Art 210 / Fall 2010 / Welcome to Intro to Digital Arts / Section - 1 -  3 - Missouri State University

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Syllabus / Section 1

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Instructor

Eric Bintner

Phone: 248-410-8468

Email: EricBintner@MissouriState.edu


Course Information

This course provides an introduction to the possibilities of digital media in the fine arts. This course does not emphasize software training, although certain software (Adobe Photoshop. Adobe Illustrator, Flash, Inkscape) will be presented and explored as creative tools. Open source technologies like jQuery and SVG will be used and current html5 coding practices will be emphasized. Interactivity such as MIDI and video tracking will be explored. The course is taught as a semi-traditional studio art course - except rather than painting or sculpture, we will work with digital tools and related experiences. The focus is on art making, and the assignments reflect this mindset. If you are expecting to get an A because you master the software or you know it already, you will be disappointed. This course will focus on thinking, being creative and pushing oneself.

This class will require participation and patience. It is not approached as a typical lecture or technical environment, but one where we learn from each other and solve problems collaboratively. Students are expected to be respectful of their peers, meaning that creative and reading assignments should be done on time and comments should be thoughtful and constructive. The best projects will be the ones in which thoughtful and intelligent ideas are presented in a clear, organized, and engaging manner, as well as both concept and execution illustrate critical thinking and engagement with course material.


Each of the assignments and projects will conclude with a discussion and viewing of the finished work [critique]. Students are expected to present their completed projects to the whole class. Students are expected to vocally participate in the discussions of each project presented. This is an ART class and dialog is an integrate part of art. 


Along with completing assignments, class members are expected to communicate with each other outside of class via emailing continuing classroom discussions. This can include, but not be exclusive to problems, solutions, information, etc.


Prerequisites

ART 100 or 110 and completion of the General Education Computers for Learning requirement.


Required Supplies

  • An 8½x11 bound journal/sketchbook or a binder with 8½x11sheets of paper. The actual format is not really important other than the size (8½x11) and that it is dedicated entirely to this class. Projects and assignments (unless otherwise stated by the instructor) will not be accepted unless accompanied with said journal or sketchbook.
  • 1-2 CD-Rs/DVD-Rs for submission of assignments and projects at the end of the semester.
  • Appropriate media(CDs, DVDs, jump drives, external drive, etc) for backing up data. Note: Students will be solely responsible for making backup copies of ALL their data. This is important! Accidents do occur and you will be held to all deadlines regardless. Save now, save often and make LOTS of backups.


Recommended Books & Supplies

  • 1 DVD-R disc ~ if you wish to create a DVD of your work.
  • 2GB USB drive
  • Monthly subscription to Lynda.com ~ very thorough tutorials, highly recommended
  • Some projects may require the purchase of additional supplies as needed on an individual basis.


Grading 

This is a studio course and WILL require work beyond the scheduled class period. Computer lab hours will be posted.


Grading Formula:

60% Assignments (average of grades on individual assignments)

30% Final Project

10% Participation (active class participation, especially during critiques and lectures, may positively affect your final grade.)


Individual Grade Expectations:

A (4.00): Outstanding work. Outstanding achievement relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements. Performance was of the highest level. Excellence while meeting course objectives was sustained throughout the course. Not only was the student’s performance clearly and significantly above satisfactory, it was also of an independent and creative nature. 


A- (3.70): Excellent work. Excellent achievement relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements. Performance was clearly and significantly above satisfactory, and was creative and independent. 


B+ (3.30): Near excellent work. Achievement was significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements. Performance was clearly and significantly above satisfactory, and was creative and independent. 


B (3.00): Very good work. Achievement significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements. Performance was very good, although not of the highest level. Performance was clearly and significantly above satisfactory fulfillment of course requirements (For undergraduates: B = meritorious: For graduates B = adequate). 


B- (2.70): Good work. Achievement at a level just above that necessary to meet course requirements. Performance was notable. 


C+ (2.30): Slightly above satisfactory work. Achievement that meets the course requirements. Performance was slightly more than adequate. 


C (2.00): Satisfactory work. Achievement that meets the course requirements. Performance was adequate, although marginal in quality (For undergraduates: C = adequate: For graduates: C = inadequate). 


C- (1.70): Slightly below satisfactory work. Achievement that barely meets the course requirements. Performance has been slightly below satisfactory and was marginal in quality. 


D+ (1.30): Passing work. Achievement below satisfactory in meeting course requirements. Student demonstrated below satisfactory achievement in meeting course objectives, yet fulfilled a sufficient enough portion of the course objectives that repeating the course is not necessary unless required by the academic unit. 


