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DM 2260-01
DESIGNING FOR MULTISENSORY PHYSICAL INTERACTION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This studio course explores the creation of interactive experiences that integrate digital fabrication and physical computing to address some aspect of wellbeing and daily lifestyle. By combining physical computing, digital fabrication, and sensory design, students will design interactive physical systems using speculative and interdisciplinary methodologies. Through in-class assignments, team projects, and critiques, students will develop and refine their technical and conceptual skills. The course culminates in a final team project focused on speculative design. Students will develop project proposals, pitch their ideas, and bring them to life through tangible prototypes, complemented by films and comprehensive documentation.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Elective
DM 3104-01 / SOUND 3104-01
SONIC PRACTICES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Sonic Practices is a graduate-level research group focused on acoustic, electronic, and/or computer-based means of sound production and reception. Participants explore audio culture and technology while developing experimental approaches to composition, performance, recording, and/or listening. Areas of investigation include, but are not limited to: audio programming languages, embedded/mobile computing for sound and music, spatial audio, sound synthesis, audio electronics, sonification and auditory display, electroacoustic music composition and improvisation, field recording and soundscape studies, sound installation and performance, and sonic interaction design. Each semester, course content changes in response to a new unifying theme upon which students base individual and team-based research projects. Meetings consist of discussions, workshops, critiques, and collaborations that support students' individual inquiries, the exchange of ideas, and the exploration of research methodologies.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00 - $200.00
Elective
DM 3104-02 / SOUND 3104-02
SONIC PRACTICES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Sonic Practices is a graduate-level research group focused on acoustic, electronic, and/or computer-based means of sound production and reception. Participants explore audio culture and technology while developing experimental approaches to composition, performance, recording, and/or listening. Areas of investigation include, but are not limited to: audio programming languages, embedded/mobile computing for sound and music, spatial audio, sound synthesis, audio electronics, sonification and auditory display, electroacoustic music composition and improvisation, field recording and soundscape studies, sound installation and performance, and sonic interaction design. Each semester, course content changes in response to a new unifying theme upon which students base individual and team-based research projects. Meetings consist of discussions, workshops, critiques, and collaborations that support students' individual inquiries, the exchange of ideas, and the exploration of research methodologies.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00 - $200.00
Elective
DM 4534-01
ENTANGLEMENT STUDIO
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This graduate-level research studio explores concepts of entanglement through collaborative and cross-disciplinary artistic practices. We’ll be guided by critical texts and creative prompts, considering mycelial webs and rhizomatic thinking, quantum theory and intra-action, symbiogenesis and extended cognition, hydrocommons and queer ecologies, ecomedia and extractivism. We’ll learn from artist collectives around the world who engage conceptually and practically with entanglement and ecological relations through digital media, transdisciplinary practices and collective authorship. Participants will initiate cross-disciplinary dialogue with someone in a related field or practice, and will follow their own lines of inquiry to support creative work. Final projects will be research-based artistic engagements with entanglement (“research” casts a wide net here, referring to an array of embodied, scientific, theoretical and communal practices) and can be in participants’ media of choice. Thinking and making will happen independently, collaboratively and interstitially throughout the semester.
