IDS 101-27: Topics for the Opening Days, 2012

Thurs, Aug 23

• Introductions
• Discuss course structure and expectations
• Discuss Summer Assignment: Groups -
  • What defines creativity?
  • Can a machine be creative?
  • If so, in what specific ways can a machine be creative? If not, why not?
  • Might this change in the future?
  • See How to give feedback.
• How to write a Discussion Question:
  • Brown
  • Melnyk
• How to contribute to a discussion.
• ASSIGNMENTS
  • Fri 9:10-10:10 am, Ford 202: Watch Between the Folds
  • Writing Discussion Questions (due Aug 24): Attend Opening Convo, Smith Auditorium ,Firoozeh Dumas, bestselling author of Funny in Farsi. Based on talk, write 2 discussion questions. Post the question on WISE forum.

Fri, Aug 24

• Reminder - attend Fri 9:10-10:10am, Ford 202: Between the Folds
• Convo Discussion Questions
• What is Algorithmic Art? What is an Algorithm?
• Following an algorithm: Origami Crane instructions and video
• Critical Reading Tips:
  • Reading Critically
  • Basic Critical Reading Tips
  • Efficient Reading of Papers in Science and Technology
• ASSIGNMENTS
  • Bring both textbooks to the next class.
  • Reading/Listening (due Aug 27):
    • Radiolab: The Turing Problem (podcast)
    • Wikipedia: Turing Test up to an including the Loebner Prize.
    • The Turing Test and Artistic Creativity, Boden (see WISE resources)
      Assignment on WISE - In your own words:
      1. Identify the main argument.
      2. Identify several of the key terms and/or vocabulary that are new to you. What do these terms mean? Look them up, if you need to, but be certain to identify sources.
      3. How does the text argue and support the main argument?
      4. What is the significance of the main argument?
      5. (Suggestion) Look up several of example works that are referenced to help make sense of what the author is saying.

Sat, Aug 25

• Man vs Machine: Can you tell the difference?
• Example images: Generative Art, Introduction, Pearson
• Processing Introduction and Experimentation: See Processing and snippets and examples provided in class.
• ASSIGNMENTS
  • Reading (due Aug 28): Form&Code: "Introduction" and "What is Code" (pp 8-25).
  • Writing Assignment 1: (due Tue Sept 4): Generate at least 3 different images using the (modified) code of your choice. What emotion or mental image does each image evoke? For each image, write a haiku that expresses emotion.
    • Structure - 3 lines:
          first line - 5 syllables
          second line - 7 syllables
          third line - 5 syllables
    • How to Write a Haiku Poem

Mon, Aug 27

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