Any presentation of sound and image is, in a sense, noise. While usually used as a negative description, noise is a fundamental component of film, sound, performance, and many other practices. When foregrounded, noise teaches us much about the way we navigate through life and our work. To be alive is to be “noise”. We are part of the noise of the universe. Noise can be joyful, disruptive, ecstatic, intolerable, unbearable, beautiful and essential. It reveals and obscures. It generates and destroys. Whether we intend it or not, it is in our work, literally and metaphorically. This course – NOISE – explores and celebrates the potential of noise. We will explore the idea of noise in the context of creation, with an emphasis on film/video, sound, performance, and other audiovisual work. Through readings, listening and viewing sessions, solo work and group exercises, students will explore and develop the role noise plays and can play in their work. Students will also participate in an end-of-semester “noise show” to be presented on campus or at a local venue. Class sessions will be split between hands-on/participatory work and study/discussion. Those wishing to work in video and/or sound will benefit from basic skills in those areas. While this is not a technical class, basic instruction in audio and video processes, including sound synthesis and "live cinema" techniques, will be provided. Students will be required to bring their laptops to class sessions.

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