Elective
DM 7100-01
DM GRADUATE STUDIO/SEMINAR 1
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This combined studio and seminar forum for Digital + Media first year students supports the exploration of theoretical, social, material, technical and contextual research and concerns in new media arts practices during the first semester of the D+M MFA program at RISD. Students are introduced to a core set of methodologies and technologies from basic electronics, programming and interaction design to installation, and are encouraged to break comfort zones through experimentation. Students conceptualize and discuss their work and ongoing practice. The course is a mix of group discussions, individual meetings, required lecture and workshop series, and group critiques. The technical workshops are opportunities for students to experiment and test out aspects of their research in order to develop a sound practice. Guest lecturers and visiting critics may join during other portions of the class time on occasion.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00 - $300.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Digital + Media Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Digital + Media
DM 7102-01
DM GRADUATE STUDIO/SEMINAR 2
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This combined studio and seminar forum supports Digital + Media first-year graduate students during their second semester as they research and develop the theoretical, social, material, technical, and contextual aspects of their emergent arts practices. Students are encouraged to break comfort zones and practice through experimentation. Students pursue and refine individual interests, as well as collaborative projects within the department. Students conceptualize and discuss their work and their ongoing practice. Readings in critical cultural theory, media art theory, philosophy, semiotics and other areas further support the contextualization and grounding of the innovative practical and conceptual approaches of students. Each student is responsible to select readings and works important as references in individual research and to co-lead a discussion on a set of self-chosen readings and artists' works during the semester. The course is a mix of group discussions, group critiques, and individual meetings. Guest lecturers and visiting critics may also become involved with this class in terms of critical/research aspects. Each student will practice articulating their art process and work towards their thesis, and will contribute to the dialogue concerning the research and work of their classmates.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00 - $300.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Digital + Media Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Digital + Media
DM 7103-01
MEDIA PERSPECTIVES: HISTORY OF MEDIA ART
SECTION DESCRIPTION
In this historical survey, we analyze the aesthetic conventions, narratives, and formats of works in new media. We examine the impact digital technologies and new media have had on existing media, as well as the ways in which new media function as a unique system of communication. While investigating the aesthetic conventions, economic conditions and infrastructures that affect the production of new media, we address the social and political contexts in which new media are disseminated, interpreted and privileged. We make connections across decades by focusing on the recurring themes of language, futurism, simulation, hyper-reality, transnationality and information.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Digital + Media Graduate Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Digital + Media
DM 7108-01
DM GRADUATE STUDIO/SEMINAR 3
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The course supports the exploration of theoretical, social, material, technical, and contextual research and concerns in new media arts practice during the final semester of the DM MFA program. It is a combined studio and seminar forum for Digital + Media second-year students. (Students conceptualize and discuss their work and their ongoing practice and thesis process). The course is a mix of individual meetings, group discussions and group critiques. Guest lecturers and visiting critics will also become involved with this class in terms of critical/research aspects. Each student will practice articulating their art process and work towards their thesis and will contribute to the dialogue concerning the research and work of their classmates.
Estimated Materials Cost: $100.00 - $300.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Digital + Media Graduate Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Digital + Media
DM 7199-01
THESIS PROJECT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course supports the practical, conceptual, theoretical and historical development of the M.F.A. thesis (exhibition and written document). Students are required to work independently and in individual consultation with their thesis committee to develop and finalize the thesis exhibition and written document for presentation at the end of the year. The exhibition and written thesis should articulate one's personal studio art / design practice in an historically and theoretically informed context. Formal group critiques are required at the midterm and end of the semester. A major final critique with visiting critics is held in the context of the final MFA Exhibition. The accompanying written thesis is expected to be of publishable quality and is also placed within the public sphere through electronic publication and filing with the RISD Library. Final submissions for this course include the presentation of a final exhibition, submission of the final written thesis, and timely completion of work for preliminary deadlines throughout the semester (draft theses, exhibition plans and press materials). Please see Digital + Media Thesis Timeline for a clear sequence of required deadlines. Please refer to the DM Thesis Guidelines and Policies for clarification of the goals and expectations of the RISD DM MFA.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00 - $300.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Digital + Media Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Digital + Media
DM 7538-01
CRITICAL THEORY + ARTISTIC RESEARCH IN CONTEXT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This seminar course analyzes the aesthetic conventions, narratives, and formats of works in new media. As a group, we will examine the impact digital technologies and new media have had on existing media, as well as the ways in which new media function as a unique system of communication. While investigating the aesthetic conventions, economic conditions and infrastructures that affect the production of new media, we will address the social and political contexts in which new media are disseminated, interpreted and privileged. Within this course, students will be expected to identify, analyze, and critique readings that critically inform and underwrite the foundations of their written thesis and studio practice. Students will contribute to the focus of the course through discussions and writings that contextualize their own work as it relates to critical theory. Class time will be mainly used for discussion of readings and concepts, critique of work and to introduce methods and theory.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Digital + Media Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Digital + Media
FD 243G-01
INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS AND PROCESS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on material and process investigations that lead to a higher degree of technical proficiency providing students with an expanded foundation on which to carry out their ideas. The content of the course emphasizes how exploration and application operate in both pragmatic and unorthodox ways and reinforces ideas of how critical making and material investigation can lead to innovation. The technical aspects of production and outsourcing will also be examined.
