University of Wisconsin Whitewater Spring Semester, 2011
Class meets:
M/W Section I 12:30-1:45 Section II 2:15-3:30
McGraw 127 MAGD Lab
Office Hours: My office hours are M/W 1:45- 2:15, T/Th 7:45-9:15, W 11-12 in McGraw 104, or by appointment, McGraw 104

Communication takes place when the other person takes part in what is imparted to him--and in such a way that he does not, as it were, only receive in part what is communicated, but shares in this knowledge of the whole matter that is fully possessed by both of them. This is obviously what distinguishes genuine communication from simulated participation. Hans-Georg Gadamer (The Relevance of the Beautiful, 128)


The goal of this class is to develop interesting, compelling interactive environments. Our focus is on interaction from a communication perspective. Thus we consider the creation, delivery and reception of many kinds of communication: stories, educational content, advertising content, art, music, video, graphics, imagery and anything else we feel like communicating.

Course Information

Flash ™ software (and similar technologies) allow us to have more control over the environment in which the user is placed. The software allows for much more sophisticated use of graphic design, programming and interactivity. We shall explore the possibilities offered by these tools.
We shall also examine issues of usability. What is good for the designer might not be the best thing for the user. How do we maximize our design goals while still creating an optimized environment for the user?
This class starts with the assumption that you know basic HTML5, elementary Photoshop, basic Javascript and the basics of pre production for all media. I assume that you know nothing about Flash.

Objectives:

  • Practice, practice, practice creating compelling content. "Repetition is the mother of knowledge" (African proverb).
  • Introduce students to interactive media software, determine which content works best in which software and PLAY with it.
  • Create media products that meet the needs of designers, clients and users (not necessarily in that order)
  • Provide an environment for students to design and evaluate their own creative work as well as learn how to critique and have their work critiqued by fellow students.
  • Give students the opportunity to acquire the skills that make them competent, productive and sought after members of the workforce. Email me if you would like me to add you to the interactive media and games jobs/announcements listserv.

UWW Statement

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).

Last changed 2011 ©2000-11 Elena Bertozzi