CRCP 2310: Nature & Code (in Santa Barbara, CA)

MSA 3330/MSA 6330/CSE 5390: Special Topics: Nature and Code

TRAVEL STUDY OPPORTUNITY

Location: Santa Barbara, California
Special Dates: December 14-22, 2012
Extra fees and travel costs: $1,100 special course fee, plus cost of airfare

Prerequisites:  Instructor permission by November 7 and basic programming skills, as demonstrated by successful completion of any of the following: ASIM 1310 or CSE 1341 or CSE 1342 or a grade of 4 or above on the Computer Science AP exam.

Instructor Contact Information:
Ira Greenberg
Center of Creative Computation, Meadows
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Lyle
Phone: 214-768-4625
Email: igreenberg@smu.edu

Course Description

This highly interdisciplinary course, based in the beautiful coastal city of Santa Barbara CA, combines creative approaches from the arts, imaging and visualization techniques from computer science, and the study of patterns and processes in nature. Students will collect natural data from the field, including physical specimen and samples; documentary data, including still, motion and aural capture; and recorded statistical data and measurements. The collected data will form the basis for algorithmically generated simulation studies, including artificial life models, examining herding, swarming and other dynamic group behavior; and morphological, growth and motility studies, including rendering virtual grass, trees, flowers, clouds, worms, insects, etc. This course combines fascinating ideas found in mathematics, computer science, the arts and the natural sciences, demonstrating the amazing interconnectivity and beauty of life. Students and the instructor will stay in the El Capitan Canyon Park, nestled between the Santa Barbara foothills and the Pacific Ocean. Accommodations include well-appointed, modern cedar cabins, including front porches, peak ceilings, bathroom facilities, individual heating controls, fine linens and towels, kitchenettes (with microwave, mini-fridge and coffeemaker) and wireless Internet. In addition to the park facilities, we will utilize classroom space at the nearby University of California Santa Barbara. Students are required to bring individual laptops. They may also bring still and video cameras and microphones, though these are not required.

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 from Cornell University and MFA from the University of Pennsylvania. He was affiliated with the Bowery Gallery in NYC and served as 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), and University of Dundee (UK). He is the author of Processing: Creative Coding and Computational Art, 2007 and The Essential Guide to Processing for Flash Developers, 2009, both Friends of ED press.

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

Student will gain:

• A deepened understanding of the fascinating connections between computer science, mathematics, the arts and nature
• Increased understanding of generative algorithms and graphics programming techniques
• Knowledge of major concepts and theories in the field of artificial life
• Knowledge of leading artists in computational arts
• Increased awareness of a personal creative voice