Instructor’s Course Guideline
FALL 2013
Instructor: Justin Waddell
Office #: 559
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 2:00pm (by
appointment)
Email: justin.waddell@acad.ca
Blog: https://moodle.acad.ca/
Course: MADT 101 A – Exploring Digital Environments
Tuesdays,
10-1 / 2-5 PM. Room# 491
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisite: None.
Description:
This is an
introductory course emphasizing the acquisition of basic theoretical and
practical skills required to work in digital environments and communities.
Students will explore contemporary digital practices and theory through studio
projects, workshops, assignments, and exhibitions. This course emphasizes fine
art, trans-disciplinary practices using various strategies of interactivity and
connectivity for expression, performance and communication. A combination of collaborative
and independent projects will explore some of the ways to work digitally using
computer-generated and supported media such as video, audio, projection,
performance, interactivity and installation.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of
this course the student will have:
1. a working knowledge of
computer software and hardware and its potential for use in the production of
artwork;
2. an understanding of the
methods and means by which digital work can be disseminated and a basic
understanding of the critical contexts and communities in which it can be
situated;
3. experience working with
non-linear editing and analogue equipment;
4. an ability to critically
engage digital media and environments.
In addition to the above
description and objectives, Students in FYS courses can expect a learning
environment that encourages self-motivation and promotes independent thinking
and action. Problem solving and various modes of inquiry are understood to be
fundamental to studio activity and serve as a framework for students to situate
their activity in a broader context.
Evaluation:
Student will be graded
on:
1.
Completion of each
assignment:
· This involves the process of conceptualization and investigation.
· The actual execution and realization of the final piece.
· The ability to discuss individual working processes and methodologies.
· The depth and quality of research apparent in the finished work.
2.
Consistent involvement in
class dialogue and critiques.
3.
A positive attitude towards
everyone in the class and respect for different opinions.
4.
Overall participation in
class during critiques, discussions, presentations, and workshops.
Evaluative
events during the semester:
First Year Studies Department:
In the first week of October and the first week of March the Registrar’s
Office will provide faculty who are teaching courses in First Year Studies with
a class list for each of their classes.
The list will have an appropriate space to record a mid-term grade for
each student. Faculty will then fill out and return the form to the Registrar
on or before the date indicated by the Registrar.
The Registrar's Office will record mid-term marks and generate a
statement of midterm grades for each First Year Studies student. The statements of midterm grades for First
Year Studies classes will be available to each student through the ACAD
WebService.
Faculty can then make arrangements to discuss with students their
progress to mid-term. This process will be completed in time to allow students
to make informed decisions whether or not to withdraw from a class before the
deadline to withdraw without failure.
Midterm grades will not appear on students’ records and will only act as
an indicator of students’ progress in each of the classes in which they are
enrolled.
This structure standardizes the delivery of midterm grades and supports
Procedure 500.07.1 – Grading and Progression, which states, “Instructors are responsible for providing
students with feedback on their progress in the course at or before mid-term of
the semester so that students may, on the basis of instructor feedback, make an
informed decision to continue or withdraw from the course. Where the nature of
the course does not lend itself to a formal mid-term evaluation, instructors
are required to notify those students whose progression to that date is not
satisfactory by way of a “Warning Letter” issued through the Registrar’s
Office.”
The standardization of the process will insure that students are treated
in the same manner and will ensure that students can track their progression in
each of their courses. It will also assist faculty and students in cases of a
misunderstanding or in cases where the final grade is appealed. Instructors’ Course Guidelines will inform
students that unofficial (do not appear on official student record) midterm
marks will be released to students through ACAD Web Service.
MADT
Department
· All
MADT instructors will provide students with a clear indication of their
academic standing at mid-term;
· Depending
on the nature of the courses, this may or may not include grades, but will
always indicate excellent, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory progress; and
· In
the case of unsatisfactory progress, students will be sent a letter advising
them of their failure to meet the standards required in the course.
Mid-term
meeting
Students
will meet individually with the instructor to discuss her/his progression in
the course. An evaluation will be provided to the student with an indication of
their progress and standing within the class. Individual meetings provide a
formal venue to discuss a student’s development and to participate in a
dialogue on the course content and direction. Although feedback will be given
and works will be critiqued continually throughout the term, final grades will
not be assigned until the submission of a final portfolio. This process is
implemented to encourage reflection on group critiques, peer evaluation, and
individual progression as well as consultation with instructors. If a student
is to request a more comprehensive, project–specific assessment, an individual
meeting or form may be completed.
Final
portfolio submission:
On the last day of formal instruction, a portfolio
reflecting the overall development in the course will be submitted for
evaluation. Specific requirements for submission including formats and media
will be disseminated in writing in advance of the deadline. There are no
scheduled individual meetings between faculty and student unless requested and
agreed upon by both parties in advance of the portfolio’s submission.
***Failure
to submit a final portfolio will result in an “F” grade in the course***
Final
Breakdown:
Major Projects: 60%
Minor Assignments/Workshops: 20%
Research / Presentations: 10%
Participation/Attendance: 10%
Projects/Assignments:
There will be a
minimum of three
major assignments, two of which will have a written component, as
well as a minimum of two in-class assignments / workshops. Students are
also required to periodically research and annotate a minimum of four sources
throughout the term. Complete descriptions of major projects including independent
objectives and grading criteria will be distributed as the course progresses.
