Massachusetts College of Art and Design

This is a studio elective course designed to focus on use of the written word in a variety of media. Techniques/topics covered include: text in performance, editing, installation text, artist statements, text with image, and visual narrative. All media encouraged.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This class functions as a laboratory exploring video sculpture, installation, performance and sitte specific projections. Every day you use your body as a tool to manipulate materials, create physical objects and act on others. Through this process your body acts as an extension of your ideas, making them physically manifest in time. This class will explore objects, time and space using video as a tool capable of acting on the 3D world.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

A studio elective which covers a limited number of topics in video production (e.g. audio, lighting) while focusing primarily on editing techniques for desktop digital systems. It includes comparisons between Final Cut Pro and Avid software/systems. Some experience with digital camcorders is assumed.

Prerequisites:

Any intro to video course or by permission of instructor

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course will explore the use of theatrical and commercial lighting, dimming and control units.  The class will visit professional installations to learn the hardware and safety practices from working technicians. Students will design and build their own class projects.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course aims to demystify basic lighting, rigging, sound and staging practices. Technical workshops will be conducted during class time where students work in teams to complete assignments. Demonstrations and lectures also include site planning, power distribution, and safety in the workspace. Students will prepare and present their own personal projects using the class as crew and SIM's technology.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

In this course, students will view, discuss and create their own documentaries. The class will cover the established techniques and conventions of documentary filmmaking (including story development, camera techniques, sound recording/mixing, scripting and editing, etc.) -and then break these rules when necessary to meet the personal and political goals of each artist. Students will be encouraged to work in teams, but may also work individually on exercises and on a substantive final project.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This is a studio course in which students will produce work that is influenced by the cultures of hip-hop and electronic music. Students will learn the techniques of sampling, sequencing, and drum programming using current music-making software, including Reason and Ableton Live. Most assignments will involve the creation of music, but we will also go over the production of video and multimedia.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

To explore light as a sculptural element in art making, this class will focus primarily on the application of light as a transformative medium in all visual art practices. The class will examine the works of artists such as Thomas Wilfred, James Turrell, Ann Hamilton, Won Ju Lim, Diana Thater, Wolfgang Laib, Cai Guo-Qiang, Robert Irwin, Shirin Neshat, Bill Viola, Olafur Eliasson and many others. This course is designed to familiarize the student with a wide variation of art practices and to encourage a sense of discovery in relation to the medium of light and in everyday observations.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course studies a selection of artists/artworks/movements that have defined performance  art. Focus is on work since the Futurist movement  to the present. During the course, students present their own written and performative responses to the artists/artworks/movements introduced. Skills for developing, directing and performing are introduced. This course is a performance studio based on historical influences.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Students will learn elements of sound performance, technical considerations including vocal techniques, content development and presentational context. Students present live sound pieces on a weekly basis.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

critique

Students will learn principles of electroacoustic and digital sound processing, including audio recording, editing, mixing, and signal processing techniques. Students are required to present "live" or recorded sound pieces. Sound studio includes analog and digital synthesis, analog and digital recording and editing systems, signal processors. Weekly assignments. Fall term only.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Sophomore Major Studio. This is a studio class in which individuals and groups present and discuss work in media of their choice such as audio, video, computer, performance, publishing, and production of events that interrelate media. Each week, student presentations of work are organized into performances and exhibitions produced by students who select, schedule and technically support the presentation. (SIM276, 376, 476)

Prerequisites:

SIM majors only. Take two semesters of this course.

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Movement is basic to all life, from the atomic to the astronomic level. This course explores the human body as an instrument for making art in space and time. Students will practice various physical disciplines based on contemporary dance techniques, yoga, and contact improvisation for example. They will be encouraged to observe movement in the world around them as source material. Students will work individually and in groups to create their own movement pieces. In-depth critiques, discussion, and revision of works will reinforce the importance of process in this class. Students will complete several short assignments as well as one final movement project of their own choosing. This course will also consider sound, objects, and environments in relation to movement. Students will be encouraged to make direct relations between their principal fields of artistic interest and time-based performance. Some readings and video will be included to introduce students to the various forms that movement has taken in twentieth century live art.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This class will focus on the physical techniques of modern dance. The emphasis is on developing strength, flexibility and agility as well as the ability to remember movement sequences and to project one's physical/emotional being into space.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

