The Collected Syllabi of Robert Seydel

Introduction to the Book

A number of years ago, I became interested in teaching a course on the use of recycled images or found footage in the filmmaking process. In tandem with contemporary cinematic examples utilizing that approach, I wanted to inform students about a variety of historical precedents where found objects or recycled materials were used in music, painting, sculpture, writing, and photography. When I mentioned my intent to Robert Seydel, his immediate reply was "that sounds like a great class, too bad I won't be here next year to sit in or co-teach with you." Knowing full well how much Robert enjoyed teaching a course called "Collage: History/Practice" and the noticeable impact that forum had on many of our students, I asked him for suggested readings that would supplement my own research and emerging syllabus. To my surprise, the following day, Robert gave me a CD with all the readings from his course. All the readings.

I was very moved by his generosity and kindness and equally inspired by the material at hand. In most cases, a syllabus for a new course takes a lot of time, energy, research and effort. It's a creative act that integrates pedagogical and philosophical interests about the learning process with the instructor's knowledge about the subject. For those who really think about orchestrating the rhythm and substance of a thirteen-week semester, it's a blueprint and a score whose value is at times, overlooked.

Robert's suggestions were more than helpful in building my syllabus. They introduced me to artists such as Ray Johnson and Wallace Berman, among others, whose work was new to me. He introduced me to writers, poets, and collage artists who saw the power of utilizing multiple mediums and recycled materials to explore ideas about time, memory, history, politics and consciousness. To my regret, I never told Robert how thankful I was for introducing me to all these inspiring artists and their respective work and more importantly, for the significant role he played in re-invigorating my interest in photography and its relationship to all the arts.

In the process of mourning his passing, I realized that in addition to his work as a collagist, writer, and poet, Robert also left us a legacy of his intellect, passions and insights as an educator. That decade long body of work realized in the form of a syllabus needed visibility beyond the classroom and made available to the public in book format or via the web.

Hard copies and digital files of all his syllabi were gathered, a database constructed, and over the course of an academic year, Luz Angelica Fernandez and I, edited the material and constructed the foundation of the book in your hands. Many of the images he used in the classroom handouts are not included here primarily due to the prohibitive cost involved in obtaining the rights. Instead we are providing either a web link or the appropriate information about that image. Robert's dear friends and colleagues, Peter Gizzi, Richard Kraft and Sura Levin reflect on his work and presence in their lives. Jeanie Cohen continued the page layout and design. Gail Robin Seydel coordinated the final process of realizing the project.

—Abraham Ravett, July 8, 2012