The University of Chicago Summer
Introduction to Creative Coding

Introduction to Creative Coding


Course Description

This course is an introduction to programming, using exercises in graphic design and digital art to motivate and employ basic tools of computation (such as variables, conditional logic, and procedural abstraction). We will write code in JavaScript and related languages and we will work with a variety of digital media, including vector graphics, raster images, animations, and web applications.

Course Criteria

Students with extensive coding experience may find this course repetitive.

Coding Intensive
Students should expect daily class and homework activities to involve coding.

Academic Interest

Computer Science, Data Science, Math, and Statistics, Physical Sciences (e.g., astronomy, physics), Technology (e.g., Computer Science, Molecular Engineering)

Application Materials

A complete application includes a transcript, two short essays, a letter of recommendation, writing sample, application fee, and a submitted parent confirmation. If you are seeking need-based financial aid, you must indicate that in your application before it is submitted. Please refer to the Application Instructions for complete details.

Instructor(s)

Tamara Nelson-Fromm

Course Duration

3 Week Immersion

Session

Session 1

Arrival & Departure Dates

June 13th - July 3rd

Course Dates

June 15th - July 2nd

Class Days

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

Class Time

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Eligibility

9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade

Course Code

CMSC 19911 30

Modality

Residential

Syllabus

Preview Sample Syllabus

Other Courses to Consider

These courses might also be of interest.

  • Understanding AI: AI Through a Technical, Socio-Ethical, and Career Development Lens
    Understanding AI: AI Through a Technical, Socio-Ethical, and Career Development Lens

    Generative AI, large language models (LLMs) -- these buzzwords have been popping up in newsrooms, classrooms, and dinner tables. This discussion-intensive, hands-on course provides students with a foundational understanding of AI through a technical, socio-ethical, and career development lens. No prior computing or AI experience is necessary to take this course. This class will give students the opportunity to:

    • Week 1: Understand topics like the training process behind LLMs and apply what they learned to design their own chatbot.

    • Week 2: Critically evaluate the impacts of LLMs on society and design a public-facing media piece that raises awareness about their impacts and responsible use.

    • Week 3: Assess how LLMs might change the future of jobs by using historical events to inform future predictions. Students will develop their own 5-year plans to think about the potential careers they are interested in pursuing and the corresponding skill sets required.

    Across the 3 weeks, researchers and industry professionals will visit the class to share their expertise and to help students understand how design choices, ethical considerations, and real-world motivations shape the development and impact of LLM systems.

    Residential
  • 2 Week Career Insight: Technology and Innovation
    2 Week Career Insight: Technology and Innovation

    Enrollment for this course is closed. We will only admit students from the waitlist if places become available. Please make other selections for your application.

    Move future-forward in pursuits like AI, human-computer interface, nanotechnology, and climate engineering. Your journey begins here at UChicago, home of cutting-edge innovation hubs in all of these areas and more.

    In the morning, UChicago professors, lecturers, and researchers will introduce you to key concepts and practices in molecular engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences through lectures, discussions, readings, and hands-on activities designed to reveal a range of possible pursuits. In the afternoon, connect with practitioners through presentations, informational interviews, and career treks around the city, and with Career Advancement staff who will help you consider what various career paths you might follow and cultivate the skills you need to begin to pursue those opportunities. You will keep a response journal and complete other assignments that will become a part of a final portfolio that you will submit at the end of the program.

    Residential