New Department of Arts and Innovation Combines Computer Science and Fine Arts: “The two disciplines are oddly aligned."

St. Joseph’s Prep has launched a new Arts and Innovation Department, merging Computer Science and Fine Arts to reflect the growing influence of technology on creative disciplines, and the impact that technology has on the other areas.

“Many art and music classes are leaning heavily on technology,” says Teresa Hoffman, formerly the Chair of Computer Science who will now chair this new department. “The art department offers graphic design classes that use Adobe Illustrator and students are using technology such as Tinkercad to design and print 3D images in their classes. Our music teachers use songwriting and production software to assist students. Technology is having such an impact on all forms of the arts that it makes sense to have the cohesion of a new, joint department.”

The department has been created with the intention that faculty members will collaborate on technology and find ways to incorporate new technology that is appropriate for students.

“The two disciplines are oddly aligned,” says Hoffman. "Whether you're creating art, composing music, or writing code, you're often engaging in similar cognitive processes within the same hemisphere of the brain."

Much of the coursework involves implementing ever-evolving AI software. This department will be key to the school evolving with it.