What This Document Is
These are lecture notes from DESMA 101, an introductory course to Media Arts at UCLA, taught by Professor Huhtamo in Fall 2007. They offer a foundational overview of the field, exploring its definitions, historical context, and relationship to broader cultural and technological shifts. These notes are designed to complement, not replace, attending the lectures themselves, serving as a memory aid and study resource. The material delves into the complexities of defining “Media Arts” and its distinctions from related fields.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is invaluable for students enrolled in DESMA 101 seeking to solidify their understanding of core concepts presented in lectures. It’s particularly helpful for reviewing key ideas, preparing for discussions, and building a strong base for further exploration into media arts practices. Anyone interested in the theoretical underpinnings of new media and its artistic applications will also find these notes a useful starting point. Accessing the full notes will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the course material.
Topics Covered
* Definitions and distinctions within the field of Media Arts (including comparisons to digital, electronic, and information art)
* The concept of “New Media” and its limitations as a descriptive term
* Exclusive vs. Inclusive definitions of Media Arts and their implications
* The relationship between Media Arts and Media Design
* Historical perspectives on the definition of “media” and its evolution
* The interplay between technology and cultural form
* Fundamental questions regarding art’s role in communication
What This Document Provides
* A historical tracing of terminology used to describe art created with and about media.
* Key definitions and conceptual frameworks for understanding Media Arts.
* Points of comparison and contrast between different approaches to defining the field.
* References to influential thinkers in the field of new media studies (e.g., Lev Manovich, Mark N.K. Hansen).
* A foundation for critically examining the purpose and function of media art.
