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Creative Technologies: Game Design

Curriculum

Jump to Spring 2021

Fall 2021

Ben Arguelles

  • CTK 240.01 -- Sound Design 1 -- TR 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m. in CVA 50
  • CTK 240.02 -- Sound Design 1 -- TR 3-4:15 p.m. in CVA 50
  • CTK 260.01 --  Computer Performance -- TR 4:30-5:45 p.m. in CVA 50
  • MUS 175.01 – Music Business 1 -- TR noon-1:15 p.m. in CE 224

Steve Bryant

  • CTK 380.01 -- Digital Painting -- TR 9-10:15 a.m. in CVA 50
    This course further develops aesthetics and computer skills for the digital media student through a series of projects and critiques while exploring Photoshop and its connection to artistic applications.  Focus on all materials in this course will be on helping the student develop the aesthetics of their work as it pertains to composition, resolution, craftsmanship.
  • CTK 380.04 -- Composition and Design for Digital Media -- TR 4:30-5:45 p.m. in CVA 50
    This course covers the fundamentals of visual composition with an emphasis on typography, visual hierarchy, and color theory as applied to digital output for interactive media, installations, web development, and application design. In addition, this course will explore the Design Thinking process as it applies to digital media. Not for credit if had ART 226

Kristin Carlson  

  • CTK 330.01 -- Web Video  -- MW 9-10:15 a.m. in CVA 17
  • CTK 330.02 -- Web Video  -- MW 10:30-11:45 a.m. in CVA 17
  • CTK 351.01 -- Game Design 1 -- MW noon-1:15 p.m. in CVA 17
    This foundational game design class explores concepts and frameworks for understanding how games engage with and affect players. We will cover topics like game mechanics, dynamics, motivation, flow, balance, game loops, and player experiences within an iterative design process. Mobilizing this knowledge, the students will create and playtest analog game prototypes, playful artifacts, and experiment with low-fidelity digital game making tools. 

Jody DeCremer

  • CTK 201.01 -- Basic Skills in the Digital Arts -- MW noon-1:15 p.m. in CVA 50
    Freshman only 

 Brian Franklin

  • ART 284.01 --  Expanded Media 1  -- TR 9-11:50 a.m. in CVA 32
  • ART 284.02 --  Expanded Media 1  -- TR 1-3:50 p.m. in CVA 32
  • ART 371.01 --  Digital 3-D --MW 1-3:50 p.m. in CVA 32
    Not for graduate credit

Rose Marshack

  • CTK 302.01 -- Computer Programming for Creatives -- TR 9-10:15 a.m. in CVA 17
  • CTK 302.02 -- Computer Programming for Creatives -- TR 10:30-11:45 a.m. in CVA 17
  • CTK 401 -- Portfolio Development in Creative Technologies -- Friday, TBA, 2021 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in CVA 50
    Other meetings may be arranged at various times throughout the semester. This course is a group review where graduate students present work to the entire Creative Technologies faculty and each other.
    For graduate students only

 Aaron Paolucci

  • CTK 201.02 -- Basic Skills in the Digital Arts -- TR 9:00-10:15 a.m. in CVA 50
  • CTK 340.01 -- Advanced Sound Design -- TR 10:30-11:45 a.m. in CVA 50
    Prerequisites: CTK 240
  • CTK 380.03 -- Speaker System Design -- TR noon-1:15 p.m. in CVA 50
    The study of loudspeaker design through exploration of transducer technology, cross-over design, and cabinet loading configurations.  Additional exploration in external active crossover, multi-amplifier configurations, and related signal processing for complex speaker setup and calibration.  Students will design their own ultimate speaker system as well as build their own personal set of studio monitors from prefab speaker kits.  Kits will need to be purchased for the DIY speaker building portion of this class starting at $100.

 Tony Reimer

  • CTK 380.02 -- LIVE Audio Engineering -- TR 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. in CVA 17
    This course will take an in-depth look at the concepts, theory, and equipment involved in live sound reinforcement. In addition to hands-on exercises, topics will include: acoustics; circuit flow; sound system components; audio measurements; digital consoles and equipment; wireless technology; and, audio over ethernet.
    Prerequisites: ATK240 or THE251
  • THE 251.01 -- Theatre Sound Design 1 -- TR 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m. in CVA 140
    Developing a basic understanding of the properties of sound and audio technologies in live theatrical performances.

