Burak Arikan, arikan@burak-arikan.com
H79.2736 Tuesdays 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Version 1.0 / Aug 15, 2008

This course is an introduction to complex networks within the context of the arts. It focuses on understanding the structure and dynamics of large-scale networks and expanding the individual’s thinking about the network as a creative medium. Emphasis will be on network topology, network modeling, creative protocol authoring, and information design. In addition to discussing ideas related to designing networks, the class focuses on developing the skills required for implementing networked systems. Students will start from drawing simple diagrams and gradually build running complex networks. Each student will learn and develop critical thinking about networks most through creating many examples of networked systems and through collaboration on protocol authoring.

There are nine problem sets and a final project. In addition, there will be weekly reading assignments supported by discussions in class. Exercises range from hand drawings to programming networked systems.

The course has 2 phases: Network Structure and Network Dynamics. The first phase focuses on networks as static entities. It is based on the Graph Theory and concerned with the structure. The second phase focuses on the processes taking place in the networks. It is concerned with time, interaction, and multiple characteristics of the elements.

PHASE I: STRUCTURE

01. Intro: Graph Theory

Graph Theory and Basic Terminology
Networks in the Real World
Representing Relationships
Reading: Albert-László Barabási, “Random Universe”, “Six Degrees of Seperation”, Linked, pp 9-54.
Exercise 1

02. Topology

Centralized, decentralized, distributed, fully connected
Dense, sparse, tree, small world, core-periphery, scale-free
Reading: Skye Bender-deMoll, “Potential Human Rights Uses of Network Analysis and Mapping“ [PDF], pp 1-6.
Exercise 2

03. Centrality

Centralization
Discovering Density
Reading: Albert-László Barabási, “80/20 Rule”, Linked, pp 65-78.
Exercise 3

04. Distance

Shortest path
Betweenness Centrality
Closeness Centrality
Transitivity
Reading: Valdis Krebs, “It’s the Conversations, Stupid!” [PDF].
Exercise 4

05. Clusters

Clustering
Structural Holes & Bridging
Structural equivalence
Clustering coefficient
Reading: David Reed, “Group Formation Networks (GFN)“.
Exercise 5

PHASE II: DYNAMICS

06. Intro: Dynamics

Static vs. Dynamic Networks
Flaws of Graph Theory
Living Networks
Reading: Eugene Thacker, “Networks, Swarms, Multitudes. Part I“.
Exercise 6

07. Protocol

Agreement
Encoding
Transmitting
Decoding
Reading: Alexander Galloway, “Physical Media”, Protocol, pp 28-53.
Exercise 7

08. Routing

Delivery Semantics
Topology Distribution
Shortest Path
Reading: Nicolas Bourriaud, “Relational Form”, Relational Aesthetics, pp 11-24.
Exercise 8

09. Contagion

Virus
Replication
Reiteration
Epidemic
Reading: A. Galloway & E. Thacker, “The Exploit”, “Counterprotocol” The Exploit, pp 81-101.
Exercise 9

10. Swarming

Signaling
Motion
Aggregation
Environment
Reading: Eugene Thacker, “Networks, Swarms, Multitudes. Part II“.
Assignment: Final Project Proposal

11. Final Project Proposals

Assignment: Develop a working prototype of your system or part of your system.

12. Final Project Workshop 1

Assignment: Complete and refine your working prototype. Make significant progress toward realizing and improving the project.

13. Final Project Workshop 2

Assignment: Refine and build a robust version. Document your prototype with a two minute movie. Post your documentation to the class website.

14. Final Project Presentations

Public presentation.

Artists

Alexei Shulgin, Christophe Bruno, Eduardo Kac, Eva & Franco Mattes, Etoy, Entropy8zuper!, Heath Bunting / Irrational, JODI, Jonah-Brucker Cohen, Josh On, Kate Rich, Lisa Jevbratt, Mark Napier, MTAA, Natalie Jeremijenko, Olia Lialina, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, RSG, RTmark, Shane Hope, Ubermorgen, Vuc Cosic.

Readings

Albert-László Barabási, Linked, New York: Plume, 2003
Alexander Galloway, Protocol, Cambridge: MIT Press, 2004
Nicolas Bourriaud, Relational Aesthetics, Paris: Les presses du réel, 1998
A. Galloway & E. Thacker, The Exploit, Minneapolis, MN: Univ Of Minnesota Press, 2007
Skye Bender-deMoll, “Potential Human Rights Uses of Network Analysis and Mapping“ [PDF], AAAS Report, 2008
Valdis Krebs, “It’s the Conversations, Stupid!” [PDF], 2004
David Reed, “Group Formation Networks (GFN)“, Context Magazine, 1999
Eugene Thacker, “Networks, Swarms, Multitudes. Part I“, Online CTheory, 2004
Eugene Thacker, “Networks, Swarms, Multitudes. Part II“, Online CTheory, 2004