FCA Research and Postgraduate Seminars: Spring 2006

What is Interdisciplinarity?

This seminar series considers the buzzwords of 'convergence' and 'synergy' in the global and corporate merging of visual, audio, textual and even scientific cultures.  Are our historically distinct disciplines diluted or expanded in significance by the blurring of boundaries?

We ask whether interdisciplinary projects across the arts can lead the field with conceptual and emotional impact, without being overwhelmed by the exponential growth of media products and industrial complexity. Can we locate 'interdisciplinarity' in the everyday?

This panel discussion forum will be held four times this session on a Wednesday at lunchtime. It is open to all postgraduate students and staff, who are encouraged to voice a viewpoint.

Seminar 1: Week 2 - Wednesday July 26

Resident in the School of Art and Design for Spring Session 2006,Timothy Nohe, Associate Professor at the University of Baltimore, has previously been involved in many interdisciplinary projects. During his time in Australia he plans to record, edit and compose the unique sonic environment of Botany Bay. His aim is to produce an immersive surround-sound audio experience, which traces the forces of globalization through the human use of the bay. The composition will layer voices, environmental, and telecommunications recordings.

Seminar 2: Week 4 - Wednesday August 9

The Sonic Architectures project, which took place in Cyprus in April/May 2006, aimed to explore the architectural dimensions of the ancient theatre through advanced technologies of sonic and digital mapping. Building on an archaeological understanding of material culture, the project involved fieldwork by UOW postgraduate students and staff on the site of the theatre in Paphos. The project explores the dimensions of the past, but also places the visual structures of the past in a vibrant contemporary context through an interdisciplinary approach.

Seminar 4: Week - 12 Wednesday October11

If you would like to contribute a 10-15 minute segment or respond to the speakerplease contact Professor Diana Wood Conroy, who chairs the seminars: Room 25:130 
Tel: 02 4221 4269.  Email: dconroy@uow.edu.au

Light refreshments will accompany panel discussions.