Terry Eagleton, “Introduction: What is Literature?”, in Literary Theory: An Introduction. University of Minnesota Press, 1983. (see Readings). This chapter examines a number of different ways one might try to define what literature is, and the ways in which each definition departs from most people's actual use of the term. It ends up settling on the very broad definition of "writing that is highly valued" and discusses some of the difficulties with that definition, especially the fact that it's a culturally relative definition rather than an "objective" definition. In other words, what you take to be literature will depend on your ideology. Although Eagleton is writing specifically about Literature, the same issues and responses are played out in the broader field of Art (including music, film, video, etc.). Culture and ConnectivityIan Horswill and Marlena Novak
TTh 4-6pm, Kresge 1-370
Prereqs: Anim Art 301 This is the last course in the Animate Arts core sequence and it will focus on issues of culture, including "high culture", "low culture", and "net culture". It will largely be handled as a seminar, focusing on readings, short essays and discussion of relevant art works. However, it will also include further lectures on programming, including networking (TCP/IP, sockets), HTTP/HTML, and Java and C#. Grading- Assignments: 50%
- Class participation, discussion, and presentations: 50%
AttendanceMandatory; unexcused absences will lower grade. Attendance will be taken during each class at 4:00; if you are late it is your responsibility to notify instructor after class, otherwise you will be marked absent. Tardiness Excessive tardiness and leaving class early will lower grade. Three missed classes will lower final grade by one full letter grade. Excessive absence is considered four missed classes and is cause for failure in the course. Students are encouraged to contact the faculty member to report the reason for an absence prior to or on the day of the missed class. Two late arrivals (being tardy or leaving early) will be considered equal to a missed class. Discussions/ReadingsStudents are expected to participate in class discussion and present material on assigned topics. Discussion will focus on material covered in lectures, readings, panels and screenings. You are expected to have read the material before the lecture/discussion sections as well as having prepared questions or comments for discussion. Art and Programming assignmentsWork must be completed for inclusion in critique, late work will lower grade. You are required to present completed work at every critique as well as to participate verbally. The ability to articulate critically and develop a basic visual art vocabulary will be heavily acknowledged in the grading process A Work and participation are of superior quality; technically and conceptually far above the expectation of a beginning level. B Good work, of superior effort but not accomplished as flawlessly as A quality work. C Average work, the assignment has been fulfilled on time with good effort meeting the basic requirements. D quality, work and effort do not meet expectations. F Unacceptable level of performance. OtherAbility to understand assignment concepts. Creative, unique solutions to problems. Commitment to course Being prepared with appropriate materials and attention for the entirety of the class period. Lab rules: no cell phones or personal stereos to be used during class period. Also, cell phone ringers must be off during class. Use lounge area for eating meals. Keep your computer area clean; wipes are provided for you to keep your keyboard, mouse and desk area sanitary (greatly reducing the hours you'll spend suffering from colds and flus). Texts
Internet Art, Rachel Greeene; Thames & Hudson world of art; London, New York 2004, ISBN: 0-500-20376-8
"Microsoft(r) XNA Game Studio 2.0: Learn Programming Now!" by Rob Miles, Publisher: Microsoft Press (February 23, 2008) ISBN-10: 0735625220
Participation (Documents of Contemporary Art) Publisher: The MIT Press (November 1, 2006) ISBN-10: 0262524643 Readings + Essay AssignmentsWrite a brief essay with substantive comments on various points covered in the article which you will post on your blog by 1pm on the date due; be prepared to discuss these comments in class. In some cases, specific questions will be addressed. These responses will be graded. Terry Eagleton, “Introduction: What is Literature?”, in Literary Theory: An Introduction. University of Minnesota Press, 1983. (see Readings). This chapter examines a number of different ways one might try to define what literature is, and the ways in which each definition departs from most people's actual use of the term. It ends up settling on the very broad definition of "writing that is highly valued" and discusses some of the difficulties with that definition, especially the fact that it's a culturally relative definition rather than an "objective" definition. In other words, what you take to be literature will depend on your ideology. Although Eagleton is writing specifically about Literature, the same issues and responses are played out in the broader field of Art (including music, film, video, etc.).Terry Eagleton, “The Rise of English”,ibid. (see Readings) This chapter continues with an examination of why, historically, English literature was valued by different groups and different times. Again, notions of what Literature is and what is valued will vary with ideology. And again, although written about Literature, the same issues play out in the fields of Art and Art History. Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, “A Thousand Plateaux: Capitalism and Schizophrenia”, from Cyber Reader: Critical Readings for the Digital Era, Edited by Neil Spiller, Phaidon Press. Rachel Greene, “Internet Art”, readings taken from“Introduction, Early Internet Art, Isoating the Elements, Themes in Internet Art and Art for Networks”, Thames & Hudson, 2004. Hal Foster, “Design and Crime”,(readings as listed on our wiki.) Verso, London, New York; 2004, ISBN 1-85984-453-7 Artist Interviews: 60s and 70s, Early 80s, Art Talk, Edited by Jeanne Siegel: Allan Kaprow and George Segal: Panel on Environments and Happenings Carl Andre, Hans Haacke, Tsai, and Farman: Panel on Artist's Protest against the Museum of Modern Art Hans Haacke: Systems Aesthetics and What Makes Art Political? Jenny Holzer's Language Games
Other readings to be added to the Animate Arts Wiki. Screenings The Yes Men Ulay and Abramovic: Performance work Matthew Barney(The Order from Cremaster 3 from Cremaster Cycle) Dumb Type Century of the Self Ars Electronica screenings: 2003- 2009 Many, many others TBA and TBE (to be experienced) Talks and Exhibitions to attendTBA_We will list upcoming talks and exhibitions that we will attend as a group or independently. These events will be announced in class and listed on the wiki; if you are absent you are responsible to check the wiki for updated event schedules. | 
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