Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The ability to build custom audio/video performance and composition systems enables digital media artists to create unique interactive works. Graphical development environments are an ideal entry point for creating these systems as they enable rapid prototyping of ideas and do not require in depth knowledge of computer coding. This unit gives you a grounding in the concepts required to build interactive media works.

Aims

This unit aims to enable you to design and implement custom audio/video software for live performances and/or installations.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Describe digital media formats and control protocols.
2. Explain signal flow and control logic.
3. Apply data abstractions necessary for interactive media works.
4. build custom systems that manipulate digital audio and/or video in real time
5. Provide constructive feedback to other students on their work.

Content

This unit examines the fundamental parameters of digital sound and video. The graphical development environment MAX/MSP and Jitter will be used to introduce concepts and skills required to build customised performance and composition systems that manipulate digital audio and/or video.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will make use of lectures that will cover the underlying principals of digital media manipulation and tutorials that will put these principals into action using Max/MSP and Jitter software. Collaborative learning techniques will also be employed through the use of peer discussion forums. Wider user community resources such as web based forums and tutorials will also be used.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Description: You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and in class and online discussions throughout the semester. Weight 0%

Assessment name: Tutorial ExercisesQuiz/Test
Description: (Summative and Formative) Practical exercises designed to build skills using MAX/MSP/Jitter and to aid in the understanding of digital media concepts. There is a requirement to upload exercise answers to a weekly class forum and to critique other students' work.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: In-class Examination
Description: (summative and formative) Class test on digital media concepts, programming concepts and software operation.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Assignment Demonstration
Description: (summative) Using Max/MSP and Jitter, build a performance/installation environment that manipulates media audio and/or video through sampling/synthesis/signal processing.
Relates to objectives: 3 & 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.

Resource materials

Required Text

Max/MSP/Jitter Reference Manuals and Tutorials (available as free downloads from http://www.cycling74.com)

Recommended References

http://www.cycling74.com

Roads, C. 1994. The computer music tutorial Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press

Russ, M. 2004. Sound synthesis and sampling, Boston: Focal Press

Dodge, C. and Jerse, T. 1997 Computer music: synthesis, composition, and performance, New York : Schirmer Books

Loy, G. 2006. Musimathics: The Mathematical Foundations of Music Mass: MIT Press

Loy, G. 2007. Musimathics, Volume 2: The Mathematical Foundations of Music Mass: MIT Press

Weynand, D. 2004. How Video Works [electronic resource] Burlington : Elsevier

Jack, K. 2004. Video Demystified [electronic resource] Burlington : Elsevier

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks for this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 18-Nov-2011