Typically, the Game Art and Design program follows the Course Sequence outlined below. However, Expression College for Digital Arts reserves the right to modify or change the school calendar, curriculum, class schedules, and/or course sequence as it deems necessary to ensure that student and institutional goals meet the demands of an ever-changing profession.
Please note that only 2511 contact hours are required for completion of the Game Art and Design program if the student chooses to take the Scripting Concepts Elective. If the student chooses to take the Independent Study Elective a total of 2538 contact hours are required for completion of the program.
^ Environmental Track
* Character Track
Course Descriptions:
ANTH110: Cultural Anthropology
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
A comparative examination of family organizations, personal kinship, marriage, household, and family conventions within the context of class, gender, race, ethnicity, ruralization, urbanization, and globalization across different social and cultural systems. Students will study global norms, and use research materials and multimedia channels to analyze and frame cultural facets within a historic context. Outcomes include an in-depth understanding of social organizations, including group dynamics and the role that cultural differences can play in global society. Students will be assessed using in-class and self-directed work, which includes research assignments, analysis, multimedia presentations, and topic-based reporting.
PSY111: Introduction to Psychology
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course serves as an introduction to psychology, focusing on the examination of historic developments and empirical approaches. Students will explore ideas of perception, cognition, personality and social psychology, and biological aspects of behavior. Topics include the development of personality, achievement motivation, self-understanding, and anti-social behavior. The course surveys current theories in psychology, cognitive science, and behavioral economics.
ENG112: American Literature
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
An introductory study of several genres of American literature, emphasizing both analysis of particular works and the range of forms and styles in prose and poetry; students will analyze the stylistic and technical attributes of American literary masters through the evaluation of representative texts, primary sources, and multimedia channels. Class topics include postcolonial literature; literature from the South, Native American literature, Jazz Age, and Harlem renaissance, and crime/mystery/science fiction through history. Frequent writing assignments will be made, including analysis of source material, topic research, and style essays. Students are assessed and graded on journal entries, research papers, and in-class participation.
ENG114: Analytical Writing
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
A constructive introduction to the practice of written analysis; students classify and categorize literary elements, develop thesis statements, and identify themes. Heavy emphasis is placed on analysis and interpretation of information and texts as well as critical reasoning and strategies. Students will develop a critical voice, and will learn how to read and write from an analytical perspective. Texts include the Modern Language Association handbook, and a collection of modern American short stories and prose.
ENG120: Creative Writing
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course presents the principles of writing fiction. Students will write both in prescribed forms and in experimental forms. Style, language, and structure in prose and poetry will be examined, and topic and thematic-based writing will be used to assess aesthetic choices and stylistic development. Students will learn best practices in developing and revising original composition, and will develop an aesthetic identity and personal frame of reference through developmental writing assignments and analysis.
PSY121: Sociology
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
A survey and exploration of sociological concepts and perspectives concerning human groups and infrastructure.; aspects of study include development of groups and related socialization trends, culture, organization, roles and facets of past and modern societies, and conformity and deviance in societies. Students will analyze data through research and text analysis, with a specific focus on theory and application. Students will develop a greater understanding of social organization and how it conditions human behavior.
SOC131: Popular Culture
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course will survey the social mechanisms that shape modern popular culture. High, folk, and mass culture will be covered and related to the historical emergence of popular culture. Topics include mass media, commercialization, ideology, and cultural styles. Theories and methods for analyzing cultural expressions in popular music, art, film, television, and advertising will be presented. Students will be introduced to the ethical and economic issues that define popular culture, and will complete the course with a better understanding of the forces and events that shape current consciousness.
SCI141: Concepts in Science
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course presents essential principles in science, including an overview of systems and practices in physical, chemical, and biological science such as scale, energy, time, and systems of measurement. Related topics include the scientific method, good and bad science, research, and writing in the physical sciences. Students will develop an understanding of the scientific method and its approaches to problem solving.
HIS151: Modern Western Civilization
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The growth of Western Civilization from antiquity to the present, emphasizing themes in social, religious, military and political organization, and art and literature that reflect cultural interaction and change. This course emphasizes the political, social, cultural, and intellectual characteristics of history which influenced the 21st century. Students will use text and multimedia to enhance their understanding, and will be assessed using in-class presentation, personal journal writing, and special project development.
