Laboratory 2: Subculture NYC - PUFN 1510 H

CRN: 2646/2647 Sections G & H, Pat Cassidy/Ina Archer

Schedule
2/25/10 - Today’s Date
3/4/10 – crashLab, register today
3/11/10 – House of Parsons assignment due
3/18 - Spring Break – Midterm
3/18 Phase 2 begins: Re-engage: Self and Other/Self as Other

ASSIGNMENT: due 3/11

NOT SHADY, JUST FIERCE!
READING THE HOUSE OF __________

Today in class we will discuss Paris is Burning, and re-view your first
assignment “The Ideal”.

In the course of this discussion, categories and signs that define cultures
and subcultures will emerge. Using the criteria we pull from the discussion,
groups will research and make a portrait of an assigned Major Choice
area of Parsons. When thinking about how you would like to portray the
department (what medium) consider the department itself, and what you
have found in your research. Think of ways to incorporate every team
member’s contribution into a coherent whole.

Fine Art
Photography
Graphic/Communication Design
Interior Design
IDC
Illustration
Design and Tech
Fashion

1) See end of film and discuss Paris is Burning

2) Board-storm: what things demonstrated in the film might be used to

identify a person as a member of a cultural subcultural/identity group
(Examples: dress/style, language/way of speaking, music, movement /body
language/gesture, social status, education—etc)

3) Research the department: Include well-known alumni, professors or other

people of note.

4) Visit the department (meaning: arrange to meet with someone if possible–

give them notice you are coming and be conscious of their time.)

5) Investigate the presence of sub cultural communities or expression

within the disciplines generally and specifically in Parsons/New School.
>>>> Continued on back>>>>

Ie: If your category is "Language" you might explore how the architecture
department accommodates non-english speakers or what kind of specialized
language (vernacular, jargon) is used in the fashion discipline.

Or perhaps, what does the body and movement have to do with fine arts?

Or more simply, is there diversity in the department—is there more

representation of one group than another?

Or what sub cultural communities are you a part of or identify with? How is your
group represented in House of _______department?

Good Luck!!!

A few reminders:

crashLab SIGNUP will happen today, Thursday, February 25th, for crash lab
event on
March 4.

Archiving:
You should be recording your research and iterations of class projects on your
posterous blog. Sharing from the sketchbook is encouraged. This is one of the
ways we evaluate and assess for grading.

If your work is performative, or otherwise time-based, please aim for under 4

minutes running time. Also performance and time-based projects please ask a
classmate to document the piece with video or still cameras.