Nature of Code | Spring 2023

Interactive Media Arts (IMA) at NYU Shanghai

Class Materials

Course Notes | Spring 2023

Course Information

Instructor: J.H. Moon
- Office: Room W839
- Office Hours: Thusday 1-3pm and Friday 1-3pm by appointment via Slack or email.
Class meeting days and times: 4:15pm to 7:15pm, Wednesday
Syllabus
Resources
Course Schedule Overview
Course Policies

Description

“How can we capture the unpredictable evolutionary and emergent properties of nature in software? How can understanding the mathematical principles behind our physical world help us to create digital worlds?” – Daniel Shiffman

The Nature of Code is an intermediate course designed based on Daniel Shiffman’s The Nature of Code course at NYU ITP and was adjusted for students of undergraduate studies. This course explores fundamentals of programming, such as Object-Oriented Programming, and application of simple principles of mathematics and physics in order to recreate natural behaviors in a digital environment.

Overview and Learning Outcomes

This course will address the fundamentals of programming, such as Object-Oriented Programming. Students will be able to learn programming in a fun and interesting way by creating particles(Objects) and manipulating their behaviors. The programming concept and its application will be presented in a relatively easy way, as opposed to the conventional theoretical approach, through observation of immediate visual feedback.

Throughout the course, students will also learn to add layers of physical complexity to make programmed behaviors of Objects more realistic and systematic. They will integrate their programming skills with diverse topics in Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics, and expand them by utilizing new and interdisciplinary media.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: