Interactive Arts and Media Game Design Major

Course focuses on use of basic design principles and elements in developing 3D compositions. Students use modular theories and systems as well as intuitive responses to manipulate a variety of materials. Projects are designed to heighten students' perceptions of forms in space. Course is required for all Art and Design and Photography majors.

As an introduction to basic film animation techniques for persons with little or no animation production experience, this course will explore basic animation techniques including object, drawn, and 3-dimensional, including concept development, storyboarding and final production techniques. Animated films and videos, both domestic and international, will be screened and discussed. You will be expected to complete short exercises in each of the techniques mentioned, then complete a 10-second final project from storyboard to final shooting onto film.

As an introduction to basic film animation techniques for persons with little or no animation production experience, this course will explore basic animation techniques including object, drawn, and 3-dimensional, including concept development, storyboarding and final production techniques. Animated films and videos, both domestic and international, will be screened and discussed. You will be expected to complete short exercises in each of the techniques mentioned, then complete a 10-second final project from storyboard to final shooting onto film.

This course will introduce the beginning student to the three 3-dimensional computer animation applications that they will be studying in future semesters, Maya, XSI and 3D-Studio Max. Concepts, relationships between concept and technical skills, and the need to understand the historical development of 3-dimensional computer animation will be emphasized. Exercises will highlight application similarities and differences, while showing that the process becomes increasingly familiar as each application is explored.

Through this drawing intensive course, you will acquire an understanding of figurative human emotions and movements, enabling you to create believable animated characters. You will create model sheets, learn the principles of animation, and learn how to endow your characters with believable actions and acting. Digital pencil testing will allow for the building of the animation from basic motion to more refined movements and emotion. Particular attention will be given to timing, layout, and the creation of extreme drawings and the process of inbetweening.

Course emphasis will be on establishing the modeling skills and knowledge necessary to create a character that can be animated using the Maya software application. Exercises and quizzes will help to establish a solid understanding of polygonal modeling, rigging, lighting, rendering, and animation using this application. Students will be expected to log a minimum of 4 hours of lab time outside of class each week.

This course will explore the Discreet Logic 3DS Max software application. Exercises and quizzes will help to establish a solid understanding of polygonal modeling, rigging, lighting, rendering, and animation using this application. Emphasis will be on establishing the modeling skills and knowledge necessary to create a character that can be animated using this application. Students will be expected to log a minimum of 4 hours of lab time outside of class each week.

This course provides an introduction to motion capture terms, concepts, and history. Students learn the process of capturing motion data by conceptualizing, planning, and directing on-site sessions. A 3-D character performance is created by converting data from sessions and linking it to a character skeleton created in a computer animation class.

This course emphasizes the skills needed to edit and assemble motion capture data. Students learn the technical and aesthetic considerations necessary through a series of homework exercises and classroom critiques. Various motion editing applications will be introduced and discussed. By converting final edited data to work with a variety of 3-D animation packages, students learn how to apply data from motion capture sessions to either create a series of rendered animation images for film/video or create animation content for game production.

This course emphasizes the design and technical ability needed to model non-character 3-D objects. Students will be introduced to level design, industrial design and architectural terms and concepts. Using 3-D software, students will design and build environments, set dressing and vehicles. Level of detail exercises will introduce the concept of polygon and image budgets.

This course continues to refine and advance the design and technical abilities needed to model non-character 3-D objects. Using 3-D software ability, students will design and build environments, set dressing and vehicles based on Game Production 1&2 parameters.

This course emphasizes the design and technical ability needed to model 3-D characters. Students will be introduced to design, sculpting and anatomical terms and concepts. Using 3-D software, students will design and build characters and other organic models. Level of detail exercises will introduce the concept of polygon and image budgets. Exercises in stand-alone software packages will teach advanced texture mapping.

This course continues to refine and advance the design and technical abilities needed to model 3-D characters. Students will compare and contrast stand-alone software packages for advanced texture-mapping. Using 3-D software, students will design and build characters and other organic models based on Game Production 1&2 parameters.

This test demonstrates proficiency in computer applications for basic office and productivity functions for students entering the College prior to 2005.

An overview of computers and their operation with an emphasis on hands-on learning. Students become proficient with using the computer as a personal productivity tool while learning the latest Macintosh and Windows software. Topics covered include history, hardware, software, word processing, spreadsheets, database systems, graphics, telecommunications, computers and society, computer ethics, and computer uses in related fields. A proficIency exam Is available. Contact the IAM Department for Information.

