Course Descriptions

ITGM 120 Introduction to Interactive Design and Game Development
This course begins to investigate visual and audio communication involving user actions, strategic design and the illusion of motion. Through individual approach and expression in traditional media, students experiment with the juxtaposition and sequence of design elements and imagery to develop a sense of artist-audience construct and consequence. Prerequisites: CMPA 110, DRAW 101.

ITGM 130 Digital Design Aesthetics
This course provides the foundation for visualizing and understanding the essential vocabularies, principles and concepts of design, color and visual literacy as applied to interactive digital work. Prerequisite: CMPA 110.

ITGM 240 Modeling, Materials and Lighting
Modeling techniques and aesthetic skills required to create, texture and light 3-D objects are explored. Through the use of industry standard 3-D software, students learn methods and procedures to create 3-D models efficiently and accurately. They also learn to create textures, shaders and materials for 3-D geometry. Students create visualizations in 3-D through real-world observations. Prerequisite: ITGM 130.

ITGM 241 Survey of Interactive Entertainment
This course chronicles the history and evolution of interactive and game design while reflecting on its immediacy through Internet and game culture trends. Students examine the social and artistic influences in computer mediated communications and game theory principles. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, CMPA 110.

ITGM 258 Modeling for Game Development
Students develop an understanding of 3-D, the principles of modeling, and video game aesthetics while exploring the creation of 3-D models specifically designed for integration into a game engine. Aesthetics, construction, communication, sculptural skills and quality of work are stressed. Prerequisite: ITGM 240.

ITGM 260 Interactive Design
This course focuses on the aesthetics of digital media elements and issues surrounding coherence in interactive environments. Students are introduced to authoring techniques and technologies as they learn how to create and develop basic projects for delivery on the World Wide Web and as stand-alone applications in which interactivity is the focus. Prerequisites: ITGM 120, ITGM 130.

ITGM 272 Video Game Industry Survey
This course chronicles the history and evolution of the video game industry, from its early beginnings in paper and war games to modern day next gen consoles. Students examine the industry's growth, key players and companies, processes, controversies and career paths while reflecting on how each generation has influenced the next. Students examine the forces that shape the industry as well as the games it makes. Prerequisite: ITGM 120.

ITGM 300 Programming Interactivity for the Web
This course focuses on the basics of event-based programming. Projects relate to visual communication and computer graphics. Prerequisite: ITGM 260.

ITGM 303 Programming for Interactivity
This course introduces object-oriented programming techniques using a scripting language. This class builds upon the Interactive Design class, enabling students to develop projects that include complex interactive Web sites, experimental interactive work and online games. Prerequisite: ITGM 260.

ITGM 310 Animation for Games
In this course, students create character rigs and animation assets for games. Topics covered range from key frame animation and editing motion capture data to importing each student's final animation into an existing game engine. Prerequisite: ANIM 250 or ITGM 258 or VSFX 210.

ITGM 315 C++ Programming I
In this course, students learn programming techniques and skills using C++. Students learn basic understanding of computer science concepts, awareness of different types of computer languages, use of a program-development environment, understanding of control structures, data structures, program logic, problem solving and object-oriented programming methodologies. Prerequisite: ANIM 250 or ITGM 240 or VSFX 210.

ITGM 320 Procedural Effects for Games
This course focuses on MEL (Maya Embedded Language) scripting skills and techniques that are applied to 3-D models and environments. Scripting commands, data types, variables and arrays are covered as practiced in the game design industry. Using industry standard methodologies, students use professional techniques and practices to explore, discuss and critique. Prerequisite: ANIM 250 or ITGM 240 or VSFX 210.

ITGM 333 Sculptural Texturing for Games
This course focuses on the creation of complex organic models, 2-D and 3-D textures for use in video game development. Traditional 2-D photo editing, painting software and 3-D painting and sculpting applications are combined to provide maximum emphasis on art, mood, and extreme detail. Additional techniques relating to the use of complex systems within available hardware constraints also are discussed. In this course students explore, discuss and participate in critiques related to professional methodologies, techniques and practices. Results-oriented techniques are emphasized. Prerequisite: ITGM 240 or ANIM 250 or VSFX 210.

ITGM 345 3-D for the Web
This course explores current opportunities for artists to utilize 3-D on the World Wide Web. Students become familiar with current developments in this field and to learn a range of software options. Projects explore a variety of possibilities for 3-D interactive design and other issues. Prerequisite: ITGM 260.

