ART 80T - Digital Tools for Contemporary Art Practices Syllabus

DESCRIPTION
Introduces the digital tools and mediums available to contemporary art practices. Tools are explored from a historical and theoretical context and from a technical perspective through hands-on tutorials. A variety of artworks that use digital mediums are also examined. Covers photo and vector editors, sound and video editing, basic 3D modeling, and images and interactions generated by code. Students should have basic computer literacy.

INTRODUCTION

I.1 Welcome Winter 2021

Welcome to Art80T: Digital Tools for Contemporary Art Practices. I am your instructor, Kristen Gillette (pronouns she/her or they/theirs). For this intro module content, I will introduce the course format and basic weekly schedule, as well as the online learning system, called Canvas, that we will be using to do everything for this course. This course was always designed to be completely online - and because of this, the format might be a bit different from the remote courses you have been taking due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A plus side is that all of the content and projects are tailored and designed to fit the online format. I will still probably need to adjust some things, however, to accommodate the fact that everyone is now attending all courses remotely. This will be discussed further in the Course Policy section below.

I.2 Course Teaching assistants

This quarter we will be joined by TAs Marjan Khatibi, Daniel Rudin, Tatiane Santa Rosa, Kelly Skye and Rolando Vargas. Each TA will host a weekly Zoom Studio Session, answer questions on Technical Discussion boards, and evaluate most assignments and projects for their grading sections. They are each a wealth of knowledge with digital tools and programs, and use these tools extensively in their own creative practices, both professional and academic. Grading sections will be assigned during Week 2, at which point TA contact info will be posted on the Canvas Home Page. Anyone can attend any Zoom Studio Session, but you will want to know who your assigned TA is for any questions about the course, grades and feedback.

I.3 Using Canvas + Course Communication

Canvas is the “Learning Management System” we will be using to host this course. Think of Canvas as the door to your classroom or lecture hall - every time you are doing any work for this course, you want to first log into Canvas, which will then link you to our course site and all other materials. You will be using this site to do everything for this class - including access videos, tutorials and content, submit assignments, post discussion questions, take quizzes + exams, view the course schedule, attend studio hours and view any course updates and announcements.

Before you go any farther, log into Canvas and check your Account Settings to ensure that all Art 80T announcements will also be sent to the email you will be checking throughout the quarter. After Monday of Week 1, I will ONLY send course communications via Canvas Announcements, not via email. If you are not receiving these announcements, be sure to troubleshoot ASAP.

I.4 Module Format

This online course will use “content modules” to organize lectures, assignments, discussion board participation, practice quizzes and other course components by subject grouping. Access modules via the “Module” menu option on the left, or by linking through to each posted Module on the Canvas Home Page. For most weeks during Winter Quarter, one new module will unlock each Monday AM.

Modules 1 - 7 will feature Lecture Content and a Lecture Quiz, Studio Tutorial Videos and corresponding Studio Projects, and a Participation Credit assignment. The Participation Credit assignment will either require Zoom Studio Session Participation OR posting to a Technical Discussion Board (more on both of these below).

All required assignments within modules will have weekly due dates which will be specified under each individual assignment in Canvas.

i.5 Contacting Instructor + TA’s

Contact TAs and me via email with any “non-technical” questions. Technical questions about programs and processes will be addressed using Zoom Sessions and the Discussion Boards. When emailing, put “Art80T” in the subject line. During the week, M-F from 9AM to 5PM, please allow 6 - 8 hrs for a response - it will usually be quicker, and sometimes a general concern might be addressed via an announcement - if this happens, it means that multiple people had similar issues.

Over the weekend and after 5PM on weekdays response-time will be longer and availability is limited, but always email anyway, as this will allow you to "timestamp" any serious issues.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS + ASSIGNMENTS

Below are detailed descriptions about each aspect of the course and the structure of Modules 1 - 7. Below is the breakdown of each of these categories in terms of the final grade (100% Possible Points).

5% Intro Module Exercises
4% Course Engagement (Short Assignment for Week 6 + Week 10)
14% Participation Credit (Technical Discussion Board Posts OR Zoom Studio Sessions)
56% Studio Exercises (8 pts per module)
21% Lecture Quizzes (3 pts per module)

C.1 Lecture Pages + Content

Lecture content covers things like different course topics, themes, artists, artworks + movements, as well as art + design principles, techniques and processes that correspond with ideas we are exploring in the studio portion of this course. It does not cover any technical information or instructions that are not fully discussed in the Studio Tutorial videos. When I was first developing this course, I had planned to present this content via video as well, however, I quickly realized it would be incredibly frustrating for students to access specific information from these lectures if they were all videos. This content is instead presented as a web page with text, slideshows and links to other resources and videos (that I did not produce). While this format does require you to read a bit more, it allows you to flip through slideshows, locate specific content easily and “attend” lectures and access course content from more locations. These lecture pages can be viewed in full on a desktop computer, as well as a tablet or smart phone.

