overview
New Media Earthworks will survey the impact of emerging technologies
on art works that ask questions about technology and nature.
We begin with an initial study of early earthworks that use
nature as setting such as Christo's wrapped islands. In the
next part of the course we will examine large site-specific
installations that not only display the natural beauty of our
environment, but also critique its use by humans. Throughout
the semester we will consider the current state of the environment
in the context of the work of artists, activists, and scientists.
Fusing technology with earth art produces many questions to
be discussed in the course: How can technology highlight environmental
issues? What is technology's role in preserving nature? How
does questioning reality, either virtual or real, help us improve
our relationship with the natural world? How can technology
enable communication about ecological conservation between people
over distance?
course requirements
• 2 position papers (500 words or less) + photo essay
report
• weekly readings
• midterm quiz
• final project (5 minute video essay or PPT presentation)
assigned readings
• all assigned readings in course reader
attendance policy
• 3 or more unexcused absences = NO CREDIT
