-61.9)
(50-57.9)
(0-49.9)
GPV
4.3
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
0
L) Classroom Decorum
The classroom should be a place where the free exchange of ideas can
occur in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Students are expected to
conduct themselves with courtesy, civility, purposefulness, and integrity.
Use the following examples as guides to behaviors that support learning.
Avoid those which disrupt the learning process.
Supportive Actions include:
 Coming to class prepared to participate.
 Being attentive and responsive in class.
 Respecting fellow students' opinions and ideas.
 Offering critiques and alternative ideas in a non-condescending manner.
 Supporting the rights of classmates to contribute, even when disagreeing with
content.
Examples of disruptive behaviors to avoid include:
 Sleeping in class.
 Eating and drinking in class.
 Talking in class or lab while the instructor is teaching.
 Using cell phone; beepers or any other PDA while in class.
 Using a laptop computer for activities unrelated to NMED 1000 while in class.
 Passing notes to classmates while class is in session.
M) PROPOSED ACTIVITIES TIMETABLE : (May be subject to change)
Week One and Two:
 Course orientation
 Research Assignment due
 Guidelines for the Artist Statement
 Tentative project proposals / development of work plans
Weeks Three to Five:
 Artist Statement due
 First Article Review due
 Preparation of Proposals
 Conferences with instructor
Weeks Six to Thirteen:
 Second and Third Article Review due
 Guided work on Digital Stories according to work plans
 First Two Digital Stories due
 Conferences with instructor
 Critiques
Weeks Fourteen and Fifteen:


Final Digital Story due
Comprehensive Assessment submitted by instructor