Interactive Telecommunications Program
Summer1 2009
Course Descriptions
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TIER 1- FOUNDATION COURSES Introduction to Physical Computing
| H79.2301.1 Call#70288 |
Tues/Thur 3:15pm to 6:10pm |
Rory Nugent |
| This course expands the students' palette for physical interaction design with computational media. We look away from the limitations of the mouse, keyboard and monitor interface of today's computers, and start instead with the expressive capabilities of the human body. We consider uses of the computer for more than just information retrieval and processing, and at locations other than the home or the office. The platform for the class is a microcontroller, a single-chip computer that can fit in your hand. The core technical concepts include digital, analog and serial input and output. Core interaction design concepts include user observation, affordances, and converting physical action into digital information. Students have weekly lab exercises to build skills with the microcontroller and related tools, and longer assignments in which they apply the principles from weekly labs in creative applications. Both individual work and group work is required. Syllabus |
TIER 2 Digital Sound Lab
| H79.2266.1 Call#70286 |
Mon/Wed 6:30pm to 9:25pm |
Dan Palkowski |
| This course is aimed towards providing the student with a basic knowledge of principles and practices of digital audio from a creative perspective. Each class has both an ‘analog’ and a digital component, the former providing the student with an understanding of audio fundamentals (mics, mixers, recording devices, etc.) and the latter focusing on several popular software audio tools and peripherals (Ableton Live, Audacity, Soundhack, etc.). The curriculum is flexible, based on the experience level and needs of the participants. This is a dynamic field, and ITP students bring many disciplines to the table. Through demonstrations, class discussions and assignments, the goal is to ensure that students are capable of bringing professional quality audio into their projects, and to introduce them to the underlying concepts that are found in digital production tools, regardless of brand. The final project is a short audio work which successfully employs the tools and concepts learned. Syllabus |
Systems: Hacking Everyday Objects
| H79.2460.1 Call#70292 |
Tues/Thur 12:00pm to 2:55pm |
Todd Holoubek |
| In this class students create an interactive piece by hacking into common everyday devices and machines and repurposing the components within. We learn alternative and low cost methods of developing circuit boards. In this way we explore systems by examining the components and repurposing them for a new system designed by the student. This includes using elements from existing appliances and constructing ones own homemade circuit boards. We focus on cost effective methods of construction. On a larger scale, we also look at how entire systems can be repurposed with little modification to the original system. This may include looking into the workings of common appliances. The class examines both the hardware and the software sides of recycling technology. Students also look at "throwaway culture" -- and the surrounding issues of ethics, impacts, and alternative solutions for discarded technology (currently only 2% of consumers will hold onto a particular device for 5 years or more). Students are asked, "What can we recycle from this throwaway technology and what should we do with what can't be reused?" This deconstructionist approach to physical computing includes taking an appliance apart, then creating components from the ground up as part of the new system. By by co-opting the components of other systems and combining them with our own, the students have the opportunity to explore the make up of a system, create a new one, and provide commentary about technology in today’s culture. A final project is required. Syllabus |
Video for New Media
| H79.2256.1 Call#70284 |
Mon/Wed 6:30pm to 9:25pm |
Gabe Barcia-Colombo |
| In 1967 the Sony Portapak became the first portable video system available to the public. Suddenly motion pictures became accessible to artists, experimenters and social activists, not simply Hollywood production companies. The introduction of the Portapak had a great influence not only on the development of ITP but also on the way we create, consume and distribute media today. How do we create video that is non-linear yet compelling, interactive yet engaging? The goal of this class is to provide an overview of both the history of video, and its relevance to present day new media. Topics covered include aesthetics and concepts, camera usage, editing, lighting, as well as an introduction to interactive video software such as Jitter and Isadora. Through a series of weekly experiments and assignments, students gain experience with video blogging, short format documentary style, post linear narrative, interactive video installations as well as theatrical video design. Previous video experience is not required and experimentation is highly encouraged!
Note: This course meets for 12 sessions beginning Monday, January 25. Syllabus |
Visual Communication
| H79.2724.1 Call#71329 |
Mon/Wed 12:00pm to 2:55pm |
Katherine Dillon |
| We see information before we read it - and often we see instead of read. Effective technologists and storytellers embrace the importance of visual design and understand the many tools available to convey and manipulate the user experience. These tools include everything from the layout and packaging of the written word to photo editing, information graphics, illustration, typography, animation, color and spatial modeling. This course provides an overview of the tools available and, through a series of practical exercises, enables students to understand the implications of their use. The goal of the course is to provide students with the practical knowledge and critical skills necessary to effectively consider visual design as an important and inevitable component of their work.
The goal of the course is to provide students with the practical knowledge and critical skills necessary to effectively consider visual design as an important and inevitable component of their work.
This class is especially recommended as an introductory course for people without training in the visual arts who might waive ICM or Physical Computing.
Syllabus |
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