Intro to Digital Art and Media | Art 245
Course Syllabus.

Mira Costa College

Spring 2025

Professor Gilbert Neri

Office Hours : Art Department via Zoom: Office Hours Zoom
by appointment or drop in after class from 2:00pm in until 2:30pm or you can arrange a certain time with me.
Email: gneri@miracosta.edu

MiraCosta help line: Phone: (760) 795-6655 or studenthelp@miracosta.edu

Course Description: 

ART 245 is an introductory Art course covering conceptual, and historical contexts within which the computer and digital technology have been used in art making.  We will be using Canvas which can be accessed through Miracosta College’s website (Links to an external site.). We will make digital artworks and a webpage where you will post both your visual analysis and the visual project itself. This is a foundation level course for students interested in pursuing further study in both the theoretical and creative issues surrounding the use of digital technology as creative expression. This class bridges the theoretical and historical areas of computer-based art through the practical use of computer applications and development of basic computing skills. 

Digital technology and computers have been used as a creative tool since the 1930s and before. Artists have used the computer in a variety of ways, some of the more notable ways it has been used is not as only as a tool (like Photoshop) but also as a cultural artifact. Intro to digital art is a class where we will not only learn to use a variety of software applications, but we will do so as we develop a contextual history of the computer and digital applications as a form of creative/cultural expression.

It is my hope that you will not only learn to see, and make, but also to transform and do. It is a collective effort as this class will be a class where knowledge is socially constructed, the recognition of which is also part of our project as a class.  In other words, as we look at the ways in which meaning is manufactured and made present through mediated forms, we will also examine the ways that we ourselves contribute to and complete these transformations and meanings.

Attendance and Enrollment.

Our class is a digital art class, and while it will fairly easily completed online, this class was designed to offer a hands-on and seminar style delivery. This class meets GE area C and It is part of a number of degrees/certificates at MIracosta College. If you enrolled in this class part of your certificate or degree, please understand that the Hands-on portion will be a project by project basis. (Printing etc.) I’ll be working with Our photography lead and darkroom instructional assistant to produce printed versions of some of your artwork. Participation will be monitored in The discussion forums, timely submissions of assigned reading, projects and written analysis.

Course Structure:

Make a website
You will make and maintain your own website for this class. You will submit your visual project file and written analysis in two locations: Canvass and posted to your webpage along with your visual analysis and caption info- including webliography of image sources (where possible)   

Project and Topic coursework:  
Each topic has multiple components:
1.A visual or digital media project
2. Reading and screening analysis- ( found in Canvas)
3. A written analysis and description of your project idea, process, and end result. Posted to your site by the due date of the assignment.
4. Participation in Discussion forums in class relating to the topic
5. Thoughtful and relevant feedback to fellow colleagues on their projects and written ideas, analysis and reflections.

Semester and Week at a glance:

We will cover at least 5 topics this semester. Each topic will act as a lens through which we look at the artwork created in a particular era, or about a particular cultural practice or social/ political topic.  We will look at artwork that is not only created with a computer but also artwork that examines the computer and networked communication as a metaphor, in cultural, social, economic and political realms.

Topics:

1. Visual Fluencies
2. Advertising
3. Propaganda
4. Follies of Technology
5. Narratives/rhizome/ database
6. Originals & Copies: remix/sampling

Each of these topics will be introduced with a lecture with slides, and additional video screenings. It is always more fun to do an intro to an interested group. Each topic will have a number of resources and readings that you must view, read or investigate as a part of the project topic.

Each topic will have a visual/digital/audio/ or video creative project to complete. these visual projects will be completed using digital imaging software, audio editing software and video editing software.

Discussion and Critique

Discussion is never easy in a group setting or in a class around a topic that may be new to you or have sensitive content that makes you uncomfortable. Each topic we cover in this class will have three main components:

1. Make ART using a computer or digital tech. Each project will revolve around a different topic relating to the intersection of digital technology and art. The role of digital technology in culture, society and especially as a creative communication tool
2. Lectures, readings and screenings, are mandatory for each topic. Each topic will have at least one to two readings related to one of the topics we will cover
3. Creation and maintenance of your own website.

Required Readings, Written analysis, discussion & intellectual engagement

The first path will introduce you to the theoretical, historical, and cultural forces that have given rise to digital art and the influences that digital technology has had upon society and culture. This will involve doing readings and class presentations/ discussions pertaining to those readings.

