Professor Elena Bertozzi

This course provides an overview of current trends in multimedia development. Students will learn how to design and plan the implementation of projects deliverable over the web, via CDs/DVDs, handhelds, and game consoles. We will also examine media effects specific to interactive multimedia and discuss how these differ from traditional media.

Over the course of the semester we will consider the following questions: What is multimedia? What happens when text, images, audio, video and animation change from analog to digital? Which software programs enable this transition? How does interactivity change the media equation? How do these technologies change us and affect the quality and tenor of our lives? Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental elements of the design process for multimedia:

• Contracting
• Brainstorming
• Storyboarding
• Usability, phase I
• Implementation
• Usability phase II
• Delivery: web, cd rom, etc.

You are adults, and paying for the opportunity to get an education, thus your presence is class is expected. I do not take attendance, nor do I take off points if you fail to come to class, however you should be aware that you cannot succeed in this class without regular attendance. If you choose not to attend class, there is no need to send me an email explaining why you are not present. It is your responsibility to contact someone else in the class for notes, do not ask me for them. When in class, your cellphones and pagers should be turned off and you should not utilize the available technology for anything other than classwork. The 'nudge' percentage of your grade is determined by your behavior in the classroom.

Given that this is the introductory course to the Multimedia concentration, all the readings will be available electronically, either linked from the syllabus or on electronic reserve.

Multimedia fluency and competence make it much easier to engage in academic misconduct. These technologies also provide professors with more sophisticated techniques for detecting misconduct. UWS policy in regard to misconduct is available on the web. All work that you turn in should be your own. This includes text, images, audio and information. When you use work that is the intellectual property of others, this material should be properly identified and cited using either MLA or APA style citations. If you neglect to do this, you will automatically fail the assignment. If you willfully plagiarize the work of others, you will fail the course.

One of the things we will consider during this course is the effect of technologies such as email. I am happy to hear from you via email and to answer simple questions. For more serious topics such as discussion of the content of your assignments and issues with grading, I want to see you in person. Given that I don't take attendance, there is no need to email me if you won't be in class, nor should you email me asking me to summarize what you have missed. Here is a link to the Communication Department website for more information about departmental policies.

Design classes depend on group participation and group respect. Each member of the class will be presenting his/her work to the others in public critiques. The goal of these sessions is to help each other become better multimedia designers by constructively critiquing each other's work. This method of working also reflects what you will find when you enter the workplace. Digital multimedia design is extremely complex and requires the interaction of many team members. Thus the expectation is that you will participate in class discussions, be civil to your colleagues, and be respectful in your work. You have a great deal of leeway in terms of the content of the media that you design. Content that is bigoted, sexist, racist or otherwise offensive will be appropriately penalized.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is dedicated to a safe, supportive and    non-discriminatory learning environment.  It is the responsibility of all undergraduate and graduate students to familiarize themselves with University policies regarding Special Accommodations, Academic Misconduct, Religious Beliefs Accommodation, Discrimination and Absence for University Sponsored Events (for details please refer to the Schedule of Classes; the 'Rights and Responsibilities' section of the Undergraduate Catalog; the Academic Requirements and Policies and the Facilities and Services sections of the Graduate Catalog; and the 'Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures (UWS Chapter 14); and the 'Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures' (UWS Chapter 17).