The Lecture Quizzes are based completely on the lecture content. These used to be combined into a Midterm and Final Exam, but with the COVID-19 pandemic I am trying to break these exams up into smaller, weekly quizzes and spread them out throughout the quarter.

C.2 Studio Projects

Most modules will include 1 - 4 studio projects due by 11:30pm the Wednesday following their module's release. Each of the steps required to complete these projects correspond directly to a different digital tool or process covered by a studio tutorial video. For Module 1 + Module 2 you will turn in multiple, smaller exercises to a single submission page posted in the Module.

Be sure to always follow the written instruction in Canvas, as these are the most up-to-date, and some videos contain slightly different information. Each tutorial video walks you more than half-way through completing each project, and also introduces and discusses core concepts and techniques more in-depth. They each also explain all of the processes and tools you will need to know in order to complete the studio projects. You will have practice using this turn-in method via Canvas with this Intro Module.

Grading Studio Projects

These projects are intended to be creative ways to explore and learn the technical aspects of these digital tools, and to better understand ways these tools could be used for different types of art-making. For those of you who have taken art courses before, we are not emphasizing concepts or ideas, and are mostly evaluating these assignments based on your exploration and application of the technical steps presented in each video tutorial, as well as your problem-solving efforts. The tutorials and the instructional videos are centered around the project requirements, so, it is very important to watch through these videos, especially if you have questions about the project requirements.

For Modules 1 + 2, each mini-project is worth 2pts, which is the same as 2% of your final grade. Starting with Module 3, projects will involve multiple steps and be worth 8 points, with very specific rubrics and requirements listed.

For all Modules, completing the project to the end point of the tutorials will earn around 70% - 75% of the grade. The final 25% - 30% of the grade will be based on creativity, effort + time, and/or skill in execution. This is also defined in the project rubrics for Modules 3 - 7. If you encounter a technical challenge that you could not solve or work-around, provide a note of this in the comments section and describe how you tried to solve it. If this is the first time you have encountered the issue, and it is well documented, any grade deduction will be minimal.

C.3 TECHNICAL Help + Troubleshooting

For this course, I am requiring that everyone follow a specific protocol for asking technical questions. I define “technical questions” as any question about any program or tool presented in the studio project tutorial videos, or any process (including starting or saving) required by a studio project assignment. Following these steps is also one way to earn Participation Credit

1. Read through the technical discussion board topics to see if someone has already asked this question, and if its been answered. If not, post your question(s).

2. While you are waiting for replies or solutions, use the internet to troubleshoot. Googling your question (with specifics like the program, tool, and/or process) can be a great place to start.

3. Make sure to review the tutorial videos covering the exercise you are stuck on.

4. Check for replies to your post, and make sure to see if a similar question is answered up-thread.

Reminder - this is for technical questions only, and does not include things like questions about grades, health emergencies, issues accessing your course portal, DRC accommodations or any other course concerns.

C.4 module participation credit

For each Module 1 - 7, you will be required to complete 2 points of Participation Credit. You can earn this credit in 2 ways - A) by attending and participating in a Zoom Studio Session OR B) by posting to the module’s Technical Discussion Board. Each week, you can choose a different option, and you can always do both if it is helpful, but it will not count for extra credit.

Zoom Studio Sessions

There will be 5 - 6 weekly Zoom Studio Sessions - the schedule will be determined by Week 2 and posted to the Canvas home page. You can attend any of these sessions each week, regardless of your assigned TA. You only need to attend 1 session per module for full Participation Credit. In order to receive credit for these Studio Sessions, you will need to attend from the beginning of the posted starting meeting time, and during the meeting complete a short corresponding assignment that covers specific content presented during the session.

Technical Discussion Boards

If you choose to work with discussion boards for your Module Participation Credit, you will be required to post at least 2 technical questions or answers to the module’s technical discussion board. Exact due dates will be listed under each module assignment. You will receive 1 point for each of the required posts (2 total), however, you can always post more questions and answers if you want (and I would encourage it). The more that you use these discussion boards as resources, the more beneficial they will be to everyone. You can answer your own question, as well, if you ask and then find a solution.