ITGM 352 Environment and Level Design
As the visual quality and expectations of digital games increases so does the need for better art direction. By focusing on issues such as art direction methodologies, visual complexity, framing, modularity, and a solid art pipeline, students design and create visually affective and highly detailed game oriented environments. Prerequisite: ITGM 240.

ITGM 353 Interactive Web Design
Key concepts of Web design are presented through a series of technical and design workshops. Students are introduced to the latest authoring and animation software and learn how to apply their knowledge of the software to create dynamic and exciting Web designs. Prerequisite: ITGM 260 or BCST 235.

ITGM 355 Animation for the Web
This studio course concentrates on how to produce animations for publication on the Internet. Through the use of Macromedia Flash software, students produce both traditional story-based cartoons and interactive animated Web pages. Prerequisite: ITGM 260.

ITGM 359 Real Time Cinematics for Games
A cinematic artist in the game industry is responsible for creating real-time cinematics, one of the main devices for delivering a narrative in today's story-driven games. This course covers topics such as scripted events and other technical issues along with the fundamental concepts of cinematography, in order to guide students in developing work for their portfolios. Prerequisite: ITGM 352.

ITGM 360 Interactive Game Project
Students design and develop games, Web sites and interactive media through a series of technical and design workshops. The course explores intermediate and advanced technical and conceptual aspects of design and development for group-based games and interactive projects. Prerequisite: ITGM 303.

ITGM 363 Video for New Media
This course covers contemporary trends and the inclusion of video in new media environments. Students use current technology to shoot, digitize and efficiently incorporate clips into interactive pieces. The foundations of video, including technical and aesthetic issues, are also explored. Prerequisite: ITGM 353.

ITGM 364 Scripting for Games
In this course students write scripts for a current game engine in order to alter its existing functionality as well as create new interactive elements. Ultimately, students learn to create what the industry calls an engine modification (MOD). Prerequisites: ITGM 303, ITGM 352.

ITGM 367 Interactive Story Spaces
Interactive Story Spaces focuses on the study, design and production of non-linear story experiences. Students investigate the recent history of interactive storytelling to develop an understanding of the important principles of non-linear storytelling and then apply this knowledge to collaboratively design and produce a interactive story installation. Sequential art, literature and digital and non-digital games are all studied and in turn included in the final installation project. Prerequisite: ITGM 120.

ITGM 390 Multidisciplinary Media Applications
This creative, exploratory course uses multiple techniques to provide 2-D, 3-D and interactive content for use in online or interactive productions, video games, virtual set design, broadcast, visual effects and architectural visualization. Image-based modeling and image-based lighting techniques are also covered. Prerequisite: ITGM 260.

ITGM 402 Game Design Criticism and Analysis
This course exposes students to the fundamental issues of game design and analysis through readings, writings, group discussions, and critiques of current digital and non-digital games. Students form a vocabulary to discuss and analyze each game's successes and failures with respect to rules and narratives. Through in-class exercises and outside assignments, students create new rules for existing games as well as develop new designs demonstrating applied principles. Prerequisite: ITGM 352.

ITGM 403 Information and Interfaces
This course focuses on information structure, the interactive design process, delivery and designing visual interfaces. Students develop a conceptual framework for real-world applications, exploring issues from the industry, art and society. Prerequisite: ITGM 303.

ITGM 405 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio I
Students apply their skills to creating a workable interactive project or video game in a simulated professional environment. Topics include content creation within a limited-resource environment. The course emphasizes production-oriented goals in order to provide students with a professional skill set and a body of fine art. Prerequisite: ITGM 402 or ITGM 403.

ITGM 410 Mobile Games Development
Students in this course use industry standard tools to build games for mobile devices such as PDAs and mobile phones. Interface design issues, user input for mobile devices and programming for mobile devices are covered. Prerequisite: ITGM 303.

ITGM 415 C++ Programming II
In this course, students learn advanced program design methodologies, object-oriented design and programming techniques using C++. Students learn to build complex applications by developing re-usable and modular code. Prerequisite: ITGM 315.

ITGM 420 Creativity for Algorithms
This course focuses on the use of programming techniques to create works of art and design. By learning to experiment with algorithmic structures and applied mathematics, students develop methods for creating unique graphic patterns, forms and real-time motion of graphical elements, while taking advantage of the computer's ability to process event instructions. Interactive (user-based) systems are explored. Prerequisite: ITGM 355.

ITGM 440 Physical Computing
This course explores nontraditional input devices to create interactive user experiences. In addition to the technical, aesthetic and conceptual concerns of this art form, the class assesses the work of a range of artists. Students develop concepts, experiments and prototypes for self-contained interactive objects in immersive environments. Prerequisite: ITGM 260.

