This class is structured around “peer learning“. Thus, your physical presence and civic participation in the class are extremely important.
In the famous words of Woody Allen: 80% of success is just showing up. Every two unexcused absences will lower your final grade by an additional letter. If you’re ill, or if you know you will have a planned/professional absence, please let me know before the beginning of that class session: I can be very understanding and accommodating about planned and necessary absences, family circumstances and/or medical issues when you inform me in a timely and professional manner. I can be contacted here. Text messages or Twitter (@golan) are both good ways to reach me.
Your behavior as a responsible member of the new-media arts community is also very important — as evidenced, for example, by the proper citation of your sources. See our class academic integrity policy for more information about this.
A special word about unexcused absences on critique days.
Sometimes, students who haven’t completed their projects skip class on critique days, because they are too embarrassed to come to class empty-handed. This type of absence is particularly self-destructive, and is one of the most objectionable, most cowardly, and most ignominious things you can do in this class. Have courage. Your attendance and participation on critique days is essential, even if your project is incomplete, because these sessions help you understand our class standards, expectations and criteria for good work. Even if your own project is unfinished, you are still expected to contribute productively to the class discussion.
If you are absent from class during a critique, it would really be best if I don’t encounter you later that day in the hallway, chatting away with your friends. I take your attendance seriously, and your attendance during critiques most seriously of all.
A special word about lateness on the day of the final exhibition.
Our class’s exhibition of capstone projects is a special day in which we present our work to the public. It takes place in the STUDIO room, and, with all of the competing requirements for space, tables, computers, projectors, and special adapters, it requires several hours of preparation. For this reason I require everyone to arrive to install their project at least 90 minutes before the final exhibition, even if it only takes 5 minutes to set up. There is a special circle of hell for students who arrive at 4:55pm to set up for a 5pm exhibition, and have the nerve to ask for space/equipment/cables/anything.
Showing up late on the final exhibition day, without prior arrangement by email, will cost you one letter grade. “Late” means: less than 90 minutes before the official exhibition opening time.