Archives

Fall 2019 Fall 2020 Fall 2021

Internet Famous (IMNY-UT 201)

How does someone become famous on the internet? What does it take to capture our digital attention? While movie stars, rock gods, and other mainstream A-listers struggle to find their place in a sea of emerging technologies and platforms, a new swarm of micro celebrities and influencers has coasted into the cultural space they once filled. Riding a wave of viral content and memes, the newly-famous rule an internet where anyone can have adoring fans… for a price. They are nimble, niche, obnoxious, empowering, and sometimes disturbing. This class explores what happens when fame is freed from the traditional intermediaries of print, television, and radio, when social media provides everyone with the tools to be their own marketing studio and PR department. It examines the transformation of celebrity, from a 19th century sales gimmick to the formidable cultural, social, and technological force it is today. Students will study a wide array of fame-related topics, from the privacy effects of trolling to the class implications of selfies. And we will engage in practices and exercises that produce real-world instances of celebrity in case we, too, wish to join the ranks of the internet famous.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2021)

IMNY-UT 201-000 (15834)09/02/2021 – 12/14/2021 Tue,Thu12:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Early afternoon)at Brooklyn CampusInstructed by

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Seminar/Studies) Undergraduate
Fall 2020 Fall 2021 Spring 2020 Spring 2021

Communications Lab (IMNY-UT 102)

An introductory course designed to provide students with hands-on experience using various technologies including time based media, video production, digital imaging, audio, video and animation. The forms and uses of new communications technologies are explored in a laboratory context of experimentation and discussion. The technologies are examined as tools that can be employed in a variety of situations and experiences. Principles of interpersonal communications, media theory, and human factors are introduced. Weekly assignments, team and independent projects, and project reports are required.

Undergraduate

Class #
Section #
Meets

Class #: 11326
Section #: 001
Meets: MW 7-8:30p

Foundation Spring 2025 Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020 Fall 2022 Spring 2020 Spring 2021 Spring 2022

What is New Media? (INTM-SHU 205)

This course will explore the fundamentals of new media scholarship. Together, we will review and engage with different theories of emerging media in its social, cultural, political, and historical contexts. Students will be able to research, think and write critically about some of the central debates in media studies, including new media forms and aesthetics, issues of gender, race, and labor, platforms, infrastructure and various emerging paradigms. Classes consist of theoretical readings, media example discussion, and writing workshops. Prerequisite: WAI (or co-requisite). Fulfillment: IMA Major Foundations/Elective; IMB Major Emerging Media Foundation/Elective.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2022)

INTM-SHU 205-000 (17295)09/05/2022 – 12/16/2022 Mon,Wed11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Morning)at ShanghaiInstructed by Konior, Bogna

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Seminar/Studies) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020

Remade in China (INTM-SHU 271)

Re-make: make (something) again or differently. In this class students will investigate why China became the world’s largest importer of waste. They will study local communities in China, how they manage their waste, and explore innovative ways to transform discarded materials or products around us into something new and precious in areas such as art, graphic and industrial design, architecture, fashion, textiles, etc,. Through research and development, students will learn how traditional techniques and new technologies among the sustainable design philosophy can be utilized as powerful tools for addressing social and environmental problems.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 13 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2020)

INTM-SHU 271-000 (18538)09/14/2020 – 12/15/2020 Wed1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Early afternoon)at ShanghaiInstructed by Godoy, Marcela

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020 Spring 2022

Machine Learning for New Interfaces (INTM-SHU 215)

Machine Learning for New Interfaces is an introductory course with the goal of teaching machine learning concepts in an approachable way to students with no prior knowledge. We will explore diverse and experimental methods in Machine Learning such as classification, recognition, movement prediction and image style translation. By the end of the course, students will be able to create their own interfaces or applications for the web. They will be able to apply fundamental concepts of Machine Learning, recognize Machine Learning models in the world and make Machine Learning projects applicable to everyday life. Prerequisite: Creative Coding Lab or equivalent programming experience Fulfillment: IMA/IMB elective.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 16 Weeks

Sections (Spring 2022)

INTM-SHU 215-000 (19661)01/24/2022 – 05/13/2022 Tue4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Late afternoon)at ShanghaiInstructed by Moon, Jung Hyun

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Programming & Data) Undergraduate
Fall 2019

Critical Data & Visualization (INTM-SHU 232)

