Parsons and Runway: Shaping the Future of Creative Education with AI

At Parsons School of Design creativity and technology intersect as they partner with Runway, a leading AI creative platform, to launch an innovative course for Fall 2025. Students will dive into the world of AI, exploring its potential to transform art and storytelling in fresh, meaningful ways.

Inside the Hopepunk and Runway Course

The course, "Hopepunk and Runway," is designed for all students at The New School, though Parsons students receive priority enrollment. No experience with Runway is necessary, inviting both newcomers and seasoned creatives to participate. The curriculum seamlessly blends hands-on experimentation with Runway’s tools and critical discussions rooted in hopepunk fiction, a genre centered on optimism and resilience.

Guided by readings from celebrated hopepunk authors like N.K. Jemisin and Becky Chambers, students will reflect on themes of hope, resistance, and imaginative futures. Weekly assignments foster creative growth, culminating in longer-form projects that showcase both technical and artistic skills.

Key Course Features

• Hands-on Learning: Students actively use Runway’s AI tools, encouraging imaginative experimentation.
  
  
• Hopepunk Inspiration: The course draws from hopepunk fiction, prompting students to craft narratives of hope through technology.
  
  
• Inclusive Approach: With open enrollment, the course welcomes students regardless of prior AI experience.
  
  
• Major Projects: Participants develop substantial creative works, blending technical proficiency with personal storytelling.

Why AI in Creative Education Matters

This partnership highlights a growing trend: AI is a collaborator in the creative process. By integrating Runway into the curriculum, Parsons demonstrates its dedication to preparing students for a world where technology and design are deeply intertwined.

Emphasizing hopepunk not only fosters optimism in creative work but also equips students with the resilience necessary for contemporary challenges. The course exemplifies how academic programs can remain relevant by adopting real-world, industry-standard platforms, ensuring graduates are prepared to lead change in the creative sector.

Opportunities for Students and Educators

With applications open for the upcoming semester, students have a unique chance to engage with cutting-edge AI tools and visionary storytelling. Educators interested in integrating Runway’s technology into their classrooms can explore dedicated resources and support through Runway’s Educator Page.

About Parsons School of Design

Based in New York and globally renowned, Parsons School of Design offers a dynamic range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution is celebrated for fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creative leadership all qualities that empower graduates to address the world’s most pressing challenges through design.

Final Thoughts

The collaboration between Parsons and Runway marks a pivotal shift in creative education. By merging hopepunk narratives with advanced AI, students are empowered to forge new paths in art and design where optimism, resilience, and technology shape a brighter future.

Source: Runway Blog