MAT160: Mathematical Concepts
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
Concepts in polynomials, factoring equations, graphs, logarithms, and inequalities designed to prepare the student for college work in mathematics. Students will improve their analytical skills, including formulating mathematical solutions to a wide array of real-world problems, and will solidify a foundation in core concepts.
HIS221: American History
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The experience of the American people from the Colonial Era to the present, emphasizing themes of immigration, slavery, commerce, personal liberty, culture, warfare, and the growth of democratic institutions. Students will develop independent, critical, analytical skills to assess political and socioeconomic developments in American History.
MAT260: Geometry
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
Vector analysis, curves, and surfaces in three dimensions are covered through an understanding of planar and solid geometry. Students will develop a college-level understanding of the importance of geometry and the role it plays in diverse applications. Topics will include properties and angles of shapes, space analysis, application and use of coordinates, and formulating
accurate proofs.
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Common Core Classes
Common core courses at Expression are professional studies courses that are relevant to students in all programs of study. Common core courses give students the opportunity to work with students from other programs as well as their own. Students are required to take all common core courses as part of their respective program requirements.
CC101: Media Sound and Visual 1
Class Contact Hours (33) Lab Contact Hours (54) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: None
The Media Sound and Visual 1 (MSV 1) course is focused on the visual aspects of digital media production and gives students the opportunity to work collaboratively while creating a short-form cinema project. From writing an original script and creating storyboards to directing, shooting, and editing, students are immersed in the complete production process from start to finish. Students learn how to use digital video cameras, lighting equipment, production sound equipment, and non-linear digital video editing systems. The experience that students gain during the production of an original movie will serve them throughout their career as well as lay the foundation upon which the understanding of more advanced concepts can be developed.
CC102: Media Sound and Visual 2
Class Contact Hours (33) Lab Contact Hours (54) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: CC101 Media Sound and Visual 1
Media Sound and Visual 2 (MSV 2) is an innovative introduction to the fundamental concepts, techniques, equipment, and terminology associated with sound. Through lectures, demonstrations, and discussion students sample the aesthetics, history, physics, mathematics, biology, electronics, and psychology between 20Hz to 20KHz. In laboratory, theoretical knowledge is put to practical use as students step through an entire audio post-production cycle with their films from the previous class.
CC103: Living in a Media World 1 (LMW 1)
Class Contact Hours (39) Lab Contact Hours (42) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: None
LMW 1 is an introductory course covering theoretical and artistic principles in visual and aural production. Students will be taught basic design, sound and motion software to apply theoretical concepts to their own artistic development. Students will be exposed to artistic work created by some of today's leading artists in order to gain insight on applying technique to theory. The class will also provide an environment where students can share their work, ideas and critique each others’ progress. All artistic, technical and theoretical work will culminate in a collaborative project in the form of a creative pitch and a final project plan for a podcast.
CC104: Living in a Media World 2 (LMW 2)
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (60) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of CC103 Living in a Media World 1
LMW2 is the second part to a two-course sequence. It is a project-based class focused on creating an online presence. Students will build on visual and aural knowledge while producing a video podcast and a Flash website to host the podcast. The class will also provide an environment where students can share their work, ideas and critique each others progress in production, web design and post production. Lectures will cover media and art theory, Flash, Soundtrack Pro, Reason, and review Final Cut Pro and Photoshop.
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Click for gallery and award winning movies produced in Media Sound & Visual)
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Click for gallery and award winning fine artwork produced in Fine Arts) (New gallery!)
CC402: Business of Media
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The course objective is to provide students practical insights into the dynamic industry of media business. This is accomplished through detailed analysis of what considerations today’s industry is facing as well as in-depth explorations of such business aspects as contracts, corporate structures, and negotiation tactics. Also covered are presentation, raising capital, construction, contractual agreements, marketing, personnel, client satisfaction, downside risk analysis, and the myriad other responsibilities and considerations with which students will be challenged.