Data is at the heart of the increasing role technology has in our lives. Data collection and algorithmic processing are not only central to recent technical breakthroughs such as in AI and automation but have created new economic paradigms where data equals value and shape political approaches to power and control. Decisions based on algorithms affect society at large whether it’s changing the way we transport and distribute goods, or influencing the things we buy, the news we read or even the people we date. The *world* that algorithms *see* is data. For the average person, however, data is seldom more than an abstract idea. So what exactly is data? How is value extracted from it? And why should we care? How can we ethically balance the positive uses of data-driven systems with the threats they pose to discriminate and infringe basic human rights? This class seeks to untangle some of these issues practically and theoretically. Each week will include a lecture introducing contemporary theorists, artists, groups, and in-class discussions or exercises. Potentially there will be a guest speaker, too. Topic sections may include surveillance and privacy, data journalism and activism or automation and machine bias. What we cover will be complemented by reading and research assignments. The other half of the week is a programming lab in which you will learn the fundamentals of web-based data visualization using JavaScript. Programming assignments will allow you to further practice what we learn. Throughout the semester, you will work on three main visualization projects that are inspired by the theoretical subjects that we cover. The form of these projects will usually be a website. Successful projects feature data visualizations that are both playful as well as effective in conveying information and a reflection that links the practical work to the theoretical learnings. Prerequisite: Interaction Lab, Communications Lab or Application Lab

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2019)

INTM-SHU 232-000 (21436)09/02/2019 – 12/13/2019 Mon,Wed1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Early afternoon)at ShanghaiInstructed by

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Programming & Data) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020 Spring 2020

Artificial Intelligence Arts (INTM-SHU 226)

Artificial Intelligence Arts is an intermediate class that broadly explores issues in the applications of AI to arts and creativity. This class looks at generative Machine Learning algorithms for creation of new media, arts and design. In addition to covering the technical advances, the class also addresses the ethical concerns ranging from the use of data set, the necessarily of AI generative capacity to our proper attitudes towards AI aesthetics and creativity. Students will apply a practical and conceptual understanding of AI both as technology and artistic medium to their creative practices.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 13 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2020)

INTM-SHU 226-000 (18540)09/14/2020 – 12/15/2020 Tue9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Morning)at ShanghaiInstructed by Zhou, Le

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Programming & Data) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2021 Spring 2022

Creating Assistive Technology (INTM-SHU 253)

This interdisciplinary project-based class focuses on the design, development, and use of technology that increases the quality of life of individuals of disabilities. Students will be introduced to various assistive technology and strategies, including no-tech and low-tech as well as software and online-based practices. This class features lectures, discussions, guest lectures, field trips, and project presentations by students. Software programming, physical computing, machine learning, and 3D fabrication will be introduced for developing an assistive device. Field trips of local facilities will be scheduled during the semester. They provide an off-campus real-world learning experience as well as an opportunity for students to interact with users of assistive technology in the local community. Students will participate in a team-based design project that identifies challenges for an individual of disabilities and create an innovative and useful assistive device to meet their needs. Prerequisite: Interaction Lab

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Seminar/Studies) Undergraduate
Fall 2019

Top. in New Media & Entertainment: Realtime Audiovisual Performance Systems (INTM-SHU 280D)

From the history of visual music and abstract film to the contemporary notion of live cinema, this course will be an exploration of the synesthetic relationship between sound and visuals in a realtime performance setting. Dating back as far as the 18th century, systems have been invented to produce images alongside music linking the two through formalized arrangements. Current media technologies make developing such systems both more approachable and more expansive in their scope. Through readings, viewings, and case studies students will gain an understanding of the history and theory of live audiovisuals. During the course students will team up to develop and master a realtime audiovisual system of their own invention. The class will culminate in a show in which they will present their work through a live performance. Prerequisite: None.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2019)

INTM-SHU 280D-000 (21439)09/02/2019 – 12/13/2019 Tue,Thu11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Morning)at ShanghaiInstructed by

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Media & Entertainment) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Spring 2020 Spring 2021

Digital Heritage (INTM-SHU 266)

This course investigates and explores the integration between cultural heritage and digital conservation, specifically towards the objects, deities, sites, and gardens of China. Through the reflection of Chinese cultural heritage from the global perspective of Chinese history, the course raises awareness of heritage conservation and critical heritage studies towards the origins and the transformations of China in the contemporary era. Academic readings and oral presentations revolving around this theme will enhance students’ skills for documentation and restoration by innovative digital techniques in China. Conservator presentations, field trips, gallery visits and art projects enable students to communicate with practitioners in the field and examine the values of Chinese cultural heritage from a global perspective. Prerequisites: None Fulfillment: IMA/IMB elective; GCS Chinese Media, Arts, and Literature.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 16 Weeks

Sections (Spring 2021)

INTM-SHU 266-000 (18254)01/25/2021 – 05/14/2021 Tue,Thu4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Late afternoon)at ShanghaiInstructed by Chen, Wu Wei

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Media & Entertainment) Undergraduate
Fall 2019

The Cultivated City (INTM-SHU 267)

