Session: Spring 2009
Instructor: Dana Inkster
Email: dana.inkster@uleth.ca
Office: W862
Office Hours: On Wednesdays by Appointment
Phone: 382-7145
University Hall Room B519
Tuesdays 09:25-11:15
Thursdays 09:25-11:15
A) New Media 2030
This course is intended to cover basic techniques and approaches for the various stages of video production.
Exercises will be done by groups of students working together and individually.
Projects will be submitted on DVD and in the class folders. Discs and cases should be labelled and slated with students' names, title of the assignment, and "NMED 2030."
Marking is based on: fulfillment of the objectives of an assignment, ambition and style in the work submitted, and technical accomplishment.
B) Introduction/Program Related Information
This course is a survey of artistic developments related to the video production, the relationship of computer-facilitated arts to traditional genres and a critical examination of selected contemporary works.
Each assignment 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.
C) Objectives and Standards:
 To become familiar with the world of film and video composition in the context of documentary cinema in contemporary culture.
 To demonstrate ability to author and generate original creative content.
 To engage in creative problem-solving.

 To demonstrate the ability for reflection, analysis and criticism.
 To experience the creative process.
Performance Criteria:
 Identification of known aspects of audio visual composition.
 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 2030 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 four media compositions in an effort to build each student’s portfolio.
E) Required Texts
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
Required texts will be distributed by the instructor.
F) Departmental Attendance Policy
Attendance in class, lab and fieldwork is mandatory.
It is the policy of this department that more than 4 absences constitutes grounds for 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 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 media project. They may include the cost of: video or audio tapes, external memory storage, 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
<http:www.plagiarism.org/research_site/e_home.html> at
Plagiarism occurs when a writer takes the words, ideas, expressions or media content 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. Proof of clearance for audio-visual material must be secured from the copyright owner.
K) Evaluation
Research Assignment
Scene Analysis
3%
7%
Participation 10%
Group Production 10%
Critiques 15%
Three (3) Individual Media Compositions 55%
Audio 10%
Video 15%
Audio-Visual Adaptation 30%
1.
One criterion for grading the proposal will be the degree to which the media projects address 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) positive involvement in course activities c) consistent and critical engagement with instructor on topic related to film and video composition d) presentation of assignments on time.
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT: a) articulate their understanding of the competencies embodied in the media projects. 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
B+
B
*A-
(%)
(94-100)
(90-93.9)
(86-89.9)
(82-85.9
(78-81.9)
GPA
4.3
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
(74-77.9)
(70-73.9)
(66-69.9)
(62-65.9)
(58-61.9)
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
D (50-57.9) 1.0
F (0-49.9) 0
* The letter grade of “A” is reserved for students who demonstrate an exceptional performance and ability to meet
Objective & Standards outlined in Section C) at an advanced level appropriate for post-secondary contexts.
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 including reading all assignments.
 Being attentive and responsive in class.
 Respecting fellow students' opinions and ideas.
 Offering critiques and alternative ideas in a noncondescending 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.
 Walking out of class during instruction.
 Emailing, texting and passing notes to classmates while class is in session.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Research Assignment 3%
You must come to next week’s class with the title of your favourite film, produced and released prior to the year
2000.
Scene Analysis 7%
Students must conduct a scene analysis denoting: Sound composition: dialogue, sound-effects, wild sound and miseen-scene composition: decor, lighting, space, costume and acting; cinematography; and editing.
Group Project 10%
As a method of successful completion of the course, each student will read and review one (1) article in-class at to be determined dates in the term.
Three (3) Individual Media Compositions 55%
The three major projects of this course aim to reflect each student’s ability to employ New Media creatively and critically.
Critiques 15%
One-on-one with Instructor in-class and one class presentation. The critique will be based on two of your compositions. You will be asked to respond to a series of questions regarding your composition.
N.B.: Missed in-class critiques will be graded at zero (0).
Students will not be given the opportunity to conduct a critique at a later date, unless 1. the Instructor is given prior notice about an absence; or 2. Students submit a valid doctor’s note after an absence
Participation 10%
See F) Departmental Attendance Policy and K) Evaluation L)
Classroom Decorum items for terms of evaluation