Course Descriptions
The game design certificate includes six courses totaling 18 credit hours. Classes include computer science, art, communication, and a wide variety of electives. The program takes about a year to complete. Browse through course descriptions and syllabus below.
Computer Science (6 hours)
CS 301 Game Programming is required. Of the other CS classes listed choose 1 : CS 146, CS 170, CS 180, or CS 239.
A study of the algorithmic approach in the analysis of problems and their computational solutions. A structured language will be introduced and used in solving assigned problems. Lab sessions may be held in addition to lecture sessions. Not acceptable for credit in computer science major or minor. Note: Two years of high school algebra or concurrent enrollment in a college algebra course required.
Course Fee: $45
The fundamentals of problem solving, program design, and program development techniques. A high-level programming language is used and lab experiences are included. The course may not be counted toward a computer science major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): (MPE - Algebra with a score of 14 or SAT Mathematics Score with a score of 560 or ACT Math with a score of 22 or KYOTE College Algebra with a score of 14 or DMA 096C with a minimum grade of C)
Course Fee: $45
A study of the algorithmic approach to the analysis of problems and their computational solutions, using a high-level structured language. Labs are included in the course.
Prerequisite(s): (CS 170 with a minimum grade of C or (ACT Math with a score of 22 and MPE - Algebra with a score of 18) or ACT Math with a score of 27 or MATH 116 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 116E with a minimum grade of C or MA 116C with a minimum grade of C or MATH 123 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C)
Course Fee: $45
Solving engineering problems using computational techniques. Topics include problem definition, algorithm development, flowcharting, input/output and structured programming. May count as 1.5 hours towards a major/minor in Computer Science. Note: Placement into a science calculus course may be required for course enrollment.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 117 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 136 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C or MATH 137 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 237 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 331 with a minimum grade of C)
Course Fee: $45
An introductory study of game software development including game object creation, animation, audio, game logic, and game engines. Design, prototyping, and development of a playable game using modern techniques will be covered. May not be counted toward a computer science major or minor.
Prerequisites: CS 146 or CS 170 or CS 180 or CS 239 with a grade of “C” or better and ART 244 with a grade of “C” or better.
Contact: Jeffrey.galloway@wku.edu
Art (6 hours)
ART 244 Computer Animation I is required. Of the other ART classes listed choose 1: ART 130, ART 131, ART 140.
This introductory course initiates students to the creative possibilities of 3D computer animation platform. Note: Permission of instructor required.
This course is an introduction to the elements and principles of design and their creative application in two-dimensional design problems.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Visual Arts (514) , Visual Arts (514P) or Art History (613)
Course Fee: $50
An introduction to the elements and principles of three-dimensional design through problems using natural and synthetic materials.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Visual Arts (514) , Visual Arts (514P) or Art History (613)
Course Fee: $75
This course introduces the fundamentals of drawing with emphasis on line, perspective or rendering. Course content is derived from still life, landscape and figure.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Visual Arts (514) , Visual Arts (514P) or Art History (613)
Course Fee: $50
Communication (3 hours)
Examination of video games, their impact on society, gaming theories, and gaming principles. Students will be able to analyze and understand games, the game industry, and the gaming community. Livestreaming experience will be gained through this course.
Prerequisite/Corequisites/Restrictions: None
Contact: joseph.hoffswell@wku.edu
Restricted Elective (3 hours)
Choose 1 of the electives below.
This course examines photography and film as tools and products of cross-cultural research with special emphasis on cultural and political biases presented through visual means.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Designed for students who are experienced with basic 3D animation to introduce more sophisticated concepts and techniques of 3D animation.
Required Materials
A sketchbook or notebook, a removable USB Flash Drive (100 GB & over recommended)
or an external hard drive (1 TB & over recommended).
Required Textbooks
There is no required text for this course.
Optional recommendation: Autodesk Maya 2019
Contact: joon.sung@wku.edu
Consideration of the diverse influences, developments, and trends in the visual arts since World War II.
Prerequisite(s): ART 106
This course provides advanced instruction in popular computer illustration programs such as Adobe Illustration and MacroMedia Freehand for students preparing for careers in graphic design. Limited enrollment.
Prerequisite(s): ART 243
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Visual Studies (509) , Visual Arts (514) or Visual Arts (514P)
Course Fee: $125
Designed for non-Broadcasting majors, this course includes the basics needed to shoot, edit, and distribute video productions in the digital realm. Acquisition will concentrate on lighting, composition and audio for the digital world. Editing and graphics will be explored using non-linear programs, and distribution will focus on CDs, DVDs and web streaming.
Course Fee: $75
An introduction to the writing of various genres including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and/or drama.
Prerequisite(s): Foundations Literary Studies
Entrepreneurship examines the entrepreneur as the basic building block of the economic system via the discovery or identification of opportunities. Emphasis is placed on identifying and defending feasible opportunities within the industry and market, while recognizing and managing the complex systems in which entrepreneurs live and work that motivate or constrain innovation. Colonnade K-SY
Prerequisite(s): COBA Course Eligibility with a score of 2 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
An interdisciplinary introduction to the major theories and subjects of the study of popular culture. The course offers a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to considering the producers, audiences and meanings of the culture of everyday life in a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Note: Permission of instructor.
Exploration into the design process and techniques for creating interactive experiences. Encompasses information architecture, usability, front-end programming and design literacy, as well as applied user-experience design. Lecture and lab. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Prerequisite(s): (SJB 210 with a minimum grade of C or AD 210 with a minimum grade of C)
Equivalent(s): SJB 330
Course Fee: $35
A study of the algorithmic approach in the analysis of problems and their computational solutions. A structured language will be introduced and used in solving assigned problems. Lab sessions may be held in addition to lecture sessions. Not acceptable for credit in computer science major or minor. Note: Two years of high school algebra or concurrent enrollment in a college algebra course required. Colonnade F-QR | QR
Course Fee: $45
The fundamentals of problem solving, program design, and program development techniques. A high-level programming language is used and lab experiences are included. The course may not be counted toward a computer science major or minor.
Prerequisite(s): (MPE - Algebra with a score of 14 or SAT Mathematics Score with a score of 560 or ACT Math with a score of 22 or KYOTE College Algebra with a score of 14 or DMA 096C with a minimum grade of C)
Course Fee: $45
A study of the algorithmic approach to the analysis of problems and their computational solutions, using a high-level structured language. Labs are included in the course.
Prerequisite(s): (CS 170 with a minimum grade of C or (ACT Math with a score of 22 and MPE - Algebra with a score of 18) or ACT Math with a score of 27 or MATH 116 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 116E with a minimum grade of C or MA 116C with a minimum grade of C or MATH 123 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C)
Course Fee: $45
Solving engineering problems using computational techniques. Topics include problem definition, algorithm development, flowcharting, input/output and structured programming. May count as 1.5 hours towards a major/minor in Computer Science. Note: Placement into a science calculus course may be required for course enrollment.
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 117 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 136 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C or MATH 137 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 237 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 331 with a minimum grade of C)
Course Fee: $45
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