SPRING 2020- March 31- June 12

Email: mtrigilio@ucsd.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays 4:30-5:30pm | Thursdays 10am-11am.

OVERVIEW:
Normally, Introduction to Media functions as both a lecture and production course, providing a technical foundation and theoretical context for all subsequent production-oriented film and video studies. Spring 2020 is an extraordinary time and this class is being revised to reflect the realities of our time, our health, and our access to tools & techniques. Students will learn the fundamentals of media aesthetics, how media works are made, and how to design & produce their own work using the limited resources at their disposal. We need art and films and images, even in times of crisis -- especially so. All discussions, labs, lectures, and one-on-one meetings will take place remotely via Zoom and Canvas where students will critically engage with the fundamentals of media-art practice, interrogating their own imaginations and experiences as they learn.

 

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
Active and engaged participation in discussion and lab sections, including on zoom, on Canvas discussions, and by visiting virtual office hours w your TA and Professor
Creative and courageous response to Midterm and Final videos
Actively resisting cynicism and fostering open-mindedness

cyn-i-cism
noun.
1. An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others.
cynical, adj; 1.implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity

Being intellectually and aesthetically dogmatic will not serve you as an artist and will adversely affect your performance in this course.

 

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT:
Presentation of new and challenging ideas about what film, video, and media art is currently and can be in the future.
Respect and honest critical feedback
A passionate and engaged articulation of course material, free of cynicism or contempt
Fair and honest grading of your participation, papers, videos, and other classwork.

 

REQUIRED TEXTS & SUPPLIES:
A course reader has been prepared at the University Bookstore.

Grade Calculation
Midterm take-home exam 25%
Midterm video project 10%
Final take-home exam 25%
Final video project 10%
Quizzes, coursework, and participation 30%

LATE-WORK POLICY:
I will only accept assignments late if you have an excused absence from class or in an emergency situation about which you have spoken with me directly. Late assignments will be accepted at Instructor’s discretion.