Creative Technologies Timetable and Courses

CTCH 110

Introduction to Creative Technologies

This course investigates the creative use of technology. It explores how computer hardware and software, machinery and gadgets and devices, and networks (including social networks) are used in the production of works of visual art, music, theatre, film and new media; and how creativity shapes new technologies. No prerequisite.
*Note: May receive credit for one CTCH 110 or FA 169AA.*

CTCH 111

Creative Technologies Processes

This course investigates the creative uses of technologies and how various technologies are used in the production of visual arts, film, music, theatre and new media and how creativity shapes new technologies. Will include hands on activities
*Note: Creative Technologies Core Course.*

CTCH 112

Introduction to Audio Tools

An entry level course including practical guidance in the setup and use of audio and electronic equipment, and in learning to write and perform music using commercial, open‐source and DIY audio tools with the computer. Designed to be useful to students regardless of literacy in music reading and notation, this course welcomes students of varied experience and background in music, creative sound and computers.
*Note: Students may not receive credit for CTCH112 and CTCH 212*

CTCH 113

Introduction to Digital Studio Tools

This entry level studio course explores the creative opportunities available when working digitally in the areas of fine art, illustration and graphic design. Throughout this course students will work towards the production of a portfolio of digital works that will include digital painting, digital collage, vector illustrations, typography, layout design and photographic manipulations. Modules will include introductory and intermediate skills in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign as well as learning how to incorporate scanned artwork or photography into works for both print and screen.
*Note: Students may not receive credit for CTCH113 and CTCH 211*

CTCH 201

Introduction to Sound Art

This course introduces the artistic practice of sound art. It covers a range of sound art practices including avant-garde sound, Musique Concrète, sound and 1960s art movements, electroacoustic music, sound sculpture, radio art, Acoustic Ecology, community-engaged sound art, sound art in performance, and new media. Includes practical exercises.
***Prerequisite: Successful completion of 15 credit hours, or permission of the instructor***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CTCH 201, CTCH 200AA, FA 269AB, or ENEL 496AD.*

CTCH 203

Introduction to Media and Communication

Key topics in media and communication such as: theories of media and communication; technology as social practice; digital and interactive media; television and advertising; global media; online media; surveillance; alternative and tactical media; perceptual media.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 24 credits of study***
*Note: Students may not receive credit for FA 269AC and CTCH 203*
*Note: Creative Technologies Core Course*

CTCH 204

Introduction to Creative Coding

This course introduces core creative coding methods and strategies for computational art.
***Prerequisite: Successful completion of 15 hours, or permission of the Coordinator.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CTCH 200AD, DES 204, or CTCH 204.*

CTCH 205

Hip Hop Cultures, Politics, Identities

This course is an exploration of local and global hip hop cultures, politics and identities. Students will be expected to engage in both critical analysis and hip hop cultural production.
*Note: Students cannot receive credit for CTCH 200AC and CTCH 205.*

CTCH 206

The Electronic Voice: Beatbox, Looping, Vocal FX and Soundscapes

This course explores the endless possibilities of the human voice in combination with technology and covers modules in song construction, beatboxing, looping, improvisation, vocal FX and live performance using various electronic equipment. This course is ideal for students with vocal interest, comfortable with solo singing.
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 206 and CTCH 200AE.*

CTCH 209

Fundamentals of Creative Practice

In this course, students will be introduced to foundational concepts and skillsets for developing their creative practice. This practice-based, hands-on studio course will guide students in establishing strategies and techniques for artistic research, concept development, and presentation and documentation of creative work, with a focus on new media, creative technologies, and design practices. Discussion, peer review, and self-reflection activities will support students in investigating their interests as creative practitioners.
***Prerequisite: Two of the following: CTCH/DES 110, 111, 112, 113.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 209 or DES 209.*

CTCH 210AC

Popular Music Performance and Politics in North America Post-World War II

In this course we will explore the diverse popular musics that have dominated popular culture since the mid-1950s, including Country, Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Soul, Motown, Heavy Metal, Disco, Hip-Hop, Rap, and Pop, among others. No previous background in music performance or musicology is required.

