Reinventing Drawing

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Course Details

Course Code & Number: IM-UH 2314

Course Title: Reinventing Drawing
Semester: Fall 2026
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: Intro to IM (IM-UH 1010) or request specific instructor approval.
Meeting Location: Arts Center C3-029
Meeting Time: Monday 11:20 AM – 12:35 PM GST (75 mins) / Wednesday 9:55 – 12:35 PM GST (160 mins)

This course counts toward the following NYUAD degree requirements:

Majors > Interactive Media > Computational Media

Majors > Interactive Media > Physical Computing

Minors > Interactive Media

Instructor Details

Name: Jack B. Du
Email: jackbdu@nyu.edu
Office: Arts Center C3-147
Office Hours: By appointment only
Note: Alternatively, if there are any questions, need for help or further instruction, you may just tell me before or after class or reach out to me via email . It helps if you put [ Course Name – Semester Year ] in front of the email subject, e.g.: [ Reinventing Drawing – Fall 2026 ]

Course Description

This course examines how drawing can be reinvented through code, machines, and computational processes. Traditionally, drawing has been understood as a manual practice in which marks are produced directly by the artist’s hand on a surface. This course expands that definition by approaching drawing as a system of rules, instructions, and processes that can be executed by humans, algorithms, and machines.

The course combines creative coding, digital fabrication, and physical computing to explore algorithmic mark-making and machine-mediated image making. In the first half of the course, students experiment with software-based drawing using tools such as p5.js, translating code into visual and material forms through printing, laser cutting, and 3D printing. The second half focuses on designing and building a drawing machine or system and developing custom drawing behaviors using microcontrollers such as Arduino.

Through hands-on projects and selected historical and contemporary references, students investigate authorship, control, and agency in computational drawing.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) and Links to Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

CLO1: Design and articulate algorithmic instructions that generate drawing, pattern, or mark-making systems. PLOs: 2(H), 3(H), 5(M), 6(H)

CLO2: Translate computational ideas into physical outcomes using fabrication and physical computing techniques such as laser cutting, 3D printing, motors, and robotics. PLOs: 2(M), 3(H), 5(H), 6(H)

CLO3: Build and program custom drawing machines or robotic systems that embody algorithms as physical gesture and motion. PLOs: 3(H), 5(H), 6(H), 8(M)

CLO4: Analyze and evaluate drawing systems and machine-generated work within cultural, historical, and aesthetic contexts, including precedents in conceptual, generative, and rule-based art. PLOs: 1(H), 2(M), 4(H), 7(M)

CLO5: Experiment iteratively with materials, mechanisms, and code, incorporating failure, variation, and material constraints as part of the creative process. PLOs: 2(M), 3(M), 5(H), 6(H), 8(M)

CLO6: Document, present, and communicate process-based work clearly through diagrams, videos, written reflection, and critique. PLOs: 4(M), 6(M), 7(H)

CLO7: Collaborate effectively in group-based exploration, prototyping, critique, and knowledge sharing throughout the course. PLOs: 3(M), 4(M), 6(M), 7(M), 8(H)

Teaching and Learning Methodologies

This is a production-based course in which students learn primarily through hands-on making and iterative experimentation. Classes combine lectures and technical instruction with workshops, demonstrations, and guided exploration. Emphasis is placed on learning through experimentation, collaboration, and iterative refinement. Outside of class, students engage in both individual and group work, developing tools, systems, and projects through ongoing practice and experimentation.

Graded Activities

	Grade Percentage	Submission Date	Linked to Course Learning Outcome(s)
Participation	10%	Weekly	4, 5, 7
Weekly Assignments	40%	Week 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10	1, 2, 5
Midterm Project	20%	Week 7	1, 2, 4, 6
Final Project	30%	Week 14	1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

The total score for each graded activity is calculated proportionally and converted to its corresponding percentage of the final course grade.

Description of Graded Activities

Participation

Active participation is an essential component of this course. Students are expected to contribute to discussions, present work in progress, participate in critiques, and offer constructive feedback to peers.

Participation also includes asking questions both in and out of class, posting comments on peers’ blog posts, and sharing inspirations or resources with the class. These channels allow students to contribute in different ways, including written or asynchronous engagement. Students will present their final project at the IM End-of-Semester Showcase. Mid-semester feedback on participation may be provided to help students track their engagement.

Weekly Assignments

Students will complete weekly hands-on assignments designed to reinforce the technical and conceptual skills introduced in class and readings. These assignments, which may involve creative coding, digital fabrication, and physical computing, will focus on iterative experimentation and technical implementation, building toward the major projects.

Grade Distribution

A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	F
100-95	94-90	89-87	86-83	82-80	79-77	76-73	72-70	69-67	66-63	62-0

Scores will be rounded up at precisely .5, so 89.5 becomes 90 but 89.49 does not.

Course Materials

Required Readings are listed under the Course Schedule section for the relevant weeks.

