Creative Technologies: Interdisciplinary Technologies Curriculum

Jump to Fall 2022

Spring 2023

Ben Arguelles

CTK 204.01 -- Foundations: Music Concepts -- T/Th 12:35-1:50 p.m. in CVA 17
This class covers basic music theory, along with history, genres, and common structures. Theoretical concepts that will be covered include: notes, intervals, major/minor keys, chords, harmonic progressions, melodic techniques, rhythm, and song structure/analysis. Theory will be demonstrated in a DAW piano roll rather than staff-based notation. This course also covers an overview of the history of music, with an emphasis on key developments over the last century. Western historical periods and contemporary genres will be covered in reference to basic theory, and non-Western practices will also be introduced.
CTK 208.01 -- Audio Production 1 -- T/Th 3:35-4:50 p.m. in CVA 50
This course introduces audio production techniques within a digital audio workstation (DAW) environment. Concepts explored include equalization, compression, reverb, time-based modulation, mixing, editing, and sonic narrative. A series of small projects will allow students to apply textbook knowledge to realize artistic objectives.
Prerequisite: CTK 202 or CTK 240 or Consent of Instructor.
CTK 380.03 -- Mixing and Mastering Multitrack Recordings -- T/Th 2-3:15 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.' This membership will provide you with all the hi-res tracks/stems to use throughout the semester.
Prerequisite: CTK 340 or Consent of Instructor
MUS 223.01 -- Music Industry 2 -- T/R 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in CE 220

Real-life scenarios in the music and entertainment industry, new media entrepreneurship, social networking, recording studios, and current music distribution methods.

Steve Bryant

CTK 201.02 -- Basic Skills in the Digital Arts -- T/TR 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in CVA 140
CTK 201.03 -- Basic Skills in the Digital Arts -- M/W 3:30-4:45 p.m. in CVA 17
Introduction to the history, theories, current trends, practices, and core media in the digital arts.
CTK 380.04 -- Character Design for Comics, Games, and Animation -- T/TR 2-3:15 p.m. in CVA 17
This course develops an understanding of successful character design for a variety of mediums. This is done through a study of design for various media and the applied process of emulation, interpretation, and finally, original design.
CTK 380a21 -- Digital Painting -- T/TR 9:35-10:50 a.m. in CVA 140
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 380a22 -- Composition and Design for Digital Media -- T/TR 12:35-1:50 p.m. in CVA 140

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 380.01 -- Usability Research and User Experience -- M/W 9-10:15 a.m. in CVA 17
This course will investigate and develop concepts in usability for physical and digital interfaces. The course will develop attention to user interaction, iterative prototyping and techniques for designing and implementing a research study on user experience. In addition, we will explore how aesthetics support usability and how to make design choices for human diversity. This course will consist of interaction theory, critiques, paper prototyping, and running a user study.
CTK 380.02 -- Stage Combat and Mocap Capture -- M/W 10:30-10:45 a.m. in CVA 17
This course explores a variety of movement techniques for use in digital environments, while also learning about the technologies used to capture movement. Students will participate in movement workshops that include creative movement, martial arts, stage combat, and improvisation. Students will also learn about camera vision, motion capture, and camera tracking. At the end of this course, students will be able to plan, and execute a stage combat sequence while also capturing it and implementing it in Unity.

Greg Corness

CTK 352.01 -- Game Design 2 -- M/W 9-10:15 a.m. in CVA 140
CTK 352.02 -- Game Design 2 -- M/W 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in CVA 140
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 351 - Game Design 1

Jody DeCremer

CTK 201.01 -- Basic Skills in the Digital Arts -- M/W noon--1:15 p.m. in CVA 140
Introduction to the history, theories, current trends, practices, and core media in the digital arts.
Freshmen only
CTK 370.01 -- Portfolio Development -- F 9--10:50 a.m. in CVA 140
CTK 370.02 -- Portfolio Development -- F 1--2:50 p.m. in CVA 140
Preparation for entry into the job market and/or artistic practice with an emphasis on portfolio preparation and presentation, and career counseling.
8 week course (1/20-2/17 in class, 2/24-3/10 out)
CTK Graduating Seniors only

Simone Downie

CTK 351.01 -- Game Design 1 -- T/R 2-3:15 p.m. in CVA 140
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.

Brian Franklin

ART 284.01 -- Expanded Media 1 -- T/TR 9-11:50 a.m. in CVA 32
Students utilize digital tools and fabrication techniques in studio art production, exploring specialized topics such as programming, motion, and time.
ART 357.01 -- Expanded Media 2 -- T/TR 1-3:50 p.m. in CVA 32
Students complete advanced projects in studio art using digital fabrication tools to explore interactivity in art objects and immersive environments.
Prerequisite: ART 284
ART 371.01 -- Digital 3-D -- M/W 1-3:50 p.m. in CVA 32
Exploration of digital 3D tools and processes. Theory and projects merge the virtual and physical form.

