VCIM-1200 Game Design I: Introduction to Game Design
3 Credits
Foundation of game design with an emphasis on concept, planning and creation of game prototypes. Topics include history or games from tabletop to tablet, markets, mechanics, prototyping, play testing, and analysis. Students will explore theme, genre, rules, tools, goals, and peripheral concepts of game design.
Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours
Prerequisite(s): VC-1000 Visual Communication Foundations, or concurrent enrollment; or departmental approval.
VCIM-1400 Game Design II: Game Engines
3 Credits
Applied technical and aesthetic fundamentals of 2D and 3D game design using industry standard engines. Includes survey of the game design industry. Emphasis on design and interaction of 2D and 3D assets to be used in entertainment games.
Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-1200 Game Design I: Introduction to Game Design, or concurrent enrollment; and VCIL-1640 3D Design, or concurrent enrollment; or departmental approval.
VCIM-1570 Web Publishing I: HTML
3 Credits
Foundational web design, planning and construction with emphasis on web standards, usability and accessibility. Students construct web pages in HTML and CSS using basic text-editing software. Topics include analysis of how and why a website succeeds or fails, aesthetics and visual design for web, planning, creation, uploading and registration of sites, troubleshooting, search engine optimization and basic marketing strategies.
Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours
Prerequisite(s): VC-1000 Visual Communication Foundation, or concurrent enrollment. CTAN Approved: Career Technical Assurance Guide CTIM004.
VCIM-1770 Web Publishing II: Site Theory & Construction
3 Credits
Expansion and continuation of topics introduced in Web Publishing I. User research, planning, designing, constructing and publishing a website using industry standard methods and tools.
Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-1570 Web Publishing I: HTML, or concurrent enrollment; or IT-1150 Introduction to Web Programming, or concurrent enrollment.
VCIM-1970 Midpoint Portfolio Review
1 Credit
Sophomore level portfolio review. Individual strengths and areas of specialization are reviewed and evaluated. Students are encouraged to edit and modify existing work to prepare for advanced courses, projects and final portfolio.
Lecture: 1 hours
Prerequisite(s): Departmental approval: completion of 18 core credits at 1000 level, or completion of 9 core credits and concurrent enrollment of an additional 9 credits.
VCIM-2072 Service Learning: Real World Experience in Web, Game Design, and Interactive Media
3 Credits
A service-learning course. Web, Game Design and Interactive Media students work on client-based community projects for non-profit organizations. In addition to design and technical challenges, professional practices such as contracts, client relations, and teamwork are put into action.
Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-2281 Web Publishing III: JavaScript or concurrent enrollment; or VCIM-2291 Web Publishing IV: Data-Driven Sites or concurrent enrollment; or VCIM-2380 Interactive Media II or concurrent enrollment; or VCIM-2200 Game Design III or concurrent enrollment; or departmental approval based on comparable skills.
VCIM-2200 Game Design III: Game Design Studio
3 Credits
Create a variety of game projects for an intended audience, platform or device. Course emphasizes game design pipeline of planning, design, testing, refining and publishing.
Lecture: 1 hour. Laboratory: 5 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-1400 Game Design II: Game Engines or departmental approval.
VCIM-2271 2D Animation
3 Credits
Introduction to 2D animation, including the history and principles of animation as well as a hands-on technical and aesthetic exploration of the media. A variety of digital and manual techniques from character animation to motion graphics are covered using industry standard tools. Direct applications for web, game design, illustration, graphic design, photography and art are examined. Planning and storytelling via the integration of imagery, text, and sound are emphasized. May be repeated for up to 6 credits; only 3 credits may be applied to degree requirements.
Lecture: 1 hour. Laboratory: 5 hours
Prerequisite(s): VC-1000 Visual Communication Foundation or ART-1081 2D Design and Color or departmental approval: comparable skills.
VCIM-2281 Web Publishing III: JavaScript
3 Credits
Provides an introduction and solid foundation in JavaScript, including syntax, conditionals, functions, manipulating the DOM, and event handling. Working commonly used JavaScript libraries are also covered. Prior scripting or programming experience is welcome but not required.
Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-1570 Web Publishing I: HTML, or IT-1150 Introduction to Web Programming.
VCIM-2291 Web Publishing IV: Data-Driven Sites
3 Credits
Learn to create data-driven, dynamic websites. Combines an overview of programming terms and concepts with practical examples.
Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-1570 Web Publishing I: HTML or IT-1150 Introduction to Web Programming.
VCIM-2371 Interactive Media I
3 Credits
Create a variety of interactive projects. Tell stories incorporating photos, video, sound, music, narration, typography, illustration and animation. Structure, communication, scripting, sequencing and troubleshooting emphasized.
Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-1570 Web Publishing I: HTML or VCIM-1200 Game Design I: Introduction to Game Design.
VCIM-2380 Interactive Media II: App Design
3 Credits
Introduction to app design. Explores current and emerging interactive technologies. The class covers app design from project inception to functional prototypes. No app development or coding is covered.
Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-2280 Web Publishing III: Media Rich Websites, or VCIM-2371 Interactive Media I
VCIM-2401 Game Design IV-Game Publishing
3 Credits
Develop and refine a body of work focusing on specific role(s) in the game design industry. Develop and promote assets, projects, portfolio, demo reel, blog and game presentation.
Lecture: 1 hour. Laboratory: 5 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-2200 Game Design III: Game Design Studio or concurrent enrollment.
VCIM-2470 Virtual Reality Imaging
2 Credits
Technical and aesthetic concepts of virtual reality photography. Use of computer hardware and software for creating virtual reality images. Images used for interactive onscreen presentations or output as large scale panoramic photographic prints.
Lecture: 2 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCPH-1450 Digital Imaging I, and VC-1000 Visual Communication Foundation, or departmental approval.
VCIM-2571 Interactive Media Studio
3 Credits
Course offers broad possibilities for the conception and creation of advanced interactive projects. Students are encouraged to explore concepts and technqiues beyond the parameters of previous coursework. Individual students or teams work with the instructor to set the criteria, research, and ultimately complete the project. Repeatable: students may pursue different projects for up to six credits.
Lecture: 1 hour. Laboratory: 5 hours
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-1970 Midpoint Portfolio Review or VCIM-2200 Game Design III: Game Design Studio; or departmental approval.
VCIM-2700 User Experience Design
3 Credits
Introduction to user experience design. Includes practice with a variety of user research methods and applying those research results to interactive media projects.
Lecture: 2 hours. Laboratory: 3 hours
Prerequisite(s): VC-1431 Vector Graphics and VCPH-1450 Digital Imaging I.
VCIM-2820 Independent Advanced Study/Research in Interactive Media
1-3 Credits
Directed individual study. Study/research title and specific content arranged between instructor and student (see Credit Schedule of classes for current offerings). May be repeated for a maximum of six credits of different topics.
Lecture: 1-3 hours
Prerequisite(s): Departmental approval, and instructor approval, and ENG-0995 Applied College Literacies, or appropriate score on English Placement Test. Note: ENG-0990 Language Fundamentals II taken prior to Fall 2021 will also meet prerequisite requirements.
VCIM-2940 Field Experience
3 Credits
Planned work activity, paid or unpaid, in the field of Web or Interactive Media. Coordinated by faculty member and employer. Experience should reinforce classroom/lab skills.
Other Required Hours: Field Experience: 36 hours per week, working in the field.
Prerequisite(s): VCIM-2380 Interactive Media II, or concurrent enrollment; or VCIM-2291 Web Publishing IV: Data-Driven Sites, or concurrent enrollment.