Module Identifier SG30920  
Module Title COMPUTER-AIDED SCENOGRAPHY 2  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Mr Richard D Downing  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Other staff Mr Michael J Brookes  
Pre-Requisite SG20110 , SG20610  
Course delivery Lecture   1 Hours 6 x 1hr lecture / seminars  
  Seminars / Tutorials   2 Hours 10 x 2hr group tutorials  

Learning outcomes

Typically, upon completion of the module, the student will be able:
- To employ and present a sophisticated individual facility in the exploitation of virtual space within scenographic methodology, OR as a means of creating an independent aesthetic event, OR as an interactive element of performance .
- To demonstrate a broad and well-informed appreciation of current and potential applications of computer-modelled space in the context of contemporary performance.
- To engage with and exploit a wide range of transferable IT skills.


Aims

The aim of this module is:
- To develop a sophisticated individual facility in the exploitation of virtual space within scenographic methodology; as a means of creating an independent aesthetic event, and as an interactive element of performance .
- To examine the application of inter-active and immersive computer-generated environments in contemporary performance practice.
- To foster and develop a wide range of transferable IT skills.


Content

Process :

This module aims to develop a sophisticated individual facility in the exploitation of virtual space within scenographic methodology, OR as a means of creating an independent aesthetic event, OR as an interactive element of performance. In addition it examines the application of interactive and immersive computer-generated environments in contemporary performance practice, and fosters and develops a wide range of transferable IT skills. Teaching is conducted through a series of tutorials designed to facilitate and respond to individual strategies of software application within the parameters of the above aims. The lecture/seminars demand and support research into significant, contemporary, concepts and practice relating to the interface between computer scenographics and performance. This learning is compounded through the two assessment tasks detailed below.


Content :

Group tutorials are structured in response to student need. They offer guidance particular to the generation and realisation of individual project work; guidance often expressed through the recommendation of specific exercises to gain greater command of relevant aspects of the software programmes introduced through SG20610 (predominantly 3D Studio Max/Viz, Poser, and Lumiere editing).

Lecture/seminars offer research guidance relevant to the essay task, and involve presentations from the course tutors (which draw attention to the theory and practice of significant figures such as Brenda Laurel, Mark Reaney, Claudio Pinhanez, George Coates and Mika Tuomola) and from students following the module.


Criteria for assessment :

i] For the solo project assessment will be made upon the basis of the following criteria:
- Conception: evidence of awareness of context, relevance, integrity, originality and creativity of ideas. (40%)
- Realisation: evidence of sustained development; rigour of methodology and form; facility with media employed. (40%)
- Presentation: relevance, efficiency and sophistication of delivery. (20%)

ii] 3000 word essay : The electronic document should demonstrate an appropriate, expressive and illustrative deployment of information technology in the task of writing in an academic context.


Transferable skills

- confidence and facility with IT.
- self-discipline and reflexive functioning in the articulation of personally generated material.
- fully conceiving and executing personal creative initiatives.
- writing as an academic tool.
- project planning and execution.
- employment of analytical, conceptual and creative tools which may be applied in a variety of media and social contexts.


Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Payne, Darwin. (1994) Computer Scenographics: Carbondale and Edwardsville. Southern Illinois University Press
Laurel, Brenda. (1991) Computers as Theatre. Reading, M.A. Addison-Wesley
Beardon, Colin (ed). (1999) Digital Creativity. Swets & Zeitlinger
Bachelard, Gaston. (1994) The Poetics of Space. Beacon Press

Web Page/Sites
** Recommended Background
http://www.cyberstage.orgCyberstage Journal and Article
http://art.ntu.ac.uk/dpaDigital Performance Archive
http://www.vrml-art.orgVRML art homepage
http://kuhttp.cc.ukans.edu/~mreaney/index.htmlHomepage for the Institute for the Exploration of Virtual Realities, University of Kansas
http://www.ukc.ac.uk/sdfva/kidds.htmlHomepage of the 'Kent Interactive Digital Design Studio' University of Kent at Canterbury