If you are looking for a class related to games, we have them in three departments for Spring 14 with the promise of more coming in future semesters, 108 and 185C are meant to be taken by anyone, 134 is primarily for CS majors 141p & 181F will likely appeal more to Comm majors but are a great introduction to their subjects and 107 is a deep interaction class using a lot of technologies friendly to physical computing, and gaming. Any questions can be sent to james.morgan@sjsu.edu.

ART 108 / CS108 Game Studies

MW, 6 – 715 in Art 135

Introduction to the systems, design, history, and cultural analysis of games with emphasis on development, technological literacy, markets and impact on society. In this course we shall read about, write about, play and design traditional paper based and video games. Req: upper division standing or instructor consent. James Morgan instructor.

CS 134

MW 4:30-5:45 MH 422

Learn how to program a video game engine, in this projects course. Over the semester, all students will become familiar with common game engine design patterns and algorithms such as oct-trees, A*, data/defs, and delayed computation. Game engines are in a unique place architecturally, requiring both soft real-time performance and extremely high flexibility. Prerequisite: CS 146 and either CS 151 or CMPE 135 (with a grade of “C-” or better in each); or instructor consent. Jared Finder instructor.

CS185C sec 5 Game Design Studio

TR 6:30 – 7:45 in MH222

Game Design Studio is the capstone course in Game Design. Inter-disciplinary teams will create a substantial project over the course of the semester and present it to the public. The class will cover game production and development with groups operating as small indie-game startups. Emphasis will be placed on rapid prototyping, iteration and refinement. Lectures focus on gaming, society, and recent directions in the indie-game movement, with occasional guest lecturers from professionals in the field. Weekly activities include play-tests, prototyping and presentations. Game development will be done in Unity, or another platform with consent of instructor. John Bruneau instructor.

COMM 141P

W 9-1015 HGH 219

Small Group Communication. An applied approach to small groups and teamwork that links theory and practice across a variety of contexts. In the Spring 2014 semester, the course will have a special emphasis on gamification–applying principles of learning and games to contexts such as education and business. Prerequisite: Completion of GE oral communication. Stephanie Coopman instructor.

Comm 181F, New Media/New World

ONLINE/TBA

This course explores the history and culture of the internet, the convergence of media into digital formats and networks, and the impacts of new media on communication behaviors. Analysis includes social action, interpersonal relationships, public and private sector uses, and content development. Class workshops facilitate a deeper understanding of games and gamification; privacy and cybersercurity; policy and intellectual property; social media; economics; information; education, and identity. Ted Coopman instructor.

ART 107/ Advanced Projects in Digital Media Art

TH 1200-250, Art 237

Art 107 teaches interactive art and technology with an emphasis on research, design, experimentation and collaboration using object-oriented programming, computer vision, microprocessors, tactile controllers and biological sensors. Req: upper division standing or instructor consent. G. Craig Hobbs instructor.