MART 380- New Media Art
(formerly "Web Media Arts")
  • The class is full! Will you add me?
    No. The course will fill to the limits of the fire code. My advice is: Keep watching the registration and see if someone drops (likely), and show up the first day or two and see if someone freaks out and quits when they see how much work it is (even more likely).
  • When and where does the class meet?
    Here is a link to the USC Master Schedule. All up to date info is there.
  • What are the prerequisites for MART 380?
    The listed prerequisite courses is MART 210 (Digital Art Fundamentals).
  • I haven't had the prereq course. Can I take it anyway?
    The current registration system at USC does foolishly allow people to sign up for classes that they are not prepared for. This can be a problem. I will not remove students from the class if they have registered. However, you are responsible for the background information. Many people do not succeed because of this.

    MART 210 contains information that is the necessary basis for the techniques we will use. Thy also include fundamentals of art, design, and cinema that concepts will be built upon. In fairness to the students who have put in the time to prepare, I will not remediate.

    DO NOT take this course before or concurrently with MART 210.
  • What experience in digital art should I have if I want to take it?
    None is necessary. You should have basic digital skills, and the equivalence in proficiency afforded by MART 210.
  • I'm not a MART major or minor. Can I take it anyway?
    Definitely!
  • What software will I learn?
    I don't like to answer that question because it fosters the impression that the class is about software. The most important parts of the class are software-independent, focusing on writing and producing compelling artwork that will be seen. This is a class in conceptual art.
  • Does the class use Macs or Windows?
    The university has licenses for many applications on Mac and Windows. The main labs that you have access to (with the most powerful computers) are Mac labs. I teach on the Macs, but I use Windows (and Linux) myself. Really, it doesn't matter and no one cares. Professionally, you'll need facility in both.
  • Do I have to buy software?
    No. We have everything you need in the labs.
  • I want to use my own computer, do I HAVE to use the lab ?
    No, you can use your own. Some of the projects can be completed using free open source software, or fully functional demos. Understand, however that even if something goes wrong with your computer, you are still responsible for the work getting done. Animation often uses highly specialized software, and it is unlikely that you own it or have a system set up to run it properly.
  • Can I get a jump start on things?
    Sure. if you want to get a jump on the technical details of the software, or if you are concerned that you will need remediation, you can watch video demos from my tutorial site.
  • I thought this was a course in web design.
    That's not a question.
  • What is new media art?
    Ah! Finally the real question! New media art can be many things, but first and foremost it is art. Specifically, it is a branch of art that uses cutting edge technologies to make art work that could not be made in traditional media. This may include but is not limited to: programming, robotics, installation, performance, and more.
  • Will we design web sites?
    The web is one small part of new media art. You will have to design and maintain a website, yes. However, web design is not the objective of this course.