Module: CCO7000-30 Hackspace

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Lee Scott

Module Tutor Contact Details: l.scott@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

Hackspace serves as a forum to explore digital creativity. The module takes an experimental approach, requiring you to devise demonstrable proof-of-concept artefacts that target a selection of creative computing tools. Design and implementation is initiated by full day ‘hackathon’ activities that incite creative responses to topical themes in art, science and culture. These sessions encourage exploration of individual interests and modes of working that can be interrogated further during independent study and across MSc Creative Computing more widely.

Although the creative outputs of Hackspace are produced individually, the underpinning learning experience is cooperative. Hackathon activities provide structured opportunities for co-working and knowledge exchange, while supporting critical dialogue between makers via peer review. The key aims of Hackspace are therefore twofold: to expose the range and diversity of practice within creative computing at large, and to help you establish reliable and open methods of trialling novel ideas.

2.Outline syllabus

• Working with unfamiliar creative computing tools and techniques.
• Responding creatively to local and global themes.
• Establishing strategies for rapid prototyping and iterative design.
• Developing an open approach to auditioning and appraising ideas.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Class Hours:

Hackspace comprises 2 x full day hackathon activities and several shorter review sessions and tutorials. Each hackathon is stand-alone in that it introduces a new theme and selection of technologies per iteration, while also resetting the iterative design process. Review sessions and tutorials allow time away from practical working to share and critique progress, as well as discuss the successes, challenges and limitations of individual working methods.

Independent Learning:

You are required to conduct research and expand ideas devised in hackathon activities outside of contact hours. We advise also that you maintain a blog that details your experience of Hackspace. This will help you track progress, record insights, and ultimately populate the supporting documentation that accompanies assessed practical work.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Experiments portfolio with supporting documentation.
• % Weighting: 100%