Course Descriptions

This course introduces students to basic recording and editing techniques, and develops critical listening and viewing skills by experiencing and discussing historic and contemporary examples of time based media. Individual and group projects are created and critiqued in class sections. Each student will come away with a basic understanding of film and video making language, media literacy, basic production skills, and a historical overview. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

This course introduces students to digital photography, web design, and interactive multimedia in making art. Students broaden their understanding of such topics as composition, effective use of images, color theory, typography, and narrative flow. Inquiry and experimentation are encouraged, leading towards the development of the skill and techniques needed to create visual art with electronic media. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

An introductory course in drawing designed to develop seeing ability and means of expressing visual ideas through graphic skills. The course consists of exercises in drawing 437 ARTS from observation and studies from the history of art. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

A creative approach for students with no previous experience to the concepts of music theory (rhythm, scales,keys, intervals, chords, etc.) and elementary harmony. Alsoan introduction to some of the monuments of Western repertory through listening, reading, and discussion. Springterm annually.4 credit hours

This course explores contemporary video practice, concentrating on creating, presenting, and analyzing video art. It is an introduction to the Arts Department production facilities and equipment, and a prerequisite for 4000-level video classes. Prerequisite: ARTS-1010 or permission of instructor. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

Music composition taught in the context of modern computerized production methods. Technical topics include basic principles of computer sound generation, digital sound sampling, and the use of small computers for musical control of electronic instruments. Musical topics include a study of important musical works and compositional techniques of the 20th century. Student projects involve hands-on work on a variety of computer instruments and software. This course is a prerequisite for further creative work with Rensselaer's computer music facilities. Prerequisite: ARTS-1010 or permission of instructor. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

Net Art is a hands-on studio course that uses the examination of the historical and theoretical aspects of Web-based art and virtual social spaces as a launching pad for individual student work. Considerable work at the conceptual level and a survey of Web-oriented software and programming enable students to create new works in net-based art. Prerequisite: ARTS-1020 or permission of instructor. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

Intermediate Digital Imaging is a hands-on studio course exploring the use of computer technologies in making visual art. A study of contemporary issues in digital media and photography facilitates individual innovation and experimentation. Digital imaging and input/output techniques are employed in terms of giving visual form to ideas and personal expression in private and public settings. Prerequisite: ARTS-1020 or permission of instructor. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

Fundamentals of Animation is an introduction to anima- tion as an art form. Most of this course will be traditional based assignments designed to encourage spontaneous cre- ativity, explore animation concepts, and learn animation terminology. Assignments will build a solid foundation for entrance into Animation 1. This course will also be a his- torical and theoretical investigation with screenings and readings followed with discussion. Prerequisites: ARTS- 1200 and ARTS-1010 or ARTS-1020. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

A beginning sculpture course combining hands-on studio work sessions with lectures on the history and theory of sculpture practice. The studio component involves explorations of materials and techniques as tools for the enhancing of visual sensitivity and creative expression. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

An introductory course which will present basic concepts about composition, line, pictorial space, light, and color in the visual arts in order to help students develop the means for expressing visual ideas effectively. Weekly homework design projects, using both traditional and electronic media, will be complemented by in-class slide lectures, video tapes, and critiques. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

Readings, rehearsals, and performances of works from the standard repertoire for orchestra from the Baroque through the 20th century. Prerequisite: demonstration of adequate skill in playing an orchestral instrument through audition. Fall and spring terms annually. 1 credit hour

Readings, rehearsals, and performances of works from the standard choral repertoire, from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Attendance is mandatory and preparation expected. Fall and spring terms annually. 1 credit hour

Readings, rehearsals and performances of works from the repertoire for percussion ensemble as well as special arrange- ments and original compositions, spanning the diverse styles of the genre from ragtime music and popular traditions to the classical, standard and avant-garde. Regular attendance at rehearsals is required and preparation of music expected. Prerequisite: demonstration of adequate skills in at least some areas of percussion through formal or informal audi- tions. Fall and spring terms annually. 1 credit hour