Sercan Şengün

  • CTK 353.01 -- Game Design 2  -- MW 1:30-2:45 p.m. in CVA 50
    This course focuses on designing the content flow of a game. The course covers topics like pacing, goals, direction, iteration, limitations, unexpected interactions, etc. Students design levels and environments with/for existing games and tools (e.g., Mario Maker, Far Cry Map Editor, Civ V Scenario Creator, Skyrim Workshop, etc.) and are expected to publish them to the community
    Prerequisite; CTK 352 - Game Design 1
  • CTK 354.02 -- Introduction to Game Development  -- MW 3-4:15 p.m. in CVA 50
    This foundational game development class focuses on production and industry processes specifically relating to digital games. We will cover topics like game teams, concept development, game pitch, design documentation, project planning, prototyping, and play testing. During the semester, the students will form groups to learn Unity 3D and work on introductory game projects.
  • CTK 355.01 -- Game Studio Capstone -- MW 4:30-5:45 p.m. in CVA 50
    Game Studio Capstone will give the senior students a chance to create a complete and polished digital game from ideation to production. The capstone studios should be taken as a 1-year, 2-semesters block. The student groups will go through an accelerated and intense production cycle and work with the instructor closely to manage their scope and timeline. Once the teams are formed, the students are expected to do their best for the team to outlast a year's production cycle.

    Prerequisite; CTK 352, CTK 353 and CTK 354, 

Matthew Smith

  • CTK 320.01 -- Programming Dynamic Media -- TR 1:30-2:45 p.m. in CVA 17
  • CTK 345.01 -- Sequence & Digital Audio -- TR noon-1:15 p.m. in CVA 17
  • CTK 460.01 -- Computer Arts Studio  -- T 5:30-8:20 p.m. in CVA 109A
    For graduate students only

Annie Sungkajun

  • CTK 377.01 -- Motion Graphics   -- MW 1:30-2:45 p.m. in CVA 17
    This course explores concepts of motion in visual graphics and video. Students will learn about animation basics, including the traditional 12 Principles of Animation, and learn to decipher, construct and apply them to projects. Students will enhance their abilities to create well-designed motion graphics while utilizing skills from other Creative Technologies areas. This course will require experimentation in narrative, emotion, human or animal movement and lots of imagination.
  • CTK 354.01 -- User Interface and User Experience Design in Gaming  -- MW 3-4:15 p.m. in CVA 50

    This course will explore fundamentals and methods in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI), with a focus towards gaming. Students will be introduced to terminology and common trends of interface design for games. The class will explore how design influences a user’s perception, behavior and overall experience of a game. We will analyze and discuss best practices in existing games, explore what the future of interface design can look like and through iteration and prototyping create a design interface for a genre of their choice.

Rick Valentin

  • CTK 301.01 -- Web Design -- MW 9-10:15 a.m. in CVA 50
  • CTK 301.02 -- Web Design -- MW 10:30 -11:45 a.m. in CVA 50
  • CTK 450.01 – Design Aesthetic Issues -- M 5:30 - 8:20 p.m. in CVA 109A

    For graduate students only



 

Curriculum

Jump to Fall 2021.

 Spring 2021

Ben Arguelles

  • CTK 201.02 -- Basic Skills in the Digital Arts -- TR 12:30-1:20 p.m. in CVA 109A
  • CTK 240.01 -- Sound Design 1 -- TR 3-4:15 p.m. in CVA 50
  • CTK 260.01 -- Computer Performance -- TR 4:30-5:45 p.m. in CVA 50
  • CTK 380.08 -- Mixing and Mastering Multitrack Recordings -- TR 1:30-2:45 p.m. in CVA 50

    Using pre-existing stems from Weathervane recording sessions to practice mixing and mastering techniques on multi-track recordings. Students taking this course will need to pay an $80 membership fee to join Weathervane Music to become a 'premix member' http://weathervanemusic.org/membership. This membership will provide you with all the hi-res tracks/stems to use throughout the semester. 
    Prerequisites: CTK 340 or Consent of Instructor.

