Course of Study

• Exploring the role of amulets and learn about the ways digital technologies can aid in connecting us to our ancestral practices

• Exploring amulets as 3D sculpture, animism, and objects

• Fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and music production using Blender and Bandlab

• Creating digital astrolabes as a wayfinding somatic instrument

• Animating 3D objects through sound

• Remixing, resampling, and editing digital objects as gifts to each other

Expectations

Time & Workload

• Students should expect to spend approximately 2-3 hours per week on readings or assignments outside of class. This may vary depending on individual learning styles and project engagement.

• The culmination of this class will involve the creation of digital protective amulets using Blender, paired with sonic incantations crafted through songwriting and mixing on Bandlab. These creations will be showcased in a collective portal space using the virtual world-building platform New Art City, as well as at an in-person event.

Learning Outcomes

By taking this class you can expect to gain the following:

• Meaningful relationships with spiritually engaged BIPOC technologists and artists, showing up with curiosity in the class content and participants is deeply valued in the space we are creating.

• Develop an understanding of the significance of protective rituals and practices in response to the white-supremacist-settler-colonial oppression.

• Acquire skills in digital artistry, including 3D modeling, animation, and music production.

• Explore and honor our respective ancestral lineages through the creation of digital amulets and sonic incantations.

• Engage critically with the intersections of technology, spirituality, and community building.

• Collaborate with peers to build a collective portal space that reflects their shared experiences and aspirations.

Is this class for me?

This class may be for you if you:

• Identify as Black, Indigenous or as a person of color and seek a supportive and empowering learning environment.

• Are committed to anti-oppressive practices including: challenging anti-Black racism, zionism, ableism, elitism, colorism, and all other modes of oppression rooted in settler colonial violence.

• Are interested in exploring the intersection of technology, spirituality, and ancestral wisdom.

• Have minimal experience with 3D modeling and want to learn digital artistry skills such as 3D modeling, animation, and music production.

• Are excited about creating digital protective amulets and sonic incantations to fortify spirits and build community.

• Are eager to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application through collaborative projects.

This class may NOT be for you if:

• Are not interested in community building.

• Prefer traditional lecture-style classes with minimal hands-on creative activities.

• Don’t want to learn 3D modeling or sound making applications.

• Are not willing to troubleshoot in order to overcome technological hurdles.