Major Concepts/Content: The video art course provides students with a comprehensive video arts program that emphasizes video production as an art form. Students create original video productions using equipment that generates, processes, or alters electronic visual and aural images. This equipment includes the video camera, recorder computer, special effects generator and editing machines. It also includes equipment that reproduces or synthesizes sound effects and music, such as CD and tape players and electronic keyboards. Students use the video medium to effect personal or social expression through visual/aural images, to create videos with aesthetic goals, and to convey information about the visual or performing arts.

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities include activities to ensure mastery of the functions of the equipment. In producing videos, students will use computer graphics, computer processed images or computer animation; create sets and models with a variety of materials, produce claymation and other forms of animation; explore the arrangement of images in time sequences; and use movement and sound, including original sound and music, as components of artistic expression. Instruction will focus on all stages of production including planning, execution and evaluation.

Major Evaluative Techniques: Students will be required to demonstrate either through observation or oral evaluation, the proper care and use of video production equipment and materials. Student projects will be evaluated on originality, craftsmanship, effort, time utilization, and qualify, taking into consideration the individual or students' talent, experience, and/or limitations. 

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the video art course, students should be able to:

1. Create Works of Art

• Control a video camera/camcorder using camera functions and camera angles to produce desired effects.
• Master VCR and editing functions to produce visual effects such as contrast, movement, and creation of "video time. "
• Use special effects machines to produce visual effects appropriate to projects. Integrate computer generated or processed images into video productions.
• Use computers to generate graphics. Produce the illusion of movement using computer animation and claymation.
• Explore the arrangement of images in various types of time sequences.
• Integrate sound into the video product using audio dubbing, microphone, non-conventional sound applications, synthesized sounds, and original music.
• Create illusions with student made special effects.
• Construct and use three-dimensional sets and models in productions.
• Apply lighting arrangements to video design problems.
• Use movement and sound as components of artistic expression.
• Organize and. plan all the stages of producing a video. .
• Critique video productions.
• Produce a variety of videos that convey personal expression, create effective visual images, or provide information on the visual and performing arts.

2. Demonstrate Aesthetic Perception

• Relate the video medium to other arts media. Using the video medium, create pieces that effectively communicate personal artistic expression.
• Discuss the impact of the audio component or productions,
• Discuss the differences in visual impact between static and video art forms.
• Identify techniques used in various types of productions, such as music videos and commercials, and discuss their effects.
• Demonstrate greater awareness of the television and movie media, especially in those areas that relate to aesthetic considerations.

3. Develop Knowledge of Art Heritage

• Recognize a variety of styles of video programming,
• Compare and discuss the differences and similarities in various types of video productions.
• Identify important productions in the history of cinema and video.
• Identify and describe video-oriented careers.
• Recognize video techniques in various professional works.
• Discuss the relationship between technological developments and the content and form of video productions.

4. Use Critical Judgment of the Visual Arts

• Demonstrate aesthetic judgments related to all aspects of the video production.
• Verbally express opinions, ideas, and feelings about video productions.
• Participate in classroom critiques.
• Explain video production using appropriate vocabulary.
• Provide reasons for the relative merit of various video productions.
• Differentiate between originality and technical capabilities of the equipment.

Last Revised: April 17, 2007