Outlines Winter 2012

click to enlarge Winter Schedule 2012

2011-01-11T14:04:00.004-08:00

intro to Mass Media Winter 2011 Monday 11:30

2010-12-20T15:41:00.012-08:00

introduction to Mass Media

Faculty of Social Science, Commerce, Arts & Letters

Communications: Art, Media, Theatre department

Course Number 530-942-VA /530-HSF-03

Semester Winter 2012/ sect.00001

Teacher Thomas Fisher

Office & Office Phone number B 313 744- 7500 -7675

Office hours as posted on office door

class web page http://myclassoutlines.blogspot.com/

Objectives:

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the contextual study of Mass Media history, and as such, it entails a semester long examination of the Media's very earliest history, and then selected later developments in the evolving features of cultures and ideas. Through this kind of broad, comparative study, the student will learn to more effectually situate the Media historically - and thus will be better informed and therefore more able - to appreciate the deterministic, and often overwhelming influence that Media has had upon cultures and human events.

Through the study of selected developments in Media's central technologies, key concepts, and culturally defining historical events, the class will learn about the development of Media, and thus be able to better critically appreciate the Media’s contemporary expressions and their far reaching implications.

Course Content:

We will examine the earliest forms of the Media, i.e. the developing alphabets & written symbols. We will also study the effects of early media literacy in the evolution of civilizations, arts and sciences - up to the emergence of Mass forms of media such as printing, advertising, newspapers, and photography. Through this study, the class will encounter the fascinating intersections and seemingly simultaneous developments - in the arts and sciences, technology and culture. We will investigate the Media’s impact contextually, from ‘petroglyphs to pixels’ and consider how media has evolved.

The course includes an introduction to selected historical & theoretical developments in Communications theory, and concludes with a brief survey of new, emerging technologies and their current application.

Methodology:

The course is broadly divided into three areas of study:

a. An examination of selected traditions in Communications Arts and Sciences: ~ Precedents and Predictions. b. An analysis of selected constitutional issues such as: traditions of privacy, censorship and the politics and business of information. c. An overview of current Mass Media: theories, practices & products. Lectures, presentations, screenings, medi@lab workshops, written assignments and research projects and seminars.

Evaluation:

Participants must attend all classes & are expected to actively participate in class discussions, and complete all assigned readings/materials or projects. Absence or tardiness without suitable documentation will result in failure. Students will be required (minimum) to write 2 essays and or substitute research/presentations for the class, as well as complete 3 quizzes, or other in-class assignment. Essays and presentations will be graded upon originality, comprehension, research and effort.

All essays are due at the beginning of class, on due date. All late submissions will be penalized 20%, eg. if your grade was an 87, you will receive a 67 for the paper if it is late. Medical note required for any late submissions. No exceptions. No late submissions. Do your work, on time, every time. Essays will not be accepted at any other time. Typed and stapled only.

The 2 essays and or research project/presentation = 20 % of your grade each , for a total of 40 % of your final grade. The quizzes are also worth 20 percent per quiz. Therefore, your final grade is an average based on the five grades comprised of : 2 essays @ 40 %, 3 quizzes @ 60 percent = your grade. Essays must be 2 page type-written double spaced - minimum 750 words - which doesn’t include, an accurate and complete bibliography and all relevant research documents and sources. Plagiarism = Failure (zero tolerance)

Required text – 1000 Events That Shaped The World by Jared Diamond available in the Vanier Bookstore - you will need this before the second class, our quizzes are based upon material found in the textbook.

Suggested reading:- Technopoly : The Surrender of Culture to Technology ~ Neil Postman

- The Growth of Minds and Cultures: A Unified Theory of the Structure of Human Experience (Technique and Culture, Vol. 1) by William H. Vanderburg - Technological Utopianism in American Culture by Howard P. Segal - Toward an Aesthetic Criticism of Technology (Worcester Polytechnic Institute Studies in Science, Technology, and Culture, Vol. 2) by Wolhee Choe - Darwin Among the Machines: The Evolution of Global Intelligence by B.Dyson - The Medium Is the Message: An Inventory of Effects by Marshall McLuhan, - Communication in History: Technology, Culture, Society - David Crowley

- The Global Village: Transformations in World Life and Media in the 21st Century by Marshall McLuhan, Bruce R. Powers - The Neuromancer by William Gibson - The Difference Engine by Bruce Sterling and William Gibson - The Skin of Culture by Derrick Kerchove

Good Academic Standing in the College: To be in good standing in the College and be permitted to register for the following semester, a pre-university student must have passed at least 4 courses in the previous semester. Many programs have very specific additional requirements for student success, and these requirements are made known to students in program requirement documents and in the Student Guide.

