Digital Techniques & Conceptual Strategies in the Arts (ART 330, ART 410)
2012-
Institution(s):
Kansas State State University
San Francisco State University
This undergraduate course is a general introduction to new practices in digital/experimental media and an exploration of strategies for generating ideas and producing new work. Experimental processes and strategies for creating conceptually driven work are interspersed with readings and discussions on cultural theory and conceptual art movements, research and presentations on contemporary artists working in the field. The course draws from numerous references such as Dada, Fluxus, Conceptual Art, Process Art and Systems Art. In addition to learning the basics of established digital media software tools, students are given context for their work in this field. The final project consists of a formal proposal intended for an art funding body or grant agency and students a re expected to utilize emerging technologies as source material.
Course web site/syllabus (KSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/ksu/art330_fall2014/)
Course web site/syllabus (SFSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/sfsu/art410_fall2012/)
Examples of student work (KSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/ksu/art330_conceptual_strategies/)
Examples of student work (SFSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/sfsu/art410_conceptual_strategies/)
Sensors & Electronics in the Arts (ART 623, ART 523, ART 511)
2012-
Institution(s):
Kansas State State University
San Francisco State University
This undergraduate course introduces students to techniques and aesthetics of creating experimental art/media events and installations based on technologies of electronics, sensors and human-machine interaction. Fundamental aspects of electronics, sensors and microcontroller programming are taught so students can build interactive installations and novel physical interfaces to computer-based systems. Conceptual and technical strategies are introduced for interfacing computers to the physical world. This is a lecture-lab course and includes regular readings, discussions, exercises and projects. Subjects addressed in the course include: human cognition and machine interaction, human embodiment in the digital age, cybernetics, use of a variety of sensors, microcontrollers, simple programming, simple and complex interaction models and wireless sensor networks.
Course web site/syllabus (KSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/ksu/art623_fall2014/)
Course web site/syllabus (SFSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/sfsu/art511-2_spring2014/)
Examples of student work (KSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/ksu/art523_sensors/)
Examples of student work (SFSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/sfsu/art511_sensors/)
Systems Art & Interactivity (ART 608, ART 511)
2012-
Institution(s):
Kansas State State University
San Francisco State University
This undergraduate/graduate course explores cybernetic and systems-based approaches to art-making and contextualization of information systems as art. Discussions on concepts such as feedback, complexity and emergence are introduced and their meaning and relevancy within an arts context explored, both via readings and discussions as well as practical systems art projects. The final project consists of a cybernetic art system that explores the themes and concepts of the course and possibly utilizes an alternative substrate for a cybernetic control system (e.g. crystals, slime mold, etc). A combination seminar/studio course.
Course web site/syllabus (KSU)
Course web site/syllabus (SFSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/sfsu/art511-2_fall2012/)
Examples of student work (KSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/ksu/art608_systems_art/)
Examples of student work (SFSU) (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/sfsu/art511_systems_art/)
Explorations in Techno-ecological Media (ART 415, ART 899)
2015-
Institution(s):
Kansas State State University
This experimental course explores themes of ecology, environmental sustainability, and the relationship between technology and living systems. A combination of studio/research assistant, independent study and group project work, students gain invaluable firsthand skills and insights of professional art and technology practice (e.g. via production of artwork, preparation of materials, library research, etc) but also have the opportunity to contribute ideas and suggest new projects. Activities include project-building sessions, lectures, discussions and brainstorming sessions mixed with workshop-style explorations of materials, technologies and conceptual strategies. Instructors lead these activities but students are expected to form their own creative research agendas. Possible futures of these explorations include (but are not limited to): petitioning for a more structured special topics course, launching a series of seminars or workshops, or the establishment of a "techno-ecologies" working group to continue the projects begun in the course. For advanced undergraduates and graduate students
Examples of student work (KSU) [coming soon]
Sound Design (IAT 380)
Role: Teaching Assistant (Instructor: Philippe Pasquier)
Semester(s) taught: Fall 2010, Spring 2012
Institution: Simon Fraser University, School of Interactive Arts & Technology
This course introduces the theory and practice of sound design. Introduction to ProTools and Max/MSP software. Co-developed curriculum, coordinated and taught 3 lab sections of approximately 25 students each.
Examples of student work (http://ccastellanos NULL.com/teaching/sfu/iat380/)