Course Syllabus
Syllabus: AI for Artists and Designers
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Course Description
Artificial Intelligence tools for art and design: strategies, principles, and tools for AI in visual art, applied art, and creative industry practices. The aesthetics of AI systems in creative practices. An overview of working with AI as artistic and visual communication media including using AI and machine learning applications, histories of AI in the arts, generative deep learning systems, supervised and unsupervised machine learning tasks, and integrating AI systems through art and design practices. Producing AI multimedia outputs that include a range of forms from imagery to sound.
- Course Name: Artificial Intelligence for Artists and Designers
- Department: Department of Art and Visual Culture
- Current Semester and Year: Spring 2024
- Credit Hours: 3
- Course Prerequisites: N/A
- Course Meeting Time: TR 11:00 am - 12:25 pm
- Course Format: Lecture
Instructor Information
Instructor: Johnny DiBlasi
Email: jdiblasi@iastate.edu
Phone: 515 239 xxxx
Office location: Design 0391
Student hours: (on-campus/virtual): Tuesdays, 1 - 3 pm.
TA information: Name, Emails
You can contact your instructor in the following ways:
- General announcements will be posted via Canvas announcements. Properly configure your Notification Settings in Canvas to receive notifications.
- Option #2
Course Objectives (COs)
Upon completing this course, students will be able to do the following:
CO1: Verbally and in writing, communicate the relationship between artificial intelligence tools and the creative industries/practices
CO2: Verbally and in writing articulate the implications, both positive and negative potentials, of the uses of AI in creative practices and industries
CO3: Verbally and in writing express the use cases of AI tools in creative practices and industries
CO4: Verbally and in writing articulate the both positive and negative ramifications and effects of the uses of AI in creative practices and industries
CO5: Verbally and in writing communicate the technologies and applications of creative, generative AI and the implications for creative practitioners and industries
CO6: Create artworks that present concepts and a subject which communicate clearly, are visually organized, well-crafted, and well-composed.
CO7: Implement AI applications and tools such as Generative Deep Learning, Wekinator, ML5JS, Text-to-Image Generators, and Large Language Models (ChatGPT).
CO8: Acquire and practice creative skills and techniques for AI used to present multimedia experiences of media / data / information.
CO9: Apply the stages and design principles of AI systems.
CO10: Identify fifteen or more historical and contemporary artists working with data and machine learning / AI in the artworld and visual communication industries.
Course Materials
List any required and optional materials, such as books, instructional guides, websites, simulations, interactive games, mass media publications, peer reviewed journals.
Follow a specific reference style guide, such as APA, MLA or Chicago. At minimum, reference the author or owner name, date of publication, title, and the URL or source, such as publisher.
Required materials
- Laptop or desktop computer (Laptop preferred)
- Language of Creative AI by Craig Vear and Fabrizio
- Google account (use your Iowa State login if possible)
- Portable, external USB hard drive
- Sketchbook (5x7 or 8x10)
- Notebook for taking notes
Optional materials
- Generative Deep Learning by David Foster
- Extra USB Flash Drives
Learning Activities
Explain how the learning activities provide opportunities for practice, interaction and achievement of the listed learning objectives.
To successfully complete this course, you will do the following:
- Final Project or Paper (35% of the final grade)
- Class Participation: Lecture Quizzes, Short Answer Responses, and/or Discussions (20%)
- Exams (25% of the final grade)
- Technical Demos & Exercises (20% of the final grade)
Assessment & Grading
Assessments
List all course assessments. Provide specific and descriptive criteria to be used for evaluating student work and explain their connection to the course grading policy.Explain what kind of feedback students can expect after each assessment.
Lecture Quizzes or Written Repsonses (12)
Technical Demos (12)
Exam 01
Exam 02
Final Project or Paper
Grade Distribution
To add more columns or rows, hover the cursor over the table to see table properties. See Canvas Guide for more guidance.
You can accumulate points by participating in the following way:
| Participation area | Total Points |
|---|---|
| Total Points Possible |
Grading Scheme
Grading scheme: The table below shows the Canvas default grading scheme. This is a Canvas sample grading schema, and not an institutional grading schema. Make sure the grading schema you describe in your syllabus matches your grading schema in the course-specific settings.
The following grading standards will be used in this class:
| Grade | Range |
|---|---|
| A | 93% to 100% |
| A- | 90% to < 93% |
| B+ | 87% to < 90% |
| B | 83% to < 87% |
| B- | 80% to < 83% |
| C+ | 77% to < 80% |
| C | 73% to < 77% |
| C- | 70% to < 73% |
| D+ | 67% to < 70% |
| D | 63% to < 67% |
| D- | 60% to < 63% |
| F | 0% to < 60% |
Course Policies
Below are sample policies. They may not fitting your course, so please change accordingly.
Feedback
All graded assessments will be returned with feedback within 7 days of the due date. Personalized feedback will be provided for each assignment and reflection. In addition, responses to common questions and unclear content will be posted at the conclusion of each module. Comments will be posted at the conclusion of each discussion.
Missed and late coursework
It is important to keep up with the pace of this course. Therefore no missed coursework will be accepted. If you miss the deadline on a weekly assignment, you will receive zero points.
Exams will be penalized one letter grade for each day they are submitted late (including weekends). Make sure to keep careful track of submission deadlines for all of your work in this class.
Attendance
Attending class is necessary in order to be successful in this course. Attending class and participating is crucial to meeting the objectives of the course. X Unexcused absences are allowed before your grade will begin dropping one third letter grade per absence (i.e. X absences will drop your grade from A to A-). Coming late or leaving before class is concluded 3 times counts as 1 absence.
