This paper describes how the creative arts can provide an alternative approach to computer programming that may benefit students in the humanities in general. It focuses on creative arts projects using text, graphics and music that allow students to encounter the same programming concepts from a number of different perspectives. It also discusses the importance of symbolic programming for the arts and how the creative arts can provide a particularly rich environment for developing approaches to object-oriented programming.
Key Words computer programming - creative arts - symbolic programming - object oriented programming
Gary Greenberg received his B. A. and M. A. in Music from Stanford University and his Ph.D. in Music from Harvard University. His activities include creating compositional programming environments (Composing with Performer Objects, The Proceedings of the 1988 International Computer Music Conference) and developing ways of using the computer to learn about music through compositional activities (Music Learning-Compositional Thinking). He is currently manager of the Northwestern University Advanced Technology Group where he coordinates the Computer Media Studio and is exploring ways to use computer multimedia in instruction and research.