Why Have Group Projects?
These collaborative assignments are designed to foster learning as a group, and to promote solidarity rather than competition in the process of learning (i.e. they prepare you for the post-collegiate work environment, where collaborative teams far outnumber individual efforts). They are also good opportunities for you to address what you see as gaps in the curriculum (i.e. are there issues that you care about that are not addressed in the class?), supplement the material presented by the instructor (perhaps media artists and collectives you are interested in?), and organize the class to participate in learning activities that you deem valuable. You are encouraged to use these assignments as opportunities to contribute to your own learning process and take ownership of the class.

Group Projects for This Class
There will be three group projects for this class (aka Assignment 1), each of which will take place one week after the completion of the following class topics:

1. Radical Otherness
2. History, Noise, Violence
3. Media Soundscapes

In groups (of 2-3 students), create an in class event (listening session, screening, performance, lecture, panel, etc.) responding to one of these topics. Each student should choose one topic, and each group is responsible for organizing the event, creating documentation, an event proposal, and an event evaluation for grading.

As a group, you are responsible for:.

• Coming up with the format for your in-class event (e.g. you can use an outline or "script" to plan it);
• Keeping time to make sure your event proceeds within our class's 1 hr. 15 min. time-frame, and that you are able to execute your event plan within that time.
• Every member should contribute to the planning, execution, documentation, and reflection of your in-class event.
• Your event should include time and space for discussion and feedback from the class (i.e. do not plan a lecture without discussion, or a media work that will take up the majority of class time);
• Coordinating with me on your technological and other special needs.

Each group is required to meet with me before the class in which their event takes place to discuss your plans with me. I recommend you submit your proposal (e.g. a draft of your outline or "script" for the event) before this meeting so I will have time to look it over. You are encouraged to meet with me more than once for feedback.

Grading Criteria
Assignment 1 will count for 20% of your class grade. One grade will be given per group project - meaning each student in the group will receive the same grade, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Grading for Assignment 1 events will be based on my assessment of:

• Your group's planning - was the in-class event well-organized? Did your group create a coherent format to facilitate your event? How did you address the different ideas and issues we studied under the class topic?
• Your group's performance during the event - was it on time? Is the event well-managed? Did the group prepare for it? Was everyone in the group contributing? Was there time for discussion and feedback from the class?
• Your individual reflections (2 pages, double-spaced, please upload to your Sakai Drop Box by the end of the week when your event took place)
• Feedback from other students and guests (when appropriate)
  

General guidelines on what I will be looking for in this assignment:

• How did your event relate back to the class topic? Was there reference to the class material we studied and discussions we engaged in during the preceding weeks?
• What are the depth and breadth of material your group selected for your event: texts, media, the variety of different class activities, etc. Did the event present new points of audition, ideas, theories, and practices on the topic as well as the study of sound and experimental media art? Do we, as a class, come to a more enriched understanding of this topic as well as the study of sound and experimental media art after this event?
• Did your group work together to create the event? Was the labor shared, and how well did the group manage the planning and execution of your in-class event? Did the group prepare for it?
• Did the class learn anything from your group's event? What are the different ways (there are usually more than one) the other students can learn from this event?
• What did you, as student leaders, learn in the process of planning this event? And are you able to summarize, demonstrate, and share this knowledge in writing?

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