MCA250

Description

Spring 2026 Topics Module A MCA250.1 Deepfakes, Bots, and the Algorithmic Gaze This course explores the intersections of media and artificial intelligence, focusing on AI as both a technological system and a cultural phenomenon. We will examine AI's role in shaping contemporary media, from recommendation algorithms and agents to synthetic media, deepfakes, and generative art. This is a workshop course. We'll start each week by closely examining and critically discussing readings selected from the fields of media studies, science and technology studies (STS), and digital humanities. In the second half of each week, students will work in small groups to prepare and present in-class case studies that draw on the readings and discussions. These case studies will use detailed, student-chosen examples to test, confirm, or contest the ideas from the readings, encouraging critical engagement and applied analysis. Module B MCA250.2 Creative Coding in Sound and Music This course introduces students to the practice of creative coding in sound and music. Through hands-on projects, students will explore algorithmic composition, generative sound art, live coding, and interactive audio systems. Emphasis will be on writing code as a form of artistic expression, developing both technical fluency and critical awareness of the aesthetics, politics, and possibilities of sonic code. In this half-semester version of the course, a special focus will be on collaborative coding in a laptop orchestra context and on spatial/immersive sound. Introduces students to a wide range of topics in an intensive seminar or workshop setting. Subjects include media production practices, histories and/or cultural theories. Descriptions for special topics seminars are updated each semester, and do not repeat material presented by regular semester courses.