Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - CA 825 G100

New Approaches in Digital Art Studies (5)

Class Number: 7416

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course will focus on the history and practice of digital art, with an emphasis upon the artistic outcomes of the new methodologies and practices within this field. Digital technology has fundamentally changed the process and products of contemporary creativity in art-making. Although a great deal of contemporary art involves some aspect of digital technology, this course will examine those artists and art-works in which digital technologies play an intrinsic part in the creative process, as well as the realization. A range of processes - from interactive systems through to algorithmic approaches (stochastic, deterministic, chaotic) - will be examined, with particular reference to artistic goals, approaches, and results. Students with credit for FPA 825 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will focus on the history and practice of digital art, with an emphasis upon the artistic outcomes of the new methodologies and practices within this field. Digital technology has fundamentally changed the process and products of contemporary creativity in art-making. Although a great deal of contemporary art involves some aspect of digital technology, this course will examine those artists and art-works in which digital technologies play an intrinsic part in the creative process, as well as the realization. A range of processes – from interactive systems through to algorithmic approaches (stochastic, deterministic, chaotic) – will be examined, with particular reference to artistic goals, approaches, and results.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• identify the fundamental elements of digital art;

• understand digital art as part of a history that includes visual art, music, and performance practices;

• identify concepts of algorithmic approaches within creative work;

• participate in discussions about the example artworks and texts in the course readings;

• formulate and articulate critical analysis of a selected artwork;

• critically evaluate digital art.

Grading

  • Comparison Essay 15%
  • Artwork Presentation 15%
  • Research Paper Proposal and Bibliography 5%
  • Research Paper - First Paper 5%
  • Peer Review 5%
  • Final Research Paper 25%
  • Reading Responses 10%
  • Seminar Participation 10%
  • Class Facilitation 10%

NOTES:

Comparison Essay:

Choose two works of art in which the computer (or technology) is used. One should be a work in which the computer is used more as a tool, while the other explores new potentials of artistic creation formerly not possible without the technology (i.e. digital art as a medium). Compare the works, with particular emphasis on how the artist used technology. Provide links to the artworks within the paper.

Suggested length: 3000-3500 words (approx. 8-10 pages, 1.5 line spacing, 12 pt. font).

Please create a PDF file for your final submission.

Artwork Presentation:

An in-class presentation on a selected artwork, in which concepts and techniques involved within the work, including an artistic evaluation of the work, are presented. It is advised that this artwork is related to your final research paper.

The presentation should include a video or images of the work, and should last about 20 minutes.

Be prepared to answer questions (5-10 minutes).

Research Paper: 

Write a research paper on any topic in digital art, including an in depth analysis of specific works wherever possible. You may wish to concentrate on a specific artist, or technical approach, or compare more than one.

Many digital artists have their own websites, and document their work in great detail. Many digital artworks can be found on YouTube. Discuss the workʼs origins, conceptions, aesthetic, and relationship to other digital artworks discussed in class. Your critical opinion of the work, both in terms of its aesthetic and use of digital technologies, is vital.

Your paper should include at least 5 references from texts or online journals.
Suggested length: 4500-5000 words (approx. 15-18 pages, 1.5 line spacing, 12 pt. font).

Please create a PDF file for your final submission.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All material is available on Canvas

REQUIRED READING:

Christiane Paul, Digital Art: Third Edition
Publisher: Thames & Hudson (May 12, 2015)

(Available at the SFU Bookstore and in digital formats)
ISBN: 978-0500204238

The remaining readings are included in the course material found in the individual study units within the course website on 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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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 term 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.