Just to be clear, there are 2 posts required for every module’s Participation Credit requirement, worth 2 pts total. If you attend a Zoom Studio Session AND complete the corresponding assignment, you do not need to also post to the module’s technical discussion board.

These 2 pts per module are each worth 2% of your final grade. In total, Participation Credit is worth 14% of your final grade. These posts are intended to be a way to earn points asking for help, problem solving with your peers, practicing core technical concepts and sharing different processes, and should not take more than 20 - 30 minutes per module. As long as they are thoughtful, respectful and on-time, you will receive full credit. Very short threaded replies, such as "me too", "same", "ditto", "thanks" etc, while welcome (and helpful for us in terms of knowing what is most challenging for folks), are not substantial enough to earn credit.

Be sure to check the posting requirements, rules and policies below in the Course Policy Section.

C.6 Module Lecture Quizzes

Each module there is a 15 question Lecture Quiz covering the lecture content. Each of these quizzes are worth 3% of the final grade, 21% total. The questions are a combo of multiple choice, select all that apply and true / false. The quizzes are “open book” and are not timed, but can only be taken once.

C.7 Engagement Grade

The course engagement grade will make up 4% of the final grade. I will discuss this grade more during Week 1 - these will be short assignments completed during Week 6 and 10.

Course Rules + Policies

P.1 Discussion Posts + Written Communication

Discussion posts will not be graded for spelling or grammar, but its in your best interest to be clear because you want your question to be understood. When answering your peer’s questions, please remember that everyone is coming into this class with different levels of experience with (not to mention access to) these tools, processes and programs.

Any disrespectful communication, bullying, trolling will be immediately deleted and will subtract 1 pt from the student’s 100 point final grade. Any hate speech or directly violent speech will also be deleted and further grade penalties and additional disciplinary action will be applied. Any repeat issue will compound any final grade penalties applied.

If anyone is feeling bullied, uncomfortable or unsafe with a discussion board communication, please do not engage or reply, and email me and your TA immediately.

P.2 Zoom Conduct

If attending a Zoom Meeting, always use respectful communication, language and conduct. Be sure to mute audio at all times except when speaking or asking a question. Cameras are not required but welcome. All of the discussion post content rules above also apply to verbal communication via Zoom, as well as other visual components (such as attire + surroundings, non-verbal communication like hand gestures or other actions, profile pics, digital backgrounds, avatars, etc). Zooms conduct can be casual, but must be safe for all participants.

P.3 Time Management, Computer Issues + Internet Access

As a professional in the digital design field, I know that some of you are going to encounter equipment issues - like internet outages, or crashed computers - at probably the worst times. I have found this happens more often with the COVID-19 pandemic...maybe 2021 will be different. These types of issues do not automatically excuse late assignment submissions or late quiz submissions. If something DOES come up, complete the following steps:

1. Take screenshots of any error messages or issues, or photos of any equipment malfunctions.
2. Email me with the issue and any of the above documentation ASAP.
3. Do not try to continue taking the quiz or a timed assignment if technical issues persist.

Each issue will be considered on a case-by-case basis - communication and pro-activeness are very important with these kinds of problems, in both the academic world and in the professional world, and will weigh heavily on our decisions to grant re-submissions. For example, don’t wait until Monday night at 8pm to take the lecture quiz if your internet has been acting up all week, or, if you notice your computer crashing a few days before an assignment is due, start troubleshooting and figure out a repair plan as soon as possible.

p.4 Late Work Submission Policy

Unless granted an extension, late work will be docked points based on the following outline. Any late work submitted 1 week (7 days) after the deadline must be approved by a TA. If attempting to submit or start projects more than a week after they are due, please contact your TA prior to starting.

• Late discussion posts will receive half credit

• Late studio exercises will be docked ~1 point each day they are late (after 48 hour grace period) or 1/2 credit (after 5 days)

P.5 Extension options

This last year has been filled with unprecedented challenges as many individuals, families, and communities have been navigating the ongoing and intersecting pandemics of COVID-19, systemic racism and oppression, economic hardship and political and governmental instability.

We understand that all of this is happening in addition to any individual’s more “typical” set of academic and personal challenges. For all of these reasons, we want to make it very easy for folks to utilize extensions for late work for the course. Below are the 2 types of extensions granted to each student, but we are also very flexible - if you find yourself falling behind, email us as soon as possible to figure out options for getting back on track.

