Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - IAT 380 D100

Special Topics in Interactive Arts and Technology (Arts) (3)

Gener.Art&Comput.Creativity

Class Number: 7523

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    Completion of 45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to registration each semester. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different. Variable units: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.

COURSE DETAILS:

Creative AI: Generative Art and Computational Creativity

ONLINE SELF-PACED CLASS

This course proposes an in-depth introduction and overview of the history and practice of generative arts and computational creativity with an emphasis on the formal paradigms and algorithms used for generation. The class presents the various approaches from AI, machine learning, and A-life that have been used for generating creative content. The presentation is illustrated by numerous examples from past and current productions across creative practices such as visual art, new media, music, poetry, literature, performing arts, design, architecture, games, robot-art, bio-art and net-art.

Students get to practice these and develop new generative pieces through assignments and projects in MAX. Finally, the course addresses relevant philosophical, and societal debates associated with the automation of creative tasks.

This is a 100% online class that is offered through KADENZE.COM (partnering with SFU and SIAT):
Details: https://www.kadenze.com/courses/generative-art-and-computational-creativity/info

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the end of the course the successful student will be able to:
1.      Define, and explain generative art and computational creativity
2.      Identify, describe, evaluate, critique, and contrast generative artworks and computationally creative systems
3.      Describe, and apply the algorithms used for generative art and computational creativity in the creative domains covered in class
4.      Design, implement, and test generative art systems by using MAX at an intermediate to advanced level.
5.      Articulate and discuss the societal, ethical and philosophical issues surrounding computational creativity and generative art practices.

Grading

  • Quizz 30%
  • MAX assignments 70%

NOTES:

This is a self-paced class offered ONLINE only through the new MOOC for Art and technology KADENZE (https://www.kadenze.com).
Details: https://www.kadenze.com/courses/generative-art-and-computational-creativity/info

This is an official SFU / SIAT class offered for SFU credits, so you will not have to pay Kadenze, but simply register for the class through the usual SFU system.

REQUIREMENTS:

The class main pre-requisite is some familiarity with the visual programming environment MAX.
SIAT/SFU owns licenses for MAX, and a variety of tutorials and classes are available online.

A good introduction to MAX can be found through the following classes:
- IAT 340 Sound Design 
- https://www.kadenze.com/courses/programming-max-structuring-interactive-software-for-digital-arts/info

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS