Course Info: HACU-0219

Research Methods for Creative Practice provided an opportunity for students to build their skills in research methods and practice as they discovered what research can look like for those working in film, photography, video, installation, and related media. By looking within texts by artists, filmmakers, photographers, performers, poets, and journalists such as Duncan Campbell, Paul Chan, Harun Farocki, Jill Godmilow, Spike Lee, Irene Lusztig, Chris Marker, Rosalind Nashashibi, The Otolith Group, Doris Salcedo, Dread Scott, Taryn Simon, Anna Deavere Smith, Chick Strand, Travis Wilkerson, Peter Watkins, and the Yes Men, the class examined research-based approaches to developing, creating and realizing new works. Readings, screenings, creative exercises, library workshops, artist talks, and independent field trips which addressed conceptual approaches, working methods, and a range of research strategies allowed students to deepen their skills in research as they developed and created a project of their own. All members of the class were required to present their work in various stages throughout the semester. The members of the class provided critical, technical and production support for one another. Active verbal and written contributions to all sessions were required of each student under the guiding principle that tracking each other's intellectual and creative process helps each person develop their respective project and understanding of research practices. This course provided a structured context in which to do research-intensive work at the Division II level.