Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor, Lecturer, Tutor Alex Mesker alex.mesker@mq.edu.au Contact via alex.mesker@mq.edu.au Y3A 193K By appointment
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites 39cp at 100 level or above
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit is unit designed for students and digital artists interested in computer-based audiovisual performance. The unit aims at extending production skills gained in music and media production streams, and attempts to build an adaptable skill set for creating customised digital performance and interactive works. This unit will cover a range of hybrid new media contemporary technologies including MIDI, audio and synthesis, graphics and video, 3D, and gestural and tactile control. It covers programming fundamentals with Max, a graphical programming environment for new media artists. The core of the unit will be the creation of new media production and performance works, including computer-mediated music and visual art projects. Skills gained in this unit have relevance to areas including sonic and visual design, interaction design, game sound, and broad areas of computer-based production and performance. This unit assumes no prior knowledge in Max.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and application of course concepts.
Develop information and technological literacy, as well as an understanding of how to manipulate various media forms.
Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Illustrate competence with material/programs taught (Max/MSP/Jitter).
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Synthesise creative concepts through aural and visual media forms.
Develop problem-solving skills.

General Assessment Information

With the exception of written work, all work must be digitally submitted to the Music Server (or iLearn) as outlined during class time.

While media files can be sourced from others' work, patches created in Max/MSP/Jitter should be original works, and any 'borrowed code' should be referenced as you would in a formal written assignment. Submission of work that is primarily copied from resources outside of content provided in the unit is subject to the same Academic Honesty Policy as written works.

Assessment marks are aligned with the university's grade descriptors.

Additional information

MMCCS website https://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_media_music_communication_and_cultural_studies/

MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914

Information is correct at the time of publication.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Image Manipulation System	30%	No	Week 8 Class
Creative Brief	10%	No	Week 9 Class
Interactive Multimedia Work	30%	No	Week 13 Class
Class Participation	10%	No	Ongoing
Workshop Fundamentals	20%	No	Weeks 2–5

Image Manipulation System

Due: Week 8 Class
Weighting: 30%

Students will create a basic Max/Jitter patch that allows a performer (ie. you) to load images or video, and manipulate live (eg. 'cut' between parts, change visual effects etc.). An interface of your choice should be mapped to act as a controller for your system.

A brief demonstration of your patch's functionality and usage will occur in Week 8 tutorial. A pass mark for this assessment will be granted for a demonstration of technical proficiency, and intention behind and understanding of the function of your patch.

Students are encouraged to incorporate other forms of visual modification and control in their patches.

After demonstration, submit your patch to the assignments' dropbox on the server in a folder containing all your patches and media files, named LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_Assessment2.

Marking Criteria

Marks will be awarded for:

Satisfactorily completing project objectives
Demonstration of understanding
Suitable conversion and formatting of visual/aural media forms
Effective forms of control over the visuals
Clarity, quality and ingenuity (orderly and easy-to-read patching layout, concise and well structured patching) of your patch

Late Submission

A late penalty of 10% per day will be applied.

Extensions

Extensions may only be granted by the unit convenor in line with university policy.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and application of course concepts.
Develop information and technological literacy, as well as an understanding of how to manipulate various media forms.
Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Illustrate competence with material/programs taught (Max/MSP/Jitter).
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Synthesise creative concepts through aural and visual media forms.
Develop problem-solving skills.

Creative Brief

Due: Week 9 Class
Weighting: 10%

Students must write a 500-word brief outlining their intended construction of a performable presentation/installation using Max. By this point in the unit, students should have a familiarity and understanding of the creative possibilities of Max, and should address technical concepts such as what the performance will entail, how the patch will function, how it will create/control visual/aural media, and how/whether special control interfaces will be used. Students will reflect on this written creative brief when demonstrating their completed work in Week 13.

The creative brief is to be submitted via iLearn.

Marking Criteria

Marks will be awarded for:

Outlining objectives for your creative work
Evidence of understanding of how it could be realised
Outlining steps to achieve this given existing levels of knowledge
Clarity, quality and ingenuity of ideas
Quality of writing

Late Submission

A late penalty of 10% per day will be applied.

Extensions

Extensions may only be granted by the unit convenor in line with university policy.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and application of course concepts.
Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Synthesise creative concepts through aural and visual media forms.