D (1.00): Minimum passing work. Achievement barely worthy of credit. Student demonstrated unsatisfactory achievement in meeting course objectives, yet fulfilled a sufficient enough portion of the course objectives that repeating the course is not necessary unless required by the academic unit. 


F (0.00): Failed – no credit. A failure to meet course requirements. The work of course objectives were either: 1) completed but not at a level of achievement that is worthy of credit, or 2) have not been completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student that the student would be awarded an “I” (incomplete).

Failure to meet assignment and project deadlines will result in lowered grades. For each class day the assignment is overdue, its grade will be lowered one full letter. Documentation of your progress MUST be reflected in your submission pages or it will not count as finished!


Only ONE assignment can be reworked one time after critique and turned in to the instructor for a better grade. All LATE and reworked assignments must be turned in no later than the last day of class before finals week. NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE LAST DAY OF CLASS. You will also be required to submit all semester work on a CD/DVD by the class' FINAL day in finals week. Failure to submit this CD/DVD of work will result in failure of the class.


Special considerations will NOT be given to students on the basis of technical difficulties, if alternative solutions were not actively pursued. Students are expected to use their time and energies wisely.


Quizzes

Because of the nature of this class, you must pass the technical quizzes or fail this course. You must answer every question correctly to pass the quiz. You may only retake each quiz twice. I will not always announce a quiz ahead of time. If you miss a quiz due to absence or you need to retake a quiz due to failure, you must make an appointment with me. It is YOUR responsibility to find out if you've missed a quiz due to an absence. Quizzes will be returned the next class day.


Attendance

Attendance at ALL class sessions is mandatory for successful completion of this course. You are responsible for all material presented in class and it is important that you do not miss any classes! Students are expected to come to class on time, ready to work with all necessary supplies and materials. Three or more unexcused absences will result in the lowering of the student's final grade one full letter grade for each additional day missed. Only the following would be considered an excused absence:

  • Participation in University-sanctioned activities and programs
  • Personal illness with a doctor's note indicating that the student needed to stay home on that particular class day
  • Family and/or other compelling circumstances

Instructors have the right to request documentation verifying the basis of any absences resulting from the above factors. Do not ask the instructor if it is all right to miss a class for any other reason. An excused absence does not excuse the student from making up class time missed in a timely manner. Attendance will be taken daily and arriving to Lecture/Lab component 30 minutes late and/or leaving more that 30 minutes early will be recorded and counts as one-half of an unexcused absence. Signing in for any other student will result in a failing grade.

NOTE: Attendance for all critiques is required. Attendance for finals critique is mandatory - anyone missing critiques during the scheduled finals will fail the class, no exceptions. Finals will be held the last week of class.


Statement on nondiscrimination:
Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office for Equity and Diversity, Park Central Office Building, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 111, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head.   Please visit the OED website at www.missouristate.edu/equity/.

The faculty of the Department of Art and Design believe that all people should be treated fairly and equitably. For this reason, we are opposed to the discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, political affiliation or sexual orientation.


Statement on disability accommodation:
To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Director of Disability Services, Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY),www.missouristate.edu/disability.  Students are required to provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. Disability Services refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. For information about testing, contact the Director of theLearning Diagnostic Clinic, (417) 836-4787, http://psychology.missouristate.edu/ldc.


Statement on academic dishonesty:
Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity.  You are responsible for knowing and following the university’s student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at www.missouristate.edu/assets/provost/AcademicIntegrityPolicyRev-1-08.pdfand also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library.  Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy.   


Statement on dropping a class:
It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. For information about dropping a class or withdrawing from the university, contact the Office of the Registrar at 836-5520.

See Academic Calendars (www.missouristate.edu/registrar/acad_cal.html) for deadlines.


Statement on cell phone policy:
As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community.  When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class.  Therefore, the Office of the Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes.  All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent (vibrate) mode and ordinarily should not be taken out during class.  Given the fact that these same communication devices are an integral part of the University’s emergency notification system, an exception to this policy would occur when numerous devices activate simultaneously.  When this occurs, students may consult their devices to determine if a university emergency exists.  If that is not the case, the devices should be immediately returned to silent mode and put away.  Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the instructor.

 

 

 

Calendar / Section 1

Projects / Section 1

 
 
 
 

Student Work / Section 1

Eric Bintner

EricBintner@MissouriState.edu

In alphabetical order, Eric is an animator, artist, designer, developer and musician. He is a graduate of Missouri State, BFA 2005, and Cranbrook Academy of Art, MFA 2007. Originally from Kansas City, Eric has worked for the past three years as a freelance motion graphics designer and interactive developer in Brooklyn, New York.

stop background animation