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CONVERGENCE (FALL 2009)
VISUAL &
PERFORMING ARTS 21&62:965:310:01
Dept of Visual & Performing Arts -_ Rutgers University, Newark
PROFESSOR
LEO ARISTIMUÑO
Course Web Site: andromeda.rutgers.edu/~aristim
Office Hours: Wednesdays 12:30 – 1:30 BY APPOINTMENT
Bradley Hall 322 • 973-353-1184
aristim@andromeda.rutgers.edu
You MUST e-mail to confirm appointment
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COURSE DESCRIPTION This course examines the cultural phenomenon known as "digital convergence." Specifically, we will examine how new media technologies converging on the platform of the internet have affected four areas of our contemporary culture: Television, Movies, Journalism, and Civic Participation. While our studies will be anchored within the contemporary context of digital media culture, the course will also provide a historical context to each of these broad realms of cultural production. By anchoring us on the evolution of these realms of mass media, this historical context will help us understand how the rapidly evolving dynamics of our digital world are fundamentally changing the ways we produce and consume culture, and how these changes are altering the structures of knowledge and information. Because of the broad nature of our course topic we acknowledge that this course is an in-depth introduction rather than a fully comprehensive study of convergence culture. Furthermore, this course is not a technical course requiring an expertise in media production. It is not a course about the programming or about technology per se. Instead, the course examines the ways evolving technologies are being used by media makers, media consumers, and everyday citizens. More specifically, the course examines key continuities and differences between emerging convergence culture and the traditional mass media culture prevalent in the 20th Century. Our course will consist of readings, lectures, screenings, and class discussions around specific digital experiences. To succeed in this course, you will have to complete all required readings and assignments. COURSE READINGS The required readings for this course will come from the following sources.
All assigned readings are considered
required. Class discussions
are based on these texts. Students are expected to read and process these
texts thoroughly in preparation for each class. COURSE WEB SITE: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~aristim This site will include valuable information,
including copies of this syllabus, week-by-week topic and reading assignments,
and links to required readings. It is essential that you familiarize yourself with
this site as it contains our weekly reading and assignment schedule. Students
are expected to read all the on-line articles posted on the weekly schedule. ASSIGNMENTS & EVALUATION 3
randomly assigned Reading Response Quizzes; (5 points each): These will require students to elaborate on a
specific aspect of a given reading and will ensure that students are
completing their assignments in time. 4
Short Essay Quizzes (15 pts each) Based on key concepts from the readings. 1
FINAL PROJECT (15 Points) Details to be announced in class. Students will
choose to:
Through
this assignment, students will show a thorough critical and practical
understanding of key concepts discussed in class. Students will succeed in
this assignment by individually researching the issues and/or by finding and
adopting the tools necessary to produce a transmedia story that shows both
social engagement and an engagement with similar existing projects.
Preliminary project descriptions can be found here and will be amended during
week 4. Class
Participation (10 points) This
course relies heavily on the participation of students in class discussions. A
large component of this is reliant on students' attendance and timeliness, as
well as active, in- class engagement with the issues of the course. Attendance
policy In
order for an absence to be excused, it must be documented as a medical or
personal emergency. Students must provide doctors' notes or other
documentation. (Please do not put me in the uncomfortable position of having
to ask for proof of an emergency). ONLY 2 UNEXCUSED
ABSENCES ARE ALLOWED. More than 2
unexcused absences will result in a 50% reduction of the participation grade.
More than 3 unexcused absences will result in a 100% reduction of
participation grade, meaning a full letter drop for the course grade. More
than 4 absences will result in professor recommending student's withdrawal from
the course. Tardiness Students
are expected to be on time for all classes, as tardiness disturbs the
professor and the class. If a student is not in class for attendance, that
student will be marked absent. 2 late arrivals = 1 absence. Tardiness will be
excused only with appropriate documentation. Engagement in
Class Discussions Even if a student has no absences at all, grade for participation is not guaranteed to be 100%. Students must earn their participation grade by actively engaging in class discussions. Students will start the course with a participation grade of 7 and must actively participate in order to earn the full 10 points. |