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Art 490 Special Problems: Digital Filmmaking in Japan :
Learn fundamentals of smartphone filmmaking with the picturesque backdrop of Japan

MTWRFSS From:Wed. May 15- Wed. May 29, 2013

Instructor: Joon Sung, Associate Professor
Department of Art - Western Kentucky University
Email: joon.sung@wku.edu Tel: 52154   Office: IWFAC 414

Class web site: www.wku.edu/~joon.sung/media

Description:
Digital Filmmaking in Japan will provide students a digital filmmaking opportunity in a cross-cultural where students from WKU and Japan will share technical and aesthetic perspectives.
*This is open to all majors - No prerequisites or production experience required.

Objectives:

Students in this unique program will be immersed in the rapidly changing world of digital technology as an art-making tool. They will especially take advantage of the opportunity to explore the Smartphone filmmaking fast becoming an option for video/filmmakers.

Students will learn the entire process from onsite camera operation to editing and output as they shoot their short films in this medium. Active hands-on-learning experiences, intense engagement with the instructor and peers, and development of critical thinking skills directed toward the future of digital art will prepare the students for thriving multifaceted careers within the dynamic global society. Students work in three to four person crews to complete each film. When their colleagues direct, students rotate among the key crew positions.

Required Materials:

  • A smartphone (preferably iPhone) or potable digital camcorder (HD) is recommended.
  • A sketchbook, removable USB Flash Drive or potable hard drive, and YouTube or Vimeo account.

Recommended Textbooks:
• Exploring Digital Video, Lisa Rysinger, Delmar Cengage Learning
ISBN-10: 1418042064
• The little Digital Video book, Michael Rubin, Peachpit Press, ISBN-10: 0321572629

Class Policies:
• Attendance: Prompt and regular attendance is mandatory. There is no distinction between excused and unexcused absences in terms of your total number of absences. Each absence will result in a lowering of your final grade.

Evaluation/Grading:

based on

  • the uniqueness of the subject-matter (innovation/invention) you are telling.
  • quality and originality.
  • exploration of new skills, style and ideas.
  • amount of effort you put in.
  • competency using the digital tools.

    *** The letter grade of "A" is given only for exceptional work.

Attendance/Participation/Collaboration = 50% | Individual Project = 50%
A = 90-100%; Outstanding achievement; available only for the highest accomplishment.
B = 80-89%; Praiseworthy performance; definitely above average.
C = 70-79%; Average; awarded for satisfactory performance; the most common grade.
D = 60-69%; Minimally passing; less than average achievement for undergraduate students.
F = 59% and below; Failing.

Eligibility

The Program Leaders may determine other eligibility requirements, but at a minimum, all applicants need to meet these requirements:

  • Current WKU student eligible to register for WKU courses.
  • 3.2 cumulative GPA or good standing in the Honors College (honors sections only)
  • Permission of instructor(s).
  • Good academic standing (Undergraduate Catalog p.27; Graduate Catalog p.30).
  • 18 years of age or older at time of departure (parent/guardian permission for anyone under 18 at time of departure).
  • Possess passport valid for at least six (6) months after FLSA return date.
  • No current disciplinary sanctions as verified by Judicial Affairs.
  • Full payment prior to departure.
  • Completion of all pre-departure orientation.
  • Complete the Study Abroad & Global Learning application process on TopNet prior to being registered in this course. We suggest you start this application process immediately and respond to all emails promptly.

Program Package

  • Includes 3-credit hour tuition ($1,062 estimated value), round-trip airfare, accommodations, all group excursions, and medical insurance. The course includes a group flight that originates and returns to Nashville.
  • Not included in program fee: transportation from home to the U.S. departure airport /return from airport to your home, and personal spending money.

    Final program fee subject to change due to travel arrangements.

Logistical Considerations

  • International travel requires all participants to have a valid passport. If you don't have a passport, get one immediately.
  • This program will require student to spend some time independently exploring Tokyo, Japan. Students should be prepared to conduct themselves in a mature and respectful manner at all times.
  • This program will also include a fair amount of walking in a metropolitan area. Proper shoes and attire are required.Some days of the program have considerable walking. Bring proper footwear.
  • Independent travel (separate from the group) will be closely monitored and may require instructor's permission.
  • The course includes a group flight that originates and returns to Nashville.

Funding Options

  • DELO Faculty-led Study Abroad Award
  • Honors Travel Abroad Grant (up to $500) (as appropriate)
  • WKU Worldtopper Scholarship (apply on topnet)
  • Check with your major department for additional available scholarships

    You should contact Student Financial Assistance to determine your funding options if needed. You will need to provide the course number, name, your name and 800#, and the course fee as stated above, in the email you send to financial aid.

Student Projects:
For the purpose of promoting the student, the department and/or the university may use or submit student films created in this course to film and video festivals.

Payment and Refund Policy:

  • The WKU Study Abroad Office portion of the application charge is only refundable if you are not accepted to the program. Students who withdraw their application before decisions are made will not be refunded the fee.

  • Any additional portions of application charges are subject to the refund and payment policies of their respective organizations.

  • A student who withdraws may apply the WKU Study Abroad Office portion of the application charge to participation in a different program in the same year or a future program.

  • If a student voluntarily withdraws from a study abroad program after application to the program but prior to the start date of the program, the student will be refunded the program cost, excluding application charge and any portion of the program cost which is unrecoverable* (pre-paid meals, pre-paid room reservation deposits, etc.)

  • Even if the student has not yet paid the full program balance, he or she is obligated to pay the SA for any unrecoverable expenses incurred on the student's behalf. This may require the student to pay part of the program cost to the SA, even if he or she does not attend the program. It is therefore in the student's best interest to notify the SA immediately when making a decision to withdraw.

  • If a student withdraws from a study abroad program after the program officially begins, no money will be refunded.

  • If a student is required to withdraw from a study abroad program for academic or conduct reasons after the program officially begins, no money will be refunded.

  • Students in any program who choose NOT to participate in a program activity, either mandatory or non-mandatory, (such as a field trip, excursion, cultural event, etc.) will NOT be refunded any portion of the program cost.

    *Unrecoverable costs may include expenses for both individual and group services. Individual expenses are items such as airline tickets or pre-paid room reservations. Group expenses may include bus rentals or payment to guides. For example, if the program budget is based on a minimum of 15 participants, and the 15th student withdraws, then a portion of the cost for some group services also becomes an uncoverable loss.


Disability Policy:
In compliance with university policy, students with disabilities who require academic and/or auxiliary accommodations for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services in Downing University Center,
A-200. The phone number is (270)745-5004. Please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services.