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Human-scale Natural Language Processing

Teachers
Allison Parrish, Ilona Brand, Yadira Sánchez
Date
Section 1: June 13, 2024 to July 18, 2024
Section 2: June 15, 2024 to July 20, 2024

(5 classes)
Time
Section 1: Thursdays, 7-10pm ET Section 2: Saturdays, 1-4pm ET
Location
Online (Zoom)
Cost
$750 Scholarships available learn more...
Deadline
Applications closed on April 15, 2024

Apply Now

Description

Human-scale Natural Language Processing, re-establishes computation as a tool in the radical writer’s toolbox. Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a subfield of AI that drives pervasive technologies like spell check, search, bots and content moderation. This multi-billion dollar, energy-intensive industry increasingly dictates the shape of everyday language while perpetuating harmful biases. We will practice "human-scale" natural language processing by forgoing pre-existing datasets and models in favor of communally-written texts. This includes exercises in which participants invent new textual categories and hand-tag each other's writing. Participants will learn the basics of text processing, analysis and generation in Python, including parsing, regular expressions, Markov chains and vector similarity.  Many exercises will be performed using analog media as well (for example, cut-ups, free-writes, etc.). In addition, we will prioritize technical approaches that function well on low-end hardware rather than carbon-intensive computation. The goal of the class is for participants to learn more about themselves and their classmates through these communal acts of computational reading and re-writing.

Outcomes

Fundraiser

Human-scale Natural Language Processing is one of two classes that SFPC is fundraising for in our Community Fundraiser. SFPC has not raised enough money to offer this class tuition free as of January 9, 2024. We will continue to accept donations towards the scholarship fund for this class. Donate to help us offer this class for free.

Schedule

No classes during the Fourth of July holiday weekend on Thursday, July 4 and Saturday, July 6.

Course of Study

  • Week 1: Text as material
  • Week 2: Foundations of computational composition in Python
  • Week 3: Extremely small language models
  • Week 4: Minimum viable representations of syntax
  • Week 5: Semantics + showcase prep

Expectations

Technical Experience
  • This class is a beginning level programming course. No previous programming experience is required, though there will be opportunities for deeper exploration of class concepts available to more experienced programmers.
Time & Workload
  • 1 hour spent on reading a maximum of 20 pages of every week
  • 2 hours spent working on coding tutorials and assignments outside of class
Materials
  • Computer or laptop with a strong Wi-Fi connection
Learning Outcomes

By the end of this class, participants will:

  • Achieve beginning to intermediate proficiency in technical tools relevant to language and computation, including the Python programming language
  • Become familiar with conventions surrounding the structure of natural language processing data sets, and learn how to collect and create small-scale corpora for creative use
  • Become conversant in current discourses surrounding the ethics, philosophy and politics of data collection, data labeling, and how language is represented computationally
  • Understand the application of computational processes in poetic practice

Is this class for me?

This class may be for you if you:

  • Are interested in anti-commercial approaches and applications of natural language processing
  • Are interested in eco-conscious applications of computational processes
  • Want to develop do-it-yourself (DIY) datasets and corpora
  • Have a writing practice
  • Want to develop a writing practice
  • Are experiencing writer's block
  • Want to practice collective writing
  • Have a little bit of experience with Python and Jupyter Notebook — or are just curious about programming
  • Are interested in the underpinnings of generative AI (and alternatives to generative AI in the realm of creative writing)

This class may NOT be for you if you:

  • Are looking for a coding bootcamp

Meet the Teachers

teacher

Allison Parrish

Allison Parrish is a computer programmer, poet, and game designer whose teaching and practice address the unusual phenomena that blossom when language and computers meet. She is an Assistant Arts Professor at NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program. Allison was named "Best Maker of Poetry Bots" by the Village Voice in 2016, and her zine of computer-generated poems called "Compasses" received an honorary mention in the 2021 Prix Ars Electronica. Allison is the co-creator of the board game Rewordable (Clarkson Potter, 2017) and author of several books, including @Everyword: The Book (Instar, 2015) and Articulations (Counterpath, 2018). Her poetry has recently appeared in BOMB Magazine and Strange Horizons. Allison is originally from West Bountiful, Utah and currently lives in Brooklyn.

she/her · website · twitter · instagram

teacher

Ilona Brand

Ilona is an artist, extrovert, teacher and technologist who sees their work as love notes to themself, the world, and others. They work across mediums using music, poetry, code, drawing, and their jewish practice as tools of expression both publicly and privately. These days they are particularly interested in trans narratives of liberation, judaism as a site of ritual, visibility on and offline, and how we present ourselves and our work to the world.

he/they · instagram

teacher

Yadira Sánchez

Yadira is an artist and technologist cultivating tech ecologies. They are using software, hardware and data to bring together ecological thinking and tech making as a way to co-create and deepen connections with ecosystems. Parting from her rural ubpringing, Yadira is invested in, inspired and informed by the traditional ecological knowledge of her rural community, where she will continue to co-create communitarian tech with.Yadira has been invited to present her work at the Cambridge Centre for Data Driven Discovery and the Ida B Wells Just Data Lab at Princeton University.

she/elles · website · twitter · instagram

How do I apply?

Apply Now

Applications open until Applications closed on April 15, 2024.

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 weekly or 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.