CC411 Digital Portfolio
Class Contact Hours (24) Lab Contact Hours (72) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: None
The Digital Portfolio course focuses on the business and professional skill necessary to find employment in the audio/visual production field, culminating in the creation of a branded self-promotion package and DVD show reel. While students work to develop their interviewing skills, business etiquette, and networking abilities, this course guides students through an in-depth exploration of the complex new tools and techniques used to create content for optical disc storage technology-- the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). Students will gain unique insights into the DVD format, production processes, MPEG-2 compression techniques, and tools required to take full advantage of this medium. Students participate in every aspect of DVD pre-mastering and mastering, from the initial project planning, menu design and bit budgeting to the actual assemblage and editing of audio and visual assets to create the disc image. Students are also given an in-depth look at DVD specifications so that their skills can be applied to any DVD workstation. All students are required to complete their own personal DVD portfolio with a designed cover, as well as a resume, cover letter and business card by the end of the course. Students will conduct a final interview with the instructors as a means of preparation for real-life scenarios.
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Game Art & Design Bachelor of Applied Science Degree Program Course Sequence
ART101: Drawing Bootcamp
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: None
The objective of Drawing Bootcamp is to teach students the tools necessary to enhance their drawing skills as well as teach a new way of seeing and looking at the world in preparation for a future in digital art. This will be achieved through a series of unique exercises, designed to develop skills in the standards of figure drawing, anatomy, perspective, and portraiture. The first half of the course focuses on drawing from life, building artistic skills, honing visual acuity, and hand-eye execution, as well as developing an internal data bank of images and visual understanding. The second half of the course builds on this foundation to explore drawing from the imagination, including concept art, storyboarding, character design, and visual storytelling.
ART103: Design Basics
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
A career in the digital art field requires a working knowledge of art and art concepts, as well as familiarity with professional art terminology. Students will explore color theory, composition, figurative and conceptual sculpture, design, painting, and other traditional media, art history, and museum studies. The course culminates in a student art gallery exhibition of final projects. Concepts covered in class will inform students’ future work in both 3D and 2D digital art and design.
ART104: Concept and Imaging for Visual Effects
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: CC104 Living in a Media World 2, ART101 Drawing Boot camp, and ART103 Design Basics
Concept and Imaging combines the power of conceptual design with digital painting; working with the goal of creating a compelling visual composition. Students will create a project that enhances their ability to develop an idea, starting from concept to finished illustration. Students will learn how to apply traditional concepts of art making, such as composition, lighting and color theory in Photoshop and other digital imaging software. They will be introduced to digital painting techniques, as well as learning basic image editing techniques through the use of layers, paths, and selection masks. Students will endeavor to develop a critical eye and sharply honed design sense by focusing on the core design principles that will help the individual designs stand out.
GAD201: User Interface Design
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: None
The design of a digital user interface is a crucial element of any interactive environment. This class covers the theories and concepts behind good interface design in a broad sense – for educational applications, for business applications, and for Web applications. Students will study source material from usability tests and studies that exist for interactive industries, and research the emerging studies for interactive game interfaces. Students will be tasked with designing individual interfaces for an instructional element, followed by individual interfaces for an in-game element (i.e. “choose your vehicle/character/level”, or an inventory). The course will conclude with a group project for the final week of instruction, which will involve a complete revamping of an existing user interface for an established product.
AVE202: 3D Modeling 1
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: ART101 Drawing Boot Camp
In 3D Modeling 1, students examine 3D modeling techniques, terminology, and methods. Students use software to learn basic 3D modeling by utilizing specific toolsets with an emphasis on modeling efficiently and correctly. Students will explore methods of modifying and deforming geometry, and apply skills to architecture, landscapes, vehicles, and characters.
AVE203: Introduction to Animation
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: ART101 Drawing Boot Camp
Introduction to Animation is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of animation. The class focuses entirely on hand-drawn, frame-by-frame pencil animation in order to best teach this art's principles through a series of assignments. Some of these include a walk cycle and a flap cycle, culminating in a final project that encompasses everything learned in the course. Understanding these basics prepares students to produce richer and more engaging animation in later 3D classes.
