8/8/2019 ART 4020 Syllabus (Structured)

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LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITYNavigating Digital Narratives

Faculty: Frederick Ostrenko Phone : 813-731-2396Office hours: By Appointment Email dostrenko@lsu.edu

Course Number: Art 4020Course Title: Navigating Digital Narratives

Section Number 01Class Time M/W 3:40 - 6:30

Course Description:This course will explore the potential of 3D modeling and animation when creating digitalnarratives. We will investigate the inherent features of digital media such as interactivity,modularity, and randomization. How can taking advantage of these elements enhance theexperience of the narrative? Students will learn the basics of Maya to create virtual environmentsand characters, and then be introduced to a variety of tools, such as Max/MSP, Virtools, and FinalCut Studio, to add interactivity and experiment with linearity. What are the interestinginterdependencies between virtual space and reality, and what can we do with them? The classwill look at virtual installations from artists such as Jeffrey Shaw, 0100101110101101.org, andBrody Condon.

Learning Objectives: at the completion of this course the student will be able to:1. Make use of Autodesk Maya for basic modeling and animation2. Integrate 3D elements into their artistic or design based practice3. Understand the potential of combining real world elements with the virtual4. Evaluate their work in relation to the repertoire of existing virtual systems5. Clearly communicate the growing role of the virtual in relation to society

Methods of Instruction: 1. Lab instruction and tutorials focusing on various software environments2. In class work time and individual meetings3. Work with materials to determine their characteristics and tolerances.4. Lectures, videos and discussions to use as a source of inspiration for projects and to provide

perspective for projects.5. Critiques: at the end of each project as well as in-progress6. Readings: meant to facilitate discussion about the potential contexts and implications of

students work.

Methods for Assessment of learning outcomes:Overall grading criteria: Grading Scale1 Participation in classes and critiques 25% A 90-1002 Assignment 1 10% B 80-903 Assignment 2 15% C 70-804 Assignment 3 20% D 60-705 Assignment 4 25% F 0-596 Reading Discussion Questions 5%

Total 100 %

Individual Projects will be evaluated throughout the semester using the following criteria:Presentation (and discussion during critique) 30%Applied Technical Skills 30%Overall Conceptual Approach 30%Creative direction in relation to the assignment 10%Total 100%

8/8/2019 ART 4020 Syllabus (Structured)

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Late AssignmentsLate assignments or incompletes will only be granted in case of family or medical emergency.For anything else a letter grade per day will be deducted.

AttendanceAttendance and participation make up 25% of your final grade. Please let me know within 24hours of the end of class missed to be excused for an absence. Any coursework or assignmentsmissed during an absence will be the students responsibility to make up.

Required MaterialsLaptop with mouseAutodesk Maya 2011

Suggested SoftwareAdobe FlashAdobe Flash Builder Adobe After EffectsMax/MSP/Jitter Unity 3D