The Arts in New York
Scrapbook (10%); Presentation on Scrapbook (5%)
Guide
Your scrapbook is an online portfolio. Think of yourself as a storyteller. It represents you as a cultural writer (artist or videographer, if you choose). Over the semester you will independently visit at least 2 examples of New York City's cultural life in addition to a MHC Common Event. You may choose to focus on one area of interest with my approval. For instance, a student once did a documentary on emerging Rap artists in Brooklyn, complete with interviews, song clips, and commentaries on where these artists fit in the larger world of rap music. Another put together a documentary on street murals with video narration, podcasts, and interviews in the borough of Queens; someone else created aan interactive tour on Green architecture in NYC.
You may create a tour guide, a digital story; documentary, a creative collage.Perhaps,different experiences inspire to write poetry; short stories;dialogues. You must use at least 3 different forms of multimedia content: for instance, a visual or video diary, podcast, mashup, or other form of digital storytelling. You get the idea. Stretch your wings.
This is also the time to reflect on what the arts mean to you. Because the scrapbook is intended to be consciously and carefully selective, you should ground it in you 3 independent experiences/events. Other events from the semester can be added to the core story you want to tell. Think about conveying your journey and how and why your choices represent your own point of view.
*Keep in mind, your scrapbook communicates an intimate view in a public forum that others will see. (This is not the place for b.s., arguments you don't believe, or flattery.) There will be peer or outside evaluations.
Over the semester you will preview examples of events and pieces of your scrapbook. Due dates are on syllabus. *Keep all ticket stubs, playbills, or brochures as proof.
At the end of the semester you will give a 5 minute presentation
Getting Started
You may, of course, modify this generic outline to suit your own design.
Orientation: What is this?
Make sure title, introductory material/design are prominent
I. Purpose
a. attention grabbing material
II. Target Audience
- language, tone, voice
III. Design Style
- layout
- graphics, fonts, sizing
Segmentation: How do I use it?
Organization of layout into subtopics
I. Subtopic
a. content/narratives
1. research materials included
b. design elements (if included)
II. Repeat
Explanation: What does the audience need to know?
I. Captions and Text to pictures, places or documents
a. identify
b. interpretive or narrative information for viewer/reader
Sources: We always practice ethical professionalism.
Bibliographic materials need to be integrated into design. You may need to credit sources within the scrapbook (i.e. a photo given to you should include credit: "photo courtesy of . . ."). Be aware music and published materials are protected under copyright laws. You must request permissions to reproduce. If you use interviews, you must ask permission (have them sign a consent form) to publish.
Evaluation:
Design
What we look for:
The layout is vivid and easy to follow; layout grabs and holds attention
Backgrounds and text work well together
Graphical elements are used consistently and visually stimulating
Multimedia (if any) or images enhance content and work properly
Links and transitions are smooth, integrated, and work properly; segments are defined or highlighted to provide good direction
Content
What we look for:
Theme or information is relevant, useful, and appealing to general audience
Theme or information is detailed, accurate and current; accuracy can be checked or verified
Consistent logic, focus, and shape
Generates interest and draws the visitor in
Captions, and textual content explain or illuminate
Ideas creatively demonstrate knowledge and insight into subject
Research materials are integrated (not copied) and add significance
Language, tone, and style are consistent (spelling and such correct), enliven content, and are appropriate for audience and purpose
Interest
What we look for:
Quality of realization in the vision
Originality and creative impact
Amount of effort put into project over the semester
Presentation
What we look for:
Preparation and practice are evident; presenter is easy to hear and understand, and physically composed
Presentation was focused and informative; presenter demonstrates ease with subject
Presentation effectively engaged audience and was compelling to watch and listen to