This class examines the idea and practices of ‘cultivation’ in relation to the challenging environment of the 21st century city. Through field trips, readings and discussions, the class explores the concept of cultivation, and how it can be used as a basis for researching the urban ecology of Shanghai, both as a past and future city. The class incorporates a major project in the digital humanities, in which students use the tools of interactive media (audio, video and cartographic technologies) to research, map and narrativize the ways in which architects, designers, artists and thinkers engage with the traditions of cultivation in order to imagine and recreate the future metropolis. Prerequisite: Writing as Inquiry

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2019)

INTM-SHU 267-000 (21431)09/02/2019 – 12/13/2019 Wed1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Early afternoon)at ShanghaiInstructed by

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Media & Entertainment) Undergraduate
Fall 2019

Acoustic Ethnography of the Yangtze Delta (INTM-SHU 268)

We live in a world immersed in sound yet we rarely attend to how sound can reflect our social structure or reveal cultural meaning. This course introduces students to acoustic ethnography, soundscape studies and narrative, non-narrative audio storytelling. We will gather and analyze the acoustic environment of China, using recorded sounds to create ethnography through text and sound. Ethnography (literally, “culture-writing”) is both the act of gathering data about culture through observation and interviews as well as the practice of writing analytically about cultural difference. Visual ethnography incorporates the analysis of visual and material aspects of our social environment into creative, multimedia rich projects. With an ethnographic approach to sound, we will document the rich tapestry of sounds around us in the context of the Yangtze River Delta region and think about how this conveys China’s culture, society and history. Through lectures, discussion, readings, listening assignments, field studies and projects, we will re-learn how to listen, observe and record the sounds in our environment. We will study Chinese sound art and Chinese cultural productions in music, film, television and multimedia installation. We will contextualize Chinese sound art against major theoretical approaches to sound including archives and preservation, form versus content, and social studies of science. Students will work collaboratively or individually on a final project that combines sound recording and production, to create an ethnographic analysis of an aspect of social and cultural life in the Yangtze River Delta region. Students will gain experience in gathering ethnographic data and they will transform it into an analytical or creative project integrating sound art and text. Prior knowledge of sound editing and Chinese language is not required. Prerequisite: None

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2019)

INTM-SHU 268-000 (21433)09/02/2019 – 12/13/2019 Mon2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Early afternoon)at ShanghaiInstructed by Lee, Leksa

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Media & Entertainment) Undergraduate
Fall 2019

Programming Design Systems (INTM-SHU 223)

Programming Design Systems is a course focused on the intersection between graphic design and code. Class time is divided between design topics like form, color, grid systems, and typography, and more computational topics like randomization, repetition, transformation and generative form. The students work to write software that abstract design theories into the code, and show the work in class for design critique. Weekly readings include relevant writings from the history of graphic design, articles from the history of computation, and everything in between. The class aims not only to teach the students how to create designs via code, but also to have something interesting to say about it. The course is based on the Programming Design Systems book, and more background info can be found in the book’s introduction. Prerequisite:Communications Lab

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2019)

INTM-SHU 223-000 (18304)09/02/2019 – 12/13/2019 Mon,Wed4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Late afternoon)at ShanghaiInstructed by

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Art & Design) IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Programming & Data) Undergraduate
Fall 2019

VR / AR Fundamentals: A Practical Guide to Big Ideas (INTM-SHU 280C)

This course will be like the two previous ones (http://ima.nyu.sh/vr-ar-fundamentals/), with the first half-semester as seminar and the second half semester as production. For Fall 2019, production will be something in complement with Zaanheh: A Natural History of Shanghai (https://zaanheh.research.shanghai.nyu.edu/), a new NYU Shanghai interdisciplinary project. Prerequisite: None

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2019)

INTM-SHU 280C-000 (21411)09/02/2019 – 12/13/2019 Thu9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Morning)at ShanghaiInstructed by

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Media & Entertainment) Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020 Fall 2022

Introduction to Robotics (INTM-SHU 222)

Since the beginning of civilization people have fantasized about intelligent machines sensing and acting autonomously. In this course we will discover what robots are, learn how to design them, and use simple tools to build them. Students will use open source hardware to explore sensors and electronics, as well as design and build robot bodies and actuators through a variety of digital fabrication technologies. Using a set of community developed tools, students will become familiar with concepts such as mechatronics, inverse kinematics, domotics and machine learning. No previous programming or electronics experience is necessary, however students will be guided through a series of design challenges that their robots should be able to accomplish. With an emphasis on experimentation, peer learning, and teamwork, the objective of this course is to share in the excitement of robotics by enabling students to make their own creations. By the end of the course, students will present a short research paper and documentation about their robotic explorations. Co-requisite or Prerequisite: Interaction Lab or Creative Coding Lab. Fulfillment: CORE ED; IMA Majors Electives; IMB Major Interactive Media Elective.

