Syllabus

Time:
MW 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Location:
Broad 4240
Office Hours:
Fridays: 1:00 - 2:00 pm (Broad 3211)

Time: Mon., Wed. 2:00 - 4:50
Location: 4240

Office Hours:
John- Mon. 5:00-6:00
Michael- Fridays: 1:00 - 2:00 pm (Broad 3211)

Overview

This course is an introduction to the concepts and principles of interactivity. We will discuss what constitutes interactive work and how aesthetic and conceptual concerns can impact interactive design, while developing computer programming skills required for creating interactivity. The concepts and skills taught in this course will set a foundation for future DMA courses about the Internet, game design, and media arts.

Assignments

There are thirteen exercises and two projects given in this order:

Exercise A: Introduction
Exercises B and C: Form + Repetition
Exercise D: Computers + Form
Exercises E and F: Drawing + Text
Exercises G, H and I: Parameter + Event
Project 1: Exploration
Exercise J: Behavior + Intention
Exercise K: Objects + Behavior
Exercises L, M: Lists + Multiples
Project 2: Play

The exercises are a mix of reading, writing, and technical challenges. Projects are the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from the exercises to a more conceptually engaging context.
Evaluation

The grading is based on the exercises, projects, and on the participant’s comments, feedback, and active participation during the class meetings. All work is evaluated on how well it demonstrates an understanding of the material, originality, and aesthetic qualities. Feedback will be primarily qualitative but numeric scores will also be given for all work. All assignments must be uploaded to the class server
and functioning within the website before the beginning of class on its due date. Late work will not be accepted. More than two absences without the Instructor or TA’s prior approval will lower the participants final grade by one unit (i.e. an A will become an B). With each additional unexcused absence, the grade will drop an additional unit. All exercises and projects must be completed to pass the course. In addition, participants must attend at least two DMA sponsored lectures during
the quarter.

Grading

52% Exercises (4 points for each exercise)
17% Project 1
23% Project 2
08% Participation

Required Readings

Casey Reas and Ben Fry, Processing: A Programming Handbook for Visual Designers and Artists. MIT Press. 2007.

In-class handouts.