Mar 28, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2014-2015 
    
Academic Catalog 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses


 

Studio for Interrelated Media

  
  • MPSM204 Lighting for Events and Installations 3 cr.


    This course will explore the use of theatrical and commercial lighting, dimming and control units. The class will visit professional installations to learn the hardware and safety practices from working technicians. Students will design and build their own class projects.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM205 Stagecraft & Technical Production 3 cr.


    This course aims to demystify basic lighting, rigging, sound and staging practices. Technical workshops will be conducted during class time where students work in teams to complete assignments. Demonstrations and lectures also include site planning, power distribution, and safety in the workspace. Students will prepare and present their own personal projects using the class as crew and SIM’s technology.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
    Fall
  
  • MPSM207 Beat Research 3 cr.


    This is a studio course in which students will produce work that is influenced by the cultures of hip-hop and electronic music. Students will learn the techniques of sampling, sequencing, and drum programming using current music-making software, including Reason and Ableton Live. Most assignments will involve the creation of music, but we will also go over the production of video and multimedia.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM209 Light as a Sculptural Element 3 cr.


    To explore light as a sculptural element in art making, this class will focus primarily on the application of light as a transformative medium in all visual art practices. The class will examine the works of artists such as Thomas Wilfred, James Turrell, Ann Hamilton, Won Ju Lim, Diana Thater, Wolfgang Laib, Cai Guo-Qiang, Robert Irwin, Shirin Neshat, Bill Viola, Olafur Eliasson and many others. This course is designed to familiarize the student with a wide variation of art practices and to encourage a sense of discovery in relation to the medium of light and in everyday observations.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM211 Interrelated Media Practice 3 cr.


    This is a critique studio course where students
    produce and present interrelated media artworks in
    progress and/or in final form. The course is
    closely modeled after the Studio for Interrelated
    Media Major Studio course, but with a smaller
    class size. Additionally, rotating faculty also
    present emerging topics related to interrelated
    media for discussion and exploration. For SIM
    Majors, this course provides a more intimate
    setting to work through artworks in progress. For
    Non-majors, it is an opportunity to expand one’s
    artistic practice, interact with artists from
    other disciplines, and refine public speaking
    skills. There is no prerequisite and it is an open
    elective.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
    Fall/Spring
  
  • MPSM272 Sound Performance 3 cr.


    Students will learn elements of sound performance, technical considerations including vocal techniques, content development and presentational context. Students present live sound pieces on a weekly basis.

    Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM273 Intro to Sound Studio 3 cr.


    Students will learn principles of electroacoustic and digital sound processing, including audio recording, editing, mixing, and signal processing techniques. Students are required to present “live” or recorded sound pieces. Sound studio includes analog and digital synthesis, analog and digital recording and editing systems, signal processors. Weekly assignments. Fall term only.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM276 Studio for Interrelated Media/Major Studio 3 cr.


    Sophomore Major Studio. This is a studio class in which individuals and groups present and discuss work in media of their choice such as audio, video, computer, performance, publishing, and production of events that interrelate media. Each week, student presentations of work are organized into performances and exhibitions produced by students who select, schedule and technically support the presentation. (SIM276, 376, 476)

    Prerequisites: SIM majors only. Take two semesters of this course.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall
  
  • MPSM277 The Moving Body 3 cr.


    Movement is basic to all life, from the atomic to the astronomic level. This course explores the human body as an instrument for making art in space and time. Students will practice various physical disciplines based on contemporary dance techniques, yoga, and contact improvisation for example. They will be encouraged to observe movement in the world around them as source material. Students will work individually and in groups to create their own movement pieces. In-depth critiques, discussion, and revision of works will reinforce the importance of process in this class. Students will complete several short assignments as well as one final movement project of their own choosing. This course will also consider sound, objects, and environments in relation to movement. Students will be encouraged to make direct relations between their principal fields of artistic interest and time-based performance. Some readings and video will be included to introduce students to the various forms that movement has taken in twentieth century live art.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
  
  • MPSM282 Contemporary Dance Techniques 3 cr.


    This class will focus on the physical techniques of modern dance. The emphasis is on developing strength, flexibility and agility as well as the ability to remember movement sequences and to project one’s physical/emotional being into space.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM307 On the Spot 3 cr.


    As human beings, we carry with us precious instruments for expression - the body and the voice. This course explores perception - looking and listening - as a tool for making instantaneous performance choices. We will work through a series of improvisational techniques from concepts of “action theater” to contact improvisation. Students will work individually, in duets, and in groups to explore gesture, space, time, energy, intention and the voice. We will experiment with the voice by “sounding” as well as by speaking. The course may also consider objects and environments in relation to performance. Students will be encouraged to make direct relations between their principal fields of artistic interest and time-based, improvisational performance. Some readings and video may be included to introduce students to the various forms that improvisation has taken in twenty-first century live art.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM308 Nature, Science and Art 3 cr.


