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American University Catalog 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Game Design (Graduate Courses) |
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GAME-600 The Design of Play (3) This course develops foundations in theory and skills in understanding the social sciences of play. Students analyze, critique, and design interactive experience and games. The understanding and design of fun and play is informed by a variety of disciplines that include psychology, art, and science. Usually Offered: Spring. Grading: A-F only. |
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GAME-601 Game Prototyping (3) This course serves as an introduction to game production and develops theoretical foundations, methods, and skills of building games. Students learn how contemporary computer games are constructed, applying standard techniques for developing ideas, testing prototypes, identifying assets, communicating design, and developing a small scale playable demo. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: Game Design (MA) , Games and Interactive Media (MFA) , Film and Media Production (MA) , Film and Media Arts (MFA) , or Game Design (Graduate Certificate) . |
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GAME-605 Games, History, and Society (3) This course provides a comprehensive survey of the intersection of play, games, and society and lays a foundation for designing, developing, and evaluating games used for social impact, education, or other purpose-driven goals. The course combines academic readings from a variety of disciplines and encourages students to embrace an interdisciplinary view of the topic. Usually Offered: fall. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: Game Design (MA) , Games and Interactive Media (MFA) , Film and Media Production (MA) , Film and Media Arts (MFA) , or Game Design (Graduate Certificate) . |
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GAME-610 Game Research Methods (3) This course facilitates a thorough understanding of research techniques, best practices, and evaluation for purpose-driven game design. Through critical reading of late-breaking research, discussion, and analysis, students learn to accurately assess the efficacy of a game design, construct design play studies, and assess the value of specific research claims. Students also design their own study to be evaluated by their peers. Usually Offered: spring. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: Game Design (MA) , Games and Interactive Media (MFA) , Film and Media Production (MA) , Film and Media Arts (MFA) , or Game Design (Graduate Certificate) . |
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GAME-612 Digital Art Tools and Techniques (3) Students create 2D digital art in a variety of styles and practice techniques for contemporary digital art making with professional art tools and software. Students are exposed to a variety of tools and develop the ability to identify solutions that best meet needs. Special focus is paid to the creation of 2D assets for digital games. Usually Offered: fall. Grading: A-F only. |
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GAME-615 Game Development I (3) This course introduces students to computer game development, techniques, implementation, and programming. While much of the course focuses on technical and programming skills including key game algorithms, artificial intelligence, graphics, and interface design, students are also exposed to the artistic and production-oriented aspects of game development. Working in small groups, students design and develop a game. Usually Offered: spring. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: Game Design (MA) , Games and Interactive Media (MFA) , Film and Media Production (MA) , Film and Media Arts (MFA) , or Game Design (Graduate Certificate) . |
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GAME-625 Game Development II (3) Advanced game development, including procedural content generation. This course gives students the tools and inspiration to create new types of computer games. The course exposes students to problems typically faced in game development and then explores solutions. Students create two prototypes and a final project employing emerging practices in game development. Usually Offered: fall. Grading: A-F only. Prerequisite: GAME-615 . |
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GAME-672 3D Modeling for Games (3) Students create 3D graphics environments and objects and practice specific techniques for contemporary game art making. Work is integrated into graphics presentations such as games, interactive, or immersive environments. Students are exposed to a variety of 3D tools and develop the ability to identify software solutions that best meet needs. Usually Offered: spring. Grading: A-F only. |
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GAME-682 3D Animation (3) In this course students utilize principles of animation in 3D art to create 3D characters and bring them to life within 3D games, films, and other productions. Through a series of character modeling and animation projects, students learn not only professional-level animation software, but also the workflow for 3D character creation and animation. Usually Offered: fall. Grading: A-F only. Prerequisite: GAME-612 and GAME-672 . |
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GAME-690 Independent Study in Game Design (1-6) Permission: instructor and program director. |
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GAME-691 Internship in Game Design (1-6) Permission: instructor and program director. |
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GAME-696 Selected Topics: Non-Recurring (1-6) Topics vary by section. Repeatable for credit with different topic. |
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