ASIM 1300: Fundamentals of Creative Computing

CSE 1340: Introduction to Computing Concepts

Course Description

This interdisciplinary course explores fundamental computing concepts in the context of creative practice. Students learn how to create digital images, animation and interactive projects using the easy to learn Processing Language. Historical and contemporary examples of digital art and creative coding will also be discussed. Students are encouraged to bring an individual laptop.

Instructor Biography

Ira Greenberg directs the Center of Creative Computation and is Associate Professor at SMU, with a joint appointment in the Meadows School of the Arts and the Lyle School of Engineering. He has been a painter, animator, designer/developer, programmer, art/creative director, professor and author. He holds a BFA (Cornell University) and MFA (University of Pennsylvania) and was affiliated with the Bowery Gallery in NYC and managing director for H2O Associates, NYC. He has taught/lectured/held residencies widely, including at Seton Hall University, Monmouth University, UC Santa Barbara, Kutztown University, Moravian College, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, the Art Institute of Seattle, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Bryn Mawr College, Miami University, University of Cincinnati, SACI (Italy), Trinity College (Ireland), City and Guilds of London Art School (UK), Open University (UK), University of Edinburgh (UK), University of Dundee (UK). He is the author of three books: Processing: Creative Coding and Computational Art, 2007, The Essential Guide to Processing for Flash Developers, 2009, and Processing: Creative Coding and Generative Art in Processing 2, 2012, all Friends of ED/Apress press.

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

• Understanding of the fascinating connections between computation and the arts
• Knowledge of fundamental computing principles and basic programming theory
• Knowledge of major concepts, theories and practitioners in the digital arts and creative computation
• Increased awareness of a personal creative voice