Overview of the Project Hyperessay
Using the form of the hyperessay (essay with hypermedia elements) integrate a textual description with relevant graphics, video, sound, and links drawn from micro-projects, readings, discussion and other research to develop the final project. Gather together media and links to related readings and/or artworks that support your project hyperessay. The project hyperessay will be carried out in five sections/posts throughout the course of the semester and displayed as a “category page” using the category “Project Hyperessay” on your site. The project hyperessay will be developed incrementally over the course of the semester. Each section will be created as a unique WordPress post, with each section revised through the course of the semester as your project evolves. The project hyperessay should take full advantage of the multimedia capabilities of WordPress: with embedded images, video, links, sound, etc.
The following are the five sections of the project hyperessay, including due dates for each:
NOTE: Use a unique post for each section, applying the category “Project Hyperessay” to each post. Also, remember to always use the featured image.
Project Hyperessay #1: Concept
Part I. Concept: For the first installment of the Project Hyperessay, we are each going to formulate an idea that could work as a collaborative group project. This idea will take form as a concept based on what we have learned and created in class so far this semester. For example we have discussed several topics, issues and artistic approaches related to Internet art and culture, including: collective narrative, the third space, data visualization, glitch aesthetics, privacy, appropriation, virtual narrative, collective body, etc. Based on what has interested you so far, come up with an idea for a final project that could work as a collaborative group project. For example: a data visualization that maps NTU students’ social media data; an exhibition of glitch art exhibited on Facebook with open contributions; a Twitter play; or perhaps a live performance in Adobe Connect. Anything is possible! The concept should be concise, engaging, and should clearly describe what the project is about, its artistic objectives, and how it could involve group collaboration. Writeup your concept as an approximately 300-500 word hyperessay with media and hyperlinks that illustrate the idea. Reference at least one essay and one artwork we have discussed that supports your idea. The concept will be developed in three parts:
a: Complete your Project Hyperessay post no later than 10:00 AM on Monday, October 6th. (Be sure and use the category: Project Hyperessay)
b: Read the other Project Hyperessays and post a comment on each one, providing the student with a short response. The purpose of this to become familiar with everyone’s concept and bounce ideas around in the form of an online discussion, with responses to comments, etc. All commenting is due on Wednesday, October 8th in time for class.
c: During class on Wednesday, October 8th, each of you will give a 5 minute presentation of your idea. Then together as a group, we will consider each idea and formulate a synthesis for a group final project. This will require a process of discussion, negotiation, revision, and agreement that is essential to the process of collaboration. You will use your Project Hyperessay to deliver your presentation, so be sure you have sufficient media displayed prominently to convey your concept.
Project Hyperessay #2 – Role of the Viewer
Part II. Role of the viewer: describe the role of the viewer, for example, if there is any interactivity, networked participation, collaboration, social media actions, etc. How does the viewer interact with the work, and even more importantly, affect its outcome. In our study of Internet culture, we are particularly interested in how the viewer might engage via the network, is there user-generated content being upload, is there some for of social media participation, discussion, sharing, etc. Since we are also in the initial stage of planning our final exhibition, we want to know how each work engages the viewer within a participatory environment. Providing detail for each project will give us a better idea as to how we might stage our final project exhibition. Some of the questions you might want to answer: Does the work require a physical space? Does it need to be projected or can it be displayed via a monitor? Does the work reside entirely online? Does the viewer need to download anything? Is there special software involved for the viewer to install? Try as best you can to consider all the various aspect of the role of the viewer in this next installment of the Project Hyperessay. Due: Wednesday, October 15 (week 9)
Project Hyperessay #3 – Technical Realization
Part III. Technical realization: include a technical description with any sketches, drawings, photographs you have done, which help articulate the technical elements of the work, as well as any specific software and/or hardware that is required for the project. By this stage of the process, it is important to have examples of specific work you are creating that demonstrate the ideas and concepts expressed in the first two installments of the Project Hyperessay. Due: Wednesday, October 29
Project Hyperessay #4 – Conclusion
Part IV. Conclusion: the concluding installment of the Project Hyperessay will give you an opportunity to synthesize the elements of your project. What ideas and concepts discussed in the course were incorporated into the project? What aspect of net culture does the project address? How does the project bridge your artistic practice with OSS concepts and ideas? What were some of the key ideas about net-based artistic work that were new to your experience of working with new media? What issues were exposed through your project that allowed you to critically examine them? And finally, how did your project evolve as a result of the Web practices you learned using WordPress as a medium for critical writing, research and artistic production? Due: 12:00 pm, Thursday, November 13th
General Comments
The project hyperessay is a living, changing document, a work-in-progress, throughout the semester. The five sections/posts will be updated as the final project progresses. Ultimately, the project hyperessay will form the basis for the critique of your final project at the end of the semester, when it will be reviewed in full. The project hyperessay is very useful to tracking the artistic process, allowing you to examine the progress of your work, and to ask questions such as: Have you been able to achieve the intent of the work? Have you been able to fully realize the work’s potential? Have you fully challenged and thought through the ideas presented in Media & Performance? Does your project hyperessay show that you have incorporated concepts we have addressed? These are important considerations for a successful hyperessay and final project. The project hyperessay is not intended to be entirely faithful to the original idea of the work, rather, it allows you track, alter, change, revise, and reconsider your ideas through the course of the semester. Since the document can be updated, you can revise accordingly as you refine your concept, find new technical solutions, or incorporate entirely new influences.