ITGM 465 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio II
Students work in a collaborative, simulated professional environment to address issues including content creation in a group dynamic, strategic planning, goal-oriented planning, and game theory and design. This course provides students with a significant amount of professional-quality material for portfolio inclusion. Prerequisite: ITGM 405.

ITGM 480 Professional Production Practices
As an advanced production class, students gain experience on professional practices and procedures used by major game studios. Students work with workbooks, style sheets and reference materials provided by a major game design studio. Students build art assets required for in-game placement in a commercial game title, which feeds directly into the studio's production pipeline. This is a collaborative effort between the professional studio and students.

ITGM 489 Programming Dynamic Web Sites
The Common Gateway Interface, or CGI, is the standard for external gateway programs, such as Web browsers, that interface with information servers that power the Internet. A CGI program, as opposed to a static, plain Internet document such as a regular HTML Web page, is executed in real time so that it can output dynamic information. This course examines different techniques for creating scripts that output variable Internet data based on user input or other external factors. Prerequisite: ITGM 353.

ITGM 490 Interactive Design and Game Development Portfolio
This course focuses on integrating imagery, Web sites, video and various elements into an interactive portfolio. Concepts, cross-platform developments and issues concerning aesthetics, interface design and use of media are addressed. Students collect relevant material and produce a CD/DVD/Web-based portfolio, packaging for portfolio, résumés, cover letter, business card, flat-book portfolio and optional VHS-based material. Prerequisite: ITGM 465.

ITGM 495 Special Topics in Interactive Design and Game Development
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various problems in the field of interactive design and game development and allows advanced students to pursue individual or collaborative projects related to the topic of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic.

ITGM 705 Interactive Design and Media Application
Through the integration of historical studies, theory and practice, students address issues central to interactivity in art making and design. Theoretical methods and models are utilized to inform and develop student practice. The class discusses on-screen projects as well as physical computing and immersive environments within the context of business, design, the gallery environment and the public forum of the World Wide Web.

ITGM 706 Nonlinear Storytelling
In this course, students gain a solid understanding of traditional and experimental narrative theory, characterization, plot, back story and world creation-elements that are crucial for writers and designers of interactive works. Issues involving screenwriting, emergent complexity, simulation versus emulation, competitive and cooperative situations are investigated, analyzed and critiqued.

ITGM 709 Visual Interface and Information Design
This course focuses on the issues of information structure, the interactive design process, delivery, designing visual interfaces, the cognitive process, prototyping and testing. Students develop a conceptual framework for real-world applications, exploring issues from industry, art and society.

ITGM 710 Character Development
This course examines how to develop characters by working in stages from 2-D character model sheets to the 3-D finished project. Subjects covered include plot and character development, information research and originality, the history of character development and developmental drawings of characters, settings and other materials. Other relevant issues such as artistic license and responsibility are covered in class discussions.

ITGM 715 Interactive Web Design
This course focuses on the design and development of Web sites through a series of technical and design workshops. Students explore technical and conceptual aspects of Web design, are introduced to key elements of industry-standard Web design tools, and learn how to apply their knowledge to the software to create dynamic and exciting designs.

ITGM 719 Scripting for Interactivity
This course explores programming skills through the use of scripting languages found in industry-standard Web development tools. Students create highly interactive Web applications with sophisticated and exciting interfaces. Prerequisite: ITGM 715.

ITGM 720 Interactive Art and Culture
In this course, students examine theoretical design concepts and principles applicable to the interactive design and game development industries while tracing the history and evolution of past productions. Students develop a sense of aesthetics through examining social and artistic influences in computer mediated communications and critiquing on essential compositional components of immersive design. Prerequisite: ARTH 701.

ITGM 721 Environments for Games
This course centers on the physical building of virtual worlds and the aesthetic/game play needs associated with these worlds. Students create a variety of level types, including indoor and outdoor world levels, and then optimize those worlds for export to industry-standard game engines. The course also covers the rebuilding and repositioning of game geometry for game play and specific techniques for exporting geometry from various 3-D game applications. Prerequisite: ITGM 710.

ITGM 723 Human-centered Interactive Design
The aim of human-centered interaction studies is to humanize technology and to design interfaces from a human-centered, activity-based approach rather than from a technological or design perspective. This course provides students with knowledge that enables them to design Web and interactive applications that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also highly usable by their intended audiences. Prerequisite: ITGM 705.

ITGM 727 Databases and Dynamic Web Site Programming
Databases form an integral part of the World Wide Web today. The majority of serious corporate Web sites utilize complex database functions to track customer information, manage the site and provide specialized data to specific users. This course explores methods for creating, maintaining and manipulating a database that drives a graphic Web site and examines how the database affects Web site design, architecture and functionality. Prerequisite: ITGM 715.

