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IAT881: BioAffective Computing & Interactive Media
Spring 2011
Dr. Diane Gromala
Information
Class Meets: Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 8:20pm SFU Surrey room #3040 and/or Black Box
Dr. Gromala’s Office hours: Wednesdays 3:00–4:00 & by appointment
Email: gromala@sfu.ca
Note: title all emails BIOAFFECT to ensure that they will not get lost.
Course Description
NOTE: For purposes of SIAT degree requirements, this is designated as a Methods Course.
In this course, we will examine the changes from epistemological concerns about media
to ontological questions of the role of interactive media in affect, experience and being.
The focus will be on what is termed “affective computing,” extending it into realms of interactive
art, design & media, and envisioning how an emphasis on the more biological aspects of
technology and our experience of it might change our understanding of affective computing.
Reports, Demos & Projects You will be required to present at least two reports: 1 on a sensory mode and 1 on a technology. You will be required to conduct at least one technological demonstration + creative use.
More importantly, you will also be required to create 2 projects for this class: a) an experiment You may determine that you require privacy for the monitoring and modification experiments. If this is the case, you have the option of presenting them only to Dr. Gromala. b) a refined project or robust prototype Examples of art, design and media projects that others have created will be discussed every week, along with how your project may relate in terms of scope. You should ideally define your own project, but you will need to get it approved. You will have a couple weeks to think about ideas and the chance to discuss them in class, or with Dr. Gromala privately.
Grading Grading in a class of this kind necessarily has substantial subjective aspects, but requirements and expectations will be discussed at length. Your prior experience and background will be taken into account, along with any other issues that are agreed upon by Dr. Gromala and you. You may work in teams of no more than three people, but you must gain Dr. Gromala’s approval. If you work in a team, 20% of your grade for that project will be determined by your teammates. You will receive feedback on all work; if you require more in-depth feedback, please arrange to see Dr. Gromala during office hours or by appointment.
Two projects: 50% Class participation, reports & demos: 20% Responses to weekly readings: 10% Documentation: youtube & archival DVD, labelled: 20% (no label, no grade) Extra credit will be given to strategic risk-taking.