Further developing hand drumming technique, as well as stick drumming technique and bell and shaker patterns, this course concentrates on the performance of intermediate level Ghanaian polyrhythms that are played in ensemble form. Instructor also conveys much information regarding the cultural context from which this music arises. Prerequisite: Intro. to Ghanaian Drumming or audition. Fall and spring terms annually. 1 credit hour

A course that explores the fundamental concepts of music theory, for the students with at least some musical background. Rhythm, scales, keys, intervals, chords, and elementary harmony will be covered as well as an introduction to counterpoint and analysis. Correlative studies in ear-training and keyboard skills. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours

The objective of this course is for students to be able to recognize and appreciate the stylistic elements of the major periods and composers from the earliest known music to the present. The influences on music by broad cultural and historical forces will also be explored. Beginning with the Greeks, the course will progress chronologically from the polyphonic religious music of the Middle Ages through the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and modern periods. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours

Using rare film and video footage as well as records, CDs, texts, and live musicians, this course traces the development of jazz over its century of existence. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours

From "raves" to symphony hall, Indian film music to Tibetan chant, monster truck rallies to a mother's lullaby, musical soundscapes surround us through all aspects of our daily lives. This course focuses on the study of music in or as culture. The exploration of music in human life will be comparative, using case studies from diverse world traditions and examining topics such as: ritual, media and technology, ethnicity/identity, music and dance, and musical transmission. Offered once annually. 4 credit hours

Renaissance This course is a survey of the visual arts from the Paleolithic to the Renaissance era. Nearly 500 images are analyzed according to style, time, place and character. Relationship of art to ritual, magic, religion, philosophy, literature and music are examined. Material is presented in a form acces- sible to students without previous knowledge of Art History. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours

This course will survey the history and theory of the diverse artistic practices of the twentieth century in relation to the development of the mass media and new technologies. Topics will include the Bauhaus, Surrealism, Pop Art, and Postmodernism and will span a spectrum of media from the more traditional, such as painting and photography, to electronic and new media, such as video and digital arts. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours

This course surveys the American Musical, introducing students to its basic components and concepts. Since the musical integrates different media, it is studied through the contribution of major artists as well as in historical, social, and cultural contexts. The course also analyzes music and musical theater genres, which influenced the musical, including European opera and operetta; American blues, ragtime, and jazz; and Latin-American rhythms. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours

This course introduces students to the principles of acting. Students participate in theatre games and improvisations; explore the stage environment; study dramatic conflict and transformation into different characters; and learn stage terminology and blocking. The emphasis is on individual and group projects that develop students' creativity and imagination. The culmination of the course is the presentation of monologues and scenes from international plays. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours

Projects adapted to the needs of individual students. 1 to 4 credit hours

Experimental courses offered for one or two terms as the general program requires.

IAP will examine theoretical concepts of interactive media as well as develop the practical skills needed to implement these concepts using the facilities of the iEAR studios. Topics include high and low level computer programming and electronics. Students will build installations and projects, which control live performance interactions with graphics, video, and sound. Prerequisites: Computer Music or Video Art and Installation or permission of the Instructor. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours

This studio/seminar consists of longer projects with atten- tion to concept, process, and finish. The student will either work individually or as a member on a team and be expect- ed to have a vision or concept they are driven to create. Some possible topics covered may include virtual envi- ronments, advanced shader networks, MEL, compositing, non photorealistic rendering, 3-D graphics programming, game engines, or motion capture. Prerequisites: ARTS- 4070 or permission of instructor. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours

Video Production This is a production course investigating non-traditional approaches to documentary or non-fiction film/video. Taking a broad look at what defines "documentary" media, this course will incorporate criticism with production. 439 ARTS Students will produce a range of video works questioning conventional documentary styles, using radical and inter- ventionist techniques. Students will study traditional doc- umentary works including ethnographic films, cinema ver- it, propaganda films, "home movies," reality TV, tabloid news, autobiographic and activist videos. Prerequisite: ARTS-2010 or permission of instructor. Based on avail- ability of instructor. 4 credit hours

