This is going to be something of a summary of the past few weeks, since I'm lagging behind. I really should adopt some sort of schedule. Also, I'm having an unusual amount of trouble with the grammar in that title...
Our first assignment this semester was to read Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud. While enlightening in some areas, by and large I found I was rarely reading what I hadn't already known. Several art classes throughout the span of my life had already taught me the importance and subconscious effects of lines, shapes, and colors, along with differences between realism and abstract art forms. Additionally, I was aware of the problems with color during the early years of print comics, knowledge garnered from documentaries and late-night outings on the Wikipedia.
I did gain a stronger appreciation for the interplay between art and writing, though I still tend to take the art for granted, unless it's mind-blowing like the works of Alex Ross. I also now catch myself paying more attention to the space between panels. Beforehand, by perception of time/space was more automatic (which isn't necessarily bad); now, I find myself analyzing the transitions, determining whether the artist could have done something different to enhance an emotion or effect.
The weeks following this bit of required reading were filled with presentations, by individuals and groups, either discussing Understanding Comics or relating another required reading (such as the graphic novel Blankets by Craig Thompson) to the content of Understanding Comics. As a man who thrives on variety, I found this disheartening display of uninspired regularity nothing short of mental torture. I still voted that the groups earn credit for their presentations of course; soulless fiend that I am, they did the work, so they deserved to get credit.
Last week, I finally got my chance to perform my "Trainer Quest" (the first project in our Class paths; see first post for clarification). Not wanting to present on the same stuff as all the other groups, I opted for something a bit more esoteric: webcomics. My partner for the presentation discussed the history of webcomics, while I provided a comparison of defining features that differentiated webcomics from traditional print comics.
Overall, it went rather well, and we managed to engage the class throughout the entire presentation. Being my own worst critic, I feel obligated to state that I know the presentation could have been better. We could have included more pictures, we could have rehearsed, we could have turned the entire presentation into a game, etc. My partner stumbled a bit despite having note cards, and I rambled because I didn't have anything prepared beyond my own jumbled thoughts and some Powerpoint slides to keep me on track.
In the end though, I feel I succeeded in achieving a personal goal. The subject matter of the presentation was unique, I didn't repeat info that I had been spoon-fed, or that I had been assigned to learn in the first place, and I kept things interesting, somehow managing to not bore myself nor my audience. These are things I strive for in most of my personal projects, and I rarely have a chance to exercise such freedom. So, in summary, as long as I continue to have the opportunity to do stuff like this, I think I'm going to have fun in this class.
I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation last week. I have never read a webcomic before, but now I am interesting in reading one.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your last paragraph. I like that as students we are able to choose our own pathways. I know this will be challenging class for me because I am now learning a new language. Becoming game literate will be something completely new for me. I have created my avatar and learned a little about my world and city. So, I guess my first impression of WoW is a good one. I like the synthetic world.
Also, don't be so hard on yourself! I look forward to your next presentation :)
Pfft, who needs practice? I think you two did fine. Most times when I'm up there I completely forget what I've said and didn't say yet so for all I know it's in my head and I just stand up there with a blank face and a few slides.
ReplyDeleteAs for the other presentations, I think there is variety. I know a few things have been repeated a bit, but a lot of people have given presentations that have really fired me up. Like Allison when she was reading the blog of..I forget his name..but he ticked me off with his views on Occupy and such. I just think that some of the presentations would be better if there was more interaction or discussion.
Interaction is definitely something I'd like to see more of (not necessarily group work or whatever, I hate that crap). I find that boring classes and presentations can be made a lot more interesting by inviting the class to contribute. Sometimes it's the only thing that keeps me awake...
DeleteAs for Frank Miller's opinion on the Occupy movement, I half agree, half disagree. While those involved probably would have done better for themselves and others if they just tried to find jobs instead of getting in the way of those that do, a good portion of them probably have bum degrees that, while the subject matter appealed to them, there simply isn't a market for. And they probably got those degrees because the previous generation demanded that they go to college, or else they'll flip burgers for the rest of their lives.
The end result is a glut of "educated" individuals, who don't want to work the jobs they were told they wouldn't have to work, and grumpy adults that don't want to admit they fooled a whole generation into wasting millions of dollars. The solution is not to get in people's way, or to kill Wall Street (which is a silly notion, and could never really happen), but for the young to swallow their pride and get terrible jobs, and for the old to admit they were wrong, and to work towards a more stable, and sensible, system.
But now I'm completely off-topic.