Interactive Media Arts (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2022)

INTM-SHU 222-000 (17301)09/05/2022 – 12/16/2022 Wed9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Morning)at ShanghaiInstructed by Cossovich, Rodolfo

IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Physical Computing & Experimental Interfaces) Undergraduate

Performing Robots (IM-UH 2117)

Intelligent robots living amongst ordinary people used to be a storyline relegated to the world of science-fiction. However, the 21st century has witnessed a rapid adoption of automated machinery in many aspects of daily life. In this course, students will explore the significance of today’s robots through the context of art by learning about and building experimental robots for theatrical performance. Robots will be defined broadly, incorporating a wide range of machines both autonomous and remote-controlled. Students will be exposed to critical analysis regarding the historical and contemporary use of machines in art and theatrical performance. In parallel, students will also learn about electronics, programming, robotics and mechanical construction techniques. Over the course of the semester, students will iterate through multiple projects exploring how robots can convey meaning and emotion. The course will culminate with a final public performance by the robots. Experience with physical computing through Introduction to Interactive Media or a course equivalent is highly encouraged.

Interactive Media (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2025)

IM-UH 2117-000 (13591)

Fall 2025 Undergraduate
Fall 2019 Fall 2020 Fall 2021 Fall 2024

Decoding Nature (IM-UH 2318)

How can we capture the unpredictable evolutionary and emergent properties of nature in software? How can understanding the mathematical principles behind our physical world help us to create digital worlds? And how can implementing these code-based simulations offer insight and perspective on both environmental and human behaviors. This course attempts to address these questions by focusing on the programming strategies and techniques behind computer simulations of natural systems using p5.js (a JavaScript library in the spirit of Java’s Processing framework). We will explore a variety of forces and behaviors that occur naturally in our physical world. This includes properties of movement, physics, genetics, and neural networks. For each topic, we will write code to simulate those occurrences in a digital environment. The results will usually be visual in nature and manifested in the form of interactive animated coding sketches.

Interactive Media (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Fall 2024)

IM-UH 2318-000 (4453)

Undergraduate
Spring 2020 Spring 2022 Spring 2025

Games and Play (IM-UH 2320)

Games and play are deeply embedded in human culture. Play suggests a range of human experiences not easily contained by a common form. Games use their playable form to speak to the cultural spaces in which they reside. There is freedom in play. There is structure in games. How do they work together? This course explores how games structure play to serve their purpose, and how play inspires games to push expectations of popular culture. Informed by game studies and theories of play, students will study analog and digital games to consider the technological, spatial, artistic and social structures that shape a play experience. Utilizing web-based technologies and the Unity game engine, students will assume the role of both game designer and developer, experimenting with building game experiences that convey meaning as well as express aspects of humanity beyond contest and conflict. Some programming experience is preferred but not required.

Interactive Media (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Sections (Spring 2025)

IM-UH 2320-000 (3208)

Undergraduate

Communication and Technology (IM-UH 1012)

Credits: 4
Duration: 15 Weeks
Dates: Mon,Wed
Credits: 4
Duration: 15 Weeks
Dates: Mon,Wed

From early alphabets to modern virtual reality experiences, this course will explore the development, reaction, and impact of some of humankind’s most transformative innovations – its forms of communication. How have these inventions, such as writing, printing, the telegraph, television, radio, the internet and beyond, influenced human behavior throughout the course of history. How have humans shaped their development and direction? And what role are they playing in shaping our lives both today and tomorrow? Toward the end of the course, students will speculate on the future of communication technologies in a connected world by proposing their own transformative innovation. Readings and discussion will cover communication theory, technical processes, creative applications, and critical investigation. Writing assignments will be paired with practical assignments where students will be challenged to bring their analysis and ideas to life. The web will also be utilized as a test bed for experiencing and experimenting with various forms of communication both old and new.

Interactive Media (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Fall 2025 IMA Electives IMA Electives (Legacy Structure - Seminar/Studies) Spring 2026 Undergraduate

Communications Lab (IM-UH 1011)

Credits: 4
Duration: 15 Weeks
Dates:
Credits: 4
Duration: 15 Weeks
Dates:

Communications Lab is a production-based course that surveys various technologies including web development, 2D design, digital imaging, audio, video, and animation. The forms and uses of these communications technologies are explored in a laboratory context of experimentation, collaboration, and discussion. Much of class time will be spent introducing and surveying equipment and software essential to media production and contemporary storytelling. Each technology is examined as a tool that can be employed and utilized in a variety of situations and experiences. The World Wide Web will serve as the primary environment for content delivery and user-interaction. Principles of interpersonal communications and media theory are also introduced with an emphasis on storytelling fundamentals, user-centered design, and interactivity.

Interactive Media (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks

Foundation Spring 2026 Undergraduate