In this course, students propose, develop and present short live events with an emphasis on generating and describing ideas. The class will explore many forms of live events -- from the broadest definitions to contemporary performance art. In an artistic context, a live event might be a musical performance, spoken word, audience participatory event, street performance, interactive installation, Internet artwork, street theater, ritual, etc. The course will also introduce various contemporary technologies that extend the reach of live artworks. Through an historical survey of live events (intentionally artistic or otherwise) exposure to performance technologies, field trips, discussion, and critique of student work, this course will investigate the art of effectively shaping live events that communicate their artistic intentions. Students will create scripts for and direct short live events using time, space, classmates, objects, and technologies available to them.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

As human beings, we carry with us precious instruments for expression - the body and the voice. This course explores perception - looking and listening - as a tool for making instantaneous performance choices. We will work through a series of improvisational techniques from concepts of "action theater" to contact improvisation. Students will work individually, in duets, and in groups to explore gesture, space, time, energy, intention and the voice. We will experiment with the voice by "sounding" as well as by speaking. The course may also consider objects and environments in relation to performance. Students will be encouraged to make direct relations between their principal fields of artistic interest and time-based, improvisational performance. Some readings and video may be included to introduce students to the various forms that improvisation has taken in twenty-first century live art.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

What is the nature of space and time? How do various astronomical events affect cultural trends? What can evolution teach us about human behavior? What is the nature of matter and energy at the smallest and largest scale of the universe? Students will explore the basic elements of the physical universe, creating art projects which describe or connect aspect of nature, art and science.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course will cover many aspects of the field of public art as it impinges upon issues relating to architecture, temporal events, permanent and temporary installations, sculpture, and environmental design. The emphasis will be on creating and developing individual concepts for public projects with sketches, written proposals, plans, models, demos, video/audio tapes, and other appropriate materials. There will be ongoing discussions of the development of projects, from initial concept to complete budgeted proposal.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course is intended for object makers, to introduce motion into their sculpture. An overview on the history of kinetic art is provided to inspire a richness of conceptual thinking. The course is directed toward a final project of the student's design, which may be sculpture, installation, performance, costume, robotics, toys, etc. Issues covered include: mechanism design and troubleshooting, hand cranks, ratchets, solenoids, motors, drive systems, and basic steelworking techniques aimed at building safe and reliable kinetic art.

Prerequisites:

3DSC253, 3DSC264, MPSM374 or instructors permission

This course introduces students to computer interfaces for connecting interactive sculpture, performance and installation with software. Course content includes microcontrollers, electrical sensors, custom-made circuits and programming. No previous programming experience is necessary.

Prerequisites:

MPSM337

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course explores the unique combination of performance and video time/space. The course addresses the particular issues of creating performances with real or implied human presence within and for the parameters of the video medium itself. We will consider framing; movement of subject, camera, environment, and editing; ways of addressing the camera by the performer(s). This course is not about making documentaries of live performance.

Prerequisites:

some knowledge of video, editing, and performance is helpful but not required.

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course is designed for students who have already taken Beat Research I and wish to continue making art in a community of Beatmakers and electronic musicians. Emphasis will be on critiques, the sharing of advanced techniques and the organizing of media for presentation outside of the class (audio CD, video DVD, live performance etc)

Prerequisites:

MPSM207

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Building on the Video Sculpture course, this advanced level class focuses on developing three concept-driven projects, concentrating on the interaction between the physical installation and the video image, sound and edits. Students will be encouraged to explore a range of works which may include: performance in video, interactive and multi-channel video, site specific and public installation.

Prerequisites:

3DSC318X, 3DSC320X, video class or editing experience, or permission of instructor

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

An in-depth introduction to computer programming for artistic applications, focused around the Max/MSP/Jitter programming language. Students will learn the fundamental skills required to develop their own software tools and interfaces for the manipulation and synthesis of audio and video, with a focus on applications in installation, composition, and performance. Other programming languages, such as SuperCollider and C, will also be explored. This is a workshop in which artists will develop methods of expressing their thoughts and feelings about art and artistic concerns. It will include methods and techniques for describing, analyzing, and criticizing artworks in the context of the studio.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This is the second semester of a year-long course. This course is for those that are actively involved in organizing and producing events and exhibitions throughout the year. However the emphasis is on events that are complex enough that they require at least a year to plan. It is required for Eventworks producers and Godine Family gallery managers. Students will meet with the instructor one-on-one throughout the semester, additionally the class will meet periodically as a group to discuss general production issues. It is also open to those not involved in Eventworks or Godine Gallery but that have another event(s) in mind. By permission of instructor. This is a one-year long course.

