Class Mondays and Wednesdays, 1pm-4pm
CMB Studio 4B and other locations (TBA)                                          
Fall, 2009

Samantha Krukowski
samantha@rasa.net
http://www.rasa.net

Johanna Witherby                 
johanna.witherby@gmail.com
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Things to know

This course investigates the ways in which still and moving images can be designed for installation in environments outside that of the black box movie theatre and in opposition to advertising and other public signage.  Sets, architecture, sound, light, performance, dance, sculpture can all be part of the installation projects you propose and produce.

The course culminates in a large-scale public event to be held on Saturday, May 9, from dark-midnight.  Black out your calendars from Friday, May 8 noon through Sunday, May 10, noon.

This event, which we will name, organize, develop and promote, will consist of individual projection installations conceived and produced by each of you for sites in and around CMA, CMB and CMC.  The course requires individual and team effort.  Your abilities to articulate and communicate your ideas, collaborate and thoroughly engage the ideas of your colleagues, change and adapt as necessary, see the part and the whole, and argue and laugh, are essential.

Throughout the semester you should be engaged with your work, invested in the labor of making it, dedicated to the evolution of your own sensibility, concerned with craft, and ready to do whatever it takes to complete your projects and make the whole event a success.

It is assumed that you have the following coming into this class: some foundation in the arts and a basic understanding of digital imaging, sound and video.  If  you are weak in any of these areas, there will be a few opportunities during the semester to learn what you don’t know.

Questions you have and develop may be resolved by practice or by other types of inquiry--theoretical, philosophical, scientific, poetic, etc.  There should be times during the semester when you get stuck.  You will develop the tools to unstick yourself.  If you don’t know what to make, go look at what other people have made.  If you don’t know what to say, go read something or watch something or listen to someone interesting.  If you are still stuck, in all probability you are not making enough stuff to get yourself moving toward a question you can answer through practice or thought.  A motto for the course:  Make, make, make.  If you show up for help, it’s best to bring evidence of what you are making so that we can have a good discussion.

Things to buy (or get)

Places to buy such stuff: The University Co-op, Asel Art, Miller Blueprint, Jerry’s Artarama, Hobby Lobby. There are many online resources, and better art supply stores in Houston than in Austin.

Glue (RC 56, Neutral Ph Adhesive or equivalent)
Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
Tape
Chipboard (the thinner variety)
Metal ruler with cork underside
Self-healing cutting mat
x-acto knife and blades
Scissors
String
1 pad drawing paper, medium quality (18”x24” minimum)
1 large pad newsprint paper (24”x36” minimum)
1 pad bristol board (14”x17” minimum)
Pens, pencils, different kinds of drawing media, different thicknesses, different weights
Archival media, external Firewire HD, CD, DVD, mini-DV.  Always back up your work and don’t rely on the transfer server.

Facilities and Equipment

Studio 4B is open to you during class and any time there is not a scheduled class.  When 4B is not in use, there are proctors on hand to help you with any technical questions you may have.  4B control is open to undergraduate students from 9-5 pm weekdays and graduate students during building hours.  A basic printer for Studio 4B computers is located in 4B control, you need Bevo Bucks to use it.

There is a 4B schedule posted on the outside of the entrance door to the studio.

There is some limited equipment available to you for this class.  You may reserve it once you have filled out the necessary paperwork and paid a nominal fee.

For May 9

You are responsible for securing, storing, protecting and returning all of the equipment you use during the public event.  Think early about equipment you think you will use—LCD projectors, 16mm projectors, television screens, sound equipment, accessories (mics, recording devices, speakers), playback devices, extension cords, gaffer tape (there will be more…) Investigate where you can get this stuff early in the semester, even if you’re not sure what you’ll eventually need.

Projects

You will complete four projects prior to spring break, all of which are designed to help you develop your abilities and vocabularies for creative work that simultaneously utilizes image, space and performance. There are multiple in-class workshops to help you with them.  The second part of the semester is devoted entirely to the development and production of your final projection installations and the organization of the May 9 event.

Readings

There is one required reading that will be provided to you as a handout.

I am providing you with a reading list.  All of these books extend the field for our discussions and production.  I strongly recommend that you consult at least some of them.

Grading

A high grade will be assigned to those students who work hard, participate extensively and continuously, demonstrate a clear understanding of the readings and course concepts, and produce work that shows evolution in terms of sensibility, process, craft, and scope.  The standard grade rules apply:  A=excellent, B=good, C=average, D=below average, F=failing.  Remember that C is an average grade and only students who reach beyond this level will earn a higher grade.

A failing grade will be assigned to any student who does not complete all of the projects, misses more than four class sessions, misses any part of any review and/or fails to participate in the May 9 event.

Documentation

At the end of the semester you must provide me with documentation of all of your work completed in the class.  Document your projects thoroughly as you go, document them well.  DVDs are preferred, with quicktime files if video is included (do not turn in a formatted DVD.)  This documentation is due in my RTF mailbox on May 13 at noon.

University Speak

Regarding Scholastic Dishonesty: The University defines academic dishonesty as cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, falsifying academic records, and any act designed to avoid participating honestly in the learning process. Scholastic dishonesty also includes, but is not limited to, providing false or misleading information to receive a postponement or an extension on a test, quiz, or other assignment, and submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor. By accepting this syllabus, you have agreed to these guidelines and must adhere to them. Scholastic dishonest damages both the student's learning experience and readiness for the future demands of a work-career. Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. For more information on scholastic dishonesty, please visit the Student Judicial services Web site at http://www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/sjs/.

About services for students with disabilities: The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY.

About the Undergraduate Writing Center: The Undergraduate Writing Center, located in the FAC 211, phone 471-6222, offers individualized assistance to students who want to improve their writing skills. There is no charge, and students may come in on a drop-in or appointment basis.