Interactive Multimedia Work

Due: Week 13 Class
Weighting: 30%

Students must design and create an interactive sound/music/image/video based installation/performance work that employs elements of new media performance and demonstrates knowledge learnt throughout the course. The installation will be performed in Week 13 during 302 class time and should be accompanied by a brief technical presentation outlining aims and outcomes.

This is a summative assessment that should build on the Creative Brief and incorporate techniques and concepts practiced and discussed throughout the course. A pass mark for this assessment will be granted for a demonstration of technical proficiency and the ability to successfully realise a creative work in a multimedia form, integrating image and sound.

Group work (of two students) is allowed in this assignment. Marks will be allocated based on individual contribution to the final product (as evidenced by students' contribution in the weeks preceding the final performance.)

Note: If this patch is based on a previously submitted Image Modification System, it should show a distinct progression from and marked difference between previously demonstrated work.

As well as presenting your work, please submit a copy to the assignments' dropbox on the server as a folder containing all of your patches and media files entitled LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_FinalWork.

Marking Criteria

Marks will be awarded for:

Construction and demonstration of a coherent performable art/work
Evidence of understanding of audiovisual performance and control
Suitable control inputs and interaction with media forms
Quality, achievability and realisation of creative ideas
Effective engagement with audiovisual media forms through gestural inputs and computer-based controls

Late Submission

A late penalty of 10% per day will be applied.

Extensions

Extensions may only be granted by the unit convenor in line with university policy.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and application of course concepts.
Develop information and technological literacy, as well as an understanding of how to manipulate various media forms.
Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Illustrate competence with material/programs taught (Max/MSP/Jitter).
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Synthesise creative concepts through aural and visual media forms.
Develop problem-solving skills.

Class Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%

At the end of the unit, marks will be awarded for tutorial participation and how students engaged with course material in classes.

Asking questions and demonstrating critical thinking through engagement with class discussions are great ways to participate in tutorials.

Marking Criteria

Marks will be awarded for:

Engaging with class topics/discussion
Contributing to the group learning environment
Engaging with course material and tutorial tasks

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and application of course concepts.
Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Illustrate competence with material/programs taught (Max/MSP/Jitter).
Develop problem-solving skills.

Workshop Fundamentals

Due: Weeks 2–5
Weighting: 20%

Students are required to complete tutorial 'worksheets' in Max, and create micro-projects that demonstrate their understanding of fundamental Max/MSP/Jitter concepts. These worksheets will give students the skillset to develop their own creative works in Max.

While a number of these might deal with musical concepts, your demonstrated familiarity with Max and analytical approach is what is the main focus of these worksheets. Students' engagement with the worksheets will be formatively assessed during each tutorial. Feedback will consist of discussion with the tutor.

Worksheets will be submitted to assignments' dropbox the server, and should be placed in a folder named LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_MUS302_Worksheet1.

Marking Criteria

Marks will be awarded for:

Satisfactorily completing tasks
Addressing task requirements correctly
Demonstration of understanding
Clarity, quality and ingenuity (orderly and easy-to-read patching layout, concise and well structured patching)

Late Submission

A late penalty of 10% per day will be applied.

Extensions

Extensions may only be granted by the unit convenor in line with university policy.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and application of course concepts.
Develop information and technological literacy, as well as an understanding of how to manipulate various media forms.
Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Illustrate competence with material/programs taught (Max/MSP/Jitter).
Develop problem-solving skills.

Delivery and Resources

As MUS 302 is a practical unit, students are expected to attend both lectures and practical tutorial workshops (workshops are heavily dependent on lecture content). Workshops are designed to give students time to develop practice-based learning with instructional support. Prior knowledge of Max is not a requirement, however general computer literacy skills are assumed (creating files/folders, copying files etc).

Students are required to bring headphones to class each week, and to source/create their own media (music, sound, images, film) for assignments, assessments, and performances. Each student has access to a file server to save their work, but can also bring thumb drives or portable drives (not formatted as NTFS) to class.

Non-attendance to more than two lectures/tutorials without medical certification will result in a zero grade for participation in the unit.

Readings

Readings and extra curricular tasks will be disseminated via iLearn.

Core-readings and interactive exercises:

As this course is computer-focussed and practical in nature, a number of interactive readings and examples will be available in the Max 7 Help and Documentation and the in-built Max/MSP/Jitter tutorials within Max.