You will learn a wide variety of digital techniques and application-based skills. These skills will not be taught as stand-alone items. The skills and techniques described in the course description shall be acquired through a series of investigations into relevant contemporary theories and ideas that impact and influence the role of digital art. 

Some of these ideas and trends may be controversial, or seem unrelated at first, however all content in this course is relevant to both the history, development and acquisition of digital art making skills.   If you would prefer a strictly skills- based or application-based class please find another course offering.   

Expect to spend at least 8-12 hours a week outside of class to complete readings and create digital projects some capture equipment may be available for checkout.  ( cameras mics etc)

Main software we will be using:

Adobe Photoshop/Gimp/ Krita/

Adobe In Design

Audacity and Audition (audio)

Premiere (video)/ Davinci Resolve

Visual and Tech skills use and acquisition:

The second path subsumes and is woven into the first and that is the fundamentals of learning particular operating systems, applications, and website management. This will consist of in class tutorials on a variety of different applications, networking, file types and uses, and video and other topics.  This will also consist of short homework projects to help you become familiar with the technology and applications introduced in class.

Creative engagement 

The main vehicle through which we will collect, and exhibit writings and visual projects will be individual websites/BLOGs. Creative engagement is not universally measured in my courses. Since every student will begin in a different place, and may have skills that will augment our class and or topic, this will be an individually focused assessment with revision built in. 

You will learn a wide variety of digital techniques and application-based skills. These skills will not be taught as stand-alone items. The skills and techniques described in the course description shall be acquired through a series of investigations into relevant contemporary theories and ideas that impact and influence the role of digital art. 

Some of these ideas and trends may be controversial, or seem unrelated at first, however all content in this course is relevant to both the history, development and acquisition of digital art making skills.   If you would prefer a strictly skills- based or application-based class please find another course offering.   

Expect to spend at least 8-12 hours a week outside of class to complete readings and create digital projects.

Website Production:

Each of you will create and maintain your own website, where you will post your videos, audio, or multimedia artwork, The websites that you make will operate as an online portfolio of your work that is viewable on the www. Over the course of semester, you add pages and links to your page as you complete projects, written analyses and journal links and observations.

Digital art projects: Each of you will create pieces of digital art that respond to the topics we will cover in class, and these shall be posted to your website and critiques will consist of a live presentation from your site.

Written Analysis & Visual Projects

Written Analyses:  You will be responsible for a written analysis for each project. These will take the forms of hypertext amplifications of meanings and terms, analysis and in-depth discussion of ideas and processes. Written links and pages are to be grammatically correct, with appropriate citations as needed. Each will range in length, but analyses will be 13-5 paragraphs. pages long with hypertext links that will expand upon several key topics and terms.

Readings and Reading discussions:

This is a class that is a part of both a certificate program and a transfer GE path. It is rigorous, and the readings, in class discussion and presentations will be intellectually and creatively challenging. You are required to participate in class discussion (your voice is important!!) 

Each “module” we will cover will have at least 2 readings you must do that pertains to the topics/ issues we are covering. Some of these readings may be controversial and challenge you. You will be responsible for reading assignment reflections / analysis that you will post in Canvas and on your site over the course of the semester. I will provide a prompt for each project, but you can also create your own questions and challenges of your own. (please touch bases if you have your own ideas-)

Course Outcomes: 

• Acquire an historical context in the development of 2 dimensional modes of representation.
• Evaluate various forms of media and critically analyze their roles visually and socially. * Learn to use both traditional and digital forms of media in giving form to the ideas we will be exploring this semester.
• Engage in critical written and verbal dialogues in the areas of: visual structures of meaning making, mediation, advertising, digital media, and intervention.
• Learn to use Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and other digital media as a form of ideation.

Required Course Materials:

Access to a computer with reliable and functioning Internet account/ access to wifi. a camera. and mic
Blog/ website- We will be making these in the first week of class.
Access to Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, or other digital imaging and layout software. I will make opensource/ free web-based version available.  