The College policies on academic complaints, cheating and plagiarism, and religious holy day absences will be followed. Any form of cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade of zero on the test or assignment, and a letter from the teacher will be placed in your file. A repeated offence may lead to even more serious consequences. Please consult The Vanier Student Writing Guide, the Vanier College Catalogue, the Student Handbook and your teacher for more information.

INTRODUCTION TO MASS MEDIA

Number: 530-942-VA/530-HSF-03 Ponderation 2-1-3 Credits 2

Description of Content /Course content Includes:

Introduction to: selected topics in Mass Media & cultural history – Select terminology & key theories in Mass Media and Mass Culture - Review historical landmarks & trends in the evolution of Mass Media & Mass Culture - Review intersecting and parallel developments in Mass Media and technology, arts & sciences, the history of ideas and culture - Survey of selected current trends, materials, symbols & practices

Statement of Competencies:

01D3: to discuss practices related to the dissemination of Mass Media and Mass Communications

01D5: to discuss the elements of culture and civilization in Mass Media Studies

Achievement Context: Grades in this course are determined by teacher evaluation of the following: Participation in class discussions and presentations.- Regular attendance - Essays and/or exams - Oral presentation

Elements of the Competencies: O1D3

(1) To consider sociological and aesthetic aspects pertaining to the dissemination of Mass Media. (2.) To explain the interpretation and the reception by the public of the Mass Media’s materials, products & processes. (3.) To evaluate the Mass Media’s expressive and aesthetic functions.

Performance Criteria: O1D3

1.1 Identify key theoretical models and basic concepts of Mass Media Communication

Differentiate between current and historical models of Mass Media

1.3 Select key current Mass Media practices, describe their aesthetic trends and sociological impacts.

2.1 Discuss the reception, dissemination and interpretation by the public of historical forms of the Mass Media.

2.2 Note contemporary trends in Mass Media products, processes and materials

2.3 Develop explanations for the current trends in Media consumption of some of the above trends in Media content and materials.

3.1 Describe the expressive contribution that designers have had on current Mass Media processes, products & materials. Evaluate the impact of Mass Media on local and national communities and corporate, civil and educational media institutions.

Elements of the Competencies: O1D5

1. To identify elements of culture and civilization in Mass Media

2. To relate elements of culture and civilization to social phenomena in the Mass Media

3. To interpret elements of culture and civilization in the Mass Media

Performance Criteria: O1D5

1.1 Distinguish between Mass Media and Non-Mass Media forms of culture.

1.2 Differentiate between trends or periods in Mass Media.

1.3 Identify selected developments in non-mass media culture

2.1 Identify the influence selected Mass Media Periods have had on communications in general.

2.2 Identify the effects of Mass Media on: censorship, literacy, propaganda and the formation and expression of public opinion.

2.3 Cite examples of improved access to information or denial of access to information, attributable to the Mass Media.

3.1 Identify the social influence of the Mass Media on the development of culture.

3.2 Articulate the ways that Mass Media can be used as a mechanism of civil control.

design one - Winter 2012 - Tuesday 11:30 & Thursday 11:30

2010-03-21T09:14:00.019-08:00

Course Title

Digital Design 1

Course Number 511 - 902 – VA -HTE-03

Semester Winter 2012 sec. 1 & 2

Thomas Fisher

Office & ph. number

B 313 ~ 744- 7500 ext.7675

Office hours as posted on office door

Objectives:

This course introduces the student to the basics of graphic design, its tools, methods, materials, traditions and aesthetics.

We explore: digital imaging & layout software, when feasible some basic 3D design & simple animation techniques, as well as selected aspects of elementary web page design. We also experiment with imaging tools & technologies and do projects and assignments which study design history.

