Last updated: November 27, 2006 @ 02:44PM

Interactive Arts and Science

Director
Jean Bridge

General Information

Administrative Assistant
Christine Coughlin

905-688-5550, extension 5363
Thistle 269F
http://www.brocku.ca/iasc

The Centre for Digital Humanities offers a minor in Interactive Arts and Science (IASC) allows students to select five credits from departments as diverse as Classics, Communications, Popular Culture and Film, Computer Science, English, Geography, History, Music and Visual Arts. Solving problems and expanding cultural horizons using digital interactive media, including games, is the unifying purpose of all IASC courses. IASC curriculum addresses five key conceptual areas in the domain of computer-based interactivity: storytelling; digital culture; media production; digital methods for the analysis of information; and computing. Students taking this minor are encouraged to sample from these core topics in the way they select their courses.

Students will find the IASC minor valuable for the ways in which it complements and expands any discipline or field of study. The IASC minor explores digital and interactive tools that are both conceptual and practical for analyzing, representing and extending ideas in many traditional academic areas.

The IASC program stresses the combination of theory and practice. Conceptual frameworks are tested in hands-on projects and multimedia creation. Students enjoy the freedom to probe, analyze, manipulate and transform ideas into action. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of interactivity, team-based work creates opportunities to tackle projects that might otherwise fall outside the skill-set of individual students.

Minor Program

Students in other disciplines can obtain a Minor in Interactive Arts and Science within their degree program by completing the following courses:
·   IASC 1F00 and 4F00
·   one credit from IASC 1P00, 1P01, 1P50, 1P93, 2P57, 2P70, 2P90, 2P91, FILM 1F94
·   one credit from: IASC 2P07, 2P27, 2P50, 2P89, 2P95, 2P96, 2P97, 2P98, COMM 2P26, FILM 2P94, PSYC 2F50, MUSI 2P98, 2P99
·   one credit from IASC 3F01, 3F90, 3P05, 3P39, 3P90, 3P94, 4F30

Description of Courses

Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable term timetable for details.

# Indicates a cross listed course
* Indicates primary offering of a cross listed course

Prerequisites and Restrictions

Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
IASC 1F00
Introduction to Interactive Arts and Science
Information and knowledge acquisition in digital and networked environments. Concepts of originality, authorship, immediacy, hypermediacy and intellectual property. Examination and use of diverse narrative conventions especially those informed by digital tools. Research and hands on application of digital tools
Seminar, lab, 4 hours per week.
Restriction: open to IASC students until date specified in Registration guide.
Note: enrolment limited to 20 students. Materials fee required. Students might need additional materials, which they must supply.

IASC 1P00
Introduction to Media Computation
(also offered as APCO 1P00)
Programming by example; encoding and manipulating pictures (such as grayscale and colour replacement); pixel manipulation (such as red eye and mirroring); designing and debugging; text manipulation with HTML; file processing; automatic generation and manipulation of web pages; sound processing (such as MP3, encoding, volume and splicing); objects and graphical user interfaces.
Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week; tutorial, 1 hour per week.
Restriction: not open to COSC (single or combined), BCB, CAST and CNET majors.
Note: prior computer experience is not required.

IASC 1P01
Fluency With Technology
(also offered as APCO 1P01)
Skills, concepts and capabilities of computers, networks and the Internet. Topics include representation of information, current hardware, software and network technologies, modelling with Excel, presentations with Powerpoint, Internet searching, and basic web page development with HTML.
Lectures, 3 hours per week, lab, 2 hours per week.
Restriction: not open to COSC (single or combined), BCB, CAST and CNET majors.
Note: some prior computer experience is preferred but not required.
Completion of this course will replace previously assigned grade and credit obtained in COSC 1P95 and 1P96.

IASC 1P50
Integrity and Literacy in the Information Age
(also offered as APCO 1P50 and COSC 1P50)
Professional issues in computing including historic and social perspectives, legal issues, licensing and copyright, social and ethical issues, professional conduct and information literacy.
Lectures, 3 hours per week; seminar, 2 hours per week.
Note: this course involves seminars and considerable written work. A good command of written and spoken English is required.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in COSC 2P50.

IASC 1P93
Applied Programming
(also offered as APCO 1P93)
Modern software techniques including problem solving and design of effective algorithms, structured program design methodology, subprogram library usage, documentation, correctness, floating-point arithmetic and error analysis.
Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week; tutorial, 1 hour per week.
Restriction: not open to COSC (single or combined), BCB, CAST and CNET majors.
Prerequisite: APCO 1P00 or 12U mathematics credit.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in COSC 1P93.

