The most significant source of computer arts and information on computer arts is the World Wide Web. The traditional bureaucracies of the art world are being challenged by the decentralization of the tools of production, and the evolution of artist-controlled distribution systems. In computer arts this becomes even more important because of the uncontrolled access that is part of the nature of computers. This makes it even more important to a general education for students to develop their critical thinking skills in this area, so that they can include the world of computer arts in their lives within a framework of informed opinion and aesthetic judgment. At the same time, those students who discover a stronger career interest in the field will be further developing important critical skills which will help them as they continue on in technical, studio and disciplinary knowledge courses.
Art adds to the quality of life as it holds the mirror up to the world and to the individual.
In addition to continuing the process of learning the tools in the inner core courses, this proposed course could not exist without the groundwork of the Foundation and Literacy courses. These tools will also assist the student in expressing critical thought relating to art forms and engaging in discussions relating to differing perspectives that will exist in the class in terms of the role of the arts in general, and computer arts specifically, in society and in their lives. They will keep the discussions going and encourage looking at issues from differing perspectives. Students will be evaluated on the basis of their progress in applying critical thinking to computer arts, on their oral and written skills in analyzing the art works and surrounding issues, on their participation in debate and discussion, on their facility with the disciplinary tools, and on the quality of their final projects. These class sessions would also be used for students to present their findings and their work, as well as for discussion and debate.