    What is the nature of space and time? How do various astronomical events affect cultural trends? What can evolution teach us about human behavior? What is the nature of matter and energy at the smallest and largest scale of the universe? Students will explore the basic elements of the physical universe, creating art projects which describe or connect aspect of nature, art and science.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM309 Public Art 3 cr.


    This course will cover many aspects of the field of public art as it impinges upon issues relating to architecture, temporal events, permanent and temporary installations, sculpture, and environmental design. The emphasis will be on creating and developing individual concepts for public projects with sketches, written proposals, plans, models, demos, video/audio tapes, and other appropriate materials. There will be ongoing discussions of the development of projects, from initial concept to complete budgeted proposal.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM311 Electronic Projects for Artists II: Digital 3 cr.


    This course introduces students to computer interfaces for connecting interactive sculpture, performance and installation with software. Course content includes microcontrollers, electrical sensors, custom-made circuits and programming. No previous programming experience is necessary.

    Prerequisites: MPSM337

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM313 Performance in Video Space 3 cr.


    This course explores the unique combination of performance and video time/space. The course addresses the particular issues of creating performances with real or implied human presence within and for the parameters of the video medium itself. We will consider framing; movement of subject, camera, environment, and editing; ways of addressing the camera by the performer(s). This course is not about making documentaries of live performance.

    Prerequisites: some knowledge of video, editing, and performance is helpful but not required.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM313X Beat Research II 3 cr.


    This course is designed for students who have already taken Beat Research I and wish to continue making art in a community of Beatmakers and electronic musicians. Emphasis will be on critiques, the sharing of advanced techniques and the organizing of media for presentation outside of the class (audio CD, video DVD, live performance etc)

    Prerequisites: MPSM207

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM315 Projects in Video Projection 3 cr.


    Building on the Video Sculpture course, this advanced level class focuses on developing three concept-driven projects, concentrating on the interaction between the physical installation and the video image, sound and edits. Students will be encouraged to explore a range of works which may include: performance in video, interactive and multi-channel video, site specific and public installation.

    Prerequisites: 3DSC318X, 3DSC320X, video class or editing experience, or permission of instructor

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM317 Event Planning and Production II 3 cr.


    This is the second semester of a year-long course. This course is for those that are actively involved in organizing and producing events and exhibitions throughout the year. However the emphasis is on events that are complex enough that they require at least a year to plan. It is required for Eventworks producers and Godine Family gallery managers. Students will meet with the instructor one-on-one throughout the semester, additionally the class will meet periodically as a group to discuss general production issues. It is also open to those not involved in Eventworks or Godine Gallery but that have another event(s) in mind. By permission of instructor. This is a one-year long course.

    Prerequisites: MPSM 319X Event Planning and Production

    Lecture/Seminar
  
  • MPSM320 Projects in Sound 3 cr.


    A seminar for advanced students who wish to pursue independent sound projects. Projects may include live sound presentations, recorded sound works, a complete audio CD, sculptural sound art, digitally controlled sound art, public sound art, environmental sound art, and sound installation. Students are required to present their work in progress for critique, and to complete a final sound project. Additional class activities may include a field trip, guest speakers, and gallery visits. (Spring term only)

    Prerequisites: MPSM 273 Intro to Sound Studio

    Lecture/Seminar
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM336 Events Planning and Production 3 cr.


    This course is for those that are actively involved in organizing and producing events and exhibitions throughout the year. It is required for Eventworks Producers and Godine Family Gallery Managers. Students will meet with the instructor one on one throughout the semester, additionally the class will meet periodically as a group to discuss general production issues. It is also open to those not involved in Eventworks or Godine Gallery but that have another event (s) in mind.

    Prerequisites: by permission of instructor

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
  
  • MPSM337 Electronic Projects for Artists 3 cr.


    The purpose of this studio course is to provide skills and information that will be useful for artists who use electronic devices in their artworks.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM342 Methods & Design/Art Exhibition 3 cr.


    In this course, students will be guided through
    the design/build fundamentals of installing an
    art exhibit, preparing artwork for installation
    and the construction methods used in producing
    exhibitions. Students will have the opportunity
    to learn new skills that can be applied to
    preparing and installing their own artwork. The
    course, which takes place in a classroom and
    gallery setting, will start with an introduction
    to the fundamentals (hardware, tools,
    understanding basic floor plans, construction,
    fabrication, sustainable materials, shipping,
    lighting and basic A/V installation) followed by
    a study of concept and design processes (exhibit
    design, curation, registration), installation
    procedures and finally, install/de-install a
    professional exhibit at MassArt’s Bakalar and
    Paine Galleries.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
    Fall/Spring
  
  • MPSM345 Internet Culture & Technology 3 cr.