FIT test This test demonstrates proficiency in one of several categories of computer applications for basic office and productivity functions for students entering the College after 2005.

Through discussion, lecture, and critique, this course develops critical thinking skills and the student's ability to apply media theory to media design. Students learn the history and theories of media and technology in art and design and analyze the current state of the art. Creative projects using traditional media and written creative briefs allow students to develop and demonstrate analytical and critique skills.

The increasing popularity of games within today's culture necessitates analysis of how games are impacted by social and ideological forces and influence them in turn. Questions like "Why do we play?" and "How do we play differently?" are explored, with many others, as students are guided through topics such as role-playing and identity, ethics, group behavior, competition, gender, race, and aesthetics in modern (and historical) games.

Using Microsoft Word teaches fundamental word processing skills to beginning and intermediate level students. The course focuses on learning to control text and graphic elements and create documents for a variety of personal and business reasons.

Course offers the student basic skills in managing personal computers. Topics covered include software installation and upgrading, file origination, back-up/restore, disk maintenance for improved performance, firewall and virus protections. The basic architecture of the computer and how it relates to the performance of various user applications will be discussed.

Fundamental spreadsheet skills for beginning and intermediate level students. The course focuses on learning how to input data, perform calculations, control text, numeric and graphic elements, as well as creating charts within the application and other output options.

This 1 credit hour course offers the student basic skills in designing and creating a web site. The course will engage students in planning, creating and defining a site primarily using Adobe Photoshop. Other topics covered will include using text, graphics and tables, working with layers, image maps, animation, multimedia, drop down menus, rollovers, frames and forms.

This 1 credit hour course introduces students to image creation and manipulation. The course will present basic principles of image editing and enhancement, composition and workflow strategies. Though primarily skill based students will enhance their creativity through class assignments.

This course provides a programmer's view of how computer systems execute, store information, and communicate. It enables students to become more effective programmers, especially in dealing with issues of performance, portability, and robustness. Topics include Boolean logic, data representation, processor organization, input/output, memory organization, system support software and communication.

This one credit, two-day workshop explores, in-depth, one aspect of hardware, software or networking. Rotating topics.

This course introduces 2D imaging principles, terms and concepts through assignments in raster and vector applications. Terms and concepts appropriate to working in these media forms are introduced. The body of work developed explores the unique visual capabilities of visual media.

This course provides the foundation for understanding sound in the visual and non-visual media. The first half of the course examines the power of creating images with sound and music without using visuals. Sound sculptures and landscapes, as well as classical impressionistic examples are reviewed and critiqued. The second half of the course investigates the impact of sound on both moving and still image. Film, website, game and animation audio is analyzed for impact, technique, structure and effectiveness. The terminology used in the field is underscored with reading and writing examples. The roles of all of the people involved with film, game and web sound are covered.

Introduction to Game Development serves to introduce the Animation, Development, Programming, and Sound students of the Game Major to the game development industry. The course reviews the history and context of video games and exposes the students to the processes and practices of the game development industry. The course places emphasis on applied critical discussion as well as exploration and identification of characteristics of the diverse game genres. Students will be asked to produce written documentation and develop their own game concept at the end of the class.

Class provides an introduction to computer programming theory and concepts for students with little or no previous experience. Students learn structure, syntax, logic, and the difference between object-oriented and procedural systems.

Current trends and developments in interactive media and interface/interaction design are explored.

Freelancing is often a necessary way of creating one's artistic career but it means that the freelancer has to wear many hats: boss, secretary, salesperson, bookkeeper, creative director, and delivery person. Learn how to support yourself while you pursue your art, managing all the details of being self-employed. This class will deal with presenting, marketing, managing, and succeeding as a freelancer.

This course will explore hands on development of virutal worlds. Students will engage in character representation, collective storytelling, and alternative social and communication methods. Students will practice environmental simulation, and economics appropriate to virtual worlds. Students will use audio, video, bitmaps, 3D modeling techniques for in-world and real world media creation. Object scripting for interactivity, commerce, data communication and motion will be introduced. Students will participate in virtual world cultures.

Course furthers practical understanding of media theory by applying it to media design and production. Building on the static composition analysis in Media Theory and Design I, this course focuses on time-based or "dynamic" media, incorporating text, moving image, and sound.

