You are expected to read actively, discuss critically, present thoughtfully, and participate fully in all aspects of this class. Beyond that, specific requirements are as follows:

1) At one time during the semester, you will lead the class in a discussion and critique of a work-in-progress. Your presentation/discussion will be about 45 minutes long. Plan to present a project that is unresolved but has already progressed well beyond “Well, uh, I think I want to do something with___.” You must have visual, audio, or performative material to show. You will also be responsible for assigning and distributing relevant reading materials (minimum of two pieces and 30 pages) during the preceding week’s session. These readings may provide historical background, discuss relevant critical theory, or describe the work of another artist who has influenced you.

2) You are expected to participate in an online exchange in this class. Each week, you will post critical responses (NOT summaries) to the readings on the class blog and read the responses of others. You are strongly encouraged to post responses to others' writings and to post additional material. In addition, there is a social bookmarks page set up at http://del.icio.us/colab. Use this page to share your current research with others and to refer colleagues to materials that might be helpful to them. Make sure to tag each bookmark with your (or your colleague's) name as well as with any other descriptive tags.

3) You are also responsible for writing a final paper that contextualizes the project you presented in class in relation to other artists, theoretical or historical issues, and the contemporary cultural and political landscape. Draw from the class discussion about your work, your reading responses, and the del.icio.us site, as well as independent and ongoing research. The paper must be 8-12 double-spaced pages, plus illustrations and references. You will turn in a draft before Thanksgiving for in-class and instructor review; the completed paper is due at the beginning of the final class meeting.

4) You may take one "free absence" over the course of the semester; one additional absence may be arranged in advance at the discretion of the instructor. Because the class depends on your written and oral participation, late work will not be accepted, nor may your presentation be rescheduled, except under extreme extenuating circumstances.

CoLab is a graduate-level course, and I expect you to be actively engaged in a conceptually and aesthetically consistent practice. The course is designed to support your self-directed creative work by asking you to become more self-critical, rigorous, articulate, and responsive to theoretical, political, and artistic currents. In addition, your contributions to the group impact the learning environment for your fellow students. According, grading for this course is wholistic and somewhat decentralized. A rough breakdown can be outlined as:

Your own discussion/critique: 20%
Reading Responses/Blog participation: 20%
Final Paper: 20%
Discussion participation: 15%
Self-Evaluation: 10%
Peer Evaluation: 10%
Del.icio.us participation: 5%