Gary Justis

CTK 380a31 -- Kinetic Sculpture -- T/TR 4:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m. in Weavers 15
Students will observe demonstrations and experiments in mechanical movement. Through a number of carefully guided projects, students conceptualize and create sculptural works that have a kinetic time-based aspect. Assignments are designed for every skill level, and they encourage growth in the mastery of materials. Students develop a recognition of possibilities within the realm of Time-Based Sculpture.

Rose Marshack

CTK 302.01 -- Computer Programming for Creatives -- M/W noon -1:15 p.m. in CVA 17
CTK 302.02 -- Computer Programming for Creatives -- M/W 2-3:15 p.m. in CVA 17
Text-based, object-oriented, computer programming concepts for areas including interactive design, user interfaces, data visualization, and gaming.

Aaron Paolucci

CTK 240.01 -- Sound Design 1: Beginning Digital Audio -- T/TR 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in CVA 50
CTK 240.02 -- Sound Design 1: Beginning Digital Audio -- T/TR 12:35-1:50 p.m. in CVA 50
Introduction to digital audio and aesthetic principles of sound.
CTK 340.01 -- Sound Design 2: Advanced Digital Audio -- T/TR 9:35-10:50 a.m. in CVA 50

Advanced digital audio and aesthetic principles of sound.
Prerequisite: CTK 202, CTK 240 or Consent of Instructor

Tony Reimer

CTK 380.05 -- Live Audio Engineering -- T/TR 3:35 p.m.-4:50 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.

Sercan Şengün

CTK 353.01 -- Game Development -- M/W 2-3:15 p.m. in CVA 140
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 355.01 -- Game Studio Capstone -- M 3:30-6:20 p.m. in CVA 140
CTK 355.02 -- Game Studio Capstone -- M 6:30-9:20 p.m. in CVA 140
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 351, CTK 352, CTK 353 and CTK 354

Annie Sungkajun

CTK 354.01 -- User Experience Design for Games -- M/W 3:30-4:45 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.
CTK 377.01 -- Motion Graphics -- M/W 2-3:15 p.m. in CVA 50

Create motion graphics with compositing, animation, and visual effects (VFX) for broadcast, web, virtual and augmented reality, with focus on community engagement.
CTK 380.06 -- Augmented Reality --T/Th 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in CVA 17

This course presents an introduction to designing augmented reality experiences, with an emphasis on information design. Students will create static and motion pieces, as well as explore speculative design as an approach to creating unique experiences. The software that will be used will include Illustrator, AfterEffects, Aero, and Artivive.

Rick Valentin

CTK 301.01 -- Web Design and Development -- M/W 9-10:15 a.m. in CVA 50
CTK 301.02 -- Web Design and Development -- M/W 10:30 -11:45 a.m. in CVA 50
CTK 301.03 -- Web Design and Development -- M/W noon -1:15 p.m. in CVA 50
Theory, technical skills, and design concepts for the creation of standards-compliant web sites

Fall 2022

Jump to Spring 2023

Ben Arguelles

CTK 380.05 -- Advance Sound Projects -- TR 3:35 p.m.-4:50 p.m. in CVA 50
Advance Sound Projects is an advance course where students work on individual Sound projects and every week we listen and critique their Projects. Students will be responsible for completing their own Sound projects every week. Projects can be audio production, Sound Design, Sound Art, Music Compositions, Mixing Projects, or Mastering Projects. By the end of the semester the students will have 15 Sound Projects that they can use for their portfolio.
Prerequisites: CTK 240: Sound Design or CTK 208: Audio Production I, CTK 380: Mixing and Mastering.
CTK 203.01 -- Foundations: Recording and Sampling -- TR 12:35 p.m.-1:50 p.m. in CVA 140
This course applies concepts learned in Audio Theory to recording practice. Students will gain experience in recording/sampling voice, instruments, drums, and small ensembles. A variety of microphones and techniques will be explored to achieve different artistic outcomes. Students will develop an understanding of recording fidelity and how it relates to post-production use.
CTK 240.03 -- Sound Design 1: Beginning Digital Audio -- TR 2-3:15 p.m. in CVA 50
Introduction to digital audio and aesthetic principles of sound.
MUS 175.01 -- Music Industry I -- TR 11-12:15 p.m. in CE 220
Exploring the various facets of the music and entertainment industry, including an historical background.