Participation:
Participation is
an integral aspect of this course and students’ contributions to the class
dynamic, critiques, and informal discussion will be reflected in this portion
of the grade. Meaningful participation
will require that students consistently involve themselves in the group.
In-class components such as workshops, panels, and assignments will also be
used to assess students’ participation.
Attendance
If
you miss a class, you are still responsible for material covered and for any
assignments given. If you do not attend class regularly, or fall behind on
assignments, you may be asked to withdraw from the course. Please contact your
instructor if illness or other circumstance causes two or more absences in a
row.
Late Assignments
·
You
must complete all components of all projects and assignments in accordance with
instructor requirements in order to pass the course. You are expected to hand
assignments in on time. Being absent from class does not excuse you from
handing in an assignment. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure instructor
receives assignment.
·
Late
assignments will miss group critiques and will negatively affect a student’s
participation mark. All assignments must be resubmitted with the Final
Portfolio for review.
·
To
ensure that an assignment is not marked as incomplete, the student MUST contact the instructor IN WRITING WITING TWO (2) WEEKS to
arrange submission of assignment.
·
Late
penalties are 5% per day, excluding weekends and holidays, for a maximum of 2
weeks.
·
After 2 weeks, assignments will not be
accepted and an “F” will be assigned for the course.
Special Needs
·
Students with some form
of special need or learning difficulty may be eligible for academic
accommodations to assist them in successful completion of their courses. You should visit the Learning Assistance
Resources, Annex A, to ascertain your eligibility and to complete the necessary
paperwork as soon as possible after registration. If accommodations are given, you should give
your Accommodation Agreement Form to your instructor at the start of your
course. Learning Assistance Resources
can provide other forms of assistance or direction, such as peer tutoring, exam
accommodations, academic advising, grant funding or referral to other
resources. Please contact paul.szymanowski@acad.ca. Please note: students share a joint responsibility with instructors to
ensure accommodation procedures work.
Grade Appeals
·
You should first discuss questions about grades
with your instructor. If you are still not satisfied with an assigned grade,
you may initiate a formal grade appeal by completing a “Grade Appeal Request
Form,” available from the Registrar’s Office.
Additional Expectations:
·
Students
in this course will be responsible for regular attendance and punctuality.
·
Students
can expect to spend a Min. 6 hours a week out of class on course requirements.
·
The
studio will be a place that embraces inclusiveness and diversity.
·
Occasionally,
film screenings will be held as an integral part of the course.
·
Readings
will be assigned and critical feedback is mandatory.
·
Critiques
are compulsory *
Materials:
· Specific materials will be required for in-class exercises; these will be
announced at least one week in advance.
· All works are to be presented undamaged and complete at the time of
critique. No work shall be accepted as incomplete or damaged. Please take care
when handling your work. Improper presentation and transportation will not be
accommodated.
· Works will be required to be presented in both digital and physical
forms. All materials essential to the presentation of a work are the
responsibility of the Student.
· Students are responsible for the cost of printing and mounting final
works for presentation.
· The studio will be a space that involves dry, wet, and digital medias.
Please be advised to use caution and adhere to health and safety procedures
when handing materials.
Laptop Cart/Editing Suites/AV Loans:
This course requires
the use of several ACAD resources. All equipment, personnel, and environments
are to be treated with respect. Students are permitted to use their own
laptops, programs, and equipment in consultation with the instructor. Laptops
are to be signed out and are NOT to leave the classroom without permission from
the instructor. All editing suite bookings, equipment, and resources are the
responsibility of the student and must adhere to college area procedures. It is
the student’s responsibility to be aware of and to review all relevant ACAD
policies.
Texts:
There is no required
text for this course however, the instructor will, whenever possible, provide
selected texts on closed reserve in the library or in the form of
photocopies. Students may also be
directed to websites, on-line documents, periodicals, and e-resources for
additional readings.
Health and safety as an instructional
requirement:
It is the
responsibility of every faculty member to ensure that his/her students are
informed to avoid accidents and occupationally-caused disease by establishing,
enforcing and personally modeling safe and healthy procedures and work habits
related to all aspects of producing art and design.
Both faculty
and students are expected to follow safe work practices, to comply with safety
requirements, and to take an active role in protecting the health and safety of
all members of the ACAD community.
Students
must familiarize themselves with the minimum acceptable health and safety
standards and endeavor to comply with them at all times, since they will be
held individually accountable for health and safety performance. It is encouraged that students utilize the
technicians and staff to ask questions when in doubt about safe working
processes.
*This studio will be a solvent free environment: No turpentine
(odorless included), spray adhesive or fixative, rubber cement, toxic markers
etc.
Conduct Code: Studio
The use of electronic
communication and personal media playing devices during studio class time:
·
Cell
phones: turned off and stored out of sight, except if a student or faculty
member has compelling circumstances that warrant active cell phone use in the
studio. These circumstances must be identified and approved by both faculty and
students prior to use.
