Introduction to Video 4.351                                                                  Fall 2004

 

Time: Tuesday/Thursday, 7 PM ­ 10 PM                 

Instructor: Joe Gibbons, joegibb@mit.edu 258-0854  

Office hours: Thursdays 1:00-1:45pm N52-337

Teaching Assistant: Carrie Bodle, cbodle@mit.edu

Technical Instructor: Dan Van Roekel, dvr@mit.edu

Units: 2-4-6 łU˛

Class website: http://web.mit.edu/4.351/www             

Visual Arts Program website: http://web.mit.edu/vap

Visual Arts Program Tech web site (equipment hours, media prices, etc.): http://vap.mit.edu/vaptech

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

4.351 is an introduction to video recording and editing, presenting video as a tool of personal apprehension and expression, with an emphasis on self-exploration, performance, social critique, and the organization of raw experience into aesthetic form (narrative, abstract, documentary, essay).

Students will learn to use digital video cameras and Final Cut Pro editing software as their chief means for creating video works. Students will also be presented with basic workshops in concept development, lighting and sound recording.

Each student will be required to keep a screening/idea journal and make a visual presentation on a particular topic. Lab fee:  $40

 

GRADING

                  (for Assignments and Final Project your grade is based

                  on concept development and presentation, execution

                  and personal investment in and commitment to your work)                             

 

ASSIGNMENT VIEWINGS

1) Screenings include viewing and discussion of work.

2) Each student will be expected to show at least four minutes per Assignment Viewing Date.

Grade will be lost for late work. Completion of all projects, exercises and assignments is required for a passing grade.

 

ATTENDANCE

For each absence after two absences, the final cumulative grade will automatically be lowered by 1/2 grade per absence. In addition, every 2 late arrivals will count as an absence. Lateness is defined as arriving more than five minutes after class starts. Leaving during class and/or leaving class early will also be considered lateness.

Active participation during class is expected. Use of laptops or cell phones etc. during class is not permitted.

*denotes optional but recommended outside screening. Extra credit can be earned towards participatory attendance grade by attendance to screenings (accompanied by brief oral report). List will be updated throughout semester.

 

Journal

Keep a journal of class screenings and assignment viewings. To be handed in once per month.

 

PRESENTATION

From the list of presentation topics, give a 10-15 minute presentation using video clips.

 

RECOMMENDED TEXTS (on reserve at Rotch Library)

Video Art, Michael Rush, Thames and Hudson 2003.

Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics, Herbert Zettl, Wadsworth Pub. Co.

(also Rotch Library - Stacks  TR850.Z47 1999)

Directing ­ Film Techniques and Aesthetics, Michael Rabiger, Focal Press 2003.

New Media in Late 20th Century Art, Michael Rush, Thames and Hudson 2001.