Overview
This class will examine the changing dynamics of publishing and privacy today, and graphic designs contemporary and historical role in the issue. Through research, form-making, class-discussion, and experimentation, we'll highlight moments of interference and create our own alternative methods of encryption.
Learning outcomes
- Analyze popular modes of communication and their relationship with privacy
- Develop Methods to control and allow access to personal communications through cryptography
- Gain insight into graphic design’s relationship to privacy and the communication landscape today
- Stimulate critical positions towards publishing
Format
Class meets twice a week and centers on studio work and group critiques. Our activities will include:
- Assigned readings and discussions
- In class mini-exercises
- Research projects and presentations
- A series of graphic and research studies, complied as a group publication
- An independent project of your choice, culminating in a embedded, group exhibition
Requirements
- Participation in discussions and critiques
- Punctual attendance
- Participation in end-of-semester class exhibition and publication
- Timely completion of all projects
Publication
The first half of the course will focus on graphic research which will then be compiled into a Riso-printed group publication.
Exhibition
The final project will also take form as an exhibit we curate and design. Details to come.
Schedule
- Week 1-3: 1A (Self-Portrait)
- Week 4-6: 1B (Movement)
- Week 6-7: 1C (Machine Vision)
- Week 8-9: 2A (Masks)
- Week 10: Spring Break
- Week 11-16: 2B (Open Project)
Course Website
The course website: crypto.designing.tools, will act as a record of the course and help facilitate access to resources.
Presentation and documentation
Work should be presented in an orderly fashion. Good presentation will allow us to focus on the process and evolution of the work. Projects should be clearly labelled and displayed in a considered manner. Students are expected to provide thorough documentation of their process and final outcomes.
Grading
- 20% Participation in group discussions
- 20% Preparedness and rigor of process
- 60% Final results of projects
Evaluation
Grades are assigned according to the college’s letter system: A through F
- A = Excellent
- B = Good
- C = Satisfactory
- D = Unsatisfactory
- F = Failure
Grades of C- or less are considered a failing grade for the required courses within the major. Students will need to repeat the course and achieve a grade of C or better to advance to the next level.
Grading Late Work
You are required to complete all coursework on time: each assignment is to be finished by the start of class the day it is due unless specified otherwise. Work completed after this time, but before the start of the next class period will be marked down a full letter grade. If you have a scheduling problem regarding n project due date, please speak to the instructors as soon as possible in order to make alternative arrangements.
Attendance
- Three unexcused absences will result in failing the course
- Arriving more than 15 minutes late, or leaving the class for more than 15 minutes, three times will count as an unexcused absence.
This is a strict attendance policy. Do not print 5 minutes before the start of class. Do not tile your work, bind books, or finish coding a project during crit the day your assignments are due. Arriving without your project or materials necessary will count as an absence. Exceptions are based on the discretion of the instructor.
Students are expected to inform the instructors prior to missing a class, and are responsible for making up any missed assignments by next class. If you miss a class, please contact the instructors and a fellow classmate for notes, copies of handouts, assignment information, etc.
For an absence to be excused, please inform the instructors at least 1 day in advance. Observance of a religious holiday may be excused by the instructor.
Ethical and Academic Integrity
CCA expects students to conduct themselves as responsible individuals, respecting the rights & differences of others. Students are expected to be critical of their creative work; be sure artwork and written information is uniquely personalized and transformed. Plagiarism, or the intentional or knowing representation of someone else’s words, images, concepts or ideas is unacceptable and may lead to a judicial process within the school that could result in suspension or dismissal from the college.
Studio Guidelines and Etiquette
Please be *present* during class. Do not check your email, write text message, or do work for other classes during class time. It’s imperative you give the class and its fellow participants your attention during presentations and critique in order for class to be effective. We can experiment with break schedules in order to best accommodate everyone’s needs.