Digital Design 1 is an introduction to contemporary design in general, and digitally assisted graphic design in particular.

Course Content:

An introduction to selected traditions in design art history, design research and contemporary graphic design

Intro to basic design software, its conventions, operations and application

Graphic imaging; using digital and non-digital studio tools, project development, and in-class critiques.

Through these course elements the student will be introduced to, and gain experience with, some of the defining influences, current ideas, new techniques & essential digital tools of design.

Methodology:

Lectures, demonstrations, assignment projects, in-class tutorials and exercises which utilise digital 2-D and 3-D graphic/animation and interactive design software and their support technologies: i.e. scanning, colour output, digital special effects etc.

As well - the student is introduced to current industry standards, and the conventions and terminology of pre/post-production output, and the effective display and construction of design projects. Design I is - a beginners, hands-on, studio/workshop course.

No previous computer experience is required, it's all learn by doing.

Evaluation:

To successfully complete the course, participants must attend every class and complete all assigned projects, studio tasks or in class assignments.

Absence or tardiness without suitable medical documentation will result in failure.

Students will be required to produce a minimum of 3 individual graded design projects at (25 % per) and as well complete any additional digital tutorials, in class projects, blogs, quizzes, reading or written assignments. (25%).

Participants will be graded upon originality, comprehension and expression of techniques, project presentation, design research, effort and work habits.

All late assignments submissions will be penalised - minus 20% - unless accompanied by medical note - e.g. if you receive an 87 on the project, but you submit it late - after the deadline, your grade will become 67 after the late submission adjustment is applied to the grade.

In design, deadlines are an intrinsic part of the assignments, so late projects are always penalized.

So, do your work, on time, every time !

DESIGN ONE - materials list. You must obtain the following items, for the second class !

1 - 1 GB (minimum) USB memory stick

TEXTBOOK: Stylepedia, by Steven Heller,

Text is available in the Vanier bookstore approx. $25.00. Get these 2 items by the second class ! Assorted basic design tools and materials as required such as scissors, glue, pencils, printing paper, and printer ink cartridge - this will be discussed as needed in class. etc.

YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO SPEND $60.00 MINIMUM FOR MATERIALS

Class Projects may include (this is for your reference only and subject to change)

CD cover, Book cover, Single page type layout, Jackson Pollock poster, Road Signs, Onomatopoeia typology, Letter sculpture, assorted Colour studies, Blog design, etc.

NUMBER: 511-902-VA PONDERATION: 2-1-3 CREDIT(S): 2

PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION:

Course content includes:

Principles, terms and conventions of design in general and graphic design in particular.

Digital methods: software and hardware operations.

3D modeling and animation.

Web page design.

Digital image manipulation.

Graphic production and output.

STATEMENT OF COMPETENCY:

01D6: To use techniques of creation or interpretation in the digital design arts.

ACHIEVEMENT CONTEXT:

The student’s grade is based on:

Individual work by students, with and without supervision in the digital design lab, in compliance with proper techniques for utilizing hardware and software. Emphasis on effective production of and experimentation with traditional design and graphic design projects.

Completion of all digital tutorial and design assignments

Presentation of finished design projects.

Active and consistent participation in class activities.

Course Title: DIGITAL DESIGN I (511-902-VA) 01D6

Elements of the Competency (Objectives)

1.To explore different procedures or techniques of creation or interpretation in digital design arts.

Performance Criteria (Standards)

1.1 Demonstrate grasp of terminology, methods and protocols of the digital desktop.

1.2 Identify key elements and procedures for utilizing the digital desktop: the hard-drive, ram allocation, program identities, icons, folders, input and output devices, saving and deleting.

1.3 Demonstrate procedure for accessing software and creating new documents and files.

1.4 Demonstrate procedures and utilizing digital tool and palette sets, developing custom tool sets, and modifying default tool arrays.

1.5 Import digital files and digitally scanned materials for placement in documents.

1.6 Utilize the correct procedures for flatbed.

1.7 Demonstrate correct procedures for utilizing transparency input, digital pallet and, pen, video image input, and up/downloading Internet image files.

2. To experiment with diverse procedures or techniques of creation or interpretation utilizing digital design methods and tools.

