Contemporary life is increasingly shaped by digital systems and complex social, cultural and political networks. At the same time, we depend on natural systems whose complexity is difficult to grasp, and whose integrity is under threat. In this course, we explore generative systems and automation in both natural and technological contexts. From digital fabrication, to fermentation, mycelium and biological networks, students will examine the concepts, practices and materiality of generative systems through creative projects. By critically, ethically and reflexively intervening in environmental and technological contexts, probing contemporary forms of automation and generative systems, students will develop a deeper understanding of what nonhuman agency means for practice in the visual arts and design, and how to critically engage with these systems.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an understanding of techniques and concepts of nonhuman agency and generative systems, and discuss their use in contemporary creative practice;
- critically use natural and technological systems in creative practice projects;
- demonstrate ability to engage with experimentation and documentation of biological and digital processes; and
- substantiate creative outcomes with research and rationale.
Other Information
Students should bring their own laptop for this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Research assessment (approximately 1000 words) (25) [LO 1,3]
- Experiment documentation (video, photography, text) (35) [LO 1,2,3]
- Major project and rationale (Rationale approximately 1000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact comprising lectures, tutorials / workshops.
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Refer to Canvas
Preliminary Reading
Steyerl, Hito, and Kate Crawford. “Data Streams.” The New Inquiry (blog), January 23, 2017. https://thenewinquiry.com/data-streams/.
N Katherine Hayles 'Bacteria to AI: Human Futures with our Nonhuman Symbionts', 2025.
William Myers and Paola Antonelli, 'Bio design : Nature, Science, Creativity', 2012.
Andrew Adamatzky, 'Physarum Machines: Computers from Slime Mould', 2010.
James Bridle, ‘Ways of Being: Animals, Plants, Machines: The Search for a Planetary Intelligence’, 2023.
Assumed Knowledge
Familiarity with basic computer techniques for graphics and design, familiarity with basic photography/video techniques for documenting experiments.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10047 | 26 Jul 2027 | 02 Aug 2027 | 31 Aug 2027 | 29 Oct 2027 | In Person | N/A |