Media Arts and Sciences (BA)

Examines the effects of digital technology on the way we live, communicate, learn, and create. Proposes that we are moving towards a hybrid (physical-digital) existence and culture. Traces that evolution, looks at current examples of hybrid cultural processes and outcomes, and discusses possible future trends. Discusses how these changes are influencing the work and career possibilities of people involved in all aspects of human culture. Comprises diverse readings, media products, class interaction, group discussion and hands-on collaborative projects exploring concepts covered in class. Also includes a number of guest lectures from ASU faculty.

How do you build your dreams? Explores speculative design and inspirational prototyping as a way to imagine and organize worlds. These prototypes do not have to be functional or material, but they must be functional stories, effectively communicating the creator's vision with others. Surveys a number of creative paradigms for imagining alternative worlds that are more ethical and sustainable, and experiments with techniques for physical, digital, literary and artistic prototyping.

Introductory-level course in practical aspects of programming systems for media arts. Explores techniques in programming in the context of images, sounds, interaction, networking and data visualization. Uses the processing programming language, an accessible yet powerful environment for learning how to program. Students create images, animations and interactive programs, and learn how to use images, movies, sound files, microphones and cameras in their programs.

Introduces fundamental concepts relevant for understanding computation. What are algorithms and how can computer code express them? Basics of how real-world signals are captured, encoded, recorded, retrieved and decoded. Designed for students with little or no background in programming.