IASC 2P07
Foundations of Geomatics
(also offered as ERSC 2P07 and GEOG 2P07)
Introduction to spatial, metric, graphic and other concepts common to cartography, photogrammetry, remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). Properties of maps and air photos and satellite imagery. Principles of map compilation and design. Practical experience in computer mapmaking, image interpretation and GIS analysis.
Lectures, lab, field work, 4 hours per week.
Restriction: open to ENVI, ERSC (single or combined), GEOG (single or combined), GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) and TREN majors until date specified in Registration guide.
Prerequisite: one of ERSC 1F01 (1F95), GEOG 1F90, 1F91 or permission of the instructor.

IASC 2P27
Introduction to Digital Imaging
(also offered as COMM 2P27 and VISA 2P27)
Principles in digital imaging: digital cameras and image capture; digital negatives; colour management; image adjustment and enhancement and image output. History of photography, imaging and critical analysis of visual culture.
Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.
Restriction: open to COMM, VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration Guide.
Prerequisite: one of IASC 1F00, APCO 1P00 and 1P01, COMM 1F90, VISA 1P97 or permission of the instructor.
Note: enrolment limited to 24 students. Materials fee required.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in VISA 2F26 and VISA (COMM) 2F95.

IASC 2P50
Great Myths in Literature and Art
(also offered as CLAS 2P50)
Most influential myths in Greek and Latin literature and in ancient art, emphasizing continuity of themes and images. Selected readings in major genres of poetry and prose. Selected works of painting and sculpture.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisites: CLAS 1P95 and 1P97.

IASC 2P57
Representing the World in Modern Fiction
(also offered as ENGL 2P57)
Major modes in the representation of human experience in modern fiction: romance, realism, modernism and postmodernism. Novels and short stories.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: IASC 1F00, one ENGL credit numbered 1(alpha)90 to 1(alpha)99 or permission of the instructor.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in ENGL 2P55.

IASC 2P70
Introduction to Literary Theory
(also offered as ENGL 2P70)
Approaches to meaning and interpretation in the contemporary study of literature.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: IASC 1F00, one ENGL credit numbered 1(alpha)90 to 1(alpha)99 or permission of the instructor.

IASC 2P89
Internet Technologies
(also offered as APCO 2P89 and COSC 2P89)
Concepts and techniques for building and maintaining advanced interactive Web sites. Topics include XML and SGML, database connectivity and forms handling, basic animation, graphics optimization for the Web, scripting, advanced searching and Web design for accessibility.
Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab/seminar, 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite: one of IASC 1P00 (minimum 60 percent) and 1P01 (minimum 60 percent) or COSC 1P03 (minimum 60 percent).

IASC 2P90
Computer Mediated Communication
(also offered as COMM 2P90)
Nature of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and its role in social, educational and interpersonal contexts. Introduction to technology and methodologies essential to explore the potential of CMC.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: IASC 1F00, COMM 1F90 or permission of the instructor.

IASC 2P91
Hypertext: Reading and Writing in New Spaces
(also offered as COMM 2P91)
Theory, philosophy and politics of Hypertext as a communicative mode. Topics include critical theory in a Hypertext context, changing perceptions of reader narrative, new forms of Hypertext fiction and Hypertext compared with other electronic textuality.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: IASC 2P90 or permission of the instructor.

IASC 2P95
Introduction to Web-based Interactive Media
(also offered as APCO 2P95, COMM 2P95 and VISA 2P95)
Basic technical and design foundations of web-based media production, including image processing, interactive web design and multimedia production. Locates contemporary digital practices within the broader history of cultural production, tracing developments in technology and media arts.
Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.
Restriction: open to COMM, VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration Guide.
Prerequisite: one of IASC 1F00, APCO 2P89, COMM 1F90, VISA 1P97.
Note: enrolment limited to 24 students. Materials fee required. Students might need additional materials and equipment, which they must supply.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in VISA (COMM) 2F95.

IASC 2P96
Introduction to 3D Modelling and Animation
(also offered as COSC 2P96 and VISA 2P96)
Concepts and skills of 3D modelling and rendering. Approaches to building models, using texturizing, lighting, cameras and rendering as well basic animation techniques. Relevant historic and theoretical perspectives on 3D and virtuality situating 3D within creative process and broader critical practices in cultural production.
Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.
Restriction: open to VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration Guide.
Prerequisite: one of IASC 1F00, 4.0 COSC credits, VISA 1P97.
Note: enrolment limited to 24 students. Materials fee required. Students might need additional materials and equipment which they must supply.

