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MMAS 179
Tactical Media / D.I.Y. Anarchy

Instructor: Curt Cloninger / curt at lab404 dot com / Zeiss 211

There is a rich and instructive history of 20th century art that uses media tactics to subvert political and corporate institutions. In this course, students will be introduced to the theory, history, and best practices of tactical media art through reading, dialogue, exposure to various artists, and do-it-yourself projects in practical anarchy.

This course is Writing Intensive, which means writing is an essential component of the course. You will read and be exposed to various multi-disciplinary perspectives. Writing is an integral tool which will allow you to better comprehend and assimilate these perspectives. Through your writing, you will develop and explore original insights regarding tactical media and its relation to contemporary culture. Critical thinking and written expression are intrinsically related. Some of your own writing will be informal, some semi-formal, and some formally academic.

Note: The University Writing Center (UWC), located on the main floor of Ramsey Library (room 136), offers support to writers in 45-minute, one-on-one sessions. UWC consultations are highly recommended but not required. The UWC helps writers: brainstorm; find a topic; incorporate and document sources; organize their drafts; develop revision strategies; and more. If you visit the UWC, take a copy of your assignment, any drafting or notes you may have, as well as any sources you're working with. To find out more about UWC services, visit their web page at unca.edu/uwc. To schedule an appointment, call 251-6596 or stop by in person during open hours.

Student Learning Objectives
In this course you will:
  • develop a working understanding of liberal arts education, its strengths and presuppositions
  • develop a critical vocabulary with which to describe and analyze tactical media
  • clearly articulate, in writing and class discussion, your thoughts and insights on various forms of tactical media
  • assess and become aware of your own particular agency/power
  • develop and practice creative tactics for modulating power
  • begin to develop an ethics of risk, weighing the conseqence of various tactical disruptions
  • become aware of actual power structures in the world
  • understand the ethics and motives of those with whom you disagree, and recognize points of commonality
  • understand the agency of art and its relationship to other disciplines (science, philosophy)

Note: The total passing score on assignments does not guarantee a passing grade for the course. Your adherence to the attendance policy, along with your participation in class critiques, presentations, and in-class exercises significantly impacts your final grade. Grades can be dropped if assignments are late. Missing more than 2 classes in the semester will result in lowering your final grade. Please read both the attendance and grading policy carefully.

Required Materials:
Bulldog email account -- check regularly
Student web hosting space (for posting work)
Notebook or sketchbook, graph paper, pencils, and pens


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