Optional Readings

• Levin, Golan, and Tega Brain. Code as Creative Medium. MIT Press, 2021. ISBN: 978-0262542043
• Madsen, Rune. Programming Design Systems. Online book, ongoing. https://programmingdesignsystems.com/
• Shiffman, Daniel. The Coding Train. Online video series and learning platform. https://thecodingtrain.com/
• Broug, Eric. Islamic Geometric Design. Thames & Hudson, 2019. ISBN: 978-0140279566
• Roberts, Dustyn. Making Things Move: DIY Mechanisms for Inventors, Hobbyists, and Artists. McGraw-Hill Education, 2010. ISBN: 978-0071741675

Equipment

• Personal laptop (4 years old or younger)
• Arduino Nano 33 IoT
• Arduino Uno

Software

• Arduino IDE
• Modern web browser
• Autodesk Fusion 360

Academic Policies and Resources

Attendance

Attendance in all classes is mandatory. Each session builds on the previous one, it is important to be present and on time.

Students may have three unexcused absences without direct penalty. Each additional unexcused absence will reduce the final course grade by 3%.

Arriving more than 10 minutes late without prior notice will be considered an unexcused late arrival. Two unexcused late arrivals will count as one unexcused absence and will be subject to the same grade deduction policy. Arrivals within 10 minutes of the start of class are considered present but habitual late arrivals may affect your grade.

To receive an excused absence or late arrival, students should notify the instructor in advance by email whenever possible. In cases of unexpected or extenuating circumstances that prevent advance notice, students should contact the instructor as soon as possible, and the situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Classroom Etiquette and Device Use

To maintain a focused and respectful learning environment:

• Laptops should only be used when necessary for class-related work.
• Cell phones must be set to silent during class.
• The use of social media, messaging services, or unrelated browsing during class is not permitted unless it is explicitly part of a class activity.
• Students may receive verbal reminders if device use becomes distracting or unrelated to course activities.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools

In case of any use of generative AI tools, students need to explicitly make a disclosure on how such tools were used.

Academic Integrity

At NYU Abu Dhabi, a commitment to excellence, fairness, honesty, and respect within and outside the classroom is essential to maintaining the integrity of our community. By accepting membership in this community, students, faculty, and staff take responsibility for demonstrating these values in their own conduct and for recognizing and supporting these values in others. In turn, these values create a campus climate that encourages the free exchange of ideas, promotes scholarly excellence through active and creative thought, and allows community members to achieve and be recognized for achieving their highest potential.

Students should be aware that engaging in behaviors that violate the standards of academic integrity will be subject to review and may face the imposition of penalties in accordance with the procedures set out in the NYUAD policy: 

https://students.nyuad.nyu.edu/academics/registration/academic-policies/academic-integrity

NYU Moses Center for Accessibility and Inclusive Culture

New York University is committed to providing equal educational opportunity and participation for students with disabilities. The center works with NYU students to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodations that support equal access to a world-class education. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Disability-related information is never disclosed without student permission. 

Find further information at: 

https://www.nyu.edu/life/global-inclusion-and-diversity/centers-and-communities/accessibility.html

https://students.nyuad.nyu.edu/student-affairs/student-persistence-well-being/student-persistence/students-with-disabilities

Contact: mosescsa@nyu.edu (this emails the center at NYU directly)

nyuad.mosescenterliasion@nyu.edu (this emails the NYUAD team)

Mental Health Resources

As a university student, you may experience a range of issues that can interfere with your ability to perform academically or impact your daily functioning, such as: heightened stress; anxiety; difficulty concentrating; sleep disturbance; strained relationships; grief and loss; personal struggles. If you have any well-being or mental health concerns please visit the Counseling Center on the ground floor of the campus center from 9am-5pm Abu Dhabi time Sunday – Thursday, or schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor by calling: +971 02-628-8100, or emailing: nyuad.healthcenter@nyu.edu. If you require mental health support outside of these hours, call NYU’s Wellness Exchange hotline at +971 02-628-5555, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also utilize the Wellness Exchange mobile chat feature, details of which you can find on the student portal.

Religious Accommodations

NYU’s Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Holidays and Observances states that students may, without penalty, excuse themselves from academic obligations and otherwise receive reasonable accommodation when required for religious and spiritual holidays and observances. You must notify me in advance of religious holidays or observances that might coincide with exams, assignments, or class times to schedule reasonable alternatives. Students may also contact religiousaccommodations@nyu.edu for assistance.

Appendix 1

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Upon completion of the major in Interactive Media at NYU Abu Dhabi, all students are expected to have fulfilled the following:

1. Research and Understanding: IM students will cultivate a substantive understanding of the past, present, and future landscape of Interactive Media.
2. Analytical Thinking: IM students will be challenged to answer fundamental questions relating to the field of Interactive Media.
3. Conceptual Thinking: IM students will develop conceptual skills through the use of computational and interactive media tools to create project-based work and project oriented research.
4. Critical Thinking: IM students will refine their critical thinking skills by analyzing and critiquing work in cultural, social, historical, ethical, and aesthetic contexts.
5. Technical Implementation: IM students will cultivate technical skills with contemporary media technologies to execute their coursework.
6. Creative Processes: IM students will gain the ability to explore, innovate, and realize creative ideas in multiple fields of inquiry and interest.
7. Organization and Communication: IM students will develop professional practices of delivering and sharing their work.
8. Collaboration: IM Students will gain experience in collaboration through active participation in group and team-based work.