·
Cell
phone use permitted in hallways only.
·
Personal
media playing devises may be used, at the sole discretion of the faculty,
during designated work periods only.
·
Laptop
computers and PDA usage during studio class time is limited to projects or
coursework that specifically warrant their use, or for faculty designated
research and production assignments.
During studio class time, it
is the students' responsibility to:
·
conduct themselves in a manner which reflects
respect and courtesy for other class members and for faculty.
·
conduct
themselves in a manner which reflects respect for a healthy and, safe communal
studio environment.
·
conduct
themselves in a manner which reflects respect for the materials, art work, and
possessions of classmates.
·
conduct
themselves in a manner which reflects respect for College property.
*Failure to meet the basics of conduct
expectations above may result in disciplinary proceedings.
College/Program/Department Policies and Procedures:
Students and
faculty should refer to the College’s website for up to date information
concerning academic and campus regulations. Students and faculty are
responsible for familiarizing themselves and complying with all College
policies, procedures and regulations as well as specific Program and/or
Department regulations as distributed. Program regulations will normally be
distributed within the first week of classes.
Storage of Student Artwork:
1. At the end of each
semester, all students must remove their work from the college premises before
5:00 pm on the last day grades are submitted to the registrar. Any work left after that date is subject to
disposal.
2. All faculty are responsible
to notify their students of the calendar date of this deadline clearly within
their course syllabus.
3. Faculty who require any
student projects to be held outside of class time for evaluation must arrange
to receive that work, take responsibility for its safe storage, and be
responsible for the secure pick up of that work.
4. Heads of Majors are
responsible for ensuring the clear posting of signage that details the calendar
date of the last day in that semester that grades are submitted to the
registrar, and the consequences for student’s artwork that is left on the College
premises past that date.
5. Heads of Majors are
responsible for communicating in writing with all of their Technicians and
support staff in their area the calendar date for the disposal of student
artwork.
6. Department Chairs are
responsible for ensuring that all Heads communicate in writing with their
Faculty, Technicians and support staff the calendar dates for the disposal of
student work in each semester.
7. The Director of
Facilities/Ancillary Services is responsible at the beginning of each semester
to communicate in writing to all relevant Facilities staff in the College the
calendar date for the disposal of student art for that semester.
8. ACAD is not responsible for
backing up or storing digital files.
ACAD does not accept responsibility for lost digital work, nor does it
guarantee against occasional, unforeseen and inevitable file server
crashes. To guard against data loss,
students and faculty must use external drives, DVDs or other means of personal
storage to back up their work.
9. Local hard drives on
College computers are considered temporary workspaces, and files on these
drives can be deleted at any time.
Email / Social Media Etiquette
ACAD
does not have a policy specific to email and social media etiquette however,
all students, faculty, and staff are to adhere to policies that may pertain to
academic and non-academic misconduct, harassment and discrimination, individual
and group rights, and collegial respect. Although faculty are available outside
of class time via email, it should not be assumed that faculty will respond to
an inquiry in less than 48 hours. There are circumstances where an email may
not be returned in less than 1 week. In situations where a response will be in
excess of 1 week, an auto-reply will notify the sender of such delay.
ALBERTA
COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN COURSE OUTLINE
DEPARTMENT:
FIRST YEAR
STUDIES
PROGRAM/MAJOR:
Media Arts
& Digital Technologies
COURSE:
MADT.101 – Exploring Digital Environments
CREDITS:
3.0
PRE-REQUISITE:
None
DESCRIPTION:
This is an introductory course emphasizing the
acquisition of basic theoretical and practical skills required to work in
digital environments and communities. Students will explore contemporary
digital practices and theory through studio projects, workshops and
assignments. The course emphasizes fine art practice using the new tools of
interactivity for expression, performance and communication. Collaborative and
independent projects will explore some of the ways to work digitally using
computer generated and supported media such as video, audio, projection,
performance, interactivity and installation.
OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course the
student will have:
1. a working knowledge of computer software and
hardware and its potential for use in the production of artwork;
2. an understanding of the methods and means by
which digital work can be disseminated and a basic understanding of the
critical contexts and communities in which it can be situated.
In addition to the above description and
objectives, Students in FYS courses can expect a learning environment that
encourages self-motivation and promotes independent thinking and action.
Problem solving and various modes of inquiry are understood to be fundamental
to studio activity and serve as a framework for students to situate their
activity in a broader context.
EVALUATION:
Students will be evaluated on assigned work and
independent research. Evaluation will be based upon the quantity and quality of
the research, on the successful completion of assignments and on the student’s
interest, curiosity, involvement and commitment to the objectives of the
course. Specific criteria will be stated in writing and distributed by the
course instructor normally by the end of the first week of instruction.
Students and faculty should refer to the College’s
website for up to date information concerning academic and campus regulations.
Students and faculty are responsible for familiarizing themselves and complying
with all College policies, procedures and regulations as well as specific
Program regulations as distributed. Program regulations will normally be
distributed within the first week of classes.
Introduced:
October
2002, Implementation September 2003
Revised: January 2006, Implementation September 2006
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