Academic Accommodations: Student Accessibility Services

If you have a disability or medical condition impacting learning and have not yet been authorized to receive academic accommodations, you’re encouraged to contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) (Links to an external site.) office (formerly known as Disabled Students Programs and Services or DSPS). The SAS office can be reached at (760) 795-6658, or sas@miracosta.edu. The SAS office will help you determine what accommodations are available for you.. 760.6658 ( voice), 760.439.1060(TTY), 760.759.6604 ( Fax)

Grading

Visual projects (5-6) ( includes written analysis of artwork) Artwork without written analysis is considered in complete.	50%
Written analysis /Homework/ discussion of relevant readings	25%
Application Specific Projects	10%
Website maintenance, design,  Zoom/or other Participation in critiques	15%

Late Work Policy

Late work is accepted up to two weeks from the date it was assigned. One full grade point will be subtracted from the original grade of the work per class day late. No late work accepted after three weeks from date due (unless previously arranged) or the last day of class.

College Support Services

The Learning Centers (TLC) assist students by providing individual and group tutoring, writing feedback, drop-in appointments, and student success workshops. Services are free and available to all students at all MiraCosta College campuses and online through Zoom. The TLC includes the Academic Support & Innovations Center (ASIC), STEM Learning Centers (STEMLC), and Writing Center (WC) with current hours available on their websites. Additional student support services are also available including: academic counseling, military and veterans’ services, financial aid, scholarships, career counseling, technical support, computer labs, and support in language courses. I highly encourage you to take advantage of these free support services. Disability Accommodations If you have a disability, IEP, 504 plan or medical condition impacting learning and have not yet been authorized to receive academic accommodations, you’re encouraged to contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office. The SAS office can be reached at (760) 795-6658 or email sas@miracosta.edu. The SAS office will help 6 Revised 5-13-24 you determine what accommodations are available for you. If you’re requesting my assistance utilizing any authorized accommodations, please contact me as soon as possible.

Diversity Statement:

It is my goal that students from all backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that the students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. I will strive to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity, gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please feel open to letting me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course.

Hate Free Zone: 

In our classroom, each student should feel free to express their own opinion and ideas in a respectful manner. Students should be open to listen to and appreciate differences in opinions, life experience, worldviews, values/beliefs, etc. Our class is a hate-free zone. Please be mindful of how you communicate your values, beliefs, ideas, opinions, etc. While we will often disagree with other people, it does not give anyone the right to intentionally hurt others with words or to discriminate against them. Words matter. I thank you for honoring this practice and creating a brave space for us to learn and grow together.

Internet Access and Harassment 

This class is conducted in a computer classroom, where computers are always connected to the Internet and have the ability to connect to a variety of peripheral devices. MiraCosta College supports academic freedom, and consequently, there are no filters or other controls placed upon access to electronic content, either on the Internet or otherwise. While every effort is made to keep students on task while in this class, it is impossible to monitor every computer at all times. If you should find yourself subjected to offensive content, either sexual or otherwise, you should inform me of this situation at the first opportunity. 

LGBTQIA+ Resources 

MiraCosta College is committed to providing a strong, supportive, and inclusive environment where difference is valued, respected, encouraged, and honored. To this end, MiraCosta provides various services and resources to support LGBTQIA+ students and employees, including educational trainings, scholarships for LGBTQIA+ students and their active allies, the SPHERE Program, and the Out@MiraCosta online directory. Visit the MiraCosta College LGBTQIA+ Equity web page to learn more about LGBTQIA+ equity efforts, to view contact information for LGBTQIA+ student services specialists, or to speak with someone about an incident of bias. 

Library Resources 

The MiraCosta College faculty librarians assist students with their research questions, whether academic or personal. Students may obtain assistance from librarians either one-on-one at the reference desk, through class orientations, group workshops, individual appointments, or online. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of library resources. For more information, please visit the Library webpage. 

Mental Health Counseling Resources 

As a student, there may be times when personal stressors interfere with your academic performance and/or negatively impact your daily life. If you or someone you know is having difficulty meeting basic needs such as food, housing, or transportation, or experiencing other personal and academic challenges, MiraCosta’s CARE Team is here to provide support and/ or help you get connected to appropriate resources. 

You may fill out a CARE referral form to request assistance, or schedule free mental health counseling sessions at Health Services or by calling 760-795-6675. For after-hours crisis management, you may call 1-888-724-7240. As a faculty member, I also may refer students about whom I am concerned.