Arts Practicum provides professional training and experience for graduates and upper-level undergraduates by involving them in the production of a significant artistic project from start to finish. Projects often involve assisting or collaborating with prominent artists in residence at the iEAR studios. Prerequisites: graduate standing, or two 2000-level electronic arts courses, or permission of instructor. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

An introduction to the techniques and principles of computer animation with a concentration on modeling, texturing, and rendering. Students use advanced software to develop directed creative 3-D animations in a hands- on studio. Lectures, discussion, and exposure to contem- porary work enable students to develop skills in this rapidly evolving field. Prerequisite: ARTS-2060 or permission of instructor. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

An intermediate hands-on studio course in 3-D comput- er animation, in basic character animation, advanced modeling, advanced lighting, advanced rendering, dynam- ics, particle animation, scene description, and story build- ing. Prerequisite ARTS-4060 or permission of instructor. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours

This course will be devoted to the investigation of diverse topics of electronic arts history, theory, and practice. Prerequisite: 2000-level Arts course or permission of instructor. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

This course is an investigation of radio as a unique artistic form. To provide a context for student's own production work (which will be aired over WRPI) the class incorporates readings on aesthetics, culture, history, politics, and economics of the world's first electronic broadcast technology. Prerequisite: ARTS-1010, COMM- 1510. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

Advanced Drawing is designed to help students who have mastered basic drawing skills to enhance those skills and utilize them to explore visual ideas. Emphasis is placed on individual development of skills and subject matter to help students express themselves visually. Examples and studies are used from master drawings of the past to learn about the history of art and to stimulate ideas for the students' own work. Prerequisite: ARTS-1200 or permission of instructor. 4 credit hours

An advanced studio course in sculpture for students who have taken Sculpture I. Students are encouraged to explore personal areas of interest and are required to develop a familiarity with the history of sculpture as well as mastering fabrication techniques. Prerequisite: ARTS- 2210. Offered on availability of instructor. 4 credit hours

A painting course in water media with emphasis on color interaction, composition, and pictorial design. Using sources from observation and the history of painting, students are taught to see and convey effects of color on/in 2-D pictorial space and to develop critical skills in looking at paintings. Prerequisite: ARTS-1200. 4 credit hours

A continuation of studies in harmony, analysis, and ear-training. With an introduction to orchestration and 20th century techniques, the course will culminate with an original composition. Prerequisite: ARTS-2400. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours

Deep Listening is a practice created by the instructor to enhance and expand listening abilities and to encourage creative work. The class will explore different forms of listening including field recording. Each class time will involve experiential exercises, sound pieces, readings, and discussion. Musical training is not prerequisite. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

Experimental Game Design is an upper level studio arts course focusing on the creation of innovative workable game prototypes using a variety of interactive multimedia. Games are considered as a new genre and are analyzed as cultural artifacts. The aesthetics of game design including character development, level design, game play experience, and delivery systems are covered. Flow, game theory, and game play gestalt are considered. Alternate gaming paradigms and emerging forms are encouraged. Prerequisite: ARTS-1020 or permission of instructor. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

This course gives students a practical background in the field of theatre, introducing them to all aspects of a theatre production. Students rehearse a play in the classroom and then give performances on the RPI campus. Students also participate in directing, stage managing, writing press releases, and designing set, costumes, lighting, and sound for the show. Auditions take place on 440 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS the first day of class. Fall term annually. 4 credit hours

The course introduces students to the art of writing and directing short videos, with an emphasis on generating ideas, and realizing them in a well developed final project. Major theories and principles are studied through a com- parative analysis of scripts and films. Students learn to work with actors, write their own scripts, and direct videos. Two final projects a script and a video will integrate all of the elements covered in class. Lecture/Practicum. Prerequisites: one 2000-level video and one 2000-level writing course, or permission of instructor. Spring term annually. 4 credit hours

