Design & Computation Arts Courses
In 2008–2009 I have a limited-term appointment as Assistant Professor in Design & Computation Arts at Concordia University in Montréal, Canada.
DART 391: Collaborative Design Research
This is a core theory-based studio course in design research methodologies and strategies for collaborative project development — highlighting the role of designer as social and cultural mediator. Throughout the term we will focus on participatory, sustainable and responsible methods for designing with, and for, non-profits, government and other public organisations. Each week, studio practice and project development will be augmented with lectures, readings and discussions that locate collaborative design research practice within the broader cultural and material dimensions of public life, civic engagement and social justice.
Course syllabus (Fall 2008)
CART 453: The Digital Nomad
In order to explore the roles that computational art can play in an increasingly technologised and mobile world, this studio course examines the social, material, ethical and aesthetical dimensions of nomadism in everyday life. Each week, studio practice and project development will be augmented with lectures, readings and discussions that locate computational art within the broader cultural and material dimensions of global mobility and nomadic lifestyles.
Course syllabus (Fall 2008)
DART 492: Discursive Design Research II
The purpose of this course is to examine the relationship between design practice and discourse, focussing on the analysis of design in cultural context. Structured around ten designed things, this course positions design in terms of complex assemblages of people, places, objects, practices and values. Students will learn to critically evaluate the materials, politics, ethics and aesthetics of design assemblages in order to identify social values and issues they hope to explore in their professional practice.
Course syllabus (Winter 2009)
CART 452: Imagined Futures
Focussed on creative ways of explaining how technoscience shapes everyday life, and artistic approaches to engaging public concerns, this studio-based course explores a variety of social, cultural, political and ethical issues that arise in the face of emergent science and technology. In this course, students will complete two major multimedia projects that critically imagine possible and alternative futures. To this end, studio practice and project development are supported by a variety of lectures, readings, discussions and activities.
Course syllabus (Winter 2009)