IASC 2P97
Digital Video Art
(also offered as VISA 2P97)
Concepts of basic videography and its applications within conceptual and aesthetic studio practice. Camerawork, composition, and lighting; digital video and audio editing, special effects, composing, text and titling; and DV output. Critical analysis of recent and contemporary film and video practices.
Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.
Restriction: open to VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration Guide.
Prerequisite: IASC 1F00, VISA 1P97 or permission of the instructor.
Note: enrolment limited to 15 students. Materials fee required. Students might need additional materials and equipment which they must supply.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in VISA 2F96.

IASC 2P98
Intermedia: Time and Space
(also offered as VISA 2P98)
Approaches to the conceptualization and production of video, sound generation, multimedia environments, performance, interactive and installation art.
Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.
Restriction: open to VISA (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration Guide.
Prerequisite: IASC 1F00, VISA 2P97 or permission of the instructor.
Note: enrolment limited to 15 students. Materials fee required. Students might need additional materials and equipment which they must supply.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in VISA 2F96

IASC 3F01
Ancient Epic Tradition
(also offered as CLAS 3F01 and GBLS 3F01)
Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Apollonius Rhodius' Argonautica, Vergil's Aeneid and Ovid's Metamorphoses. Topics include the conventions of epic, the original oral transmission of heroic verse and its transformation into a written genre, concepts of heroic conduct and character.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: one credit from IASC, ENGL, GBLS, or one credit from CLAS 1P91, 1P92, 1P95, 1P97.

IASC 3F90
Survey of Humanities Computing
(also offered as HIST 3F90)
Research and concepts associated with the emerging discipline of humanities computing. Topics may include use of computer games in the humanities, hypertext design and delivery and current theory treating the use of multimedia as an instrument for expression.
Seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to students who have completed 10.0 overall credits.
Note: enrolment limited to 20 students.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in HUMA 3F90.

IASC 3P05
Geographic Information Systems
(also offered as ERSC 3P05 and GEOG 3P05)
Principles and use of computer-based systems for capturing, managing, manipulating, analysing and displaying data relating to the Earth's surface, emphasizing raster applications. Practical work using Idrisi32.
Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.
Restriction: open to GEOG (single or combined), GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) and ERSC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide.
Prerequisite: IASC 2P07 or permission of the instructor.

IASC 3P39
Contemporary Literature in English
(also offered as ENGL 3P39)
The postmodern period emphasizing the forms, approaches and cultural responses that have characterized writing in English in the later 20th century.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: one of IASC 2P57 and 2P70, two ENGL credits numbered 2(alpha)00 to 2(alpha)99 or permission of the instructor.

IASC 3P90
Advanced Topics in Digital Culture
(also offered as COMM 3P90)
Explorations of topics such as virtual communities, cyber-identity/identities and cyber-spirituality.
Lectures, lab, seminar, 4 hours per week.
Prerequisite: IASC 2P90 or permission of the instructor.

IASC 3P92
Technology and Culture
(also offered as COMM 3P92 and PCUL 3P92)
Exploration of mutually productive relationships among cultural practices and technologies, using historical and contemporary examples.
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Prerequisite: one of IASC 1F00, COMM 2P20, 2P21 or permission of the instructor.

IASC 3P94
Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
(also offered as APCO 3P94 and COSC 3P94)
Human factors in the design and support of computing systems. Design methodologies such as GOMS, TAGs and Task Analysis. Design principles relating to various interaction paradigms.
Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab/seminar, 2 hours per week.
Prerequisite: one of, two IASC credits (minimum 60 percent), APCO 1P50 (minimum 60 percent), two APCO credits (minimum 60 percent).
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in COSC 3P04.

IASC 4F00
Team-based Practicum in Interactive Media Design and Production
Principles and methodologies around interactive design; interface design and information design in relation to the conceptualization, planning and production of an interactive multimedia project taking into account diverse and complementary roles of writing, narrative structure, play mechanics, and the creation and integration of visual and audio elements.
Seminar, lab, 5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: IASC 1F00 and one IASC credit 3(alpha)00 or above or permission of the instructor.
Note: enrolment limited to 20 students. Materials fee required. Students might need additional materials, which they must supply.

IASC 4F30
Computing and Historical Analysis
(also offered as HIST 4F30)
Overview of the ways that historians have used the computer to support their teaching and research. Topics include quantitative computing, geographic information systems software, photo-editing and animation, and rendering software.
Prerequisite: one HIST credit.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in HUMA 4F30.