Special Topics in New Media

In contemporary visual and design culture, the World Wide Web and digital animation have grown significantly around the globe. They have become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, and have given us access to a wealth of information. In addition, the web and motion graphics allow an ease of communication, as the new design media become a shared worldwide experience.

Course description

Graphic design is traditionally defined as problem solving on a two-dimensional surface. New
fields of Web and multimedia design expand the profession into 3-D and time-based 4-D
applications. In this course we will explore contemporary media (web design, motion graphics,
interactive media, sound and video) for visual communication and personal expression relating to
the field of graphic design. You will investigate the principles of sequence, transition, and
interaction through the production of screen-based media. This course will also challenge your
ability to generate inventive images and visual form, and you will explore the making,
manipulation, and creation of meaning through design processes.


The technologies used to create work in this course include, but are not limited to, Dreamweaver,
Flash, and Photoshop, etc. Storyboard techniques and thumbnail sketches will be used for the
planning and inspiration. When dealing with web design and animation, there is basic
programming knowledge, language and methods you need to understand. However, it is also
important to understand that the process you take to create work can use a variety of hands-on
methods that can be scanned or photographed and used in the digital world.

Objectives

  • Develop an understanding of color, image, typography, composition, motion, and interactivity in
    screen-based design.
  • Understand and explore basic programming languages such as XHTML, CSS, JavaScript,
    ActionScript, etc.
  • Gain an understanding of how to use software tools such as Dreamweaver and Flash.
  • Be able to develop your own website for portfolio purposes to be used as a self-marketing tool.
  • Build creative abilities technically as well as conceptually to develop logical reasoning and
    decision-making skills.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how visual forms create meaning.
  • Experiment with a broad range of design methods and tools to support creative exploration.
  • Obtain quality organizational skills.
  • Craft and precision are expected to be of the highest quality
  • Develop professional presentation skills through verbal and visual communication.

Studio Hours

This course includes lectures, demonstrations, slide presentations, conceptual development of
projects, group discussions and critiques. All students should be prepared to spend a significant
amount of time outside of class time for research, process, and final production of assigned
projects.

Course Expectations

New media design is a lifetime activity, and it is constantly evolving. To keep up with this
fast-changing field, we must approach the new technologies, basic principles, and practices with a
flexible and curious mindset. In this course, students are expected to take an active, responsible,
and creative approach to carrying out solutions for different design problems. Questions and
observations are encouraged and they are essential part of learning. Come to each class prepared
to show and discuss your work or related progress.


Critiques are a vital and critical component to this course. Students are expected to contribute
opinions, observations, ideas, and questions during class discussions and critiques. All comments
are expected to be constructive and honest. Throughout the semester there will be in-progress
and final critiques for each project. In-progress critiques (within group or individual critiques) are
discussions about your process and ideas. On final critique days, all required materials should be
prepared for final submission ahead of time. Active discussion and note-taking during critiques
will be considered part of class participation.


Final critique for each project will start at the beginning of class. If the project is incomplete at the
start of class it will be considered late. Late work may be turned in for a reduced grade. Academic
dishonesty is not tolerated and may result in failure in the course.


Cell phone calls should be avoided during class and food and beverages are not permitted near
computer workstations. You are expected to do your part in keeping the studio clean.

Course Requirements

Each student will sign up and maintain a blog for this course. The blog is your space to document
your visual explorations, observations, and project reflections. Through out this semester, you are
expected to post your process work, visual experimentation, personal thoughts and discoveries
on design and beyond at least twice a week. Your posts should be intelligent and insightful. It is
also expected that you look at your classmates’ blogs and provide them with critical feedback.
How well it represents your visual research / process will contribute to the evaluation of your final
grade. Your blog will be evaluated at midterm and at the end of the semester.

Grading

Grades will be based on quality and quantity of work, as well as participation (in critiques,
discussions, and class in general) and attendance. Each assignment will be graded on a 4-point
basis according to the following criteria:

  • Comprehension of the concepts involved
  • Technical skills and quality of craftsmanship
  • Problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Risk-taking and experimentation throughout the process
  • Quality of process documentation and visual presentation
  • Consistent motivation and effort
  • Class participation

Grades will be discussed individually at midterm. At the end of the semester, all the points earned
for the projects will be averaged and weighted to determine your final grade. A 10% penalty will
be charged per day for any late work.


Students have the option of continuing to work on and improve an assignment after the due date
and class critique for a possible better grade; however, it must show a significant improvement.
All redo work is due at the end of the semester.

Grading Scale:


A = 3.8-4.0 (excellent, exceptional work beyond the class requirements)
BA = 3.3-3.7
B = 2.8-3.2 (very good creative and technical abilities exhibited)
CB = 2.3-2.7
C = 1.8-2.2 (average, meeting minimal requirements)
DC = 1.3-1.7
D = 0.8-1.2 (very poor work quality and/or lack of effort)
F = 0.0-0.7 (failure)

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory. Excused absences include documented illness, religious holiday or
family emergency, but it is your responsibility to notify me ASAP of the circumstances. More than
three absences will result in the student's grade for the course being lowered by one full letter.
The student is responsible for any materials presented in his/her absence.


Tardiness is defined as being 10 minutes late for class or departing before the class has been
formally dismissed by the instructor. Arriving later than 30 minutes will be recorded as an
absence, and three tardies will be counted as an absence.

Materials List

  • laptop and appropriate software
  • digital camera / camcorder
  • sketchbook (any kind)
  • drawing pencils and erasers
  • sharpies and markers

Other materials may be required for certain assignments