CTCH 211

Digital Studio Tools

This studio course explores the creative opportunities available when working digitally in the areas of fine art, illustration and graphic design. Throughout this course students will work towards the production of a portfolio of digital works that will include digital painting, digital collage, vector illustrations, typography, layout design and photographic manipulations. Modules will include introductory and intermediate skills in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign as well as learning how to incorporate scanned artwork or photography into works for both print and screen.
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 210AA and CTCH 211.*

CTCH 212

Audio Tools

A basic course including practical guidance in the setup and use of audio and electronic equipment, and in learning to write and perform music using commercial, open‐source and DIY audio tools with the computer. Designed to be useful to students regardless of literacy in music reading and notation, this course welcomes students of varied experience and background in music, creative sound and computers.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours or permission of instructor.***

CTCH 213

Branding, Advertising and Design

This course explores design practices fro branding and advertising as they are developed in a professional environment. Through experiential learning process, lectures, case studies, and studio projects, students will gain practical and theoretical knowledge to create and understand the visual language underpinning brand identities and advertising campaigns.
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 213, DES 213, or CTCH 200AG.*

CTCH 214

Visual Communication for the WEB

This course focuses on skills, experience, and critical thinking related to the production of online-related experiences. While investigating case studies and visual communication principles, students will engage with projects including display/mobile advertising, as well as the design of a website.
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 214, DES 214, or CTCH 200AK.*

CTCH 215

Visual Identity Design

Visual Identity is key to make a difference. In this course you will design visual communication for business and non-profit organizations. Through a combination of projects, you will design and publish documents for internal and external publics, connecting with your audience through print and web media products.
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 215, DES 215, or CTCH 200AL.*

CTCH 216

3D Animation: Art, Social Media

An online real-time interactive software intensive course that addresses digital art, design, DE animation and modeling.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CTCH 216, DES 216, or CTCH 210AB.*

CTCH 217

Critical, Creative, Professional Writing for Digital Platforms and Technologies

This course instructs students to develop and refine their written communication skills within Creative Technologies and Design, focusing on digital spaces for communication, creative making, and critical analysis. Students will write within, for, and about digital platforms and technologies across critical, creative and professional writing genres.
***Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or ACAD 100 and CTCH/DES 110 or CTCH/DES 111.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for CTCH 217 or DES 217*

CTCH 218

Introduction to Audio Mixing and Mastering

This course will cover the foundational knowledge required to professionally mix and master a soundscape using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Students will study topics pertaining to the science of sound waves, the art of sound mixing, the recording process, and the post-production audio process.
***Prerequisite: One of CTCH 112 or DES 112 or permission of instructor.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for CTCH 218 or DES 218.*

CTCH 250

Creative Technologies Beyond the Classroom

Students will critically and experientially engage with creative technologies in global locations.
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 250 and CTCH 200AF.*
*Additional Fee: $500.*

CTCH 251

Creative Technologies Beyond the Classroom 2

Students will critically and experientially engage with creative technologies in global locations.
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 251 and CTCH 200AH.*
*Additional Fee: $200.*

CTCH 300

Selected Topics in Creative Technologies

New course to be developed to allow for specialized topics/subjects as required for groups of senior undergraduates.
Conceivably could be cross-listed with either CS or MAP if required.
***Prerequisite: Successful completion of 30 credit hours or permission of instructor.***

CTCH 300AA

Independent Study

An independent studies course designed for creative research in the Creative Technologies or Media, Arts, and Performance field. Students will work with their instructor to complete a detailed plan for the semester.
***Prerequisite: Successful completion of 30 credit hours or permission of instructor.***

CTCH 301

Play

Play is a core, hands–on studio course which critically investigates participation, interaction, and play within new media art practice. Students will build projects in the areas of interactive installation or performance, data translation, and interactive games.
***Prerequisites: CS 207 or CTCH 202 or CTCH 204 or permission of instructor.***