AVE204: Animation 1
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: AVE202 3D Modeling 1 and AVE203 Introduction to Animation
In Animation 1, students are presented with the fundamentals of animating in a 3D environment. Students will explore the principles used in traditional cartoon animation and how they affect modern digital animation techniques used in current industries. Students will learn how to pre-visualize an animation before producing it, and then move through a series of basic digital animation techniques to realize the final product. Animation skills will be developed through animating objects and infusing them with human characteristics, including a realistic walk cycle, emotional elements, and a final lip synchronization.
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AVE205: Texture and Lighting 1
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: AVE204 Animation 1
This course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and techniques of computer-generated 3D texturing and lighting. Students will create and apply textures to 3D objects, as well as work with concepts and techniques that will be used to create digitally realistic objects and scenes. Students will explore the use of Photoshop and other software tools to create texture sources, and will work to create various real-world lighting effects, textures, texture maps, and lighting schemes for 3D objects.
GAD301: History of Games
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
Games have been played throughout human history. The computer-generated games of today are part of a continuting history; appreciating this past is essential for a comprehensive knowledge of the subject. Students will learn and play ancient games, and look at how games have played a role in people’s lives throughout history to the present. Students will learn about game theory and will create game projects that use paper, pieces, dice, and other non-digital media to realize originated gameplay mechanics.
GAD302: Game Production 1
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: AVE205 Texture and Lighting 1
Students will learn the process of making a game level by forming teams and designing level concepts, specific looks and textures, and virtual floor plans. Groups will build levels in 3D and add textures, lighting, and interactivity to make it function effectively inside of a game engine. The final critique is done inside the game, where students can actually explore each other’s work as a character within the game.
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GAD303: Game Production 2
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: GAD302: Game Production 1
Continuing work on levels started in Game Production 1, student groups will complete an entire conversion of a game, including characters, vehicles, and custom scripts. Groups will customize audio, and test and optimize the game levels for final production.
GAD304: Advanced Game Production
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: GAD303: Game Production 2
This course facilitates a full-scale pipeline experience that builds on the skills learned in Game Production 1 and 2. Students will establish teams which will develop a pre-production package for the game they will create for the remainder of the program. The class will begin by studying existing levels and discussing what makes them successful. Students collect reference materials, including photographs, topography, textures, and historic background using the Winzten Library and Learning Resource Center. Groups will create a back-story for the world and all of the characters in the game. The final project for this class will include character profiles that utilize five point turns, maps, blueprints of levels, color palettes, final goals, and prop designs.
GAD305 Architectural Design and Modeling
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: GAD303 Game Production 2
Students study architectural design and history to create game environments that are historically accurate and based on existing design theories and styles. Field trips will be taken around the area in order to effectively study architecture and gather reference. Students will be assessed on their knowledge and vocabulary of architectural history through projects and written papers. They will create models that emulate a specific style in addition to a model of their own design.
GAD306 Modeling for Games
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: GAD304 Advanced Game Production
This class explores low-polygon models of characters, items, vehicles, and environments with the use of tiled textures in mind. Subsequent classes move on to high-polygon modeling techniques for normal map generation. The class objective is to create the model assets based on the designs created in Advanced Game Production, and to ensure student mastery with Maya, 3D Studio Max, and related software.
CC403: DVD Authoring
Class Contact Hours (24) Lab Contact Hours (42) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The DVD Authoring course guides students through an in-depth exploration of the complex new tools and techniques used to create content for optical disc storage technology-- the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). Students will gain unique insights into the DVD format, production processes, MPEG-2 compression techniques, and tools required to take full advantage of this medium. Students participate in every aspect of DVD pre-mastering and mastering, from the initial project planning, menu design, and bit budgeting to the actual assemblage and editing of audio and visual assets to create the disc image. Students are also given an in-depth look at DVD specifications so that their skills can be applied to any DVD workstation. All students are required to complete their own personal DVD portfolio by the end of the course.
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Character and Environment Track Electives
Students choosing to take the Environment Track must take GAD401 Texture and Lighting for Games and GAD403 Scripting.
Students choosing to take the Character Track must take GAD402 Character Rigging & GAD404 Animation for Games.