Steve Bryant

CTK 380.03 -- Digital Painting -- TR 9:35-10:50 a.m. in CVA 140
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 380.08 -- Comics and Sequential Art -- TR 2-3:15 p.m. in CVA 140
This course examines the visual narrative language and structure of comic books and graphic novels, exploring storytelling techniques, illustrative approaches, and visual pacing. This is done through a study of narrative artists, writers, and cartoonists, and the applied process of emulation and interpretation.
CTK 201.02 -- Basic Skills in the Digital Arts -- TR 11-12:15 a.m. in CVA 140
Introduction to the history, theories, current trends, practices, and core media in the digital arts
CTK 201.03 -- Basic Skills in the Digital Arts -- TR 3:35-4:50 p.m. in CVA 17
Introduction to the history, theories, current trends, practices, and core media in the digital arts

Kristin Carlson

CTK 380.01 -- Design + Culture in Creative Technologies -- MW 10:30-11:45 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 351.01 -- Game Design 1 -- MW noon-1:15 p.m. in CVA 140
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 12--1:15 p.m. in JH 62
Introduction to the history, theories, current trends, practices, and core media in the digital arts
Freshman only
CTK 370.01 -- Portfolio Development -- F 9--10:50 a.m. in CVA 109A
Preparation for entry into the job market and/or artistic practice with an emphasis on portfolio preparation and presentation, and career counseling.
8 week course (8/26 – 9/23 in class, 9/30-10/7 out)
CTK Graduating Seniors only!

Brian Franklin

ART 284.01 -- Expanded Media 1 -- TR 9-11:50 a.m. in CVA 32
Students utilize digital tools and fabrication techniques in studio art production, exploring specialized topics such as programming, motion, and time.
ART 284.01 -- Expanded Media 1 -- TR 1-3:50 p.m. in CVA 32
Students utilize digital tools and fabrication techniques in studio art production, exploring specialized topics such as programming, motion, and time.
ART 371.01 -- Digital 3-D -- MW 1-3:50 p.m. in CVA 32
Exploration of digital 3D tools and processes. Theory and projects merge the virtual and physical form

Gary Justis

CTK 380.07 -- Kinetic Sculpture -- TR 4:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m. in CVA 124
Students will observe demonstrations and experiments in mechanical movement. Through a number of carefully guided projects, students conceptualize and create sculptural works that have a kinetic time-based aspect. Assignments are designed for every skill level, and they encourage growth in the mastery of materials. Students develop a recognition of possibilities within the realm of Time-Based Sculpture.

Roy Magnuson

CTK 380.02 -- Unity Fundamentals and VR Development -- MW 1:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m. in CVA 50
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 preferred

Rose Marshack

CTK 302.01 -- Computer Programming for Creatives -- TR 9:35-10:50 a.m. in CVA 17
CTK 302.02 -- Computer Programming for Creatives -- TR 11:00-12:15 p.m. in CVA 17
Text-based, object-oriented, computer programming concepts for areas including interactive design, user interfaces, data visualization, and gaming.
Also fulfills Bachelor of Science Graduation Requirement

Aaron Paolucci

CTK 380.06 -- Sound Design for Animation -- TR 11-12:15 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.
Prerequisite; CTK 240.
CTK 240.01 -- Sound Design 1: Beginning Digital Audio -- TR 9:35-10:50 a.m. in CVA 50
CTK 240.02 -- Sound Design 1: Beginning Digital Audio -- TR 12:35-1:15 p.m. in CVA 50
Introduction to digital audio and aesthetic principles of sound.

Tony Reimer

CTK 380.06 -- Sound Design for Video Games -- TR 3:00 p.m.-4:15 p.m. in CVA 140
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

Sercan Şengün

CTK 351.02 -- Game Design 1 -- MW 9:-10:15 a.m. in CVA 140
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 355.01.01 -- Game Studio Capstone -- T 3:30-6:20 p.m. in CVA 140
CTK 355.01.02 -- Game Studio Capstone -- T 6:30-9:20 p.m. in CVA 140
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 351, CTK 352, CTK 353 and CTK 354

Matthew Smith

CTK 320.01 -- Programming Dynamic Media -- W 6:00-8:50 p.m. in CVA 50
Programming concepts using a graphical, dataflow environment for media-based performance, interactive installation, and generative art/sound.
Also fulfills Bachelor of Science Graduation Requirement
CTK 202.01 -- Foundations: Audio Theory -- TR 2-3:15 p.m. in CVA 17
This course develops a foundational understanding of audio theory through lectures and assignments related to timbre, harmonics, speakers, microphones, and analog/digital recording terminologies.
CTK 345.01-- Sequencing & Digital Audio – TR 12:15-1:50 p.m. in CVA 17
Study of music synthesis through MIDI sequencers, digital sound editing and recording, and the integration of digital audio and MID

Annie Sungkajun

CTK 377.01 -- Motion Graphics -- MW 1:30-2:45 p.m. in CVA 140
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 140

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
Theory, technical skills, and design concepts for the creation of standards-compliant web sites
CTK 260.01 – Arts Technology Performance Studio -- MW Noon - 1:15 p.m. in CVA 50
Creative and interdisciplinary experiences in solo and ensemble performance integrating computer technology into music, dance, performance art, or theatre production