CTCH 302

Augmentation

Augmentation explores "wearables" technologies and techniques in art practice. Students will create wearable projects and learn about critical concepts, global and emerging practices which address technological augmentation of the body in art and design.
***Prerequisite: CTCH 204 or CS 207.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 302 and CTCH 310AB.*

CTCH 303

Technology, Culture, and Art

Turning to cultural and artistic practices as tools for analyzing current technological developments and their influence on art, politics, and culture, students will analyze theoretical works focusing on understanding technology as culture, the intersections between technology and social life, and the contributions digital technologies make to creative industries.
***Prerequisite: CTCH 203.***
*Note: Creative Technologies Core Course Option.*

CTCH 304

Media Empires

This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to historical patterns of technological development, and the institutional, ideological, aesthetic and ethical changes they have prompted over the last hundred years in the most popular media of the day (film, TV, internet).

CTCH 305

Expanded Screens

This course looks at contemporary cinemas and the expanding and contracting screen in recent decades. Topic may include films as political vehicles, technological spectacles, accessories, and installation art.

CTCH 306

Digital Storytelling and Interactive Media

This studies/ studio hybrid course explores the social, political, cultural, economic, and intersectionality of interactive media and digital storytelling. We will engage with audio (audio walking tours, music recording, podcasting, radio programming) and on-line interactive and immersive storytelling (web-projects, gaming, apps).
***Prerequisite: Successful completion of 30 credit hours, or permission of the Coordinator.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CTCH 306, DES 206, or CTCH 310AE.*
*Note: Creative Technologies Core Course Option.*

CTCH 307

Improvisation

Students analyze the roles of improvisation in the creation and production of artworks (i.e. interactive media, sound art, music, performance, socially engaged art, digital storytelling, community radio). Drawing on key principles such as active listening, risk taking, building trust, and collaboration, students will create art projects using critical improvisation.
***Prerequisite: CTCH 201 or CTCH 202 or CTCH 205, or permission of instructor.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CTCH 307, CTCH 200AB, or CTCH 202.*
*Note: Creative Technologies Core Course Option*

CTCH 310AA

Sound Art 2: Interactive Audio

This class focuses on creative explorations of interactive audio art. Students will work on a major practical project(s) or research projects depending on their interests.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours or permission of instructor***

CTCH 311

Video Hack: Web Video Tools

This course mashes together traditional video creation skills with an emphasis on using contemporary tools to produce high quality digital outputs for the internet and emerging online platforms. Using widely available tools such as smartphones, tablets, action cameras, open source code & laptops this class will explore creative opportunities afforded by these new tools. Topics will include super short form videos for social media, video mashups from found video, code & video, time-lapse video & the evolution of camera placement. Editing projects for these new platforms will incorporate professional video editing applications, online tools and image editing applications.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours or permission of Coordinator.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 311, DES 311, or CTCH 310AC.*

CTCH 312

Introduction to Computer Game and VR Design

This course introduces computer game design using Unity and other industry standard software, through concept, pre-production, production and post-production; includes storyboarding and distribution. For game design, and virtual reality composition towards experimental art applications.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours or permission of the Coordinator.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 312, DES 312, or CTCH 310AD.*
*Note: Special permission of the instructor available for strong candidates with less credit hours completed.*

CTCH 313

Augmented Reality: Critical Theory, Art & Activism

Students will engage with AR artworks and examine how artists and activists are using AR art to further social change. Reading scholarly works on AR art as strategies for social justice, students will explore issues related to participatory place-based art/media and learn AR technologies during labs/workshops.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours or Permission of Coordinator.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 313, DES 312, or CTCH 310AF.*

CTCH 314

3D Animation Design: Story, Character & Motion

Advanced studies in 3D modelling/animation for Industry and Entertainment. Studies will include opportunities to learn character modelling, rigging and animation. Applications for motion graphics and visual effects (VFX). Professional 3D portfolio for media and industry will be covered. ***Prerequisite: CTCH 216 or DES 216 or Permission of the Coordinator.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 314, DES 314, or CTCH 310AG.*