    This course will explore topics related to
    artists’ use of the Internet as a medium for
    creative production and distribution. Lectures
    and discussions will cover topics relevant to
    artists’ work on the Web including: social media,
    the free software movement, censorship, humor,
    streaming media, Net Neutrality, tele- robotics,
    programming and web- based multimedia. Techniques
    for creating web content will be demonstrated
    using commercial and free software. Some examples
    will involve writing code, but no previous
    programming experience is assumed. All students
    will be required to create a website as a final
    project and after being given options, they will
    be free to choose methods and content most
    appropriate for their own process in the creation
    of work.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
    Fall
  
  • MPSM349 Performance, Art & Politics 3 cr.


    In this studio course, students will be introduced to historical examples of politically-engaged performance art as a context for creating their own work. This will include the creation of original performance art works by adapting techniques which were developed by the Czech Underground which built a platform for the artists-run “Velvet Revolution” of 1989. For students without experience in video, the course will also introduce the basic tools and principles of video production.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM376 Studio for Interrelated Media 3 cr.


    This is a year long studio class in which individuals and groups present and discuss work in media of their choice such as audio, video, computer, performance, publishing, and production of events that interrelate media. Each week, student presentations of work are organized into performances and exhibitions produced by students who select, schedule and technically support the presentation. (SIM276, 376, 476)

    Prerequisites: 6 credits of MPSM 276

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall
  
  • MPSM377 Choreography & Performance 3 cr.


    This course will focus on students’ developing their own performance pieces. Those pieces may be “dance” pieces in any number of styles, or they may be “performance art” or live site-specific works, or spoken word or music pieces that involve the use of the body in space and time. However, even in the dance pieces, emphasis will be on developing an individual voice or movement vocabulary and on conceptual clarity.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM392 SIM Course Assistantship


  
  • MPSM398 SIM Internship


  
  • MPSM399 SIM Independent Study


  
  • MPSM402 Art, Life and Money 3 cr.


    This course is targeted towards soon-to-graduate art students who are thinking about the practicalities of continuing life as in independent artist after art school. Throughout the semester students will meet graduates of the Studio for Interrelated Media as well as others pursuing unconventional artistic paths. Through discussion, presentations and field trips, issues surrounding the realistic struggles of maintaining life as an independent artist alongside the celebration of such a choice will be explored. The course will attempt to demystify tax responsibilities, non-profit organization opportunities, and grant-writing. Students will interview artists as well as research methods for balancing art, life and money after school. Students will also practice writing their artist statement and resume and create a personal five year plan using any media.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    All College Elective
  
  • MPSM476 Studio for Interrelated Media 3 cr.


    This is a year long studio class in which individuals and groups present and discuss work in media of their choice such as audio, video, computer, performance, publishing, and production of events that interrelate media. Each week, student presentations of work are organized into performances and exhibitions produced by students who select, schedule and technically support the presentation. (SIM276, 376, 476)

    Prerequisites: 6 credits of MPSM376

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall

Studio Foundation

  
  • SFDN181 Studio for Drawing 3 cr.


    STUDIO FOR DRAWING introduces drawing as a practice of observation.  We approach the illusions of space and form through formal analysis, subjective interpretation and through the human figure. We consider and examine the multiple functions of drawing across time and culture.  We emphasize the breadth of the drawing experience and its application across disciplines. [Formerly Drawing Studio I]

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall
  
  • SFDN182 Visual Language 3 cr.


    From the complexities of art and design, Visual Language will isolate a series of topics for examination, discussion and development. These topics are fundamental to all of the disciplines
    within the field of art and design. The topics in this course include: learning about terms and concepts common to all of the visual arts (for example, composition, space content, color);
    exploring material, media and presentation skills (traditional and digital technologies included); initiating an historical and contemporary context for art and culture (issues surrounding the
    history and the institutionalization of art, and issues in contemporary art making); and, furthering a student’s own sense of direction in the arts. Through prescribed projects, students will
    progressively define and articulate their subjective interests, expressive ideas, and visual affinities. [Formely titlled: Visual Language I]

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall
  
  • SFDN183 Form Study 3 cr.


    Form Study is an introduction to the central tenets of three-dimensional art and design.  Understanding 3D form and space is vital to all majors, in particular 3D fine arts and crafts, industrial design, fashion, and architecture.  It is also a necessary component for the successful composition and production of two-dimensional images.

