289116

Introduction to Emerging Creative Technologies

This course offers an accessible introduction to artificial intelligence as a tool for creative expression across multiple disciplines. Students will explore how AI can generate and transform images, music, film, and spatial environments, while critically engaging with the cultural, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of machine-assisted creativity. Alongside hands-on experimentation and collaborative projects, the course will foreground conversations around data ethics, bias, authorship, the environmental impact of AI, and Indigenous perspectives. Students will examine how emerging technologies intersect with traditional knowledge systems, and explore alternative frameworks for creation, stewardship, and storytelling.
Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

289116
Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

100-level
Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15
Subject
Creative Media Production

Course planning information

Course notes

Curious about how artists, musicians, filmmakers, and designers are using AI to push creative boundaries? This course is your entry point into the world of machine-made magic. No technical or AI background needed—just curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to experiment. You'll get hands-on with AI tools that generate images, remix sound, write stories, and even dream up spaces. Along the way, we’ll talk about what it means to make art with machines: Who’s the author? What’s ethical? What happens when Indigenous knowledge meets machine logic? And how do we create with care in a data-driven world? Whether you want to build your own surreal visuals, compose with algorithms, or just explore what AI could mean for your practice, this course is your creative sandbox. No prior AI or coding experience needed.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 1. Demonstrate an understanding of emerging creative technology tools and techniques to generate and transform creative work across various media. (Graduate profile: Understanding – Matauranga A2; Virtuosity – Mohio D1)
  • 2 Critically analyse the ethical, cultural and environmental implications of emerging technology in creative practice. (Graduate profile: Creativity – Toi B1, C1; Virtuosity – Mohio D3)
  • 3 Develop original interdisciplinary projects that demonstrate the thoughtful integration of technology with various frameworks in storytelling, design and creative expression. (Graduate profile: Virtuosity – Mohio D1; Connectedness – Whanaungatanga E2)
  • 4 Demonstrate the ability to respond at a forward-thinking level to briefs and deadlines independently. (Graduate profile: Connectedness – Whanaungatanga A3; Virtuosity – Mohio D1, D3; Autonomy – Mana E3)
  • 5 Critically evaluate own work and provide reflection on processes and decision-making in workgroups, production meetings, critiques and presentations. (Graduate profile: Understanding – Matauranga C2; Connectedness – Whanaungatanga E1)

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Portfolio 1 2 3 4 5 100%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Explanation of assessment types
Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

There are no set texts for this course.