Course detail

Blochchain. Introduction into the narative and technology

FaVU-1BCHNTAcad. year: 2023/2024

The course is designed as a combination of lectures and seminars. The introductory class is followed by three blocks consisting of two lectures and a seminar. The explanatory part is thus complemented by independent work with the text. In the course, students are introduced to exponential blockchain technology and then to its applications: cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, non-fungible tokens, autonomous decentralized organization (DAO). The aim of the semester is to introduce the overall framework and technological specificities of the application of this technology in the context of the operation of contemporary art and design. This course is loosely followed by a series of practically oriented workshops in the summer semester.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

Guarantor

doc. Mgr. Jan Zálešák, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Art History and Theory (KTDU)

Entry knowledge

The course requires no prior knowledge on the topic and is open to beginners.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

In order to successfully complete the course, the following conditions must be met: active participation in class (2 unexcused absences allowed, higher absences can be compensated by submitting an assignment based on an alternative assignment in agreement with the teacher) and submission of the final assignment, which will be presented in a colloquium at the end of the semester.
Teaching takes place in the classrooms of FaVU VUT in the hours determined by the timetable. The minimum attendance is 85%. Making up missed classes is done in agreement with the teacher in the form of alternative assignments.

Aims

The course aims to introduce students to the basic principles and key concepts that appear in the context of the applications based on blockchain technology. The aim of the course is not to guide students to automatically apply them, but to critically rethink and prototype possible uses of exponential blockchain technology within their artistic practice. The course will look at the underlying myths and risks associated with the use of this technology, but will also present opportunities for autonomous artistic creation. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to navigate the environment of blockchain projects and think critically about their application in their own creative practice. The aim is to develop a critical, conceptual and practical approach to this technology and its applications within artistic practice and artistic research.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Not applicable.

Type of course unit

Lecture

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Mgr. Jan Zálešák, Ph.D.

Syllabus

BLOCK 1: Cryptocurrencies

1. Blockchain - history and technological principles

2. Bitcoin and altcoins - differences, similarities, uses

3. Seminar: Blockchain ecology - proof-of-work vs. proof-of-stake

BLOCK 2: Smart Contracts

4. Ethereum - history and uses

5. Smart contracts - advantages and disadvantages of their application

6. Seminar: Limits of Smart Contracts.

BLOCK 3: NFT

7. Non-fungible token (NFT) - history and practice

8. NFT and Contemporary Art

9. Seminar: Can I do it without blockchain?

BLOCK 4: DAO

10. Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) and how it works

11. Quadratic voting system and its applications

12. Seminar: Is decentralization the solution to all problems? 1

3. COLLOQUIUM: Presentation of the outcomes of the course assignment.