This course teaches the skills needed to produce and document professional electronic arts events, including live concerts, installations, and multimedia presentations. It is an intensive, hands-on course designed to give students direct experience with sound, video, and lighting equipment in live performance environments. Students will learn technical and creative skills essential for artistic practice in the field of electronic arts. Prerequisite: limited to upper class B.S. EARTS, EMAC, IT ARTS students, MFA students, or by permission of instructor. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

Honors Capstone Design is a two-semester sequence offered in Fall and Spring and is an option for fulfilling the Culminating Experience/Capstone requirement for graduating seniors majoring in EMAC. Through a series of production and writing assignments, breakout seminars, group critiques, and public exhibition, the goal is to develop a work-in-progress in the Fall semester and a final version in the Spring semester of the capstone project and senior thesis paper. Students must submit proposals for their project in the Spring semester of the previous academic year. Permission of instructor is required. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and COMM-4910, Honors Capstone Design. Fall and spring terms annually. 4 credit hours

Individual and collaborative projects and readings adapted to the needs of individual students at the advanced level.

Experimental courses offered for one or two terms as the general program requires.

Through direct experience in the community, this course explores the complex roles and relationships of art, education and technology, Students will develop a plan to work with a media arts center, community organization or school; final teams will produce real-world arts and education projects that ultimately will be realized as significant additions to their professional portfolio. The projects can include a range from traditional arts practice to creative writing, creative IT models to community art and activism. We will examine diverse case studies, with special focus on the development and sustainability of a new local media arts center in Troy, the Sanctuary for Independent Media. Students from a wide interdisciplinary range of studies are encouraged to enroll: a strong interest in how you can integrate creativity into your own knowledge base, and a desire to do field work in the community, are all that is required.

Development and completion of individual creative projects in electronic arts with discussions and critiques of student work in a seminar format. Projects may use any of the studios and combinations of media available in the iEAR Studios. All projects will be presented or performed in public concerts, exhibitions, and installations. Prerequisite: limited to MFA students in electronic arts. Fall and spring terms annually. 3 credit hours

This seminar will deal with the history, theory, and creation of art, popular culture, and mass media from a contemporary perspective. Theoretical and historical texts and a spectrum of electronic arts and media will be investigated. This course is to be taken in conjunction with Creative Seminar I. It will support the students' development and articulation of the aesthetic, cultural, and theoretical underpinnings of their artistic work produced in ARTS-6080 and in other studio courses. Prerequisite: limited to MFA students or permission of instructor. Fall term annually. 3 credit hours

This course is an introduction to fieldwork and ethno- graphic methods in support of artistic creation. The class will guide students through interviews, participant-obser- vation and documentation at various field sites to produce diverse creative projects ranging from ethnographic essays to video to installations. Students will be encouraged to work on topical materials of their choice, focused on issues such as technological change, artistic subcultures, or envi- ronmentalism. Enrollment is restricted to students with graduate standing or by permission of the instructor. Spring term annually. 3 credit hours

Practices A graduate-level course focusing on the development of curatorial practices, and will include emphasis research including how curators conceive, organize and execute exhibitions. This course is important for practicing artists, not only to allow them to function as programmers and curators themselves -- extending their own area of expertise -- but to also give students the opportunity to see what curators need to exhibit work. What kind of press materials, timelines, writing materials are necessary for curators to produce exhibitions? In other words, what do artists need to provide to curators to be successful. Fall term annually. 3 credit hours

Individual and collaborative projects and readings adapted to the needs of individual students at the advanced level. Fall and spring terms annually. variable credit hours

Experimental courses offered for one or two terms as the general program requires.

Active participation in research, under the supervision of a faculty adviser, leading to a master's thesis. Grades of IP are assigned until the thesis has been approved by the faculty adviser and accepted by the Office of Graduate Education to be archived in a standard format in the library. Grades will then be listed as S. 1 to 9 credit hours