CTCH 315

Design Justice

Students will critically analyze case studies to investigate how design operates in relation to power, inclusion, exclusion, accessibility, and accountability. Students will learn about the design justice model and put the principles of design justice into practice as they design projects that address real-world problems or exclusion.
***Prerequisite: Successful completion of 30 credit hours and one of CTCH 203 or DES 203 or permission of the instructor.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for CTCH 315 or DES 315.*

CTCH 316

Designing User Experiences Through Design Thinking and Human Centred Design Methods

Explore the five stages of design thinking to craft human-centred experiences. Learn usability, accessibility, and interaction design while mastering tools in the creative thinking process and prototyping. Through hands-on projects, you'll develop innovative workflows and strategies to create impactful, intuitive interfaces that enhance user experiences across different platforms.
***Prerequisite: Successful completion of 30 credit hours and one of CTCH 110, DES 110, or ENSE 271 or permission of the instructor.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for CTCH 316 or DES 316.*

CTCH 320AB

Contemporary Performance/Technology

This course investigates the use of new technology in live performance contexts. It covers technology in performance art, new theatre forms, and live sound and body work. Students will study contemporary artists and analyse their ideas and techniques working on either a major essay or a solo performance work.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours or permission of instructor.***

CTCH 320AD

Audio Art and Maker Culture

This course explores the connections between maker culture and sound art in both maker culture and artistic contexts. Students will examine existing artists and practitioners, create demos, and participate in and examine local maker culture and audio art events.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours or permission of instructor.***

CTCH 321

Popular Music Cultures and Technologies

The aim of this course is to study and understand the social, political, and cultural significance of popular music in the 20th and 21st Centuries. Topics include genres, individual artists and groups, stylistic trends, record labels and recording technologies, media representation and celebrity construction, as well as the role of race, class, gender, sexuality, and regional differences in the reception of popular music.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours or permission of instructor.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 321 and CTCH 320AA.*

CTCH 402

Media, Censorship, Propaganda

This advanced seminar course will introduce students to interdisciplinary critical approached to the study of (self) censorship, propaganda and persuasion in contemporary media on the basis of films, television shows and other artefacts.
*Note: Students cannot receive credit for Film 480AV and CTCH 402.*

CTCH 403

Advanced Communication

A seminar in advanced communication. Individual seminar themes include but are not limited to: digital and interactive media; global media; television studies; media convergence and surveillance; alternative and tactical media; perceptual media, etc.
***Prerequisite: CTCH 303 or permission of the instructor.***

CTCH 410AB

Black-Box Studio on Experimental Techniques in Motion Caputure and Animation Simulation

This course is a hands on studio working with motion capture technologies, animation and creation of scenario simulations. The course will build mixed-reality content for virtual reality experiences. A combination of studio and theory will be studied in class.
***Prerequisite: 30 credit hours or permission of instructor.***

CTCH 411

Collaboration and Project Design

This course critically investigates collaborative project design models from the arts and computer sciences and their application to creative technologies work, exploring historical and contemporary examples including improvisation, Avant-Garde experimentation techniques, jams, hackathons, and agile methodologies.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours or permission of the Coordinator.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of CTCH 410AA, CTCH 411, or DES 411.*

CTCH 420AA

Popular Music: Theoretical and Methods

In this course students are introduced to contemporary theoretical debates and methodological approaches in Popular Music Studies.

CTCH 498

From Prototype to Portfolio

Students will design and draft a major project or research paper in creative technologies. They will also learn professional skills in the Creative Industries including project pitching, grant writing, entrepreneurship, and interviewing. Students in the Creative Technologies concentration will design the first stage of their Capstone work.
***Prerequisite: 81 credit hours***

CTCH 499

Creative Tech Capstone Project

This course focuses on the development of a major independent project or research paper in the area of Creative Technologies, for all students in the Creative Technologies Concentration.
***Prerequisite: 84 credit hours and CTCH 498.***