Courses
DIGC-158 P4 Int Computational Media (3)
Students will explore the creative possibilities of code and gain a working knowledge of variables, conditionals, loops, functions and objects as they learn iOS App Development. Cross-listed with CSCI 158.
Attributes: P4 YLIBDIGC-171 P3 Video Game History (3)
Computer and video games have a history that now spans more than a half a century, and already includes dramatic changes due to both technology and culture. This course will explore this history, looking particularly at key titles, cultural impacts and influences, and important moments of technological innovation. Students will also learn about the unique challenges and opportunities of studying the history of gaming, both through their own work and through an exploration of the video game archives at Strong Museum of Play.
Attributes: P3 YLIBDIGC-181 LC Intro Digital Studies (3)
The class will consider the effect of digital technologies on culture. Students will read essays by new media theorists and write their own critiques of technology, while completing creative projects (utilizing video, photography, social media, mobile phones, blogs and programming) related to several majors themes: coding, collaboration, community, curation, ubiquitous computing, and data.
Attributes: LC YLIBDIGC-199C RW Research-based Writing (3)
Students learn the basics of writing an academic research paper in this discipline. Emphasis is on elements of persuasive argumentation, the inclusion of more than one perspective on an issue, the proper use and documentation of sources, and revision. Students also learn how to make an effective oral presentation of their research. Department-determined topic may change from semester to semester and is likely to include literary texts as primary materials.
Restricted to freshmen and transfers.
Note: 199C courses may not be taken for credit more than once.
Research-based Writing (199) Courses & Topic Descriptions [pdf]
Attributes: RW YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Freshman, SophomoreDIGC-240 P4 The Networked World (3)
This course will examine the particular issues surrounding the network structure of relationships, and how that structure impacts our experience of and study of various entities, including search engines, social networks, the spread of technologies and the spread of viruses (both human and computer).
Attributes: P4 YLIBDIGC-245 SQ Visualizing Data (3)
This course introduces design and statistical principles as well as programming languages and tools for exploring, analyzing, and displaying information. Students will gain an understanding of the role of data visualizations in analyzing complex data and societal trends.
Attributes: SQ YLIBDIGC-258 Intro Physical Computing (3)
This course helps students redefine how people interact with technology. The ways in which computers can “sense” the world and in turn, act on the world, is much greater than just keyboards, mice, and screens: wearable sensors, interactive devices, location sensors, and more, all provide nontraditional ways to communicate with technology. This course teaches students the basics for working with these systems, including an introduction to constructing hardware and software coding for communication with external hardware. Students will complete an interactive physical computing artifact. Cross listed with ARTS 258.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: CSCI-158 D- OR DIGC-158 D- OR CSCI-161 D-DIGC-259 P1 VR and Interactive Art (3)
This course focuses on virtual reality and experiments with interactivity in art. Students will learn to create 3-D environments that can be experienced when wearing VR headsets and then will move to create web and mobile experiences that either encompass or inhabit the real world, incorporating video and geolocation techniques. Critical theorists that analyze issues related to virtual reality and interactive art will also be discussed. Cross-listed with ARTS 259. Formerly titled: P1 Interaction Art and previously P1 Algorithmic & Data Art
Attributes: P1 YLIB ZCAP ZCIV
Pre-requisites: CSCI-158 D- OR CSCI-161 D- OR DIGC-158 D-DIGC-265 P1 Tpc: Digital Cultures (3)
This course will cover topics not otherwise offered in the interdisciplinary field of digital cultures, with a focus on artistic production. Courses topics will vary, and may include 3-D Modeling, and Animation.
Attributes: P1 YLIBDIGC-267 P4 Tpc: Digital Tech (3)
This course will cover topics not otherwise offered in the interdisciplinary field of digital technologies. Courses topics will vary, and may include include: AI for Games and App Design. This course may be repeated with a different topic.