Steve Bryant

  • CTK 380.06 -- Digital Painting -- TR 9-10:15 a.m. in CVA 50
    This course further develops aesthetics and computer skills for the digital media student through a series of projects and critiques while exploring Photoshop and its connection to artistic applications.  Focus on all materials in this course will be on helping the student develop the aesthetics of their work as it pertains to composition, resolution, craftsmanship.

Kristin Carlson  

  • CTK 380.01 -- Design + Culture in Creative Technologies   -- MW 10-11:15 a.m. in CVA 17
    Technology impacts every aspect of our lives including our culture and creative practices. Since the 1960’s, hardware and software have been developed for use as creative tools for the entertainment industry, performance, galleries, and hobbyists. In this course you will explore how events in culture and society shape the design of technologies, as well as how creative applications of technology in turn affected culture and society. You will create projects that envision future technologies and applications in response to past and present work in a variety of areas: installation, music, art, theatre, dance, and games.  The course structure will focus on the creation of projects supported by lectures, observation, research, and deconstruction to dig into the information through tangible and hands-on methods.
  • CTK 380.02 -- Designing Toys and Playful Devices -- MW 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. in CVA 17This course will explore the definition of "fun" and "play" to develop tangible toys. Students will learn a variety of skills, including: material exploration, prototyping, iteration, arduino and physical computing, sewing, and other fabrication methods as available. Readings and research will be an active part of the class to help explore why toys are successful and to develop a sophisticated perspective of "engagement". Students will need to purchase an arduino and a small kit of materials for this class.
  • CTK 480.01 -- Uncharted Territory: Developing Digital Tools for Anthropology and Archeological Exploration -- M 5:30-8:20 p.m. in CVA 109A
    This class will explore anthropological and archeological data in order to develop digital tools that highlight a region or culture. Tools may include apps, games, videos, and websites that emphasize information for education, entertainment, and digital tourism. Students will research and design concepts that will be developed during the semester.  
    For graduate students only

Jody DeCremer

  • CTK 201.01 -- Basic Skills in the Digital Arts -- MW 1-1:50 p.m. in CVA 109A
  • CTK 300.01 -- Career Workshop -- F 9-10:50 a.m. in CVA 109A     Starts Jan 15-Feb 12
    Graduating CTK Seniors only 
  • CTK 300.02 -- Career Workshop -- F 1-2:50 p.m. in CVA 109A    Starts Jan 15-Feb 12
    Graduating CTK Seniors only 

 Brian Franklin

  • ART 284.01 --  Expanded Media 1  -- TR 9-11:50 a.m. in CVA 32
  • ART 357.01 --  Expanded Media 1  -- TR 1-3:50 p.m. in CVA 32
  • ART 371.01 --  Digital 3-D --MW 1-3:50 p.m. in CVA 32
    Not for graduate credit

Roy Magnuson  

  • CTK 380.13 -- Unity Fundamentals and VR Development -- MW 1-2:15 p.m. in CVA 17

    Course focused on introductory concepts in Unity, with a focus on the visual and auditory components of the Unity Engine. Several small, focused projects will be done throughout the semester, with a final project focused on mobile virtual reality for the Oculus Quest. 
    No prior experience in Unity is required.

Rose Marshack

  • CTK 302.01 -- Computer Programming for Creatives -- TR 9-10:15 a.m. in CVA 17
  • CTK 302.02 -- Computer Programming for Creatives -- TR 10:30-11:45 a.m. in CVA 17
  • MUS 223.01 – Music Business 2 -- TR noon-1:15 p.m. in CE 224

 Aaron Paolucci

  • CTK 340.01 -- Advanced Sound Design -- TR 10:30-11:45 a.m. in CVA 50
    Prerequisites: CTK 240
  • CTK 380.07 -- Sound Design for Animation -- TR noon-1:15 p.m. in CVA 50
    This class explores sound design and its relation to animation. Developing environment and atmospheric acoustics, aural interpretations of character movement and vehicles, and rewriting and recording new dialog to pre-existing animations will all be explored throughout this course. Emphasis will be on developing and critiquing sound design to animated clips.
    Prerequisites: CTK 240
  • CTK 401 -- Portfolio Development in Creative Technologies -- Friday, TBA, 2021 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in CVA 50
    Other meetings may be arranged at various times throughout the semester. This course is a group review where graduate students present work to the entire Creative Technologies faculty and each other.
    For graduate students only

