PDF version of this chapterCourses of Instruction
Interactive Media (CTIN)
309 Introduction to Interactive Entertainment (4, FaSp) Critical vocabulary and historical perspective to analyze and understand experiences with interactive entertainment; students imagine and articulate their own ideas.
401L Interface Design for Games (2, FaSp) Introduction to the aesthetics, terminology and common trends of interface design for games. Topics include 2-D and 3-D spaces and user/camera perspectives.
403L Advanced Visual Design for Games (2, FaSp) The scope of visual game design, including the role of characters, architecture, indoor and outdoor spaces, and environmental effects and sounds. Prerequisite: CTIN 401L; recommended preparation: CTAN 443.
404L Usability Testing for Games (2, FaSp) Concepts and methods of usability assessment. The emphasis will be on understanding the issues surrounding game interfaces, and utilizing usability assessment methods.
405L Design and Technology for Mobile Experiences (2, FaSp) Critical and pragmatic insights into designing mobile experiences and technology. Design groups will develop a mobile project using principles from readings and class discussions.
406L Sound Design for Games (2, FaSp) Introduction to the techniques, terminology, and implementation of sounds in games, including establishing a sense of place and concepts of realistic sound.
458 Business and Management of Games (2, FaSp) Overview of current business models in games and interactive media, methods for pitching and getting products funded; copyright and intellectual property.
459L Game Industry Workshop (4, FaSp) Exploration of industry-related game play research questions. Student teams will develop concepts and materials to solve a research problem posed by an industry partner. Prerequisite: CTIN 488, CTIN 489.
462 Critical Theory and Analysis of Games (4, FaSp) Formal, aesthetic, and cultural aspects of digital games, critical discourse around gameplay, and the relationship of digital games to other media. Recommended preparation: CTIN 488.
463 Anatomy of a Game (4, FaSp) Examine two game products from concept to delivery; introduce students to each of the professional disciplines involved in making digital games. Recommended preparation: CTIN 488.
464 Game Studies Seminar (2, max 4, FaSp) Rigorous examination of interactive entertainment: genres, history, aesthetics, cultural context, and social significance. Topics vary by semester.
482 Designing Online Multiplayer Game Environments (2, Sp) Grouped into teams, students will study and design an original multiplayer game environment suitable for online usage. (Duplicates credit in former CNTV 482.)
483 Programming for Interactivity (4, FaSp) Introduction to creative and technical aspects of new interactive media technology; computer games; digital video and sound; interactive Flash animations. Students design and produce projects.
484L Intermediate Game Development (4, FaSp) Advanced topics in game programming and implementation such as using game engines, creating digital prototypes, player controls and level design. Prerequisite: CTIN 483, CTIN 488; concurrent enrollment: CTIN 489.
485L Advanced Game Development (2, FaSp) Advanced concepts in 3-D game development: story and character progression, emergency game-play, comprehensive game mechaniscs, and artificial intelligence. Prerequisite: CTIN 483, CTIN 484, CTIN 488, CTIN 489.
488 Game Design Workshop (4, FaSp) Theory and evaluation of interactive game experiences and principles of game design utilizing the leading software approaches and related technologies. Recommended preparation: CTIN 309, CTIN 483.
489 Intermediate Game Design Workshop (4, FaSp) A follow-up to the introductory game design class, this course will introduce more advanced concepts in game design and game theories, including ideation, digital prototyping and level design. Prerequisite: CTIN 483, CTIN 488.
491L Advanced Game Project (4, FaSp) Students work in teams to produce a functional digital game suitable for distribution via the web and/or submission into independent games festivals. Prerequisite: CTIN 489.
492L Experimental Game Topics (4, FaSp) Development of a game around a custom-made physical interface; various technologies and techniques involved in a software/hardware integration; peripheral design.
499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema, television, and/or interactive media; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.
511 Interactive Media Seminar (1, max 2, FaSp) Seminars on latest trends in interactive media content, technology, tools, business and culture. Graded CR/NC.
532 Interactive Experience Design (4, Fa) The development of interactive experiences with an emphasis on writing and development. Open to Interactive Media M.F.A. students only. Prerequisite: CTWR 518; corequisite: CTIN 534.
534 Experiments in Interactivity I (2, Fa) Experimental studio course to explore concepts of structure, aesthetics and content of interactive experience design. Open to Interactive Media M.F.A. students only. Corequisite: CTIN 532.
541 Design for Interactive Media (4, FaSp) Practical exploration and practicum on the fundamental technical and aesthetic principles in the design of interactive media. Students will develop design and prototyping skills. Open to Interactive Media M.F.A. students only. Prerequisite: CTPR 408.
542 Interactive Design and Production (4, Sp) Interactive design, production, prototyping and testing of projects developed in CTIN 532. Open to Interactive Media M.F.A. students only. Prerequisite: CTIN 532; corequisite: CTIN 544.
544 Experiments in Interactivity II (2, Sp) Experimental studio course in application of technology to interactive experience. Open to Interactive Media M.F.A. students only. Prerequisite: CTIN 534; corequisite: CTIN 542.
548 Preparing the Interactive Project (2, Sp) An advanced production workshop in which students design and prepare for the production of their advanced project. Open to Interactive Media M.F.A. students only. Prerequisite: CTIN 532.
555ab Advanced Interactive Project (4-4, FaSp) A two-semester sequence in which students produce and test an advanced interactive project. Open to Interactive Media M.F.A. students only. Prerequisite: CTIN 548.
558 Business of Interactive Media (2, Fa) In-depth investigation of publication, distribution, business and legal aspects of the interactive entertainment business.
584 Graduate Interactive Group Project (6, FaSp) Advanced interactive group workshop for students who want to produce and complete an advanced interactive media project. Prerequisite: CTPR 541, CTPR 551.
590 Directed Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research project leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department.