INTRO

This quarter art 132 is emphasizing the use of video in 'documentary practices'. [Plural - as opposed to the singular 'documentary practice' which might imply a narrower definition such as 'social documentary' for instance].

Current video technology is both a toolset and a medium in the process of documentation. Just what is documented by video technology depends on context:

family-life; criminal evidence; old TV variety shows; music video; performance art; breaking news; surveillance footage; police brutality; historic speeches; insurance claims; sexual encounters; etc.

The context of video raises other considerations of 'how', 'where,' 'why' & 'who':

streaming movies for web-delivery; DVR or 'Tivo' for TV capture; phone-cam for intimacy or immediacy; DVD for ease of distribution; giant-screen relay and instant replay for stadium events; satellite uplink for 'embedded' war coverage; etc.

Through presentations, screenings, and readings, we will be studying the different ways that video has been used historically as a documentary technology. At the same time, through practical assignments designed to introduce and enhance video production skills, we will be seeking to explore and redefine the 'documentary' aspects of video practice for ourselves and the present time.

Tuesdays will be production days with individual instruction in the lab.

Thursday class sessions will involve: all instructional demos; regular screenings; discussion and readings; guest presentations; critiques; etc.