2.1 Experiment with procedures and protocols for digital color mixing: Gamma, color resolution, and screen resolution contrast modifications and adjustments.

2.2 Demonstrate methods of default system level operations and custom system principles, program preferences, and system level maintenance routines and input support protocols.

2.3 Identify 2D and 3D tool sets and terminology, functions, materials and general material production processes for experimentation within 3D and 2 D visual environments.

2.4 Manipulate the 2D and 3D workspaces, default and custom views.

2.5 Demonstrate basic operational procedures for digital animation and its mechanisms: sequencing, imaging methods and cross-program sharing.

2.6 Operate image editing software.

2.7 Execute pre-press protocols.

2.8 Identify basic principles of output –to- print procedures.

3. To relate the production of meaning to the use of techniques of creation or interpretation.

3.1 Identify traditions and trends in page composition, typography, book display and product and advertising design.

3.2 Produce materials which articulate basic principles of graphic design and explain their meaning.

3.3 Display and discuss works in progress and discuss how their meaning is connected to the techniques employed.

3.4 Critique design projects in the light of their art historical and cultural contexts.

Design two - class outline for Winter 2012 - Friday 11:30

2009-01-20T15:52:00.052-08:00

Faculty of Social Science, Commerce, Arts & Letters

Communications: Art, Media, Theatre department

Digital Design Studio Two:

Research, Materials & Project Design

Course Number 511-903-VA

Semester Winter 2012 sect 1

Teacher Thomas Fisher

Office &Office Phone number B 313 744- 7500 -7675

Office hours as posted on office door

Objectives:

Design Studio Two is an “advanced” studio class; concerned with the further development of individual design skills/interests through selected assignments. It encourages improved and more informed design research, and focuses on better, more accurate project production.

Design 2 encourages the student to broaden their general design studies and deepen critical awareness, and also to refine their technical skills - students may, where feasible, pursue select individual projects.

Utilizing term long class projects, such as book and film title design and magazine layouts, participants gain experience on detailed, evolving design projects. Digital 2 is comprised of three general areas of study: Design Research and its History, Materials & Processes

Course Content:

Design Research/History

This aspect encourages the student to better research and develop concepts, engineer projects and to more effectively accomplish production. Participants take an idea from genesis to completion, with a particular focus, on how to creatively develop and productively execute the idea. This element considers a project's feasibility, suitability of materials/facilities and overall resource management - how to research and prepare complex projects, and how to complete them.

Materials, Processes and Production -

These elements encourage the student to where feasible, further develop areas of design that they have become interested in, and to gain additional experience and experiment with, production tools and processes. Such as: Custom Printing and Output, Layout Design, Exhibition and Display Design, Product Design and Project Preparation – improving work-path and workspace.

Methodology:

Weekly Design History Presentations, research and production projects, digital and research exercises which utilise traditional tools and concepts, current digital software. As well, the student is introduced to emerging industry standards and standard conventions currently used in both pre and post-production, advanced output to print, display design and improved construction of design projects and products.

Evaluation

Participants must attend every class and all their Medialab studio periods. Absence or tardiness without suitable documentation will result in failure. Late project submissions will not be accepted. Zero Tolerance

Students will be required to produce individual graphic design and design art history projects as well as, complete all assigned blog/digital tutorials, quizzes and presentation assignments.

Participants will be graded upon originality, comprehension of techniques, presentation, research and effort. All late assignments submissions will be penalized - minus 20% - unless accompanied by medical note, e.g. if you receive an 87 on the project, your actual grade will be 67 after the late submission adjustment. Do your work, on time, every time !

DESIGN TWO - materials list. You must obtain the following items:

1 minimum, 1GB USB or firewire Flash/Jump drive or other Memory stick

TEXTBOOKS: No Logo by Naomi Klein and Graphic Design, A New History available in the Vanier bookstore

All students must purchase 1 colour or Blk/wht cartridge and other assorted basic design tools and materials as required. I.e. Scissors, glue, pencils, paper etc. Be prepared to spend at least $ 50.00 on printing paper. We will discuss these purchases first day, please, please do not purchase before discussion.

Required Reading: ( we will discuss this )

- Envisioning Information Edward Tufte ( Vanier Library)

- Information Graphics Widbur & Burke ( Vanier Library)