Creative Computing 0 - Coding Practice for Artists

Note

This website hosts the weekly content and notes for this module; Moodle remains the core platform for communication and assessments.

Module Name	Creative Computing 0
Module Code	SSFA0015
Credits	15
Module Lead	Koundinya Dhulipalla [email protected]
PGTA	Ziqing Xu [email protected]
Time	Term 1 - Thursdays 1400-1700

Important Links

• Module Moodle Page
• VM Ubuntu Image Download
  External

Module Description

This module introduces students to the basic programming skills and concepts, as well as coding practice for artists. It explores the relationship between code and culture in which coding practice is considered as a way to describe and conceptualise the surrounding world in formal expressions, and thus also as a way to understand structures, algorithms and systems in digital culture. Students gain basic understanding of the fundamental principles of code, and the ways to work with computer operating system, ensuring they develop a foundation to orient their coding skills and computational environments. Beyond technical competency, students understand coding as an artistic/critical action and expression in the field of creative coding.

Using examples from historical and contemporary art/technology practice, students examine the conceptual underpinnings and re-appropriate (or achieve similar effects to) the software program of artists/scientists who work with computer, languages, algorithmic or rule-based practices, and with scope to augment or further develop their chosen software-based work. Concentrating on one or two programming languages, students become familiar and adept with the coding principles common to all programming in a way that stays relevant for artists.

Students develop code snippets by applying basic programming principles such as variables, loops, conditional structures, arrays, functions, interactivity and so on. Additionally, students develop the ability to conceptualise and contextualise their software programs leaning more toward visual or creative ends, such as generative art, code poetry, data processing, user interaction, and so on. Students are introduced to various coding practices, such as naming conventions, readability, libraries, free and open source culture and version control systems.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding and skill in a range of fundamental programming techniques and coding practices

2. Demonstrate through reappropriation to understand the techniques and concepts used in relevant art/technology precedents

3. Demonstrate the ability to program and contextualise software-based artworks.

Indicative Topics

1. Code
2. Variables
3. Loops
4. Functions
5. Events
6. [READING WEEK]
7. Systems
8. Commands
9. Protocols
10. Libraries
11. Return [independent work / tutorials]

Ethos

This is an introductory programming module for artists - most of the sessions are planned around hands-on exploration of programming techniques while simultaneously engaging with the critical and intellectual discourses around programming and art. As a course that involves both programming and art, the class and exercises are meant to challenge you in one way or another.

The ethos of this module is based on experimentation and exploration, not technical proficiency. While technicals of what we’re working with is indeed important, I encourage you to take this class to explore your interests critically, conceptually, artistically - experiment with form, structure, content, and context.

Use of LLMs

Since the focus of the module is critical technical practice, I also strongly discourage you from using LLMs to generate code or to complete assessments. If you run into an issue, or are having trouble with the material, I encourage you to ask for help. Email me to reach out and we can arrange for a meeting and go through the material together. You are also welcome to hang about after class and ask questions or discuss the material. Debates around LLMs are varied, but within the context of this class and learning, LLMs hinder with the purpose of this module. At the same time, I do believe it is also important to understand how to use the search engines to find the resources you need. Alongside, I will continuously update the resources page to provide you with the resources you need to succeed in this module. You can also add resources on to the page, and by the end of the term, we will compile a nonexhaustive list that you can use for your assessments.