GAD401: Texture and Lighting for Games (Environment Track Elective)
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: GAD306 Modeling for Games
This class is an elective within the Environment Track. This class focuses on texture and lighting issues unique to games. Students will work within predefined texture resolution allowances and will “bake in” some of the lighting into their textures. This class will address normal mapping and other high-end real time effects such as reflections and particle effects. The models created in Modeling for Games will be textured in this course.
GAD402: Character Rigging (Character Track Elective)
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: GAD306 Modeling for Games
This class is an elective within the Character Track. This class focuses on rigging characters within the limitations found in game engines. Rigging vehicles and other game assets are also explored. The final class project involves rigging the characters created in Modeling for Games, which will be submitted inside of the game engine.
GAD403: Scripting (Environment Track Elective)
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: GAD401 Texture and Lighting for Games
This class is an elective within the Environment Track. This class focuses on introducing students to basic scripting using Maya Embedded Language (MEL). This language can be used to automate rigging, exporting, and attribute setting all within the modeling package. Basic Scripting will also introduce the use of scripting in the Unreal Engine to do a full mod conversion. The goal of the class is to give students exposure to the world of scripting, linear thinking, and the advantages that automating repetitive tasks can offer in a tight timeline usually found on game production. These basic skills can all be used to enhance the student’s final project game.
GAD404: Animation for Games (Character Track Elective)
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: GAD402 Character Rigging
This class is an elective within the in the Character Track. This class focuses on animation sequences typically needed for games - walk cycles, run cycles, falls and hits. Students will create the animation assets for the game they design in Advanced Game Production.
AVE401: Motion Studies
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: GAD306 Modeling for Games
Motion Studies teaches students about acting, timing, kinesthetic motion, and how to apply it to animation through improvisational sessions that use the Vicon 8 motion-capture system. After learning the system, students will apply it to individual 3D characters using Kaydara’s Motion Builder software, and then import it into Maya. The final product of the course will be animation assets submitted inside of the Unreal Engine.
GAD405: Game Effects
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: GAD306 Modeling for Games
Students will learn to use physics-based animation engines, primarily focusing on particle sprites and rigid body simulations that add effects to games. Specific elements include explosions, weapon emissions, and particle beams. This class will also cover real time surface effects like CGFX shaders and Ashli shaders.
GAD406 Final Game Project 1
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: GAD405 Game Effects
In this class, students will assemble all of the assets they have been creating since completing Advanced Game Production. Assets will be placed into the game engine by maximizing hands-on application time in lab. Students will create an original playable game that only uses assets that have been created by a student on their team. Through selected lectures, this course will help students to synthesize all of their developed skills gained in previous courses into a single, original game. The final game will be tested, refined, debugged and will have the audio portion added to it in the Final Project 2 course before it is published and playable on the College website. Final game projects are available for free public access, and for access by potential employers.
GAD407 Final Game Project 2
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: GAD406 Final Game Project 1
Through a combination of intensive lab time coupled with strategically designed lectures, this class will guide students through the testing and refining of their game level created in Final Game Project 1. Students will also create a demo reel of the assets they personally created in the playable game, as well as a personal portfolio website containing the highlights of their work and resume.
GAD408 Elective: Independent Study
Independent Study Hours (90) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: GAD407 Final Game Project 2. Students must also have a faculty sponsor.
Independent study provides students the opportunity to pursue individualized study, and is student initiated, advanced level study, focused on specific learning objectives. Students work one-on-one with a faculty member to create learning objectives, goals, and evaluation methods.
The purpose of Independent Study is to allow students to pursue advanced academic study in areas where he/she has a foundational background. Students must be prepared to work independently and to meet regularly with a faculty sponsor. Faculty sponsors must be qualified to evaluate your work.
Independent Study is intended for advanced-level students who have a substantial background in a particular area and are interested in doing specialized work in that area. Independent study is not appropriate for first and second year students.
GAD409 Scripting Concepts
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: GAD407 Final Game Project 2
This elective course explores more game engine-specific scripting techniques and concepts used in game development. Topics for discussion and the technical environments explored cover some of the latest game engines; including software from Microsoft's XNA tools and other engines such as Garage Games' Torque. Students will experience different methods and strategies for scripting in games, and develop their own unique approach to implementing visual assets and environments.
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