Computational Thinking& Aesthetic Doing

About this program

This research area at KHM combines critical and creative approaches to make the inner workings of algorithmic systems visible, question them, rethink them, and, if necessary, resist them. The focus is on the connection between power and ideology in machine learning. We program together, tinker, read, reflect, make art, research, solve problems together, create zines, and eat snacks. It doesn't matter how much experience you have with code. We look forward to you joining us! "Computational Thinking" means not that computers can think, but the critical examination of the logic of computing. Our challenge is to question the assumptions embedded in socio-technical systems throughout history in order to expand the possibility space of Computational Thinking. This requires us to find counter-histories of algorithmic systems, conduct artistic experiments, examine or reveal existing methods and tools, and cultivate embodied practices with/without technology that open up alternative future visions. "Aesthetic Doing" means creating something and being in the process, doing as action and as activism, aesthetics as politics and form. For example, how do computer-aided forms limit our language and thinking? We use code as an artistic material to reflect on technical systems of various scales: from a single line of code, to machine learning models with billions of parameters, to the infrastructures that support them. The more terms like "language" and "understanding" shift towards interactions with and between machines, the more we need to develop approaches to work with algorithmic systems under these new conditions, as part of a community that produces collectively usable, accessible tools and resources. We believe that artistic research and practice in the field of critical, creative coding can bring about concrete interventions with direct social and political impact.

Required documents

General requirements for Master programs in Germany. Program-specific requirements are shown once you start a journey for this program.

• Certified copy of Bachelor's degree certificate
• Certified translation of Bachelor's degree certificate
• Certified transcript of records (all semesters)
• Valid passport (photo page copy)
• Tabular curriculum vitae (CV)

Academic requirements

Frequently asked questions

Static answers for the most common questions about applying to this program.

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