CTIN 511: Interactive Media Seminar
Professor: Scott S. Fisher (sfisher@cinema.usc.edu)
Semester: Fall 2005
Time: Wednesday 6:00-8:00pm RZC 201 (weekly seminar)
COURSE OBJECTIVE & DESCRIPTION:
This course will focus on the presentation and analysis of recent developments and applications of Interactive Media Art and Technology and is also designed to provide CTIN MFA students with constant updates on the latest trends in technology. Emphasis will be on understanding the production processes involved in making these works and on comprehension of fundamental principles of interactivity in stand-alone, immersive, and networked environments. It is hoped that through these cultural and scholarly intersections, MFA students will be aided in the achievement of a stronger focus and clearer vision for their careers in the field of interactive media.
The course will feature guest lecturers on a range of areas introducing students to: new and upcoming content platforms, new entertainment software products (such as previews of consumer games and web sites), production tools, current research new business models and distribution methodologies, as well as current ‘hot topics’ in new media business and law. The course is structured around a two-hour weekly session consisting of guest speakers, presentations, and discussion. In addition to the lecture sessions, one session per month will consist of a discussion/forum to which students may bring issues pertinent to their courses or projects, presentation of their projects in progress, sharing of tips and information, announcements, and any other topics related to the filed of Interactive Media. The course will also include field trips to events such as the E3 Computer Game Conference, or site visits to interactive or digital media production facilities.
This course is required for all CTIN MFA students - second and third year students are required to attend as part of CTIN 532, 542, and 555ab, As such, CTIN 511 will serve to forge a community among all MFA students in all three years of the program. This community will serve several purposes. First, it will afford first year students, who will be taking primarily cinema core courses and interactive courses along with students from other programs, a venue to have regular contact with their peer group. Second, as the program progresses, it exposes first year students to students in the second and third year of the program, affording mentoring and peer contact opportunities that will benefit all MFA students.
COURSE FORMAT
Course Requirements
This is a credit/no credit class based on (1) attendance, (2) a “report” on each meeting attended due before the next meeting (to be posted on the division blog), and (3) presentation of work-in-progress in the Forum sessions. There are a total of 14 sessions and students will be allowed 1 excused absence. There will be 10 guest presentations (or field trips) and 3 Forum sessions for work-in-progress presentations and topical discussions. If more than one session is missed and not reported, students will be required to prepare a 10 page written report on a topic determined by the instructor.
Missing an Exam, Incompletes
Both the mid-term and final exam in this seminar are projects rather than written exams. However, USC standards still hold: The only acceptable excuses for missing an exam or taking an incomplete in the course are personal illnesses or a family emergency. Students must inform the professor before the exam and present verifiable evidence in order for a make-up to be scheduled. Students who with to take incompletes must also present documentation of the problem to the instructor before final grades are due.
Academic Integrity
The School of Cinema-Television expects the highest standards of academic excellence and ethical performance from USC students. It is particularly important that you are aware of and avoid plagiarism, cheating on exams, submitting a paper to more than one instructor, or submitting a paper authored by anyone other than yourself. Violations of this policy will result in a failing grade and be reported to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. If you have any doubts or questions about these policies, consult “SCAMPUS” and/or confer with the Professor or Department Chair.
Students with Disabilities
Any student requesting academic accommodations based on a disability is required to register with Disability Services and Programs (DSP) each semester. A letter of verification for approved accommodations can be obtained from DSP. Please be sure that the letter is delivered to the Professor as early in the semester as possible. DSP is located in STU 301 and is open 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The phone number for DSP is (213) 740-0776.
