syllabus

Instructor Information

Marcela Godoy
Room N402
Wednesday, 14:00 – 16:00, IMA Studio (N406) or by appointment.
mg3273(at)nyu.edu

Course Information

Semester: Fall 2023
Credits: 4
Class Meetings Times/Location: In-Person. Wednesday 9.45 AM – 12.30 PM N405
Pre-Requisites: Communications Lab, Interaction Lab or Intro to Computer Programming

Course Learning Outcomes

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

Employ computational techniques in 2D and 3D form generation using Rhinoceros and Grasshopper.
Develop a data physicalization based on real data creating virtual and physical models to generate forms to explore, understand, and communicate data.
Apply problem conceptualization using algorithmic thinking.
Use geometry manipulation and parametric design tools as a method to approach solutions for a design problem.
Recognize the fundamental technical aspects of collecting, normalizing, and manipulating data computationally.
Identify appropriate fabrication methods working between 3D and 2D software and translating between digital and physical models after a clear understanding of materiality, scale, and tolerance.
Practice to complete a design project iteratively from prototype to final work.
Practice to document and present creative work online, as well as in front of an audience.

Course Requirements

Learning Materials

All available at no cost to the student in NYU Library: https://library.nyu.edu/

Software:

Rhinoceros: https://www.rhino3d.com/download
Rhinoceros Tutorials: https://www.rhino3d.com/tutorials

Grades (Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation)

The grade for this course will be determined according to the following formula:

Assignments/Activities	% of Final Grade
Attendance and Participation	5%
Weekly Assignments	20%
Case Study Presentation	5%
Project 1	20%
Project 2	20%
Project 3	30%

The A student goes above and beyond the expectations and requirements described in this syllabus. This will be measured in a number of ways including the level of participation during the class and outside. The A student completes assignments, regularly posts explorations, and contributes thoughtful content to the blog. The A student initiates conversations, helps others in need, and asks questions when they run into problems or don’t understand a concept.

Class Participation – 5%

Evaluation: Attendance, punctuality, discussion, preparation, familiarity with the readings, dedication, and contribution to the team. In addition to working steadily throughout class studio time, students must work outside of class, and this must be demonstrated in the work.
Socializing on topics not related to class during class time, lack of energy, and slow progress will result in a lower grade in this area.
Attending class while unprepared, working on assignments for other courses, and using your cell phone or computer for purposes unrelated to the class will result in a reduction of your participation grade.

Students are expected to come to each class fully prepared, having read through the texts or have watched the films assigned for the class – and thought about them carefully. Participation will be assessed on the basis of both the regularity and the quality of contributions. Students will be asked to initiate class discussions without prior warning and may be asked to perform this function more than once.
Evaluation will consider:

Engagement 25%
Classroom Interaction 25%
Preparation and familiarity with the readings 25%
Attendance and Punctuality 25%

Weekly Assignments – 20%

Evaluation will be based on:

Quality of the content
Quality of the Reflections
Consistency: Posting assignments on the blog on time

NOTE: It is imperative that if you copy code that other people have used, you give attribution to these people.

Case Study Presentation – 5%

Evaluation will consider:

Subject Knowledge 30%
Quality of the information 30%
Discussion 30%
Questions from the Audience 10%

Those who present in the first sessions will have less time to prepare and this will be taken into account in the assessment.

Grading Evaluation Scale

NYU Shanghai follows the same grading practices as NYU New York. The following grades may be awarded: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, F. In general, A indicates excellent work, B indicates good work, C indicates satisfactory work, and D indicates passable work and is the lowest passing grade. F indicates failure. There are some additional grades—P for pass, W for Withdrawal—which are awarded administratively.

Resources

Access your course materials: https://wp.nyu.edu/shanghai-ima-datacodeitmakeit/resources
Obtain 24/7 technology assistance: IT Help Desk (nyu.edu/it/servicedesk)
Tutoring and Writing Support. The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides tutoring and support to students looking to reach their highest academic potential. Students can schedule a meeting, or drop by, for individual and small group tutoring in over 30 other STEM and Business & Economics courses. The ARC also offers individual writing consultations at any stage of the writing process, as well as academic coaching in areas such as time management, reading and note-taking strategies, and exam preparation. Visit the online schedule to check availability. Students are also welcome to study on their own in the comfortable, supportive atmosphere of the ARC.
Library and Research Services. The Library is available to support your research needs. They have access to 14,000 print resources, 2,000 DVDs, and 1,000 databases (including over a million e-books, as well as streaming audio and video and image databases). Librarians with expertise in Business, Economics, Humanities, Science (STEM), and Social Sciences are available in-person and online to help. Services include:
- One-to-one consultations to help you with your research projects
- Reference Desk hours for immediate help with finding and using resources
- Workshops throughout the semester on research strategies, special databases, academic integrity, and using citation tools.
- Visit the Library on the 4th floor, or go to shanghai.nyu.edu/library to learn more.