Information Arts & Technologies

Bachelor of Science in
Simulation and Digital Entertainment

Core Course Descriptions:

COSC 150--Introduction to Game Design
Examines the use of computer technology to produce computer games and create interactive educational and training materials; covers beginning concepts in screen design, animation, and scripting. NOTE: Additional lab time outside of class may be required to complete course projects.

COSC 160--Graphics for Game Design
Examines the use of computer technology to produce computer games and create interactive educational and training materials; covers beginning concepts in screen design, animation, and scripting. NOTE: Additional lab time outside of class may be required to complete course projects.

COSC 260--Introduction to 3D Graphics
This course introduces students to modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and simple animation using the industry-standard tool. It provides a foundation for further work with sophisticated 3-D and imaging tools. NOTE: Additional lab time outside of class may be required to complete course projects.

COSC 315--C++ for Interactive Design
This course includes an introduction to object oriented computer programming framed in the technical aspects of game programming. It covers variables, control structures, functions, arrays, data types, classes, inheritance and polymorphisms. Students will apply these concepts to build a series of small games.

COSC 320--Game Concept and Design:
An introduction to major genres, technologies, and theories underlying contemporary computer games, as well as the business and economics of game design. The course builds technical understanding as well as historical and cultural perspective in which games are seen as more than escapist entertainment. Students analyze and critique classic and contemporary games of various kinds. They learn basics of interactive authoring and play design by building game levels, modifications, and other applied projects.

COSC 324--Usability in Game Design:
This course introduces the concepts of play design and systematic software testing to students of interactive simulation and computer gaming. Students learn basic principles of interface and software construction and apply them to practical problems of game evaluation, in the process, learning principles that underlie good interaction and play design. Homework includes play sessions with computer games, accompanied by copious and detailed documentation. Readings cover theory of interaction design and digital entertainment.

COSC 330--Applied Simulation:
This course concentrates on non-entertainment applications of interactive simulation in areas such as technical communication, emergency preparedness, and education. Students will study a range of simulations representing various approaches to visualization and interaction, analyzing the ways in which they use conventions of interactive play to serve larger purposes of learning and discovery. Using basic multimedia tools, students will prototype interactive presentations for training and education.

COSC 410--Advanced 3-D Modeling and Animation:
This course allows students to improve an existing understanding of 3-D modeling, texturing, and animation for interactive simulation applications including scenic and character design for computer games. Practical assignments allow students to advance skills in industry standard programs (e.g., 3D Studio Max and Maya). Readings, critical examples, and visits from industry experts provide broader contexts for skills.

COSC 414--Audio Integration in Games and Simulations:
This course concentrates on the design of sound elements for use in computer games and other forms of interactive simulation. Practical design exercises based upon standard production software and popular game engines are combined with theoretical readings, critical studies, and visits from industry experts.

COSC 418--Design of Multiplayer Games:
This course looks at the design principles and challenges underlying games and interactive simulations designed to be used collaboratively or in situations of simultaneous use, from multiplayer console games to massively-multiplayer Internet games and their associated virtual communities. Assignments include development of modules or levels for popular multiplayer games and systematic study of Internet game communities.

COSC 450--Practicum
This is a 3-credit internship course intended to give students professional experience in software reliability and play testing in computer games and other areas of applied interactive simulation or in software development. Students will be assigned projects in area industries or in an on-campus development facility to be developed with local companies.

COSC 460--Games, Simulations and Society
This course examines the nature of games and how they are framed by and impact individuals and groups. Topics include scholarly work on online economies and community building, fan cultures and their creative reworking of game content, the role of play in human culture and the relationships between online and offline identity, as well as psychological facets of games.

COSC 470--Game and Simulation Development Seminar:
This course provides the capstone experience for students in the Simulation and Digital Entertainment program. Working with faculty and visiting industry experts, students propose a concept for a computer game or applied interactive simulation, developing that concept over the course of the semester through several stages of specification and prototyping. Theoretical readings and critical studies of existing games provide insight and context. Final prototypes are entered in a competition at the end of the course whose jury will include representatives from game and simulation development companies.

COSC 497--Topics in Computer Science:
Intensive exploration of topics in computer science, including topics in game development. Content will vary according to the current interests of faculty and students.

Elective Course Descriptions:

COSC 155--Internet Technologies: Mastering the Basics
This course provides an introduction to the Internet, as well as technologies such as FTP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML used to generate and maintain Web pages. NOTE: Additional lab time outside of class may be required to complete course projects.

COSC 452--Internship II
This is a second 3-credit internship course intended to give students professional experience in house with local companies. Assignments in this internship will focus on company needs.