Optional Readings:

Manzo, VJ (2011) Max/MSP/Jitter for Music: A Practical Guide to Developing Interactive Music Systems for Education and More

Colosanto, F (2012) Max 6: Interface

… both available via http://cycling74.com/wiki/index.php?title=Max_Documentation_and_Resources (please discuss any areas you wish to read about in more detail with teaching staff first)

Unit Schedule

Week 1

Course introduction.
Overview and assignment guidelines. Past projects.

Week 2

Fundamentals of Max/MSP/Jitter 1: Message Types, Programmatic Flow
Tutorial Task: Max Worksheet 1
Assessment 1a: Max Worksheet 1

Week 3

Fundamentals of Max/MSP/Jitter 2: introduction to MIDI
Tutorial Task: Max Worksheet 2
Assessment 1b: Max Worksheet 2

Week 4

Fundamentals of Max/MSP/Jitter 3: Basic Input Controls (keys/mouse)
Tutorial Task: Max Worksheet 3
Assessment 1c: Max Worksheet 3

Week 5

Fundamentals of Max/MSP/Jitter 4: Musical Control
Tutorial Task: Max Worksheet 4
Assessment 1d: Max Worksheet 4

Week 6

Max: Working with Visuals 1.
Introduction to video.
Manipulation of video playback.

Week 7

Max: Working with Visuals 2.
Interfaces.
Constructing controller interfaces for controlling visual performance.

Week 8

Max: Working with Audio
Introduction to Audio. Synthesis and manipulation of sound playback.
Assessment 2: Basic Video/Image Manipulation System

Week 9

Max: Working with Audio 2.
Human Interface Devices.
Constructing controller interfaces forsonic performance.
Assessment 3: Creative Brief for Live Performance System/Final Work.

Week 10

Audiovisual performance
Integrating visuals and audio.

Week 11

Max: Tying It All Together
Working with semi-autonomous agents for live performance.

Week 12

Free Lab Time

Week 13

Max Performances
Assessment 4: Interactive Multimedia Work in Max/MSP/Jitter performances in tutorial

Note: Late assignments without medical certification will incur a 10% penalty per day.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Synthesise creative concepts through aural and visual media forms.
Develop problem-solving skills.

Assessment tasks

Image Manipulation System
Creative Brief
Interactive Multimedia Work
Workshop Fundamentals

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and application of course concepts.
Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Synthesise creative concepts through aural and visual media forms.
Develop problem-solving skills.

Assessment tasks

Image Manipulation System
Creative Brief

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Develop information and technological literacy, as well as an understanding of how to manipulate various media forms.
Illustrate competence with material/programs taught (Max/MSP/Jitter).
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Develop problem-solving skills.

Assessment tasks

Interactive Multimedia Work
Class Participation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and application of course concepts.
Develop information and technological literacy, as well as an understanding of how to manipulate various media forms.
Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Illustrate competence with material/programs taught (Max/MSP/Jitter).
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Synthesise creative concepts through aural and visual media forms.
Develop problem-solving skills.

Assessment tasks

Image Manipulation System
Creative Brief
Interactive Multimedia Work
Workshop Fundamentals

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and application of course concepts.
Develop information and technological literacy, as well as an understanding of how to manipulate various media forms.
Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Illustrate competence with material/programs taught (Max/MSP/Jitter).
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Synthesise creative concepts through aural and visual media forms.
Develop problem-solving skills.

Assessment tasks

Image Manipulation System
Creative Brief
Interactive Multimedia Work
Class Participation
Workshop Fundamentals

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and application of course concepts.
Develop information and technological literacy, as well as an understanding of how to manipulate various media forms.
Examine and critically analyse the work of others and be able to understand, deconstruct, and apply these skills to their own work.
Illustrate competence with material/programs taught (Max/MSP/Jitter).
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Synthesise creative concepts through aural and visual media forms.
Develop problem-solving skills.

Assessment tasks

Image Manipulation System
Creative Brief
Interactive Multimedia Work
Class Participation
Workshop Fundamentals

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Develop information and technological literacy, as well as an understanding of how to manipulate various media forms.
Illustrate competence with material/programs taught (Max/MSP/Jitter).
Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.
Synthesise creative concepts through aural and visual media forms.

Assessment tasks

Image Manipulation System
Creative Brief
Interactive Multimedia Work
Class Participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

Develop the ability to apply theoretical and technological concepts to creative works.

Changes from Previous Offering

Based on past student feedback, more hands-on lab time has been granted.