Conceptual Information Arts 
Descriptions of Courses

 

Introductory Courses

Art 410 Conceptual Strategies I.

An Introduction to art making focused on ideas and conceptual strategies. An exploration of chance, noise, indexing, listing, icons, language, theory and technology. Introduction to computers in art production. 410 and 412 must be taken concurrently. No prerequisites but familiarity with Cultural Theory issues an important asset.
 
 

Art 412 Computer Applications Conceptual Design I.

An introduction to artistic explorations of emerging media.  Instruction in use of the computers for artists covering graphics, sound, interactive programming. Use of computers in cross media and non-media specific applications. . 410 and 412 must be taken concurrently. No prerequisites.
 
 

Intermediate Courses

Art 511.x New Communications Technology.

An exploration of the concepts and hands-on techniques for creating art works that use contemporary telecommunications technology including computer networks, computer bulletin boards, modems, answering machines, the telephone system, videotext, slow scan image transmission, and satellites. Focus on World Wide Web. No prerequisites.

* Special Note on Art 511 series.  These courses are not offered every semester.  Students select from a rotating set that changes from year to year.  The 511 courses are open to students outside the CD/IA major although prioirty enrollment is given to majors.The 511 courses are given different section numbers -eg 511.2 -each semester depending on the number of courses offered..
 
 

Art 511.x Interactive Media & Conceptual Art.

An introduction to multimedia programming, interactivity, and narrative issues, digital sound, text, digital photography, and study of conceptual art models. Students will produce projects in interactive media with a focus on interactivity, narratives, and contemporary cultural issues. No prerequisites.
 
 

Art 511.x Interactive Cinema.

A hands-on introduction to the use of computer controlled interactive video technology for cinema and experimental visual arts applications covering conceptualization, programming, production and presentation using the Macintosh Director development system. No prerequisite
 
 

Art 511.x Digital Word and Image.

A studio course in the tools of desktop publishing, digital photography, conceptual arts, the exploration of information as aesthetic material and a critical analysis of corporate advertising. No prerequisites.
 
 

Art 511.x Conceptual Strategies II.

A studio course exploring strategies introduced through the conceptual art movement of the early 1970's. Conceptual Art can be generally characterized as the renouncement of material production as visual expressive forms in favor of conceptual, structural or linguistic forms. No prerequisites.
 
 

Art 511x Interactive Media & Lingo

A studio course will explore intermediate multimedia authoring stressing conceptual and critical approaches. Some experience in Lingo programming for Director recommended. No prerequisites
 
 

Art 511.x Exploration in Sound 

This course will involve the exploration of sound and performance, and a creative process that focuses on discovery and awareness. Students will make use of found objects, found sounds and text, the human voice, and selected hardware and software to explore the properties of sound and create sound and performance pieces. (sometimes listed as Art & Theory In Technology ) No prerequisites.
 
 

Art 511.x  Digital Video 

Digital video is an introduction to video as an art medium, an exploration of non-linear narrative, and a series of experiments using the short narrative form.  Students create videoworks that span the history from the beginnings of video, in performance, installation and single channel pieces, through to current digital work including Premiere and the Web No prerequisites.
 

Art 511.x  Advanced Digital Video 

Advanced Video class explores the medium of digital video, building on previous knowledge of video and Adobe Premiere.  In this class we will explore video as a medium in both on and off line projects, including large scale projections, site specific work, video on the web, interactivity and installation.. 

Art 511.x  Art & Biology

Whether the cycles of life act as an inspiration or are actually incorporated into your art-making process, the study of biology can be ahotbed of novel visions.  In this course we will attempt to reinvent the concepts and practices of biology in an artistic context.  Expect to play with microbes and microscopes, study embryonic development, visitlaboratories and discuss recent advances in molecular biology.  Living artprojects will be encouraged.
 

Art 511.x  Trio of Experimental Technologies 

Hands on, introductory course in use of GPS, sensor, and webcam technologies in the arts. No prerequisites
 

Art 511.x  Electronics and Robotics 

Hands on, introductory course in electronis applications in the arts. No prerequisites
 

 Art 511.x  Research in Emerging Technologies 

This course aims to prepare artists  to become innovators in the development of emerging technologies.  The past decades have shown that scientific and technological research that seemed esoteric and outside artistic or media realms can quickly become the core of new cultural trends and industries (for example, the basic ideas of the World Wide Web were considered wild, unrealizable ideas when first promulgated  by Ted Nelson).  Artists who want to help shape future cultural development and new media must become adept at understanding the worlds of  research. This approach is critical for those who want to stay ahead of the current pace of change. 

This course teaches students skills of monitoring scientific research and emerging technologies.  It presents several areas of research that promise to be important in the future.  It demonstrates the artistic possibilities by studying the pioneering work of artists around the world who work with concepts, tools, and information contexts not usually defined as art.  It explores cultural theory that relates to the development of new 
technologies.  It helps students to reconsider the interrelationships of science, technology, media, and art. 

Advanced Courses

Art 610 Advanced Seminar.

An advanced studio course in Conceptual Design/ Information Arts in which students can explore issues in culture and technology. Emphasis on student research and completion of major projects. Prerequisites: Art 410,412 and at least one Art 511 course.
 
 

Art 612 Advanced Seminar (Internship)

An advanced studio course in Conceptual Design/ Information Arts in which students can explore issues in art, culture and technology. Focus on internship in real world settings. Prerequisites: completion of 410-412, and at least one 511.
 
 

Art 704 Graduate Seminar

Graduate seminar focused on support of student art work and explorations of contemporary issues in art & culture. Prerequisites: MFA graduate status in Art.
 
 
 
- This page created by Stephen Wilson, Professor Conceptual/Information Arts Program, Art Department, SFSU (http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~swilson) swilson@sfsu.edu
- More information about the Conceptual Information Arts program is available at (http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~infoarts)