All work for this unit is submitted digitally through iLearn as outlined during class times.

While the media files used in your work does not need to be original, patches created in Max should be original works, and any 'borrowed code' or media files should be appropriately attributed or 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.

Late Submissions

Please note that the University and the Faculty of Arts have launched a new assessment policy effective as of 1 July 2021. This new policy particularly affects LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS.

The Faculty policy in relation to late assessment submissions is as follows:

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests, etc.

To be very clear:

• Unless you have applied for special consideration and had your application approved, for each day your assignment is late, 10 marks will be deducted. For example, if you submit your assignment 7 days late, 70 marks will be deducted, which means you will fail that assignment.
• If your assignment is more than 7 days late (including weekends), you will get 0 for your assignment.

These are serious penalties that will substantially alter your final grade and even determine whether you pass or fail this unit. Please make every effort to submit your assignment by the due date.

If you find you cannot submit your assignment on time, please apply for Special Consideration through AskMQ. Make sure you read Macquarie University's policy regarding Special Consideration requests before you apply:

https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration

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/

Information is correct at the time of publication.

As MMCC3023 is a practical unit, students are expected to attend both hours of the workshops (as the second hour of the workshop is typically dependent on the first hour). Workshops are designed to introduce new content, and offer students time to develop practice-based learning with instructional support where required.  Content delivered in class will not be repeated by other means (such as via email or one-on-one consultation).

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, video) for assignments, assessments, and demonstrations performances.  Students can store work in iLearn, but are welcome to bring USB sticks or portable Hard Drives to class.  (If the latter, please ensure that they are not formatted as NTFS).

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 Help and Documentation and the in-built Max/MSP/Jitter tutorials within Max.  Other readings and extra curricular tasks will be disseminated via iLearn.

Week 1

• Unit introduction and outline.
• Overview and assignment guidelines. Past projects.

Week 2

• Fundamentals of Max 1: Graphical Programming for Interactive Media, Objects, and Max's Conventions.
• Tutorial Task: Max Worksheet 1.

Week 3

• Fundamentals of Max 2: Introduction to MIDI, Musical Control Inputs (MIDI).
• Tutorial Task: Max Worksheet 2.

Week 4

• Fundamentals of Max 3: Basic Input Controls (keyboard/mouse).
• Tutorial Task: Max Worksheet 3.

Week 5

• Fundamentals of Max 4: Working with Video/Images.
• Introduction to working with image data and manipulation of video playback.
• Tutorial Task: Max Worksheet 4.

Week 6

• Fundamentals of Max 5: Working with Sound.
• Introduction to working with sound data and manipulation of sound playback.
• Tutorial Task: Max Worksheet 5.

Week 7

• Fundamentals of Max 6: Logic.
• Using Max to make decisions.
• Tutorial Task: Max Worksheet 6.

Week 8

• Working with Audio and Video Extension 1.
• Sound generation. Synthesis and manipulation of sound playback.
• Image generation. Manipulation of visual information and effects.
• Audiovisual performance practices.

Week 9

• Working with Audio and Video Extension 2.
• Tying it all Together: Integrating visuals and audio.
• Working with semi-autonomous agents for live performance.
• Optional Topics: Introduction to 3D. Working with data. Human Interface Devices. Constructing controller interfaces for audiovisual performance.

Week 10

• Project Development Time.
• Assisted Work Time.

Week 11

• Project Development Time.
• Assisted Work Time.

Week 12

• Project Development Time.
• Assisted Work Time.

Week 13

• Assisted Work Time.
• Capturing Max Demonstrations/Performances in Zoom.

Based on past student feedback, more assisted work time will be allocated during class workshops.