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Academic Catalog 2017-2018 
    
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Academic Catalog 2017-2018 [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 about electronic music and culture. Students explore the techniques of sampling, sequencing and drum programming using current music making software including Reason and Ableton Live. Most assignments involve the creation of music/sound but we also address techniques of  video production and performance.

    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
    Sustainabilty Content
    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
  

  • MPSM220 Sustainable Projects in Art & Design 3cr.

    Sustainable art and design focuses on how to
    leave our future more just, healthy, and
    environmentally stable than it is today.  Through
    careful consideration of materials, life cycles,
    subjects, audiences, economies, and many other
    aspects of daily life, we will imagine and make
    projects that address significant issues
    resulting from environmental impacts on human and
    animal societies. Open to students from all
    departments, this course focuses on developing
    projects in an interdisciplinary studio setting
    that address issues of sustainability on our
    campus, in our city, and in the larger global
    context. Practice methodologies such as field
    research, collaboration, and charrette, proposal,
    and brief presentation forms are introduced
    through a series of assignments leading up to a
    half semester independent project.  Through
    readings, field trips, studio visits, and
    critique, the course examines revolutionary
    projects in sustainability in design and art
    fields today.  Open to freshmen through juniors,
    this class allows students to work in the medium
    of their choice while focusing on research and
    development in the area of sustainability.

    Undergraduate Elective
    Spring
  

  • MPSM221 Interdisciplinary Video 3cr

    This is a studio course in which students learn
    the basics of video production - from shooting to
    editing to the use of effects and finally
    publishing/screening final works.  The class
    explores the inclusion of video in installations,
    live performance, and other experimental
    applications. The contemporary practice of video
    production is presented within the historical
    context of the moving image from silent films up
    to the modern Youtube era.  Additionally,
    introductory video mapping technologies and video
    sound techniques are presented. The course
    combines lectures, demonstrations, workshops,
    visiting artists, and both collaborative and
    individual assignments.

    Hybrid Studio Critique
    Undergraduate Elective
    Every Other Fall
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • 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
  

  • MPSM338 Adv.Techniques/Sound Pro 3cr.

    This is a sound production course offering advanced experience in sound recording and studio
    techniques. Students will have the opportunity to work with multi-track recording, signal
    processing, mastering techniques and surround sound production. Both the technical and
    aesthetic aspects of creating sound works for a variety of mediums including music production,
    sound art, installation and sound for moving image will be covered. Students will produce and
    critique their work in the both the SIM Sound Studio, Design and Media Center and with the
    Pozen surround sound systems. The course will included tutorials, individual exercises, group
    projects, and guests from the sound production field.

    Prerequisites: MPSM273

    Spring Only
  

  • 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
  

  • MPSM346 Interdisciplinary Projects in Sustainability 3 cr.

    Sustainable art and design focuses on how to leave our future more just,healthy and
    environmentally stable than it is today. Through careful consideration of
    materials,lifecycles,subjects, audiences,economies,and many other aspects of
    daily life, we will imagine and make projects that address significant issues resulting from
    environmental impacts on human and animal societies. Open to students from all departments,
    this course focuses on developing projects in nterdisciplinary studio settings that address
    issues of sustainability on our campus,in our city,and in the larger global context. Research
    practices,collaboration and charrette forms will be explored through a series of assignments
    leading up to a half semester independent project.


    Through readings,field trips,studio vosots and critique,we will learn about revolutionary
    projects in sustainability in design and art fields today. Open to juniors and seniors, this
    class will allow students to work in the medium of their choice while focusing on research and
    development in the area of sustainability.

    Hybrid Studio/Critique
    Sustainabilty Content
    Undergraduate Elective
    Spring
  

  • 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
    Sustainabilty Content
    All College Elective
  

  • MPSM357 Experimental Ensembles 3cr.

    Experimental Ensembles is an opportunity for students to collaborate in significant ways on
    works that involve various groupings of student ensembles engaging in collective actions that are
    both performance and non-performance based. The class explores the artistic practice of
    conducting, composition, and collaboration along-side the experience of following the
    direction of others in order to create an artwork that has a public impact.  Students will have to
    the opportunity to use each other as actors, agents, units, and parts of their creative vision
    in varied environments and alternative spaces. Topics included the examination of historical
    works that have emerged from: the Fluxus art movement; happenings of the ‘60s; performative
    installation; live choral-based configurations; experiments with sound, light, motion, site, and
    performance; as well as, alternative genres such as live cinema. An ensemble can be a Flash mob, a
    gathering of organized movements and soundings on a park walk, mobile sculptural elements, or a
    series of instructions that a group or public is asked to follow. We will work in large ensembles
    and also experiment with smaller forms within the group.

