hypertext
design studio
language, image, linking thinking |
Dr.
Christopher Funkhouser
314 Cullimore Hall University Heights Newark NJ 07102 973-596-6335 |
assignmentsThe purpose of this course is to help you build new understandings of hypertext concepts and programming through invention, cultivation and implementation of ideas via the computer.You will work at your own skill-level, and to suit your own interests. In the current historical and creative moment, the WWW is the most convenient hypertext platform. Since there are other programs and avenues for hypertext, however, you are not limited to creating Web-based documents.
Class meetings (face-to-face, FTF) will generally consist of discussions about course materials, and as a studio environment for students to develop and practice their skills, work on assignments and discuss ideas and technical problems one-on-one in the lab. Distance Learning (DL) students are required to discuss their impressions, ideas, and questions using the WebCT bulletin board and, on occasion, WebCT CHAT. For more info on WebCT.
Since this is a STUDIO class, it is hoped that students will in advance have some idea of the types of projects they wish to put together.
Grades will be determined via this formula: Project One = 20% | Project 2 = 40% | Active participation in class discussions/process throughout the semester = 40%
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project 2: Open-ended creative project to be completed over the course of the semester. Use visual features to structure whatever type of narrative or other content you determine to develop. Avoid relying exclusively on traditional (autonumeric) link-node method to connect and distinguish layers of text. This should be extensive, highly developed work. Due 5/2.
2. NJIT AFS* and WebCT** accounts. Contact me if you are having problems with either system.
* If you have another reliable system for email and WWW-server space, that will suffice.** WebCT accounts should be issued to you automatically if you are registered for the course. Link for more on course WebCT use.
3. Server space on the WWW (available to all NJIT students through the AFS system; you may use your own ISP, if preferred).
I want to hear/read your impressions of "Twelve Blue", both in the live chat and on the WebCT bulletin board discussion. This week and next, I would also like you to consider the following topics for discussion: the animated and layered qualities of work on the hypertext links 1 page (see above), image mapping as narrative tool, and ambiguity in hypertext.
Available for viewing/demonstration in class, tonight and in future weeks: Puppet Motel (Laurie Anderson), International Anthology of Digital Poetry (Eduardo Kac, ed., includes Jim Rosenberg, John Cayley, and other hypertexts), Calfia (Marjorie Lusebrink), and other titles. Assignment: Read Jay Bolter "Degrees of Freedom." Written response (2-3 pages) reflecting on what you've seen so far in the course, discussing how you see it affecting your own hypertext design style is due 2/14 (you may post this to your web page, or e-mail to me as an attachment).
Week 4 (2-14) Open discussion, and software tutorials, if requested. Problem solving session. Assignment: View The Cave of Magic. Can you think of other ways hypertext authors could play tricks like this? Look at the texts at Stuart Moulthrop's site (JAVA version), Nick Lawrence's hypertext Traffic Calming in alyric (note cybertext linking structure), frAme 4: Love in the Digital Revolution, and eldiablo.
Week 5 (2-21) Discussion on significant aspects of the above titles (for DL students use WebCT bulletin board) and Studio Session. Assignment: work on project 1.
View for discussion:
More
links
(creative & practical) to view.
Week 7 (3-7) Demonstrations (& critiques) of project 1; bring original text to compare with electronic version. This will include a viewing session with DL students on WebCT chat at 8 p.m. Assignment: Please compose a brief write-up of the process (mental and technical) you used to translate your first project. Due 3/14.
View for discussion:
Week
8 (3-14) Informal
progress reports for project 2 are expected, and project 1 write-up is
due. Discussion on various materials presented above.
Week 9 (3-21) No meeting. SPRING BREAK.
Week
10 (3-28)
TBA
Week
11 (4-4)
In-class: Problem solving / studio session.
Week 12 (4-11) further discussion; studio session.
Week 13 (4-18) Studio session.
Week 14 (4-25) project 2 (Version 1.0) is due for demonstration. Version 1.1 is due 5-2. WebCT CHAT.
Week 15 (5-2) project 2 is due on MAY 9.
May
7: Alan Sondheim NMPS
at 2:30. Please attend if possible.
c l
a s s p r o j e c t s
(will
be added as projects are completed)
sample
projects by last year's students
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Note to DL students:
You will notice that there are 3 nights during the semester that I would
like the whole group to meet at the same time, if possible. Please
let me know if you are available on these evenings. Also along these
lines, I would like to set up Virtual Office Hour (or Hours), where I am
available (via WebCT chat) to answer questions.
Let's discuss a mutually convenient
time for such an interface via WebCT discussion.