MCMA 531 Fall 15 Critical Research Methods

MCMA 531 –FALL 2015
Dr. Michele Leigh
Office Hours: Tuesdays 11 to 2 pm, Wednesdays from  12 to 3 pm
Class Meeting Times: Tuesdays 6:00 – 9:00 PM, August 25, 2015 –December 15, 2015

Required Text: ALL READINGS available here in the class schedule.
Course Description: This course introduces students to critical and interpretive research methods and techniques for the study of media arts and culture. In the words of Marshall McLuhan, “the medium is the message”; taking this into consideration we will explore the ways in which artists media create meaning. Various methods of media criticism apply differing theoretical premises to identifying the message of the medium. Students will examine the relationship between theory and praxis, as a means for
understanding how as practitioners they might use theory in creating their own work.

This course builds upon the experiences and learning that students have acquired throughout their education, and seeks to integrate that understanding with current art theory in order to foster the continuing development of a critical understanding of the visuals arts.

The course will be divided into six theoretical concepts, ranging from structuralism to gender theory. Over the course of the semester we will unpack the significance of each critical approach to media, exploring both historical and contemporary approaches to visual arts.

Course Goals:
This course will familiarize students with:
* the theoretical approaches to visual media/art
* the analysis of visual images and their impact on culture

This course will:
* foster critical thinking about visual media through the examination of pertinent topics related to media theory.
* provide students with an understanding of the main issues and problems confronting artists and media critics.
* encourage students to develop their own philosophical approach to media construction and consumption

 

Class Assignments

Class Schedule

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