Thursday 18:00-22:00.
Location: Sensor Lab, EV 7.765
1 CLASS OBJECTIVES
In this course, students will read, think, sketch, design, code, solder and build. We will focus on conceptual development, prototyping and implementation of Tangible Media and Physical Computing artifacts from the perspective of technical proficiency, functionality, aesthetics and personal/social meaning. Readings will emphasize critical thinking, technology, social and design issues. Lectures will augment the studio practice.
2 COLLABORATION
We will be covering a lot of ground very quickly so it is important to realize there are tricky and sometimes steep learning curves involved. Students are expected to help each other and collaborate in numerous ways throughout the semester. Your peers will be your strongest asset so learn to work with each other and respect each one's strengths and weaknesses.
3 CLASS REQUIREMENTS
Each student is expected to have a valid email address and to check it at least twice a week. Some important information concerning class will be sent out using a class mailing list throughout the semester.
You should also have access to space online on the Concordia servers and should know how to access it through ftp to upload your work. You can use this space to create your online journal, although this is not a requirement for the class.
Each student is required to purchase an Arduino board as well as a started kit of electronic components (list to be provided during the first day of class). Students are expected to bring their kits to class.
Students are asked to pay an annual departmental fee of $20 during the fist two weeks of the academic year (Audio-Visual Equipment - Design & Computation Arts Fee). This is over and above the CDA Lab fees, which are administered through the CDA (Center for Digital Arts).
4 CLASS POLICIES
Class attendance is required and unjustified absence will result in loss of participation points. As a Departmental policy, a maximum of 2 absences per term is tolerated, after which a medical certificate or other written valid reason must be provided. Three unjustified absences per course will result in an automatic failure. Notification in writing will be sent to students after 2 missed classes.
Please arrive on time to class. Late students will loose participation points. Students arriving to class 15 minutes late or more will be considered as an absence.
Information will not be repeated due to absence or tardiness, except in the case of a legitimate medical or other emergency.
Put your cell phone to silent and/of turn them off during class time.
The use of laptops in the classroom is not authorized unless specified by the professor and during specific lab time.
Assignments are due before the start of each class. Handing in assignments late will lower your grade by one full grade per day unless an extension is approved at least 24h in advance. Extensions will only be granted for reasonable excuses such as illness with a valid doctor's note.
The Department of Design and Computation Arts complies with the Code of Conduct of Concordia University (http://www.concordia.ca/programs-and-courses/academic-integrity/code/). Students are expected to be familiar with it – please refer in particular to the section on plagiarism. During this class, you will use code and reference from numerous other people as you learn. Whenever it is the case, you are absolutely required to properly credit your sources every single time.
5 SENSOR LAB
Students will have access to Concordia's Sensor lab to work on their assigments outside of school. However, this access is conditional to attending a sensor lab orientation session in the first 2 weeks of class.
Please refer to the Sensor lab's website for details on lab policies, opening hours and specific services.
6 GRADING DETAILS
Grading break down
40% Design exercises
20% Personal website (incl. responses and labs)
30% Major project
10% Participation
Evaluation criteria
Specific conceptual, technical and aesthetic objectives associated with each individual assignment and exercise will be clearly identified and evaluated by the following criteria:
– Conceptual framework
– Choice and use of technology
– Interaction and user experience
– Aesthetic and form
– Presentation and documentation
Grading scale
A+ 4.3
A 4.0 Outstanding
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0 Very Good
B - 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0 Satisfactory
C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
D 1.0 Marginal Pass
D- 0.7
F,FNS 0 Poor – Failure
R 0 Very Poor – Failure
NR 0 Grade Not Reported
Note: This class has been thought by Vincent Leclerc for the past few years. Lots of the content of the class is owed from his previous work and syllabus.