Mass Affect: Media Culture and Theory (FV2153.01)

Jen Liu, Mariam Ghani & Senem Pirler

In this hybrid course, we will trace the development of audiovisual media (film, video, and sound art) and hybrid media practices through an interdisciplinary lens. Through screenings, listening sessions, theoretical readings, and discussion, we will investigate core ideas at the center of modern and contemporary time-based work, from experimental practices to the mass popular media they’ve developed in response to (and sometimes anticipated).  Topics will include but are not limited to: the origins of cinema, the origins of sound art, the politics of representation, media’s covert military and colonial histories, the democratization of digital forms, and installation practices alongside other expanded forms of artistic production.  In small discussion groups, students will reflect on the relationship between representation and technology, the ways our political and personal identities have been molded by the moving images and soundtracks of our times, and how artists have crafted alternative and critical models by redirecting the tools of contemporary media.

Remote students may be asked to complete some work asynchronously.

Learning Outcomes:
Students in this course will:
- complete readings drawn from the history and theory of media culture and technology, and write brief reading responses;
- sample and discuss relevant media art;
- co-lead one session of their discussion group;
- produce a final paper or project related to the course themes and materials.


Delivery Method: Remotely accessible
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 2
Tu 4:10PM - 6:00PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 42
Course Frequency: Once a year

Categories: All courses , Film and Video , Media Studies , Remotely Accessible , Sound Design and Recording , Updates
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