Spring 2016 DGST Courses

ARTS 104: Digital Approaches to Fine Art

Jason Robinson; 12:00 – 1:50 and 2:00 – 3:50, MW; Melchers 209

This course introduces basic tools and techniques of computer generated art in the context of studio theory and practice.

CPSC 106: Digital Storytelling

A. Dean; Paul Bond; Online or 5:00 – 7:45 M

People have been telling stories since the beginning of time., but how is story telling evolving in the digital age? This course explores how computers are being used to tell stories. We’ll study text-based technologies-blogging, the web- and how those models have changed the way we publish and disseminate narratives. Well also study the roles of audio, video, and images in narrative: computer animation, the ethics of altering digital images, and the Story Corps project. Students will use technology including blogs, virtual worlds, and computer games to create and tell their own stories.

DGST 101: Intro to Digital Studies

Zach Whalen, 12:30 – 1:45 and 3:30 – 4:45, HCC 329
Jesse Stommel, 9:00 – 9:50 MWF, HCC 327
Lee Skallerup-Bassette, 6:00 – 7:15 MW, HCC 327

Introduces an interdisciplinary approach to using technology and specifically provides a foundation for the Digital Studies Minor. Coursework may include digital approaches to creavity, historiography, media analysis and thinking critically about and through digital culture.

DGST 201: Tinkering, Hacking & Making*

Rosemary Arneson, 3:30 – 4:45 TR, SIMP 225A

This course introduces students to the process of making, from initial design to the finished product, and to the emerging maker culture. Students are introduced to a variety of tools and practices for the development and making of objects using innovative software and hardware.

ENGL 245: Intro to Cinema Studies

Antonio Barrenechea; 2:00 – 3:15 PM TR; Combs 139

Equips students to analyze and understand the art of narrative cinema within the Anglophone tradition.

ENGL 314: Literary Journal

Elizabeth Wade; 11:00 – 11:50 and 12:00 – 12:50 MWF; Combs 349

Requires ENGL 302

A study of the contemporary national literary journal. Students also design and produce an online journal, The Rappahannock Review.

ENGL 345: Film, Text, Culture

Antonio Barrenechea; 9:30 – 10:45 and 11:00 – 12:15 PM TR; Combs 139

Advanced study in narrative and non-narrative films, focusing on the analysis of films as texts and in relation to other texts (literary, visual, musical, etc.). Consideration of film text as they originate in, and express, human society.

ENGL 359: Transmedia Fiction

Zach Whalen; 10:00 – 10:50; HCC 329

A study of the graphic novel form, including the analysis of graphic novel texts, the integration of related critical theory, and experimentation with producing graphic narrative. Specific topics and themes may include formal approaches to the medium, as well as issues of race, class, and gender as represented in graphic novels.

ENGL 451A: After Books

Zach Whalen; 11:00 – 11:50; HCC 329

When books end, what happens to literature? What forms will replace or remediate the paper codex? Is that succession an inevitable event, and if not, why does the notion of books disappearing produce so much anxiety as expressed in fiction and film? This seminar will be an exploration of the material histories and digital futures of the book. Through a series of “mediations” and a final, large-scale seminar paper, students will explore and propose some answers to these provocations.

HIST 428: Digital History

Jeff McClurken; 11:00 – 12:15 TR; HCC 327

This seminar will focus on the process of creating digital history.  The course readings, workshops, and discussions will be aimed at exposing students to the philosophy and practice of the emerging field of History and Digital Media (sometimes called Digital Humanities).  The course will be centered on the creation of four digital history projects, all of which are related to making local resources available online.

MUTC 100: Technology for Musicians

Mark Snyder; 7:00 – 9:45 TR; POLL 213

An introduction to notational tools, sound reinforcement, recording, sequencing, video capture/editing and music-specific web design and social media.

MUTC 170: Intro to MIDI Composition

Mark Snyder; 9:30 – 10:45 TR; DUPN 207

An application of basic rhythm, meter, melody, and chords through computer controlled sound production systems and MIDI (musical instrument digital interface), which enables the student to produce original compositions.

MUTC 370: Electronic Music

Mark Snyder; 11:00 – 11:50 MWF; Dupont 207

An emphasis on historical developments, current status, physical, concepts, language, and compositional techniques as they apply to synthesized music. Project required.

PSCI 363: Mass Media and Politics

Stephen Farnsworth; 3:30 – 4:45 TR; du Pont 321

Study of the role of the mass media in shaping political attitudes and events.