Minor in Computer Science + Visual and Media Studies
The Departments of Art, Art History & Visual Studies (AAHVS) and Computer Science sponsor both an interdepartmental major (IDM) and minor in Computational Media. The major and minor are designed for students who want to combine deep theoretical and critical engagement with art, computation, and culture with substantive engagement with core computer science concepts and principles, undertaken alongside hands-on experience with computational media practice. Students interested in areas such as digital humanities, digital media and algorithmic arts, computer interface and experience design, game studies, digital storytelling and data journalism, information aesthetics, computational media ethics, global media studies and related topics will find the program of interest. The major also encourages participation in collaborative, interdisciplinary projects through the required Technical Project Experience, which may be fulfilled through coursework or participation in a variety of related programs, such as the Computational Media, Arts & Cultures labs, as well as Data+, Story+, Bass Connections, Code+, CS+, or another approved project experience.
The minor is managed by Art, Art History & Visual Studies, in coordination with Computer Science.
Students interested in minoring in the IDM should first contact Professor Mark Olson, Visual Media Studies area head, for a consultation and questions.
Requirements for the Minor
5 courses: 2 VMS/CMAC practice-based courses; 2 VMS/CMAC thematic-based courses, and 1 COMPSCI course.
Course Selection Details
Art, Art History & Visual Studies
The 2 practice-based courses and the 2 thematic-based courses should be at the 200-level or above, and the majority should be with core faculty in AAHVS (see the departmental website). Typically "practice" courses include a digital computational method in their title (web development, data visualization, mapping, constructing virtual worlds, digital imaging, game design, etc), while "theory" courses may be historically or thematically focused in areas of visual and media studies, technology and cultural studies, media history, digital humanities, etc. A few courses could go either way because they contain a mix of elements, such as project-based courses in a lab or through Bass Connections, or some special topics. Students should consult with their advisor in VMS for questions on how specific courses might apply to their minor requirements and obtain general advice on planning their schedule.
Computer Science Course
The COMPSCI course should be at the 200-level or above and be a quantitative computing course. It cannot be a Social and Policy Oriented Computing course.
Examples of Social and Policy Oriented Computing courses include COMPSCI 240, COMPSCI 247S, COMPSCI 255, COMPSCI 265S (was COMPSCI 112S), COMPSCI 342, and COMPSCI 290-01 Cinema Perspectives on AI (Spring 2025).
For additional questions about Computer Science course options for the minor, students should consult directly with the Department of Computer Science (dus@cs.duke.edu).