Multimedia Projects

An elective course for upper-level students to explore multimedia: word, image, sound and interactivity.

Course description:

In this course we will define what multimedia is (and what it is not). We will explore issues of interactivity and non-linearity and begin to understand how sound, still-image, moving image and visual language work together and how they work together over time.

A good deal of class time will be devoted to work-in-progress critiques and discussions of contemporary multimedia projects and their historical precedents in photography, video, experimental film, performance and installation art.

This is not a “software” class; students should be prepared to work on their own and have a grasp of the technical skills needed for their projects. That said, several tech workshops will be given throughout the semester in order to jump-start student projects.

During the first half of the semester we’ll explore key concepts in multimedia and begin working with ideas and tools. The second half of the semester will be devoted to a self-directed final project. This project may take the form of an interactive computer piece, a web site, or a form of your own invention.

The philosophy of the class will be based on students determining their projects and then acquiring whatever skills are needed to bring the project to fruition. Emphasis will be on content and how the different media and forms of presentation convey this content. Students who have already taken the video course will have access to the digital video lab.