ITGM 733 Digital Sculpting for Video Games
This course explores the creation of complex models and textures for use in video game development. Students are introduced to current theory, functional aesthetics, and advanced techniques relevant to digital sculpture. Prerequisite: ANIM 709 or ITGM 710.

ITGM 740 Machinima: The Art of Real-time Cinematics
Machinima is the art of making cinematics using real-time graphics engine technology. This is rapidly growing area in the art of storytelling. Machinima artists use game content and technology to express their ideas and tell stories. This course culminates in the production of a short machinima film. Prerequisite: ITGM 721.

ITGM 748 Interactive Design and Game Development M.A. Final Project
Students have the option of choosing to develop a final project or a final portfolio. This course allows returning professionals who have already constructed professional portfolios to work on a full term project while giving those who are in need of a portfolio the chance to create one with the professionalism and presentation quality industry demands. Prerequisite: ITGM 723.

ITGM 749 Interactive Design and Game Development Portfolio
Students focus on the integration of imagery, Web sites, video and various other elements into an interactive portfolio. Concepts, cross-platform developments, and issues concerning aesthetics, interface design and the use of media are addressed. Students collect relevant material and produce a CD/DVD/Web-based portfolio, packaging for portfolio, résumés, cover letter, business cards, flat book portfolio and optional VHS-based material. M.A. students enroll in this course during their final quarter of studies in the interactive design and game development program. Prerequisite: ITGM 723.

ITGM 755 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio I
In this required seminar/studio course, students develop and define a personal vision in their area of interest. As preparation for thesis work, this course is flexible and self-directed, with a strong emphasis on critique. Prerequisite: ITGM 705.

ITGM 756 Art on the Internet
This studio/lecture course addresses issues relating to the production, distribution and consumption of artworks over the World Wide Web. Students attempt to understand works in the context of both contemporary art and technological development. Students are expected to develop the ability to critically evaluate Internet art while investigating their own concepts for this medium.

ITGM 758 Programming for Game Development
In this course, students are introduced to the appropriate skills for working with an advanced game 3-D engine. Concepts covered include basic artificial intelligence, path planning, decision-making systems and game logic. Additional focus is on applied linear algebra, basic Newtonian physics, graphics protocols and related differential equations. Problem-solving skills and a broad overview of essential materials and techniques are the desired outcome of this course. Prerequisite: ITGM 721.

ITGM 760 Game Design Analysis and Criticism
Through an in-depth focus on the masters of game design and their methodologies, techniques and process, students begin to formulate a vocabulary and a dialog to critique existing game designs. Students learn to explain and demonstrate how these designers and their games have influenced their own work. Prerequisite: ITGM 705.

ITGM 762 Digital Painting for Video Games
This course covers digital painting methods and techniques for character concept art and environment art in the video games industry. Topics covered include 3-D texturing, compositing, lighting and image effects; and projects include illustrations for video game packaging, and artwork for video game promotional materials with a strong emphasis on critique and professional practices. Prerequisite: ITGM 705.

ITGM 765 Interactive Design and Game Development Studio II
In this required seminar/studio, students develop and define a personal vision in their area of interest. As preparation for thesis work, this course is flexible and self-directed with a strong emphasis on critique. This course primarily addresses the development of preproduction work for the thesis. Prerequisite: ITGM 755.

ITGM 767 The Name on the Game: Game Design From Intellectual Property
In today's video game industry a large percentage of games are designed around existing intellectual properties. Students learn how and why IPs have been used in games in the past and how they are being used almost exclusively today. Students gain the necessary skills to become versatile, learning how audience, genre and constraints upon the IP change the games they create. Through in-class exercises and projects, students learn to create game ideas, concepts and full product proposals from existing IPs demonstrating the techniques and principles learned in class. This class teaches students the rising importance of IPs in games through readings, research, in class exercises, projects and group discussions. Prerequisite: ITGM 705.

ITGM 780 Special Topics in Interactive Design and Game Development
This graduate elective course provides an opportunity for students to focus on particular issues in the field or to study advanced techniques and processes. Faculty, course content and prerequisites vary each time the course is offered. The course may include lectures, discussions, individual projects and critiques, depending on the nature of the topic.

ITGM 790 Interactive Design and Game Development M.F.A. Thesis
M.F.A. students in interactive design and game development develop an innovative and theoretically informed body of work that is exhibited in a manner and context that supports its creative content. Students also produce a written component that addresses the theoretical premise of the work.