information

web page:
http://www.sci.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~sklar/pima774.1

class meeting times and rooms:
fridays 9.30am-1.30pm, room 251G
note: i am available from 9.00am on friday mornings for pre-class help.

course description:
This course provides in-depth study of tools and techniques for designing dynamic and interactive multimedia systems for use in live performance situations. Emphasis will be on student creation of custom computer software to realize interactive projects. Video, audio, three-dimensional computer images, and alternative computer-human interfaces will be addressed. Students will receive extensive instruction in graphical computer programming; no experience required. The course format consists of a mixture of lecture and laboratory class sessions, with strong emphasis on hands-on learning.
The following topics will be covered:

• introductory programming concepts
• sound and video playing, recording and processing
• hardware input and output
• graphics
• hardware and network integration

program goals addressed by course:

• Demonstrate ability in conception and planning of professional-quality, collaborative-produced performance works (program goal 1)
• Demonstrate ability in production, presentation, and documentation of professional-quality, collaborative-produced performance works (program goal 2)
• Demonstrate ability in interactive multimedia programming for use in live performance, and creation of practical performance systems that include hardware and software components (program goal 8)

objectives of the course:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature, purpose, and process of computer programming.
2. Demonstrate specific knowledge of language, terminology, and techniques studied.
3. Demonstrate programming ability, including solving arbitrary programming problems.
4. Demonstrate ability to practically implement knowledge in a live performance setting.
5. Demonstrate ability in integrating hardware and software in a performance system.
6. Perform and/or present one's work capably, confidently, and with seriousness.

outcomes anticipated for course:
Students will work independently and in small groups over the course of the semester to carry out practical projects in multimedia programming for use in live performance settings. A substantial software-based performance system controlling multiple media will be the final project of the semester. A smaller scale project will precede the final.

Two exams will be given to all students. Students enrolled in the PIMA MFA or Advanced Certificate programs will also take a qualifying exam in the PIMA 701 class based on the material covered in this course, as knowledge of a common programming environment is a requirement of continuation in the PIMA MFA and Certificate programs.

prerequisites:
None.

textbook:
None.

software and hardware:
Purchase of a (student) license of MAX 5 software (see http://www.cycling74.com/).
A USB FLASH drive is recommended, unless you are bringing your laptop to class each week.

assessment:
Your course grade will be made up of the following components, out of 100 points:

• two projects (2 x 20 points each = 40% of term grade); projects are graded 10% on software and 10% on performance/presentation aspects.
• two exams (2 x 10 points each = 20% of term grade)
• weekly assignments (20 points = 20% of term grade)
• class participation (20 points = 20% of term grade)