NMED 3850 Section B – Experimental Video Production
Session:
Fall 2008
Instructor:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:
Phone:
Dana Inkster
dana.inkster@uleth.ca
W862
Wednesdays 11:00am – 12:30pm
382-7145
University Hall Room B520
Mondays
Wednesdays
14:00-15:50
14:00-15:50
A) New Media 3850
This course explores the process of experimental
filmmaking and its relationship to production, distribution
and exhibition
Marking is based on the demonstrated ability to meet
the objective and standards of an assignment, ambition and
style in the work submitted, the artistic merit and
technical accomplishment.
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.
The Various Stages of Production
 Development of an artist’s statement
 Research & Development of Project Summaries of Intent
 Production of six (6) experimental video productions
C) Objectives and Standards:
 To become familiar with the world of experimental film
and video composition in the context of contemporary
art and 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.
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

To engage in theoretical as well
communication.
To experience the creative process.
as
technical
Performance Criteria:
 Identification of known aspects of film and video
composition.
 Advanced use of languages and forms of languages.
 Ability to knowledgeable experiment with information
processing technology.
 Competently structured formulation of ideas, analysis
and criticism.
 Demonstration of advanced aspects of the creative
process.
Program Related Information:
NMED 3850 allows students to demonstrate their ability
to integrate the skills and knowledge acquired through the
various competencies of the program as well as course
beyond the New Media department.
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 three media projects.
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.
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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
at
<http:www.plagiarism.org/research_site/e_home.html>
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
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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
Artist Statement
5%
Participation
10%
Five (5) Project Summaries
10%
Critiques
15%
Experimental Compositions
60%
4 Single-Channel Compositions
40%
Installation or Web-based Adaptation 20%
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:
Throughout this course will be expected to:
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.
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GRADING SYSTEM
Letter
(%)
*A+
(94-100)
*A
*AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
(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)
GPA
4.3
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.3
1.0
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.
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



Talking in class or lab while the instructor is teaching
or while guest lecturers or other students are
presenting.
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:
"L'imagination au pouvoir" (« Let imagination rule »)
--
Paris student revolt, May 1968.
Artist Statement Assignment
5%
Students will be required to write, edit and submit an
artist statement of 200-300 words which offers insight into
creative intention and most importantly critical context
for the approach to experimental composition.
Project Summaries
10%
Every
student
must
submit
a
detailed
production
schedule/plan of how production resources are accessed,
organized and used over a given timescale, for every phase
of the production for five of the six compositions.
Participation
10%
See F) Departmental Attendance Policy and K) Evaluation L)
Classroom Decorum items on course outline for terms of
evaluation
Critiques
15%
The critique will be based on your rough cut. You will be
asked to respond to a series of questions regarding your
experimental composition.
The feedback you received from
this should be incorporated to changes made to your rough
cut.
Critiques are a primary pedagogical tool in the visual and
media arts. They are essentially public forums meant to
generate discussion and constructive, critical exchange
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about your own work and the work of your peers. They are a
place to listen to and to offer comments about the
technical, material, conceptual, social, etc. success or
failure in the work under discussion. They are a place of
direct learning, a testing ground for the vocabulary of art
making. Part of your participation mark is based on your
involvement in the critique.
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
Experimental Production
60%
Each student will produce and exhibit an experimental of no
more than 5-10 minutes
4 Single-Channel Compositions 40% (10% each)
Installation or Web-based Adaptation 20%
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