Course Title:
AI, Creativity, and the Arts Honors
UC Subject Category: Visual & Performing Arts (F)
Delivery Mode: Online & Classroom-Based
Grade Levels: 10–12
Credits: 5 UC-Approved High School Credits
Prerequisites: Completion of at least one foundational arts or English course; no prior coding experience required
Course Description:
AI, Creativity, and the Arts Honors explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping visual and performing arts, design, and creative expression. Students engage in a multidisciplinary journey blending technology, artistic experimentation, and critical reflection, using AI as both a creative partner and a subject of inquiry.
Students examine the history of generative and algorithmic art, analyze ethical and philosophical implications of AI-created works, and produce original projects using cutting-edge tools such as AI image generators, music composition platforms, and text-to-art engines. The course empowers students to develop creative confidence, digital fluency, and an understanding of how AI is transforming the artistic process.
Through studio work, media analysis, and collaborative projects, students reflect on authorship, aesthetics, and the human role in a world of intelligent machines. This course fulfills the UC Visual & Performing Arts requirement and supports interdisciplinary connections to literature, computer science, and design.
Syllabus Overview: AI, Creativity, and the Arts Honors
| Unit | Topics Covered | Key Activities & Assessments |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1: Introduction to Art & AI | History of digital and generative art; what defines creativity | Visual timeline project; reflection journal on AI & creativity |
| Unit 2: AI as a Creative Tool | Image synthesis, generative design, text-to-image platforms | Create original art using tools like DALL·E or Deep Dream; critique session |
| Unit 3: AI in Music and Sound | Algorithmic music composition, AI-generated melodies, remix culture | Compose an AI-assisted music piece; process statement |
| Unit 4: Performance, Voice & Movement | AI in theater, dance, digital avatars, deepfake performance | Design a short performance or storyboard using AI characters or voice tools |
| Unit 5: Ethics & Aesthetics of AI Art | Ownership, authorship, authenticity, bias in AI-generated works | Socratic seminar or debate; analytical essay |
| Unit 6: The Human-Machine Collaboration | Blended human–AI creative practices and critique of posthuman art | Collaborative group project: human + AI curated exhibit |
| Unit 7: Design Futures | Fashion, architecture, product design and the role of AI in shaping aesthetics | Design concept prototype (visual, digital, or 3D model); artist talk |
| Unit 8: Capstone Showcase | Students develop a portfolio piece reflecting their understanding of AI in the arts | Final creative project, written rationale, and presentation in a public showcase |
Course Tools & Materials
- AI Art Tools: DALL·E, RunwayML, DeepArt, Soundraw, Jukebox
- Platforms: Canvas LMS, Google Workspace, digital sketch and composition apps
- Readings: Selected articles, essays, and artist statements (e.g., Refik Anadol, Sougwen Chung)
- Optional software: Adobe Creative Suite, music editing tools
Grading Breakdown
- Creative assignments and artwork – 30%
- Process reflections and journals – 15%
- Class participation and critiques – 15%
- Ethics/art history essays and presentations – 20%
- Final Capstone Project – 20%
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will:
- Create and present original works integrating AI tools and artistic principles
- Demonstrate critical understanding of the aesthetics and ethics of AI-generated art
- Analyze AI’s role in reshaping creative disciplines
- Collaborate and engage in artistic critique and discourse
- Build a personal digital portfolio showcasing creative growth and conceptual thinking