Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Course catalog at Radiator University, Spring 2013

If I had a university, these are some of the courses I'd run:

GD 202: LEVEL DESIGN STUDIO: SPACE AND DATA
There are two paradigms of level design in video games: the level as a constructed space, an architectured environment -- and the level as pattern of challenges, a series of situations and encounters. Students will build floorplans in Doom and engineer enemy attack waves for bullet-hell SHMUP games, build custom chess and checkers boards, and populate Skyrim dungeons with systemic parameters. We will also read an introductory body of architectural criticism and attempt to realize that theory as first person levels in Unity. In the end, we will argue that space and data are actually the same.
(4 credits; meets twice a week; satisfies "Spatial" breadth req.; Paris campus only)

DH 100: INTRODUCTION TO DIE HARD 1 STUDIES
This is the introductory course to Die Hard 1 Studies for students interested in majoring in Die Hard 1. We will watch Die Hard 1 every three weeks. In between screenings, we will read the novel it is based upon ("Nothing Lasts Forever" by Roderick Thorp), play Die Hard Arcade, tour several local modernist skyscrapers, and re-create scenes from the film in both analog and digital formats. By the end of the semester, students will be able to argue persuasively that Die Hard 1's many sequels do not actually exist.
(3 credits; meets once a week; bring your helicopter pilot license to the first class)

GD 899: PLAYGROUND WORKSHOP
In this class, we will spend the semester building an actual playground for children ages 4-8. First, we will take field trips to local playgrounds in the city and conceptualize new play modalities / designs. A secondary team will work to source materials, parts, land, permits, and local expertise. All students will be expected to meet on-site on weekends to build the playground. Pre-reqs: Welding 1. (This is a graduate seminar. Undergraduates will need special permission to enroll.)
(4 credits; meets twice a week; satisfies "Field Work" breadth req.)

ENGLISH 100
Writing expository, analytical, and argumentative essays; developing critical reading and research skills. Review of sentence structure and grammar.
(3 credits; meets twice a week; no credit if taken after English 20)

Readers are encouraged to write their own ideal course catalog descriptions.