|
In this site:
|
Much of the work professional
imagemakers and storytellers do is project-based: a film, CD, script,
video, book or exhibition. The development of the student's intuitive
understanding of how projects are conceived and created is at the
core of the Rockport College philosophy.
Students work on many projects during the course of each term, with
a term-long project as the focus for the end of each term. Students
work with faculty members to define an idea, create a plan of action,
execute the plan and complete their project. The written plan or
abstract outlines the form, length or size of the project and possible
methods for presentation, be it a short dramatic film or documentary,
print exhibition, or a self-published book. Research and investigation
follow, before imagemaking begins. Students work on their projects,
reshaping the material, as the nature of the projects becomes known
through the work. The faculty provides direction and encouragement.
As the end of term nears, students complete the photography and
editing work on the final presentation. The pace of work quickens,
the darkroom, labs and editing suites are open later and the energy
becomes more focused. The projects are a focus for the art and help
our students to develop a working knowledge of how to conceive,
plan and execute a creative project.
The Portfolio or Reel
Students are required to develop a portfolio or tape of their personal
work while at Rockport College. This is an ongoing process as students
strive to discover their inner voices and present their best work.
Through this process, students gain insight into the direction their
work is leading them. The Portfolio is also the student's graduation
diploma, representing his or her accomplishments as a craftsperson
and an imagemaker.
The Liberal Arts Curriculum
The curriculum of Liberal Arts at Rockport College constitutes approximately
one half of the course load for the Associate Degree students. The
curriculum is specifically geared to foster creative thinking and
expression and to provide students with the necessary skills to
further their academic and professional careers. Students survey
the History of Art and explore recent developments and trends in
media. Other courses are devoted to studies in: perception and visual
issues; narrative processes; strategies for professional development;
the cultivation of skills in written and oral communication; the
use of dreams, myths and symbols in the production and interpretation
of images; and the methods of cultural anthropology. Small class
size supports individualized instruction and personal enrichment.
Academic course work typically entails a high level of student participation
through discussions, assignments and readings.
Mid-Term Reviews
Each student's progress, work and assignments are reviewed at the
mid-point of each term, to check development and refocus the student's
effort and energy if necessary. A verbal evaluation by members of
the Faculty is provided.
The Term End Review & Exhibition
Final Review week is a critical time. Faculty review progress and
work over the entire term and the final portfolio or project. This
final review also provides a critical time for self-assessment,
career decisions and review of personal and career goals.
Each term ends with a formal exhibition and screening of selected
student work. Students provide the college with a copy of their
final work which may be published, with permission, in future Rockport
College literature.
Evaluating Student Performance
Rockport College uses an individualized approach to student evaluation
based on a philosophy that has evolved over 30 years. Every student
at the College has the opportunity to achieve honors, no one need
fail. Competition among students for grades is not encouraged. A
student's performance in each degree and certificate program is
based on the development of unique talents, the acquisition of skills,
use of imagination and the ability to produce work.
Verbal evaluations and encouragement from the Faculty are provided
on a daily basis. Written evaluations are provided following the
Final Review, or earlier if a student is in jeopardy, requiring
probationary action. Academic policy and procedures are described
in the Student Handbook.
Final Reviews include evaluation of each student's portfolio and
any other work produced. Each student's attitude toward his or her
work while at the College is also reviewed and discussed. Students
are required to deliver verbal explanations and assessments of their
own work during the Final Reviews. This Final Review experience
and process also focuses attention on goal-setting for the student's
future work and professional direction.
The Group Portfolio
A tradition at Rockport College is the Class Print Swap. Photography students select a single image and make a print for
everyone else in their group, as well as one for the Library. Filmmakers
do the same with a selection of their work, preparing a tape containing
samples of everyone's work. Rockport College receives a copy of
each Class Portfolio which then becomes a part of the Permanent
Collection. At the final banquet, these prints and tapes are exchanged,
and everyone leaves with a sample of work from every other student.
The Winter Term
During the winter break, students are encouraged to work
on personal projects, or to work as a studio intern, research assistant,
production assistant or publications intern.
The Summer Term
Rockport College students receive consideration when it comes to
filling The Maine Photographic Workshops and The International Film
& Television Workshops many summer staff positions, which include:
teaching assistant positions and studio, lab and technical and post-production
department internship.
|
Explore more:
|
|
Site designed and developed by
Design4Results www.design4results.com
|