As the aesthetic of interaction evolves, a promising new genre has emerged: Interactive Conversation Interface. The interactive conversation interface offers a greater degree of engagement than typical navigational models, and its dependence upon spoken word and audio broaden the reach and application of interactive media beyond visual environments. This course introduces the theory and assumptions behind interactive conversation design pioneered by Chicago's own Jellyvision in games like "You Don't Know Jack". Students have the opportunity to author highly engaging, writing-centric interactive content. From fiction to non-fiction, poetry to ad copy, this new interaction model offers substantial creative and professional territory for interaction designers and writers alike.

This course will cover the components involved in creating a game engine. The modularized "game engine" allow programmers to create new games by allowing the modification of characters, environments, sounds, etc. Writing "game engines" reduces the amount of time and complexity associated with traditional game development and opens the development process to a broader audience of participants.

Students explore complex 2D image manipulation and generation options and refine technical skills in preparation for advanced work. Emphasis is on integration of drawing, scanned images, image processing, and 2D paint graphics into high-resolution images for output and use in multimedia. Projects are designed to combine students' conceptual abilities with 2D technical expertise.

Class explores techniques and approaches to digitization, manipulation, and enhancement of 2D imagery using photographic and non-photographic sources and imaging software. Instruction addresses issues of image alteration and role of the computer in exploring means of representation.

Class provides in-depth coverage of desktop publishing productivity concepts. Students explore typography, page layout, and creating graphics using professional applications and scanning software. Additional topics include creating information graphics, photo manipulation, map making, scanning techniques, and computer illustration. Students are exposed to various output options.

This class explores the use of object-oriented graphics for illustration, graphic arts, and fine arts applications. Emphasis is on mastery of high-resolution graphics production using vector drawing and text tools.

This course allows the student to actively implement, design and control the audio assets in a game. Open source game engines and game editors are widely used in this course to familiarize students with the production and creative demands that will be required of them. Technique, production and creativity are fostered in texts and lectures throughout the course. Sound libraries are the source of much of the raw audio for project work.

Course introduces students to creating web sites using Flash. Interactive interfaces and content input using Flash's text capabilities are emphasized. Students begin learning Actionscript for interactivity, animation, and special effects. Integrates HTML, CSS, and Flash to create dynamic, interactive and typographically advanced sites.

Course further guides students through time-based software applications for future applicability in movement-enhanced web design. Students combine a variety of software programs for web-optimized finished projects and will further their study of cross-platform hardware and software troubleshooting for motion-enhanced design.

Game audio is both linear and non-linear. Many games have sequences of shots which require sound and music. Film and animation sound act as the foundation for the understanding of linear game sound. This project-based course includes film, animation and game examples. FR: SG DATABASE

Course explores issues and techniques involved in creating digital motion sequences for multimedia production. Students learn to combine still images, graphics, text, sound, and music using compositing and editing. Lectures, lab time, critiques, visiting artists, and field trips increase understanding of concepts and techniques. Lectures, lab time, critiques, visiting artists, and field trips increase understanding of concepts and techniques.

Though games are traditionally viewed as being for "fun", there exists a significant potential for using game-style presentation and techniques for "realistic" purposes, non-entertainment "serious games." This course introduces students to the concepts of simulation design and develops the student's ability to analyze a realistic process or environment in terms of the elements within each that lend themselves to modeling, interaction, and play. The course develops the designer's practical skills through the use of basic scripting language and generally available interactive authoring environments and design tools.

Building on the skills learned in Simulation Design I, this class delves deeper into "realistic" simulation by analyzing a scenario or situation with an eye toward identifying the elements within them that lends themselves to engaging interaction and play. This course also continues the development of the designer's practical skills in using scripting languages and interactive authoring environments as game concept development and production tools. Students taking this course will also be able to recognize the interrelationship between authentic realism, perceived realism, and potential game play

This production-oriented class focuses on applied game design and development, utilizing existing game production software tools and engines. Students learn to use asset management software to integrate a variety of media and asset types from multiple sources. The course emphasizes utilizing the scripting elements of the game engine to create and refine game world events related to story, game play, and multimedia presentation. Time is also spent utilizing these scripting elements to create computer controlled characters that display meaningful character behaviors and artificial intelligence, resulting in the appearance of personality.

