Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - IAT 222 D100

Interactive Arts (3)

Class Number: 7117

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    Completion of 21 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces key concepts within contemporary digital art practices. Issues surrounding digital art will be explored through readings, the study of artworks, and the creation of their own artistic projects. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course guides students in reflecting upon issues relating to interactivity in the context of contemporary media art and towards making meaningful interventions within this field. It highlights examples of contemporary art from a wide variety of media to expose students to the wide range of techniques, issues and approaches evident in interactive art. Issues surrounding digital art will be explored through readings, the study of artworks in historical context and the creation of works of interactive art. Students are taught to negotiate ongoing debates and artistic frameworks, while developing their own approach to interactive art practice.

Students will explore their own creativity within an artistic context. Various approaches to generating and refining innovative ideas will be used to guide students through the creation of original works of interactive art. These creative techniques can easily be applied to other forms of creative endeavour, and will help students refine their expressive potential regardless of their field.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • identify and explain key works of interactive art
  • evaluate and analyze interactive art within its artistic, cultural and technological contexts
  • plan and implement rich and meaningful works of interactive art using a variety of different creative strategies
  • create compelling descriptions of their artistic vision and the technological requirements of their own works of art

Grading

  • Assignment #1 - Reading Summaries (Individual) 25%
  • Assignment #2 - Research Report (Individual) 10%
  • Assignment #3 - Interactive Project (Team) 40%
  • Assignment #4 - Gallery Report (Individual) 15%
  • Participation (Individual) 10%

NOTES:

* This is a draft of assignment and grade distribution; final assignments, grade distribution and due dates will be confirmed during the first week of class.

Delivery Method - Lecture and Lab Workshops

In the lecture, students will be introduced to different approaches to interactivity in contemporary art. Students will be expected to participate in lecture activities that may include small group discussions and presentations.

Labs are organized as workshops. Each week students will engage in an exercise that is relevant to the weekly theme through different activities that may include small group discussions, presentations, interviews, performances, and individual sketches. Students may be required to bring different materials to the lab.

  • Students are required to read the weekly readings before the lecture.
  • Students are required to source materials externally and independently for the construction of the Final Interactive Art Projects.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:


  • computer or smartphone for in-Lecture and in-Lab participation
  • sketchbook for in-Lab activities
  • externally sourced materials for the Final Interactive Art Project 

REQUIRED READING:

  • weekly reading materials available through CANVAS

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.