Prerequisites:

MPSM 319X Event Planning and Production

Type:

lecture/seminar

A seminar for advanced students who wish to pursue independent sound projects. Projects may include live sound presentations, recorded sound works, a complete audio CD, sculptural sound art, digitally controlled sound art, public sound art, environmental sound art, and sound installation. Students are required to present their work in progress for critique, and to complete a final sound project. Additional class activities may include a field trip, guest speakers, and gallery visits. (Spring term only)

Prerequisites:

MPSM 273 Intro to Sound Studio

Type:

lecture/seminar

In this studio course, students will be introduced to historical examples of politically-engaged performance art as a context for creating their own work. This will include the creation of original performance art works by adapting techniques which were developed by the Czech Underground which built a platform for the artists-run "Velvet Revolution" of 1989. For students without experience in video, the course will also introduce the basic tools and principles of video production.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course is for those that are actively involved in organizing and producing events and exhibitions throughout the year. It is required for Eventworks Producers and Godine Family Gallery Managers. Students will meet with the instructor one on one throughout the semester, additionally the class will meet periodically as a group to discuss general production issues. It is also open to those not involved in Eventworks or Godine Gallery but that have another event (s) in mind.

Prerequisites:

by permission of instructor

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

The purpose of this studio course is to provide skills and information that will be useful for artists who use electronic devices in their artworks.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Students will explore advanced audio recording techniques, composition skills, listening skills, and critical skills. Students are required to present recorded sound pieces. Computer and electronic music studio includes analog and digital synthesis, advanced digital hardware and software and interactive music systems.

Prerequisites:

MPSM273 or permission of instructor

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This is a year long studio class in which individuals and groups present and discuss work in media of their choice such as audio, video, computer, performance, publishing, and production of events that interrelate media. Each week, student presentations of work are organized into performances and exhibitions produced by students who select, schedule and technically support the presentation. (SIM276, 376, 476)

Prerequisites:

6 credits of MPSM 276

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course will focus on students' developing their own performance pieces. Those pieces may be "dance" pieces in any number of styles, or they may be "performance art" or live site-specific works, or spoken word or music pieces that involve the use of the body in space and time. However, even in the dance pieces, emphasis will be on developing an individual voice or movement vocabulary and on conceptual clarity.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course will focus on students' seriously refining their choreographic and performance techniques. Students will initiate and develop their own performance pieces. Those pieces may be "dance" pieces in any number of styles, or they may be "performance art" or live site-specific works or spoken word pieces that involve the use of the body in space and time.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

lecture/seminar

This class investigates words as a primary unit of communication on the web. Examples of web journals, email, dynamic news sites, eBooks, translation software, search engines, guestbooks, spoken word, and dynamic typography are presented. Students create web-based artwork that explores the idea of the written word and spoken language. Issues of conceptual development, visual language, intentionality and functionality, and future trends are presented. Necessary skills for web site publishing are introduced. This class is designed to provide students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in these tools - in all their complexity - as they use them for making art.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

Prerequisites:

None

Prerequisites:

None

Prerequisites:

None

This course is a fine arts studio elective that introduces the Internet as a medium for artistic expression and distribution as well as the nuts and bolts of HTML and client/server technologies. The course also introduces the potential for multimedia (sound, moving image, interactivity) on the web and suggests the special considerations involved in web-based work. Additionally, a survey of the creative uses of the Internet by a variety of artists is included.

Prerequisites:

students must have taken an introductory computer class or by permission of instructor.

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course is targeted towards soon-to-graduate art students who are thinking about the practicalities of continuing life as in independent artist after art school. Throughout the semester students will meet graduates of the Studio for Interrelated Media as well as others pursuing unconventional artistic paths. Through discussion, presentations and field trips, issues surrounding the realistic struggles of maintaining life as an independent artist alongside the celebration of such a choice will be explored. The course will attempt to demystify tax responsibilities, non-profit organization opportunities, and grant-writing. Students will interview artists as well as research methods for balancing art, life and money after school. Students will also practice writing their artist statement and resume and create a personal five year plan using any media.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This is a year long studio class in which individuals and groups present and discuss work in media of their choice such as audio, video, computer, performance, publishing, and production of events that interrelate media. Each week, student presentations of work are organized into performances and exhibitions produced by students who select, schedule and technically support the presentation. (SIM276, 376, 476)

Prerequisites:

6 credits of MPSM376

Type:

hybrid studio/critique

This course introduces fundamental skills and concepts related to the creation of sound installation art, including acoustics, psychoacoutics, strategies for sonic display, the workings of analog and digital sound technology, and basic electronics. A survey of historical and recent works explores various approaches to sound installation. Students propose, plan and complete their own installations over the course of the semester.

Prerequisites:

None

Type:

hybrid studio/critique