Estimated Materials Cost: $150.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Furniture Design Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Furniture Design
FD 244G-01
GRADUATE FURNITURE DESIGN I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course concentrates on the exploration of personal design aesthetics and the development of furniture projects that exhibit a high degree of technical proficiency.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate Furniture Design Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Furniture Design
FD 245G-01
GRADUATE FURNITURE DESIGN II
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course explores advanced design processes and methods of construction. The evolution of a project through a complete design process is required including conceptual and design development phases.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Furniture Design Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Furniture Design
FD 246G-01
GRADUATE FURNITURE DESIGN III
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course concentrates on projects that begin the thesis body of work. Advanced design and technical processes are continued as part of this process.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Furniture Design Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Furniture Design
FD 247G-01
GRADUATE FURNITURE DESIGN SEMINAR
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The graduate seminar is a forum for discussion and research outside of the studio setting. Through a series of topical investigations, lectures and presentations, students will explore current design issues, professional practices, directions, and developments within the field, and other topics that will help to formulate the basis of the graduate thesis work.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. First preference is given to Graduate Furniture Design Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Furniture Design
FD 248G-01
FURNITURE DESIGN THESIS SEMINAR
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This graduate seminar is organized in parallel with the Graduate Furniture Design Thesis studio for the purpose of guiding the written thesis document. The goal is to provide students with a focused opportunity to map their thesis projects and to create the document that supports their studio practice and body of work known as the thesis.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Furniture Design Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Furniture Design
FD 249G-01
GRADUATE FURNITURE DESIGN THESIS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course culminates the completion of the thesis body of works and accompanying written document.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Furniture Design Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Furniture Design
GAC 415G-01 / THAD H415-01
LATIN AMERICAN MODERN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Since the invention of the so-called “New World” in 1492, “Latin America”—as geographic region and sociopolitical construct—has been both central and peripheral to the story of “Western” modernity. This graduate seminar examines how the political and technological revolutions of the twentieth century presented new challenges to the ideas of both Latin America and subaltern modernity more broadly, with competing visions of what exactly Latin American modernity could and should look like. Students will examine a range of movements, strategies, and theories in art, design, literature, cinema, and political theory that proliferated throughout the Americas during the turbulent period bracketed by two paradigmatic revolutions: the Mexican Revolution of c. 1910–1920, and the Cuban Revolution of 1959. Topics of discussion will include the debate between Panamerican unity versus regional autonomy, transatlantic cosmopolitanism versus Indigenism, modernism and the Black Atlantic, magical realism and Surrealist aesthetics, and decolonization in both theory and practice. Weekly discussions will be grounded in a wide range of readings, including background overviews, artist writings and manifestoes, and critical theory that sheds light on the sociopolitical, racial, ethnic, colonial, decolonial, and ecological dimensions of the Latin American modern—with broader implications for how the modern is defined, constructed, and lived.
Elective
GAC 429G-01 / THAD H429-01
ART BEFORE TIME
SECTION DESCRIPTION
With widespread emphasis on the written word in a globalized Western society, it becomes easy to forget that writing is a relatively anomalous human practice. In Art Before Time, our focus will be on the visual, tactile, and kinetic practices of the deep past, and the epistemological methods (and their limitations) that we Moderns use to decipher and interpret the ancient traces left long before there were written records to document them. We will employ and scrutinize ethnographic analogy as a method for understanding the lifeways of our distant ancestors in the Pleistocene, while using experimental archaeology to form shared experiences that engage in the most persistent artistic traditions of our species. In so doing, we explore the changing place of human activity in ecosystems across the Northern Hemisphere, the origins and varieties of symbolic thought, and the fluctuating roles of art and architecture in spiritual ecologies throughout a vast span of time.
Elective
GAC 700G-01
CRITICAL GLOBALISMS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Introduces students to ways of thinking about arts and culture comparatively, through interrogation of the very terms global, "arts" and "culture." Critical Globalisms emphasizes the development of broad theoretical perspectives within which to situate specific research interests. A requirement in the first semester of the GAC MA degree, Critical Globalisms provides a common vocabulary and experience for all GAC MA students. The course will run as a seminar with weekly reading assignments, regular writing assignments, and in class discussion. This is a co-requisite course. Students must register for GAC-700G and GAC-701G.
Enrollment is limited to Global Arts and Cultures Students.
Major Requirement | MA Global Arts and Cultures