1. Each studio project has a 48-hour “grace period”. Projects will be due on Wednesdays, but late deductions will not begin to be applied until after Friday night. You do not need to request this option to use it. It is valid for EVERY module’s studio project(s). Keep in mind that submitting projects after Wednesday deadlines might delay their grading. If you need to submit after Friday night, the -1 pt per day deductions will begin at that point. You do not need to request to submit projects late, up to 5 days after the 48 hour grace period.

2. Each of you are allowed 1 Module throughout the quarter to submit all assignments and studio projects 5 days late without penalty. This is to accommodate any illness or other more disruptive issues or circumstances. To utilize this option, you will need to email your TA by the Wednesday that the Module Assignments are originally due - you do not need to wait for a response to utilize this option if it is your first time using it.

If you find yourself needing to utilize this option more than once, you must check in with us for approval. We will review these requests on a case-by-case basis.

P.6 Grading scale

Grade Scale:
100% A+
99% - 94% A
93% - 90% A-
89% - 87% B+
86% - 84% B
83% - 80% B-
79% - 77% C+
76% - 74% C
- - - - - -
73% - 70 C-
- - - - - -
69% - 67% D+
66% - 64% D
63% - 60% D-
- - - - - -
59% - 0% F

University Policies + resources

DRC Accommodations

UC Santa Cruz is committed to creating an academic environment that supports its diverse student body. If you are a student with a disability who requires accommodations to achieve equal access in this course, please submit your Accommodation Authorization Letter from the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to me privately during my office hours or by appointment, preferably within the first two weeks of the quarter. At this time, we would also like us to discuss ways we can ensure your full participation in the course. We encourage all students who may benefit from learning more about DRC services to contact DRC by phone at 831-459-2089 or by email at drc@ucsc.edu.

GRADE DISPUTES

If you have questions about the grading of your work, please contact your teaching assistant (TA). If your questions are not resolved, please contact me. If the matter still remains unresolved, I will advise you on further options.

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT POLICY

Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty. Acts of academic misconduct during the course, including plagiarism, can and usually do result in failure of the course, at the sole discretion of the instructor of record. Your case will be reported to the College Provost as per the Academic Integrity guidelines found on the web at: https://www.ue.ucsc.edu/academic_misconduct

COURSE EVALUATIONS

Course Evaluations for faculty will be available online for students to complete towards the end of quarter. There is a new system called WDYT (What Do You Think) and you will be sent emails to your @ucsc.edu email from that system to complete your evaluations online for all of your classes. Please be thoughtful in your responses, as we take these evaluations seriously. Course evaluations help faculty consider ways to improve instruction and are completely confidential.

GRAPHIC CONTENT

In Art courses you will often be assigned images, films or other material that could contain difficult ideas, uncomfortable language, or graphic depictions of sex or violence. You will be asked to treat these portrayals critically, to consider what is being expressed by the maker, or to examine the potential social impact, and to evaluate the works in a given context. Instructors are always happy to speak with you about your work, and might direct you to CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) at 831-459-2628 or the Disability Resource Center (drc@ucsc.edu or 831-459-2089) should you need additional support in order to do your best work.

TITLE IX

Title IX prohibits gender discrimination, including sexual harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. If you have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence, you can receive confidential support and advocacy at the Campus Advocacy Resources & Education (CARE) Office by calling (831) 502-2273.  In addition, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) can provide confidential, counseling support, (831) 459-2628. You can also report gender discrimination directly to the University’s Title IX Office, (831) 459-2462. Reports to law enforcement can be made to UCPD, (831) 459-2231 ext. 1. For emergencies call 911.  

Faculty and Teaching Assistants are required under the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment to inform the Title IX Office should they become aware that you or any other student has experienced sexual violence or sexual harassment.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

The art department has a list of many resources on campus available to students. Please take a look at these to see what is available for you. http://art.ucsc.edu/links

And now, on to the fun stuff…

This Intro Module is all about getting this logistical stuff figured out and on the record. I promise, this will be the most textual, non-visual content of the whole quarter. The TAs and I are excited to be teaching this course - every time we get to teach this course, we also learn something new, and this has become even more true with the pandemic. Make sure to check out the posted Course Schedule (subject to change, with plenty of heads up) and work through the intro exercises included in the Intro Module. Next module we will be diving into pixel-based image editors - like Photoshop.