Visualization of WIRED magazine covers (Viégas and Wattenberg)
CS 73 explores software as an artistic medium, and data as an artistic subject. It will expose students to current perspectives on the intersection of computer science and art, and build skills that allow them to express themselves creatively via software.

In addition to the subject’s intrinsic intellectual interest, studying computational art can introduce students to a series of themes and concepts in other areas of computer science. The course will provide a new viewpoint on—and practical experience with—areas ranging from web programming, storytelling with visualization, and societal and ethical issues around use of data. Students should be able to use lessons from this course to enhance their experience in courses such as CS 171 and CS 179.

Requirements The course will require some experience with coding, but no specific background in graphics, web technologies, art, or design. The course will weave in review of key computer science concepts. The sequence of lessons is organized so that early projects build confidence and fluency in coding for graphical expression. Later projects will allow deeper explorations of generative art, and the role of data in artistic expression.

Instructor and Course Assistants

Martin Wattenberg (Instructor)
Fernanda Viégas (Instructor)
Olivia Seow (TF)
Tina Gong (CA)

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These links are available at the top of each page of the site, as well!

Credits for this site
This course site was adapted, with permission, from the CS 171 site created by Hanspeter Pfister and Johanna Beyer.