 Tony Reimer

  • CTK 380.09 -- Sound Design for Video Games -- MW 1-2:15 p.m. in CVA 17
    This course will focus on the use of sound and music in interactive entertainment, and specifically video games. Students in the course will learn: How to apply an analytical framework for evaluating both the aesthetics and the execution of a video game sound design. Develop a strategy/procedure for designing sound for an interactive experience. Develop audio production skills that are unique to designing sound for a a video game. Gain exposure to tools and techniques useful in the creation of aesthetically coherent content as well as tools for the execution of the sound design for a video game. Develop a recognizable personal style of sound design and content creation
    Prerequisites: ATK240 or THE251
  • THE 352.01 -- Media Design And Projections For The Theatre -- TR 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m. in CW 303
    introduction to the appreciation and practical applications of digital media and video design for use in a live broadcast/streaming context including content creation, broadcast/streaming logistics, and execution. Students will study the process of conceiving, creating and integrating digital visual content into an online live presentation through the use of broadcast/streaming software. Anyone with an interest in designing, creating, and displaying digital content for online streaming presentations in the world of theatre, dance, live music, and video podcasts will find this course valuable.

Sercan Şengün

  • CTK 380.03 -- Introduction to Game Design  -- MW 2:30-3:45 p.m. in CVA 50
    This foundational game design class explores concepts and frameworks for understanding how games engage with and affect players. We will cover topics like game mechanics, dynamics, motivation, flow, balance, game loops, and player experiences within an iterative design process. Mobilizing this knowledge, the students will create and playtest analog game prototypes, playful artifacts, and experiment with low-fidelity digital game making tools. 
  • CTK 380.05 -- Introduction to Game Development  -- MW 4-5:15 p.m. in CVA 50
    This foundational game development class focuses on production and industry processes specifically relating to digital games. We will cover topics like game teams, concept development, game pitch, design documentation, project planning, prototyping, and playtesting. During the semester, the students will form groups to learn Unity 3D and work on introductory game projects.
  • CTK 460.01 -- Computer Performance Arts Studio -- T 5:30-8:20 p.m. in CVA 109A

    For graduate students only

Matthew Smith

  • CTK 320.01 -- Programming Dynamic Media -- TR 1:30-2:45 p.m. in CVA 17
  • CTK 345.01 -- Sequence & Digital Audio -- TR noon-1:15 p.m. in CVA 17
  • CTK 380.11 -- Music Concepts and Theory -- W 6-8:50 p.m. in CVA 50
    Topics include: notes, intervals, major/minor keys, harmony, chord progressions, melodic phrasing, and song structure/analysis.  Instead of standard music notation we will learn and demonstrate the concepts visually in music software.  This class is designed for students who have little to no understanding of music theory.

Annie Sungkajun

  • CTK 377.01 -- Motion Graphics -- MW 2:30-3:45 p.m. in CVA 17
    This course explores concepts of motion in visual graphics and video. Students will learn about animation basics, including the traditional 12 Principles of Animation, and learn to decipher, construct and apply them to projects. Students will enhance their abilities to create well-designed motion graphics while utilizing skills from other Creative Technologies areas. This course will require experimentation in narrative, emotion, human or animal movement and lots of imagination.
  • CTK 380.04 -- User Interface and User Experience Design in Gaming -- MW 4-5:15 p.m. in CVA 50

    This course will explore fundamentals and methods in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI), with a focus towards gaming. Students will be introduced to terminology and common trends of interface design for games. The class will explore how design influences a user’s perception, behavior and overall experience of a game. We will analyze and discuss best practices in existing games, explore what the future of interface design can look like and through iteration and prototyping create a design interface for a genre of their choice.

Rick Valentin

  • CTK 301.01 -- Web Design -- MW 10-11:15 a.m. in CVA 50
  • CTK 301.02 -- Web Design -- MW 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. in CVA 50
  • CTK 303.01 –  Advanced Web Design -- MW 1-2:15 p.m. in CVA 50

    This course will focus on advanced web implementations and concepts.
    Some of the topics to be covered will be AJAX/Javascript, Content Management Systems, Accessibility, User Interface Design, Database Driven Web Sites, CSS3/HTML5, and Search Engine Optimization. 
    Prerequisite; CTK 301

 

2021-02-17T09:16:46.232-08:00 2021