Program Overview

Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice

The course 15-104 Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice is an undergraduate program designed for IDeATe minor and concentration students, as well as non-science and engineering majors who wish to acquire programming skills and concepts.

Course Profile

• Course Level: Undergraduate
• Frequency Offered: Generally offered every fall, with course offerings for upcoming semesters available through the university Schedule of Classes.
• Course Relevance: Suitable for IDeATe minor and concentration students, and non-science and engineering majors interested in learning programming skills.

Key Topics and Learning Resources

• Key Topics:
  • Programming
  • JavaScript
• Background Knowledge:
  • Basic computer skills, including typing and editing text, saving information in files, using a web browser, and email.
• Learning Resources:
  • The course utilizes the p5.js variant of Processing for its programming language and toolkit.
  • The Processing reference is available online, supplemented by notes and examples on the course website.
  • Additional resources include books, notes, and videos from various authors and Processing instructors.

Course Goals and Objectives

• Course Goals:
  • Develop skills and understanding of text-based programming in a procedural style.
  • Apply programming skills to interactive art and design, information visualization, and generative media.
• Objectives:
  • Familiarize students with basic software algorithms, including sequencing, selection, iteration, and recursion.
  • Introduce elementary data structures, object-oriented interfaces, functional abstraction, and other computational principles.

Assessment Structure

• Participation/Engagement: 10% (mainly attending class and labs)
• Examinations: 30%
  • Exam #1: ~September 20 (30% of Examinations)
  • Exam #2: ~October 18 (30% of Examinations)
  • Exam #3: ~November 15 (30% of Examinations)
  • Written Exam: ~November 19 & 20 (10% of Examinations)
• Deliverables: 60%
  • Technical Assignments: 40% of Deliverables
  • Looking Outwards Reports: 10% of Deliverables
  • Open-Ended Projects: 50% of Deliverables
    • Weekly Projects: 70% of Projects
    • Capstone Project: 30% of Projects

Prerequisites and Corequisites

• Prerequisites Required: None
• Minimum Grades in Prereqs: Not applicable
• Corequisites: None
• Prerequisite for: IDeATe minor and concentrations
• Anti-requisites: None
• Cross-Listed: None
• Substitutes: For IDeATe: 15-112, 18-090, and 16-223
• Related Courses: 15-110
• Reservations: None

Course Details

• Units: 10
• Special Permission Required: No
• Notes: 15-104 satisfies the software skills portal requirement for IDeATe minors and concentrations, providing an understanding of the contexts, tools, and idioms of software programming in the arts.