Art and Technology

The M200a course “Case Studies in Art & Technology” introduces a number of issues specific to an arts and engineering interdisciplinary program. The course begins by formulating artistic practice as a research activity, a form of prototyping of ideas that address materials, systems, processes, structure and content.

Presentation of case studies and readings that exemplify genres and themes provide an overview of selected topics representative of the discipline. For engineers and musicians, the course functions as an introduction to the discipline. For artists who come from a wide range of backgrounds, the course functions to created common ground and as a platform where they can contribute their specialized knowledge. For MAT, 200a functions to introduce and enhance arts-engineering interdisciplinary collaborative work.

For each lecture, there will be reading assignments with an online report to include links which will be posted at the course website. (this page). A series of assignments leading to the final project will define the development and design process: the final project will consist of a team based project proposal, to be permanently posted with the course schedule. The Final Project is realized through teamwork, as the interdisciplinary artist-sound-engineer team approach is a crucial learning component. The project is challenging as it provides an overview of the design and development process of a digital media artwork consisting of the following: Brainstorming; research; concept development; sketching, visual identity, aesthetics; production details, budget, venues, target audience definition. Students are encouraged to take the process as far as each team is capable.