Classes start on May 20.
BB Sketchbook (DAA499ST) A general storyline or previously published manuscript will be assigned at the start of the semester and students will work to develop everything that will go into a world which suits that storyline. Over the semester, students will also be given intensive observational assignments to assist in the learning and development process. These assignments will force the students to intensely observe figures, plants, machines and other items which will then allow for a complete understanding of real-world subject matter that can be later turned into confidently imagined characters, environments, vehicles, props or whatever is needed as a conceptual step forward in designing to the given storyline. Ideas will be generated and changed and turned into something new, all chronicled in sketchbook form. The end result of the semester will be a compilation of this development process.
“As the name ‘Sketchbook’ implies, this course is intended to be a ‘behind-the-scenes’ approach to developing ideas and imagery for character and creature design, environments, vehicles, props and anything students can imagine. For every great concept, there is a paper trail of hard work, discarded and unseen ideas and drawings – the dirty laundry of concept development – this will be the focus of this Summer 2013 Sketchbook.” -David Perry, Faculty
Theory and Practice of Sound Work (DAT 302) Have you ever wonder how and why music and sound impacts our moods and emotions? If your answer is yes, then Cogswell’s audio department is offering a class this summer that lets you examine the ways that sound and music interact with body and mind states. Sound Work takes a critical look at the issue from both a music theory standpoint and from a body/mind perspective. Explore multiple Sound Work practices, representative musical examples and take part in exercises and experiments to accompany the reading and discussion.
“Doing Sound Work frames music and sound in a different way. It often is as much energetic as it is sonic. Sound Work is successful if a listener or subject experiences some beneficial change, such as better concentration, a decrease in compulsive urges or deep relaxation. Engaging with the practice of Sound Work can be life-changing in its effect on a musician or audio specialist.” -Tim Duncan, Faculty
“I’ve seen research that shows how certain sounds can induce states of healing, reduce stress or induce sleep. I think this is a very understudied field and would like to be part of research projects. It’s fascinating how frequencies affect the brain and can be embedded in musical works to promote different states.” -Brahmanya Ananda, Student
Ultimate Electronic Music Production (DAT 499) lets you spend your summer immersed in every aspect of electronic music. Start with the history of and then move on to an analysis of groundbreaking works, focusing on an examination of the evolution and expansion of music production technologies in electronic music. Take a behind-the-scenes look at famous synthesizers. Explore the use of MIDI/synch in the studio and concentrate on the elements of advanced sound design by (re)creating sonic textures and incorporating stylistic analysis and (re)production. Best of all, the class features a synthesizer workshop. With more than two decades of experience and passion, platinum-album electronic music composer, Julius Dobos, looks forward to sharing the techniques, sonic discoveries and future possibilities electronic music holds for dedicated students.
“Electronic music is an expansive and ever-evolving field within music composition & production, stylistically much more diverse than most would think. It has influenced countless genres and it presents an inexhaustible number of ways to communicate musical ideas.” -Julius Dobos, Faculty
“Given the wide variety of distinguished professionals teaching at Cogswell, the best thing a student can do for his/her education is to take advantage of a teacher’s experienced wisdom on a subject. Ultimate Electronic Music Production is a great opportunity to hone my skills at electronic beatmaking, learn how to use heady gear in creative and efficient ways, and receive invaluable instruction and advice from a seasoned producer with a familiar passion for electronic music.” -Daniel McFarren, Student
Technology & Culture (HUM 199 B) is an introduction to contemporary thinking about the nature and significance of technology as a dynamic element in human society and an embodiment of cultural values. Does technology work for us – or do we work for technology? Through the exploration of important – and widely divergent – theories of technology, you will be asked to think critically and creatively about the technologies that impact the work you plan to do upon graduation and the culture in which we live.
“Technology is the lens through which we view our work, our relationships with others, and even ourselves. It’s really important to develop a conscious approach to thinking about and discussing technology – so that we don’t mindlessly accept what the media tells us, or sleepwalk through our interactions. I’m excited to present this fascinating and challenging material to Cogswell students who engage every day with big questions about technology and culture.” -Susan Harvey, Faculty
Apocalypse & the American Imagination (ENG 499) is taught in a seminar setting giving students ample time to delve into American’s obsession with zombies, cyborgs and the end of the world. Why are we so fascinated with the apocalypse? Students will be asked to isolate and analyze memes and tropes in popular culture and media, and develop a deeper understanding of our culture in the process.
“I think it’s important because it teaches young artists how artists use culture to build and create something original. The better your understanding of culture, the more informed your creations are. I came up with the class because I was fascinated with how resilient zombies, cyborgs, and apocalypse are in our media. I wanted to know more about it, and I do learn more each semester with the students in this seminar.” -Richard Schimpf, Faculty
“I would like to take this class because I have an open-minded opinion on the possibility that our species will ruin this planet and make it uninhabitable.” -William Collins, Student