Fall 2017 Topic: Game Modding Game modding, the opening up of a game system to allow end users to modify (mod) it, follows the web 2.0 trend of allowing users increasing control over and customization opportunities with the technologies they use. This course explores the modding trend as part of a fundamental shift in how we think about and interact with technology. Students will learn the basics of Java and create their own mods in Minecraft.
Attributes: P4 YLIBDIGC-271 Video Game Design I (3)
This course acts as an introduction to the basics of game design. Students will develop a theoretically grounded understanding of the game design process, including developing a theme, understanding genre conventions, and designing for an audience. The course will culminate with the development of a simple digital game.
Attributes: YLIBDIGC-275 Writing for Games (3)
In this course students focus on the practical and artistic writing elements of game design. This includes writing dialogue scripts for video games, understanding the part that narrative writing plays in informing game mechanics, and the creative and technical writing aspects of tabletop role-playing games. Students will workshop their writing in class similar to a development or playtest team, while creating their own game.
Attributes: YLIBDIGC-371 Video Game Design II (3)
This course extends the conceptual framework developed in Video Game Design I. Students will learn to use a game engine and work through all stages of the game design process, including concept development, design, implementation, play-testing, and deployment. The final product for this course will be a multistage game.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: DIGC-271 D-DIGC-471 Mobile Game Development (3)
This course builds on both the theoretical and technical knowledge developed in Video Game Design I, with a particular focus on how mobile interfaces pose specific challenges for game designers. Students will develop mobile games in Unity that play on both iOS and Android devices. Special attention will be given to mobile-specific concerns, including varying screen resolutions, haptic input and feedback, and optimization for mobile devices.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: DIGC-271 D-DIGC-480 Technology and Pedagogy I (2)
Students will read and evaluate philosophies and techniques of teaching coding and technology skills to undergraduates. The class will meet informally, focusing on the students’ experiential work as a lab assistant, attending most (if not all) of a specified class throughout the semester and providing tutoring during open lab periods.
Attributes: NLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorDIGC-481 Technology and Pedagogy II (1)
Students will continue their experience as a lab assistant that began in DIGC 480, attending most (if not all) of a specified class throughout the semester and providing tutoring during open lab periods.
Attributes: NLIB
Pre-requisites: DIGC-480 D-
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorDIGC-490 Senior Project (3)
The class will function as a team that develops a web-based project for public use. Students will utilize skills in web and game development, graphic design, writing, and research, and will be expected to design and complete a usability study and present their work to an audience. Formerly titled: DIGC Senior Project
Attributes: YLIB ZCAP ZEXL
Pre-requisites: (DIGC-158 D- OR CSCI-158 D- OR CSCI-161 D-) AND (COMM-269 D- OR COMM-369 D-)
Restrictions: Including: -Class: SeniorDIGC-495 Internship (1 TO 3)
This course allows qualified students to gain professional experience in areas related to Digital Cultures and Technologies. The program maintains a list of internships, or students may find their own opportunities, subject to the approval of the Internship Director. Interns generally work 10 hours a week and complete additional requirements, including attending meetings with the Internship Director, writing progress reports, and creating a portfolio. Permission of the Internship Director is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB ZEXL
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorDIGC-496 Independent Study (1 TO 3)
Under faculty direction, qualified students may undertake an in-depth study of particular topic in digital cultures and technologies. Completion of the Independent Study/Tutorial Authorization form is required.
Attributes: YLIBDIGC-498H Honors Thesis (1 TO 3)
Qualified Digital Cultures and Technologies majors develop a research project that will result in a traditional or multimodal thesis. Projects will be presented and defended. Students will be advised by the honors committee, consisting of a Digital Cultures and Technologies faculty advisor and one additional faculty member who may come from outside of the DIGC program. The intent to pursue an honors thesis must be declared before the senior year. Completion of the Independent Study/Tutorial form is required for registration.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Digital Cultures and Technol -Class: Senior