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Surveillance Culture and Sound Maps: Investigative Observation

Teachers
Nichole Shinn, Hatim Benhsain
Date
Section 1: September 24, 2026 to October 22, 2026
Section 2: September 27, 2026 to October 25, 2026

(5 classes)
Time
Section 1: Thursdays, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET Section 2: Sundays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
Location
online via Zoom
Cost
$750 Or pay $600, $300, or $0 with scholarship
Deadline
Applications open until August 10, 2026

Apply Now

Description

In this class we will be learning about surveillance culture from an audiovisual lens. Part gamer, part scientist, you will be roleplaying as an investigative observer. The class will be structured around going out into the world and taking site specific field recordings and pictures in personal attempts at surveilling the spaces around you. These findings will be crafted into a finalized web-page art piece called a ,sound map,.

Images courtesy of teachers.

Too long; didn’t read

  • Level: Beginner
  • Tools: GarageBand, Cakewalk, or Audacity; HTML
  • Focus: Reading discourse and audio editing soundscapes
  • Prereqs: None, but audio editing experience is a plus
  • Project: A sound map of 4 soundscapes organized on a website

Full Description

In this class we will be learning about surveillance culture from an audiovisual lens. Part gamer, part scientist, you will be roleplaying as an investigative observer. The class will be structured around going out into the world and taking site specific field recordings and pictures in personal attempts at surveilling the spaces around you. These findings will be crafted into a finalized web-page art piece called a sound map.

Together we will make a website in which participants combine their sound map webpages with the rest of the class to create a collective map that will weave together a tapestry of soundscapes.

Course of Study

  • Week 1: Surveillance Ecosystem + What is a Sound Map?
  • Week 2: Brief History of Surveillance Art + Introduction to Webpage Design
  • Week 3: Audio Editing Workshop + HTML Workshop
  • Week 4: Sound Maps and Sound Installations + HTML Workshop
  • Week 5: Presentations of Sound Maps + Integration

Expectations

Time & Workload
  • 1–2 hours outside of class each week for field excursions, work on soundscape projects, and readings
Technical Experience
  • None required
Materials
  • Computer with either GarageBand, Audacity, or Cakewalk downloaded
  • Phone for recording material
  • If desired: Instruments

Is this class for me?

This class may be for you if you:

  • Are open to experimentation
  • Want to learn the basics of audio editing software
  • Want to get out of your living space and walk around
  • Want to learn more about surveillance art

This class may NOT be for you if you:

  • Are a passive learner, preferring not to be hands on
  • Don’t want to read and discuss with peers
  • Don’t like sound as a medium

Meet the Teachers

teacher

Nichole Shinn

Nichole Shinn is an interdisciplinary artist and game designer based in ,Brooklyn, NY,. They are a co-founder of an independent publishing project called ,Txtbooks, with selected works held at the Whitney Museum, Met Library and New York Public Library among others. They are a founder of a game studio called ,Ultraviolet Softworks, and a co-founder of a Games Collective called ,Games for my Computer, with work recognized by IGF, A Maze and Bafta among others. She holds a ,BFA, ,in Painting & Ceramics, from Pratt Institute and an ,MFA in Game Design, from the NYU Game Center.

They/Them/She/Her

assistant teacher

Hatim Benhsain

Hatim makes videogames, comics, and music as well. He likes to go swimming and he grew up in Rabat.

he/him

How do I apply?

Apply Now

Applications open until Applications closed on August 10, 2026.

You can expect to hear back from us about the status of your application on . Please email us at admissions@sfpc.study with any questions you have.

How much does it cost to attend?

For 5 classes, it costs $750 + processing fees, for a one-time payment. We also offer payment plans. Participants can schedule monthly payments of the same amount. First and last payments must be made before the start and end of class. *Processing fees apply for each payment.

SFPC processes all payments via Withfriends and Stripe. Please email admissions@sfpc.study if these payment options don't work for you.

Applicant FAQ

For more information about what we look for in applicants, scholarships, and other frequently asked questions, please visit our applicant FAQ.

Interested in more learning opportunities at the School for Poetic Computation? Join our newsletter to stay up to date on future sessions and events, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Support our programming through scholarships. Get in touch over email.

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