Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Course Outline

This course emphasizes the development of the knowledge and skills required for the production of media art works (e.g., robosculpture, photocopy art, computer animation with synthesized sound). Students will develop an appreciation of the history of media arts through analysing specific works, and will create media art works using a variety of technologies (e.g., digital camera, photo-imaging software, computer-modelling software, synthesizer, videotape, multi-track sound recording).

The expectations for the courses in media arts are divided into three distinct yet related strands: Theory, Creation, and Analysis. The Theory strand is focused on understanding of concepts, including elements and principles, as well as techniques, technologies, and processes. The Creation strand deals with various aspects of the creation of media artworks. The Analysis strand is focused on examination of aesthetic issues and the function of media arts in society.
As an Open course, the Grade 11 Media Arts Profile is designed to broaden the student’s knowledge and skills, and provide a solid and practical foundation for the media arts.
The activities in this course of study are designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of a technologically advanced society. A focus on the creative process gives students practical skills, appropriate motivation, and the theoretical knowledge needed to communicate ideas, feelings, and beliefs through the media artwork they create. In addition, students develop an appreciation and awareness of this new and innovative art discipline.

Students are introduced to the technical, historical, theoretical, cultural, moral, and ethical social contexts of media arts in society. An essential component is hands-on exploration and skill development with integration of theoretical content. Progressing through the units in sequence allows students to build on previously acquired knowledge and skills. The course has been designed to integrate and accommodate the experienced student as well as those students who have not previously taken Grade 10 Media Arts.

Reviewing the Grade 10 Media Arts document and familiarizing oneself with the media arts resources would be beneficial to teachers who are new to this subject area.
Self-expression is a fundamental aspect of this course. It is imperative that students have the opportunity to explore and experiment with the tools and techniques available to them as they unfold during the course, in order to become knowledgeable creators. Media Arts is a new, experimental direction in the arts. It is essential that students and educators realize that this hybrid art form is in a constant state of flux.

The culminating unit of the course is an Independent Study Unit (ISU). The final product takes the form of a digital portfolio, which gives students something tangible to take into the world of work or further study.

Full Course Profile available here

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