Absences from class do not excuse you from being prepared for the following class day with assignments and materials. You are encouraged to exchange email addresses or phone numbers with at least two other people in class so you can find out what you missed. You will be expected to catch up on what you missed from your peers. Do not email the instructor to ask what you missed in class during an absence.
If you are using social media, texting, watching videos, on reddit, browsing the web, or otherwise absorbed in ANY activity that is unrelated to the course material you will be counted absent.
Absences include but are not limited to sickness, personal trips, doctor’s appointment, and vehicular and transportation issues. Determination of an excused absence is at the discretion of the instructor.
When a student misses a class, it is the student’s responsibility to make-up missed work, re-create the work in the missed demo, get lecture notes, or arrange to make-up missed tests. Private lessons will not be provided.
Grade Appeal Process
If you become concerned about your instructor's class management, please communicate your concerns with your instructor. Concerns sometimes relate to grading methods, paper turnaround time, and course policies, as examples. If you feel uncomfortable speaking with your instructor, please contact...
Before you decide to appeal, check out ISU's academic appeal process.
Appealing Your Final Grade
[Enter your policy if applicable]
Incomplete grades
[Enter your policy if applicable]
Expectations
To be on time, to work diligently, to be respectful, offer constructive
Etiquette commentary and criticism during discussions / critique, be engaged and participate in discussions, give proper notice for known excused absences, not hesitate to ask questions, turn in assignments on time, and ENJOY the creative process while making.
To bring your sketchbook, external memory/project files, and course syllabus to every class meeting.
Many people from the university use the classrooms/studios. Always clean up your work area, and don’t forget to take personal items with, such as flash drives, papers, folders, pens, etc.
Use Save As instead of Save and use version numbers for your projects. Sooner or later, lost or corrupt data becomes practically a statistical certainty. Having multiple files, along with multiple back-ups will protect you.
Lost or corrupt data is never a valid excuse for late work — in class or in the commercial world. Rigorous backup and saving procedures should be followed habitually. Losing a file is not justification for not submitting an assignment. Following all submission instructions is the responsibility of the student. Poorly named, misfiled or corrupt files will not be graded.
All files handed in must include your full name (the only exception will be for support files to your project file. But the project file must have your full name on it plus the assignment it relates to). All files must be handed in via Canvas in order to receive credit. On CyBox, you can upload work in order to access it for reviews and critiques. Only submit your demo files to be graded on CyBox. We will go over the process and setup CyBox folders on the first day of class and before the deadline for the first project.
Name files like this: YourFull_Name_Project#.pde
Assignments that are handed in with names such as: final1, untitled 2, will be rejected!
Required ISU Syllabus Statement
Free Expression
Iowa State University supports and upholds the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech and the principle of academic freedom in order to foster a learning environment where open inquiry and the vigorous debate of a diversity of ideas are encouraged. Students will not be penalized for the content or viewpoints of their speech as long as student expression in a class context is germane to the subject matter of the class and conveyed in an appropriate manner.
Recommended ISU Syllabus Statements
Academic Dishonesty
The class will follow Iowa State University’s policy on academic misconduct (5.1 in the Student Code of Conduct). Students are responsible for adhering to university policy and the expectations in the course syllabus and on coursework and exams, and for following directions given by faculty, instructors, and Testing Center regulations related to coursework, assessments, and exams. Anyone suspected of academic misconduct will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct in the Dean of Students Office. Information about academic integrity and the value of completing academic work honestly can be found in the Iowa State University Academic Integrity Tutorial.
Accessibility Statement
Iowa State University is committed to advancing equity, access, and inclusion for students with disabilities. Promoting these values entails providing reasonable accommodations where barriers exist to students’ full participation in higher education. Students in need of accommodations or who experience accessibility-related barriers to learning should work with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to identify resources and support available to them. Staff at SAS collaborate with students and campus partners to coordinate accommodations and to further the academic excellence of students with disabilities. Information about SAS is available online at www.sas.dso.iastate.edu, by email at accessibility@iastate.edu, or by phone at 515-294-7220.
Discrimination and Harassment
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, Hotline 515-294-1222, email eooffice@iastate.edu
Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources
Iowa State University is committed to proactively facilitating all students’ well-being. Resources available on the ISU Student Health and Wellness website. (https://www.cyclonehealth.iastate.edu)
Prep Week
This class follows the Iowa State University Prep Week policy as noted in section 10.6.4 of the Faculty Handbook.
Religious Accommodation
Iowa State University welcomes diversity of religious beliefs and practices, recognizing the contributions differing experiences and viewpoints can bring to the community. There may be times when an academic requirement conflicts with religious observances and practices. If that happens, students may request the reasonable accommodation for religious practices. In all cases, you must put your request in writing. The instructor will review the situation in an effort to provide a reasonable accommodation when possible to do so without fundamentally altering a course. For students, you should first discuss the conflict and your requested accommodation with your professor at the earliest possible time. You or your instructor may also seek assistance from the Dean of Students Office at 515-294-1020 or the Office of Equal Opportunity at 515-294-7612.
Contact Information For Academic Issues
If you are experiencing, or have experienced, a problem with any of the above statements, email academicissues@iastate.edu
(Important note to faculty: The email address for contact information is monitored and answered through the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost)
Disclaimer: The information in this syllabus is subject to change in extenuating circumstances. Changes to the course syllabus will be provided in writing and announced via course-wide announcements.
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Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|