Game Design I builds on the skills and techniques introduced in Introduction to Game Development and Simulation Design I as a foundation for deconstructing formal play and design elements, player goals, as well as play-time transactions and interactivity in part through the analysis and development of small, turn-based games. The various aspects of game states are reviewed, as well as the various interactive elements within a game, all with an eye toward gameplay, participant involvement, and agency.

This course furthers the student's ability to develop games using a advanced game design concepts and processes. The course focuses on the development of involved, co-dependent game systems and mechanics, probability and statistics, and their impact on game structure and gameplay. The course also covers massively multiplayer or virtual world games and the resource systems that drive them.

The course introduces the student to programming using the C++ language. Students learn basic programming of graphic and business applications in C++. Instruction emphasizes good programming practice, programming structure, and object-oriented programming.

This course builds on the techniques covered in the C++ I course and further explores the concepts of classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and the use of graphical interfaces. The course concentrates on data structures, interactivity, and working with relational databases. This is primarily a project based course with an emphasis on creating distributed applications.

Extending the theory initiated in Introduction to Programming: Theory and Concepts, this course, through a variety of exercises, stresses the practice of programming. Object-oriented, event-driven strategies are emphasized to prepare students for more advanced programming studies in subsequent classes. Students are also introduced to programming best practices including comment to code and naming conventions.

This class focuses on effectively communicating content in an interactive format. Students research, plan, and produce interactive media projects. Several media components are developed and integrated to support the goal of each piece. Topics covered include contextual problem solving, information designed with participants in mind, considering their culture and demographics. Contemporary authoring technology and content creation tools will be used.

This course introduces advanced production techniques related to time-based media including sound, animation and video, and projects emphasize these media types.

This course will offer students a chance to study the psychological and technical aspects of applying sound and music to interactive visual media. Students will be given projects to complete which will include creating their own sound effects and music tracks as well as creating sounds for use in interactive projects such as web based programming and sound design software.(Acid, Sound Forge,Vegas Video, and/or other similar software).

Advanced visual web design is explored using the industry standard language Cascading Style Sheets CSS. Building upon previous learning in the Authoring for Interactive Media course, students will further their understanding of complex designs, cross-browser and cross-platform issues, and investigate new trends.

The increasing impact of interaction on the narratives (stories) told in today’s and tomorrow’s educational and entertainment media requires a new perspective on story development. This class begins with an overview of the area and its history from the writer’s perspective, and then moves on to review and analyze common interactive structures and narrative requirements. Students are also exposed to the basic types of interactive narrative and media being created today. The final third of the class has students developing their own interactive narrative project and present them to the class.

Students' practical understanding of media theory is advanced, with an emphasis on interactive models of communication. Expanding upon the dynamic composition analysis in Media Theory and Design 2, this course focuses on navigational models of interaction design. Additionally, students continue to develop critical and analytical skills related to the component media typical of navigational interface design, including text, static image composition, sound and animation. Students produce substantial written critiques to demonstrate their growing understanding of the discipline.

The broader and interdisciplinary foundational understanding of media related theories from preceding courses is leveraged to explore advanced theory and practice of interface design. Supplementing the navigation interface study in Media Theory and Design 3, this course focuses on impressive and environmental models of interaction design, including simulations and game design. Students produce substantial written critiques as well and paper based written proposals for their own interactive work to demonstrate a literate and evolved understanding of the diverse media theories that influence design.

This course will introduce the topic of artificial intelligence and how it is used to create game characters with realistic behaviors. A variety of modern technologies, including decision trees, neural networks, as well as more standard techniques such as rule-based systems will be explored.

Multiplayer online games have become an emerging facet of the gaming industry and today most games have a multiplayer component. This course introduces the student to the special networking and programming requirements of this type of game play.

Class explores 2D and 3D image processing, paint programs, and experimental approaches to image generation and output. Content emphasizes large projects, image sequencing possibilities, and exposure to contemporary work in visual digital media.

3D modeling, texturing and animation have become essential components of most media driven events. The strategies and processes needed for 3D composition are vastly different from those of traditional 2D graphic design. 3D is particularly important for interface design as well as in creating convincing spaces for simulation or other educational environments. The basic principles and language of modeling, texturing and animation are covered and are supported by a firm theoretical grounding in 3D design.

This course is designed as an extension to the skills and theory presented in 3D Composition for Interactive Media I. Students work with different forms of texturing techniques, lighti