    Employing a wide range of materials and processes, students design and construct projects that investigate the three-dimensional elements of line, plane, surface, volume, mass, and space.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Fall/Spring

  
  • SFDN184 Studio Foundation Electives 3 cr.


    A wide variety of electives offered by assorted departments within the college.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
  
  • SFDN185 Drawing Projects 3 cr.


    DRAWING PROJECTS is a menu of advanced drawing courses building on the elements introduced in Studio for Drawing.

    There are 2 groups of courses in the menu:
    A.) Studio 2  (4 sections)
    B.) Thematic Menu   (18 - 22 sections)

     

    Studio 2   builds on the variety of principles and techniques introduced first semester yet explores drawing principles more intensely, in greater depth, building in time needed for practice.

         It is an essential choice for anyone who may not have entered with the strongest drawing experiences prior to art school, or are challenged by drawing and need more time and practice to develop their ability, especially in preparation for major concentrations which demand strong drawing skills.

         It is likewise directed towards students who have already acquired certain drawing skills but want to develop these further and more intensely.  They typically expect to enter major concentrations that rely more heavily on drawing, such as illustration, fashion, industrial design, animation, graphic design, printmaking and painting.

         Acknowledging different abilities within this class, a variety of challenge levels are designed for projects throughout the semester.

    Thematic Menu courses advance the formal and expressive issues introduced first semester but with a specific focus area.  Intensely exploring a single theme, participants take the time needed to develop a drawing practice, conceptually and technically.  A menu of courses is organized each semester to evenly represent each of 3 areas - observation, expression, technical drawing. Students select from the menu based on their needs, interests, and with their intended major in mind, typically in conjunction with their advisor or Studio for Drawing faculty member.  [Formerly Drawing Studio II]

    Prerequisites: SFDN-181

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Spring

  
  • SFDN188 Handmade Paper & Book 3 cr.


    Pulp made into beautiful sheets of paper will be used for artists books and journals filled with imagery. Students will explore Western papermaking techniques with Thai Kozo and Abaca fibers. Japanese book binding, the accordion, simple side-bound books and journals for personal mark making will be emphasized. Students will be drawing and painting with water-based pigments, hand and machine sewing, graphite, inks etc. In this class drawing skills, perception, and expression will be motivated by the extraordinary qualities of paper and the book as art for visual narrative. [Formerly titled: Pulp: Paper and Book]

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Culturally Diverse Content
    All College Elective
  
  • SFDN191 Time 3 cr.


    Time-based work is an important element of contemporary fine art and design and is fundamental to all art and design studio majors.  Working in a wide range of media, students are introduced to basic concepts of art and design in time. Students will develop an understanding of temporal concerns across a wide range of time-based work including narrative, performative, spatial, tactile, and digital approaches.

    Assignments direct students in creating works that utilize attributes of time and movement; elements of serial, sequential, and narrative ordering; still and moving image production and editing; sound and image relations; and narrative and non-narrative approaches.  Students will complete a final independent project in a time-based media of their choice.  They will be introduced to the fundamental strategies used in art and design fields to conceptualize, produce, and present an independently conceived project.

    Prerequisites: Visual Language I

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Departmental Requirement
    Spring

  
  • SFDN205 A Studio in Mexico - Puebla and Cholula


    Join us for a magical visit to Mexico City, Puebla and Cholula. From the Diego Rivera murals and Frida’s home to the great pyramids at Teotihuacan and one of the most splendid anthropological museums in the world, Mexico City is unparalleled as a magnet for artists across media. Puebla and Cholula have inspired artists from pre-Colonial times. We travel to south central Mexico and visit remarkable sites, including colonial palaces and homes, cathedrals and basilicas, museums and art galleries, local artists and ateliers and amazing markets. Talavera covered architecture native to Puebla and covered with polychrome patterns, introduces the second part of our journey. Puebla and the historic Hotel Colonial will be our hub after 4 days in Mexico City. Pre-Hispanic tombs and pyramids with intricate stone carved drawings, dozens of religious cathedrals and basilicas built by the Spaniards with unique paintings and patterned adornments, artisan markets with indigenous groups identified by traditionally patterned garments all provide a lush environment for art students and an opportunity for immersion in a culture very different from our own and our very close neighbor. Built as a drawing and mixed media course this program would have great appeal to students interested in design as well as fine arts and across disciplines in these areas. This would include at least students interested in photography, architecture, pattern, surface design, ceramics, drawing and illustration, painting, sketchbooks, art history, cultural studies. Course considers the breadth of drawing rather than a purely academic drawing focus. We will work with drawing as a thinking device, a means of observing and visual note-taking, of exploring multiple media.

 

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