Module: CME4100-20 Digital Practice

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Charlie Tweed

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.tweed@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Digital Practice introduces the production of a variety of digital media (text, still and moving image, audio). It examines the use of digital media, and its platforms (TV, web, mobile, console) in a variety of cultural and social contexts in an attempt to form an understanding of how we consume, and rely on, digital media today. Derived perspectives and ideas will inform the production of a collection of digital media artefacts that demonstrate a range of practical skills and creative approaches, as well as engagement with the complexities of the digital world.

The aim of this module is to provide grounding in digital media processes and techniques, to ensure you are well equipped to contribute to professional media-rich project that respond to the digital world. You work on a number of practical projects producing digital artefacts (e.g. a poster ad, non-linear story, Vine series) that will engage both individual and collaborative working practices.

2. Outline syllabus:

The module exposes you to a range of digital media, and suggests strategies for working with them. The practical work is underpinned by theory that includes the principles of online promotion (of a product or initiative), key approaches to interactivity, and the digital media production process (planning, implementation, review, and iteration).

Digital Practice covers topics such as:

Digital identity

Digital images (contextualising, composing, editing)

Interactivity (modes, technologies)

Linear and non-linear storytelling (devices, technologies)

Promotional strategies (platforms, target audiences, dissemination modes)

2D animation (text, image)

Visual language (colour theory, typography as expression)

Semiotics (signs and their meaning)

Production planning

Creative Commons Licencing and Public Domain works

Situating digital media in a sociocultural context

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Class Hours

Contact time comprises group sessions that flux between seminar presentation and lab, or ‘making’ sessions. The seminar component covers broader contexts and requires you to discuss the societal and culture concerns of digital media. Lab sessions offer primers in software packages where necessary, and examine numerous production strategies through creative practice. These sessions challenge individuals and small collaborative groups to create digital artefacts that respond meaningfully to seminar topics.

Individual Study Time

Your individual study time is used to advance in-class work beyond the basics and to embed new technical skills into your digital toolkit. Spending time acquiring knowledge of new software tools and experimenting with multiple forms of digital media will help you produce good quality assessed work and prepare you well for year 2 specialist modules.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Digital Portfolio (4,000 word equivalent)

• % Weighting: 100%