Course Descriptions

Core Courses

IMGD 1000. CRITICAL STUDIES OF INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND GAMES.
Cat. I
This course introduces non-technical studies of computer-based interactive media and games. The course develops a vocabulary for discussing games and other interactive media, and tools for analyzing them. Students are expected to provide written critiques using the critical approaches presented in the course. The games and other interactive media critiqued may be commercially available or under development.

IMGD 1001. THE GAME DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
Cat. I
This course discusses the process of game development. It examines the roles of different participants in the development process and how the technical development and the artistic development proceed in tandem. Group work is emphasized, especially the importance of collaboration between technical and artistic efforts. Students are expected to participate in game development using appropriate game development tools.

IMGD 1002. STORYTELLING IN INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND GAMES.
Cat. I
This course explores different types of story within gaming and other interactive media. It delineates between linear, branching, and emergent storytelling, identifies hybrids, and finds new modes of making compelling narrative. A variety of games are discussed, including early text-based adventures, role-playing games, shooters, and strategy games. Students will construct characters, situations, and narratives through game play and scripted cut scenes. Students will explore and use visual storytelling techniques.

Advanced Courses

IMGD 3000. TECHNICAL GAME DEVELOPMENT I.
Cat. I
This course teaches technical Computer Science aspects of game development, with the focus of the course on low-level programming of a computer games. Topics include 2D and 3D game engines, simulation-type games, analog and digital controllers and other forms of tertiary input. Students will implement games or parts of games, including exploration of graphics, sound, and music as it affects game implementation.

Recommended background: CS 2303.

IMGD 4000. TECHNICAL GAME DEVELOPMENT II.
Cat. I
This course focuses on the application of advanced Computer Science topics as they impact game development. Networking and distributed systems issues are addressed, including scalability and latency compensation techniques, for designing games for a online multi-player environments. AI, graphics and physics techniques specific to game development are discussed. Students will implement games or parts of games that apply advanced Computer Science topics.

Recommended background: IMGD 3000.

IMGD 3500. ARTISTIC GAME DEVELOPMENT I.
Cat. I
This course focuses on the unique problems presented to the artist when working in game development. Students learn to work with 2D sprite-based art, including tiling and simple animation. They then explore 3D architecture, level design, texturing, and environmental animation. Students will use art to create compelling game experiences through environments by designing their own levels in both 2D and 3D games.

Recommended background: AR 3000.

IMGD 4500. ARTISTIC GAME DEVELOPMENT II.
Cat. I
This course focuses on the integration and organization of the various artistic elements used in game development. The course examines user interaction, interface design, and existing paradigms in current games. Students will combine elements of level design, animation, music, sound, and writing to create an aesthetically appealing game.

Recommended background: IMGD 1002, IMGD 3500, MU 1611.

Courses on Social & Philosophical Issues

IMGD 2000. SOCIAL ISSUES IN INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND GAMES.
Cat. II (offered in AY 2006-2007)
This course provides students with a realistic assessment of the potential and problems related to interactive media and games, especially computer games, and their effects on society. Topics include individual and group behavior, diversity, human responsibility, ethical and legal issues, and intellectual property. The course examines the issues from various points of view, and discover the political, social, and economic agendas of the people or groups championing those points of view. Students will write papers, participate in discussions, and research related topics.

Recommended background: IMGD 1000.

IMGD 2001. PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS OF COMPUTER GAMES.
Cat. II (offered in AY 2005-2006)
This course introduces students to some of the political and ethical dimensions of the new entertainment modalities. Students will explore such issues as representation and power (e.g., gaming and disability, and race stereotyping in games), the phenomenology of virtual reality, capitalism and the commodification of leisure, gender and sexual violence, and cyberspace and democracy. Students will also develop critical tools for evaluating the ethical and social content of their own and others' games. In addition to writing several analytical papers on the critical theory of technology, students will be encouraged to work on game designs exploring philosophical or social themes.

Recommended background: IMGD 1000.

New Artistic Courses

AR 1100. ESSENTIALS OF ART.
Cat. I
This course provides an introduction to the basic principles of two and three-dimensional visual organization. The course focuses on graphic expression, idea development, and visual literacy. Students will be expected to master basic rendering skills, perspective drawing, concept art, and storyboarding through both traditional and computer-based tools.

AR 1101. DIGITAL IMAGING AND COMPUTER ART.
Cat. I
This course focuses on the methods, procedures and techniques of creating and manipulating images through electronic and digital means. Students will develop an understanding of image alteration. Topics may include color theory, displays, modeling, shading, and visual perception.

Recommended background: AR 1100.

AR 3000. THE ART OF ANIMATION.
Cat. I
This course examines the fundamentals of computer generated 2D and 3D modeling and animation as they apply to creating believable characters and environments. Students will learn skeletal animation and traditional polygonal animation, giving weight and personality to characters through movement, environmental lighting, and changing mood and emotion. Students will be expected to master the tools of 3D modeling and skinning, and scripting of behaviors.

Recommended background: AR 1101.

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Last modified: Jan 11, 2007, 16:31 EST