This is an unofficial description for this program. For official information check the Academic Catalog.
The Game Studies Minor provides students with an introductory overview of the diverse facets of the gaming industry which now surpasses the global film industry in size. This interdisciplinary minor encompasses a variety of courses which touch on this topic, such as game design and theory, digital storytelling, narrative development, games in education, introductory HTML coding, digital art, digital sound design, board games in the classroom, and educational live-action simulation/role play. The 18-credit minor provides a firm foundation through 9-credits of required courses and 9-credits of related electives for any student looking to augment their resume with an eye towards working in the games industry or utilizing games in their future work in education, business, or the arts. The 9-credits of required courses will inform student learning as they build on related skills connected to Game Studies in their chosen 9-credits of electives.
Core Required Courses (9 cr)
Electives (9 cr)
Electives Pathway 1: Narrative, Storytelling, and Educational Uses for Games
COMM 382 American Cinema 4 Credits
HIST 100 Search in History 3 Credits
HIST 291 Modern Middle East 3 Credits
HIST 420 Imperialism 3 Credits
Topic of HIST 100 must be Gaming Through History to count as an elective in this track
Topic of WRT 378 must be Audio Narrative to count as an elective in this track
Please note that WRT 383 has a prerequisite and HIST 420 has two prerequisite courses.
Electives Pathway 2: Game Engine Scripting and Technical Skills for Game Design
CS 110 Introduction to Web Programming 3 Credits
CS 113 Introduction to Computer Programming 3 Credits
CS 117 Introduction to Coding and Game Development 3 Credits
CS 415 Computer Game Development 3 Credits
COMM 231 Communication Technologies 3 Credits
Note that CS 117 has a prerequisite course and CS 415 and COM 332 have two or more prerequisites and/or are limited to majors in course field.
Electives Pathway 3: Visual and Audio Design for Games
ART 224 Illustration I 3 Credits
ART 324 Illustration II 3 Credits
ART 424 Illustration III 3 Credits
ART 451 Sequential Art, Comics and the Graphic Novel 3 Credits
DES 100 Design & Fonts 3 Credits
GRT 112 Digital Imaging for Graphics Technology 3 Credits
GRT 222 2D Animation for Graphics Technology 3 Credits
GRT 232 Introduction to 3D Animation Technology 3 Credits
GRT 332 Advanced 3D Modeling & Animation Technology 3 Credits
MUS 112 Computer Applications to Music 3 Credits
Note that ART 224, GRT 222, and MUS 114 have a prerequisite course and/or permission is required.
Note that ART 324, ART 424, ART 451, GRT 232, and GRT 332 have two or more prerequisites and/or are limited to majors in course field.
Total Credit Hours: 18