MDST 315/ENSP 315/ARTH 368 (Schedule
#40573/406D0/406GK)
University of Virginia
Spring 2009
TR 2-3:15pm :: B031 Cabell Hall
Mr. David Golumbia
Office: 449 New Cabell Hall
Spring 2009 Office Hours: TBD
First and foremost, in this class we will survey a variety of objects that might reasonably be called new media. (As we'll also discuss, there is enough dispute about the meaning of the term itself that determining whether a particular object is new media or not is not as easy as it sounds.) We will focus in particular on creative and cultural objects, paying special attention to those forms that appear to be most influential and/or popular today, including (1) games; (2) digital animation and special effects in feature films and television; (3) the web itself as a cultural medium; (4) new media art. Most of our time will be spent looking at examples of these forms and discussing their place as works of culture, art, and their relation to earlier related forms. A secondary theme of the class will arise from the new media criticism we will read, in which we will consider not just the question of the appropriate methods for new media criticism, but also try to understand what might be meant by the idea of new media itself. Taught primarily via discussion with some brief lectures and student presentations. Two short papers and a final paper or project, which may be based in new media in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisites: one prior class in English, Media Studies, Art History, or an appropriate topic in another discipline, or permission of instructor. Open to second years and above.
Required Texts (available at UVa bookstore and other sources)
Last updated December 26, 2008.