    Undergraduate Elective
    Fall and Spring
  

  • 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
  

  • MPSM390 Advanced Interactive Digital Projects 3cr.

    This is a course for students who have some experience with creating works in digital media
    who want to research and develop personal projects for projections, installations, screen
    interfaces or the web.  New technical content to be introduced in this course includes a variety
    of sensors for student experimentation along with associated techniques for interactivity in
    physical proximity and over the Internet. Recent small form factor platforms for digital media
    production (e.g. Raspberry Pi, Beaglebone Black, Photon, etc.) are also included in the course
    along with software examples.

    Prerequisites: MPSM-311 or MPSM-377 or MPSM-345 or Permission of Instructor

    Fall Only
  

  • 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
  

  • MPSM404 City, Site and Public Practice 3cr.

    This course explores examples of contemporary “social practice”, its historical precedents, and
    current scholarly dialog on the topic.  Social practice refers to the field of contemporary art
    practice that moves between art and life. Often, it is created in communities and spaces
    unaffiliated with traditional cultural institution and is frequently driven by an effort
    towards social change. The projects are usually collaborations with practitioners from many
    disciplines, are site-specific, and success depends on long-range planning and team
    management. In this class, student will have the opportunity to design and model their own
    socially-engaged, site-specific projects informed by the content of the course. The class will
    include visiting artists, site visits, and assignments designed to give students access to
    venues outside of their comfort zone.   [Previously Titled Site and Social Engagement]

    Sustainabilty Content
    Undergraduate Elective
    Fall Only
  

  • MPSM404 Site and Social Engagement 3

    This course explores examples of contemporary “social practice”, its historical precedents, and current scholarly dialog on the topic.  Social
    practice refers to the field of contemporary art practice that moves between art and life. Often, it is created in communities and spaces
    unaffiliated with traditional cultural institution and is frequently driven by an effort towards social change. The projects are usually
    collaborations with practitioners from many disciplines, are site-specific, and success depends on long-range planning and team
    management. In this class, student will have the opportunity to design and model their own socially-engaged, site-specific projects informed
    by the content of the course. The class will include visiting artists, site visits, and assignments designed to give students access to
    venues outside of their comfort zone. 

    Studio Hybrid
    Sustainabilty Content
    Undergraduate Elective
    Fall
  

  • MPSM405 Publications: Print, Digital,PostDigital 3cr.

    The rise of digital publishing, online media platforms, and mobile devices has radically altered the way we look at information, art and culture, while inspiring new uses and interpretations of print media. Artists and cultural producers everywhere are actively experimenting with alternative print and publishing practices that evoke analogue memories, critically document the present, or reformulate the future of the medium. These contemporary practices examine media sustainability, propose mediated participation and configure new social spaces for the dissemination and interchange of ideas.

    In this context we will initiate our studies. This class proposes a collaborative studio environment in which we will investigate various printmaking techniques, examine the history of the medium, observe and critique its current state, and experiment with the different forms that compose the expanded field of contemporary print. Through studio and post-studio projects
    students are asked to propose and discover alternative approaches to printmaking, cultural production and social engagement, while discussing issues of authorship, piracy,
    reproduction, dissemination, interchange, and participation. [Formerly Titled: Expanded Print Media]

    Undergraduate Elective
    Spring Only
  

  • MPSM406 Contemporary Art Issues 3cr

    Students explore issues of theory, interpretation and criticism of contemporary art, focusing on developments since 1980. Contemporary and
    historical readings along with in-class discussion and group presentations provide a basis for critically understanding one’s own
    artistic practice in relation to other artists, as well as the culture at large. Students are exposed to writings, interviews, and artworks
    representing marginalized populations and ideas often overlooked in mainstream historical sources. Throughout the semester, students
    practice research and critical writing skills by observing and writing about the work on display throughout the campus as well as in galleries and
    museums in Boston.  Additionally, students will have the opportunity to experiment with methods for presenting and disseminating their writing.

    Hybrid Studio Critique
    Undergraduate Elective
    Fall
  

  • 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