Navigating Digital Narratives

ART 4020
Fall 2010

Mondays & Wednesdays 3:40 - 6:30

Art Building 211

Instructor: Derick Ostrenko // dostrenko@lsu.edu

Class Website: popsnorkle.com/digitalnarratives

Course Overview
This course will explore the potential of 3D modeling and animation when creating digital
narratives. We will investigate the inherent features of digital media such as interactivity,
modularity, and randomization. How can taking advantage of these elements enhance the
experience of the narrative? Students will learn the basics of Maya to create virtual
environments and characters, then be introduced to a variety of tools, such as Max/MSP,
Virtools, and Final Cut Studio, to add interactivity and experiment with linearity. What are the
interesting interdependencies between virtual space and reality, and what can we do with them?
The class will look at virtual installations from artists such as Jeffrey Shaw,
0100101110101101.org, and Brody Condon.

Course Objectives
The primary goal of this coarse is to provide a forum for students to help each other investigate
what’s already been done with virtual 3D elements in art and what might/should/could be done
next. Students will be able to develop a methodology for integrating these elements within their
own practice. The course will provide a foundation in 3D modeling techniques focusing on
Maya 2011. Students will learn the fundamentals of a variety of software and hardware
resources to be used to introduce interaction into assignments.

Assignments

Augmented Reality
Create a project that meshes reality with the virtual.


3D Projection

Create a linear based animation to be projected onto a real-world object.

Interactive Animation
Create an interactive animation, or advanced animation.

Final Project

Create ...
Individual Projects
Applied Technical Skills
40%
Conceptual Approach

30%
Creative direction

20%
Presentation & Participation
10%

Grading
Assignment 1


20%

Assignment 2


20%

Assignment 3


30%

Assignment 4


30%

* Late assignments or incompletes will only be granted in case of family or medical emergency.
For anything else a letter grade per day will be deducted.

Attendance
Attendance and participation make up 25% of your final grade. Please let me know within 24
hours of the end of class missed to be excused for an absence. Any coursework or assignments
missed during an absence will be the student’s responsibility to make up.

Required Materials
Laptop with mouse
Autodesk Maya 2011

Suggested Software
Adobe Flash
Adobe Flash Builder
Adobe After Effects
Max/MSP/Jitter
Unity 3D

*Syllabus is subjected to change. I will notify you if I do.