This course concerns artistic collaboration -- specifically, the invigorating and unruly process of two or more artists working together. Course work includes two kinds of activity: (1) analysis of seminal artistic collaborations; and (2) active, cooperative creation of new work. From these complementary perspectives of analysis and practice, we will consider some of the larger questions raised by interactive art-making, such as the identity of the artwork, notions of authorship, and the fluidity of disciplinary boundaries.

Throughout, we will adopt a liberal view of what collaboration entails, including not only art works in established forms such as film, video, opera, dance, but also more experimental undertakings that resist disciplinary categorization, such as rituals, happenings, and appropriation. Visiting practitioners will discuss their collaborative artworks.

There is no formal prerequisite. All students must be prepared to do creative work, but this may be in any area (e.g., music, writing, dance, photography, or some other area). Although the course is offered by the Music Department, students with interests in other artistic areas may enroll. Finally, the approach of the course reflects the material: traditional activities such as reading and paper-writing will be complemented by independent exploration and group work.