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can make someplace better

Syllabus

Student: Robert Bernshausen
Mentor: Thylias Moss

Credits: 4 Hrs.

Class: 499 Directed Study

Integrative Forms of Multi-Modal Expression

Course structure will be comprised of three macro-components, which will each be comprised of multiple subcomponents as well. The components (detailed below) will be integrated by the end of the semester to make (at least) 2 meta-works that will illustrate an encompassing multi-sensory experience comprised of an integration of poetry (written word), visual and audio (sound fx) information, music (percussion, keyboards, and computer), body dynamics (dance, martial arts, and gymnastics), and behavioral sciences.

Compilation of Poetry: I believe Professor Moss’s depth of experience (particularly in limited fork poetics which studies interactions in complex systems of expression) will serve as an invaluable tool to help me with issues concerning structure and organization as I compile several dozen poems into a codex-form with a cogent shape. The compilation of poetry will strive to create enhanced possibilities on/with cutting edges of expressions.

Blogs: I am previously unfamiliar with this emergent mode of transmitting expressions; however, as this form of thought transmission will become more relevant in the future (and I would like the forum to expose my poetry to more of the world) I would appreciate the opportunity to challenge myself by learning this important skill from Professor Moss.
As the information will be on-line, anyone can access my site on the web and view my progress.

Compilation and Expansion of Current Meta-Craft Projects - Subcomponents:
Poetry: For complimentary purposes, poetry can work in combination (with multiple forms of expression) and serve to produce synergistic effects when the multiple modes amalgamate to produce and illustrate larger connections which exist within reality.
Music Components - Western and Eastern percussion techniques, especially Taiko (Japanese Percussion); this is a subject on which I have guest lectured at Rice University’s Shepard School of Music (with the group: Kaminari Taiko); Keyboards and Music editing computer software will be used as well.
Visual components- Expression through using body-dynamics (Gymnastics/Dance and Marital Arts), Computer Programs (i movie, motion), and Black and White Photography.
Behavioral Sciences: This aspect of my work seeks to employ an understanding of numerous biological and cognitive psychological phenomena (detailed by numerous studies) to help empower the effects and subsequent recall of messages my work attempts to elucidate. Further examples of using psychological phenomena to aid in illustration include the specific employment of primacy and recency bias effects to display key points more prominently.


By combining emergent technologies with multiple supplementary forms of information this class seeks to be on poetic expression’s forefront. No class currently exists which combines these modes of expression to expand the cutting edge of possibilities.

Due dates: Blogs: one entry due per week;
Compilation of Poetry (book-type codex format): by semester’s end;
Creation/Revision of multi-modal expression projects: by semester’s end.

Time with Professor Moss will occur Monday and Tuesday night.