TAM Core Courses

ATLS 2000, Meaning of Information Technology

Surveys the history of information technologies and modern techniques of information production, storage, transmission, and retrieval. Emphasizes understanding not only the technological transformations in interpersonal, organizational, and mass communication, but also the technological, social and political changes that underlie the movement toward a digital society. Same as HUEN 2020.

Same as HUEN 2020.

ATLS 1100, Design Foundations

Introduces students to key practitioners, historical periods and artifacts relevant to the history of creative technology. In addition to teaching a historical and contextual overview of creative technology, this course also explores the creative perspectives and unconventional approaches that led to the technological innovations that have revolutionized our world.

ATLS 2100, Image

Introduces techniques, technologies, and concepts of digital image making and manipulation through lectures, projects and critiques. Focuses on digital photography, digital animation and digital video as a means to formal and expressive ends. This course also contextualizes practices and methodologies of digital imaging with historical and critical perspectives.

Technical topics may include: DSLR Photography, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe AfterEffects, Adobe Premiere. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section.

ATLS 2200, Web

Introduces techniques, technologies and concepts of web design and development through lectures, projects and critiques. Focuses technically on HTML, CSS and JavaScript as the primary web technologies. This course also contextualizes the technical and societal implications of the Internet through historical and critical perspectives.

Technical topics may include: HTML, CSS, JavaScript. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section.

ATLS 2300, Text

Introduces technologies, terminology, and histories related the the design of text within digital and analogue media. Students will learn the fundamentals of design, typography and layout through lectures, projects and critiques. The curriculum surveys significant theoretical perspectives, historical periods, and significant practitioners that influence the practice of typographic design.

Technical topics may include: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Font Development Kit. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section.

ATLS 3000, Code

Introduces students to fundamental programming concepts and methodologies and apply them to creative projects. Students will learn to use code as a creative and artistic tool, and to utilize programming to find, define and solve problems in innovative ways.

Technical topics may include: Processing. Specific technologies and projects may vary by section.

Special Topics Courses

Special Topics courses (ATLS 3519 and ATLS 4519) vary each semester and are not listed on this page. These courses can satisfy either the Critical Perspectives in Technology elective requirement or the Focus elective requirement. See the current semester's course offerings for Special Topics courses.