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Design and Digital Technologies

SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS

B.F.A. in Digital Game Design and Development


The Digital Game Design and Development program at LIU Post offers a project-based curriculum that allows students to develop skills in all areas of game development, including game design, computer programing, and visual design. The program focuses heavily on game creation. During their time at LIU Post students work on several solo and group-based projects, giving them a chance to develop a broad range of game creation skills. Before graduating, students complete a capstone thesis project that can be used as a portfolio piece on a job application or as an independent commercial project. 

This rigorous program prepares students for a career in the game industry as well as other related industries. LIU Post’s proximity to New York City’s vibrant commercial and artistic communities provides students with opportunities to interact with key figures in the game industry and helps them develop career opportunities.


Program Curriculum

Course # Course Name Credit
DGD 201 Introduction to Game Design 3
DGD 202 Games Through History 3
DGD 203 Game Studies 3
DGD 204 Digital Game Development 1 3
DGD 205 Digital Game Development 2* 3
DGD 206 Digital Game Development 3* 3
DGD 220 Level Design For Games*   3
DGD 221 Visual Design for Games 3
DGD 290 Senior Game Prototyping* 3
DGD 291 Senior Game Project* 3
Required Co-Related Courses: (9 credits)
CGPH 216 Digital Imaging 3
DGD 220 3-D Modeling & Animation 1*
3
Choose one:
ART 106 3D Visualization and Animation 3
CGPH 205 Computer Layout 1 3
Elective Digital Game Design Courses (30 credits)
Students must complete 30 credits from the following list of Digital Game Design Electives. Classes marked with * have prerequisites
CS 201 Problem Solving 3
CS 206  Foundations Web Design & Development 3
CS 211 Object Oriented Programming I* 3
CS 216 Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithms* 3
CS 227 Introduction to Game Design (CS)* 3
CS 133 Analysis & Logic Design 3
CS 431 Database Fundamentals* 3
CS 237 Human-Computer Interaction* 3
CS 245 Working in a Team Environment* 3
CS 254 Artificial Intelligence and Games* 3
CS 257 Computer Graphics* 3
CS 463 Game Progrmaming I* 3
CS 267 Scientific Foundations for Games* 3
CS 271 Game Programming II* 3
CGPH 207 Digital Illustration 1 3
CGPH 208 Digital Illustration 2 (Prerequisite: CGPH 7) 3
CGPH 209 Digital Typography* 3
CGPH 211 Interaction Design 1 3
CGPH 214 Interaction Design 2* 3
CGPH 219 Digital Imaging Synthesis* 3
CGPH 221 3-D Modeling and Animation 2* 3
ART 104 Introduction to Visual Arts 3
ART 105 Introduction to Basic Drawing 3
ART 211 Life Drawing 3
ART 412 Life Drawing 2* 3
ENG 182 Introduction to Creative Writing* 3
ENG 282 Fiction Writing* 3
ENG 285 Screenwriting* 3
MTH 103 College Algebra and Trigonometry* 3
MTH 107 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I* 3
MTH 119 Basic Statistics 3
BDST 204 Digital Audio Production* 3
BDST 211 Production Essentials: Audio 3
CMA 210 Media Law and Ethics 3
MUS 101 Introduction to Musical Concepts 3
MUS 102 Elementary Musicianship 3
MUS 214A Introduction to Music Technology 3
MUS 214B Intermediate/Advanced MIDI Sequencing* 3
MUS 214C Intermediate/Advanced Notation* 3

Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO)

Courses

ILO 1: Creative and Reflective Capacities

 (3 credits)

Openness to new ideas, integrative and reflective thinking, investigation, and synthesis of existing knowledge as a way of creating, appreciating, and reflecting on original, innovative work grounded in scientific, humanistic, historical, and/or aesthetic disciplinary knowledge.

ART 101: Introduction to Art

ART 105: Introduction to Beginning Drawing

ART 106: 3D Visualization and Production

ART 131: Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture I

CIN/FIL 109: Screenwriting II

CIN 111: History of World Cinema

CMA 109: Media Arts and Technology

DNC 108: History of Dance

ENG 167: Creativity and Nature

ENG 182: Introduction to Creative Writing

ENG 183: Creative Non-Fiction

JOU 110: Journalism, Media and You

MA 109: Media Arts and Technology

MUS 101: Introduction to Musical Concepts

MUS 102: Music Fundamentals

MUS 110: Introduction to World Music

PHI 172: Philosophy and the Mind

SPE/ORC 105: Public Speaking

THE 100: Introduction to Drama

THE 111: The Art of Theatre

THE 143: Shakespeare in Performance

THE 193: Theatre Research/Performance

ILO 2: Historical and Intercultural Awareness (6 credits)

Recognition of oneself as a member of a global community consisting of diverse cultures with unique histories and geographies.

History

HIS 100: American Civilization to 1877

HIS 101: Perspectives on Premodern World History

HIS 102: Perspectives on Modern World History

HIS 108: American Civilization since 1877

Intercultural Awareness

ANT #: Any Anthropology Course

ART 104: Introduction to Visual Arts

CIN 105: The Art of Documentary

ENG 115: Global Literatures

ENG 132: Shakespeare

ENG 158: American Literature

FRE 111: Introduction to French I

FRE 112: Introduction to French II

GGR 102: Geography and the Global Citizen

HIS 144: Topics in Asian History

HIS 157: Topics in Latin American History

ITL 111: Introduction to Italian I

ITL 112: Introduction to Italian II

MUS 103: Music in Western Civilization

MUS 146: History of Hip Hop

MUS 147: History of Rock Music

MUS 159: History of Country Music

PHI 170: Philosophies of Love and Sex

POL 150: International Relations

POL 161: Introduction to Comparative Politics

SPA 111: Introduction to Spanish I

SPA 112: Introduction to Spanish II

SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity

SOC 135: Global Cultures

SOC 165: Culture and Society

SOC 103: Gender and Sexual Diversity

SOC 165: Culture and Society

SPE 100: Oral Communication

THE 142: Modern Theatre History

ILO 3: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning (7-8 credits)

Competence in interpreting numerical and scientific data in order to draw conclusions, construct meaningful arguments, solve problems, and gain a better understanding of complex issues within a discipline or in everyday contexts.

Scientific Reasoning

AST 109/109A: Introductory Astronomy I

AST 110/110A: Introductory Astronomy II

BIO 120/120L: General Biology I

BIO 124/124L: Foundations of Biology I

BIO 125/125L: The Science of Sustainability

BIO 126/126L: DNA and Human Life

BIO 137/137L: Human Anatomy and Physiology I

CHM 101/101L: Chemistry for Health Science I

CHM 103/103L: Principles of Chemistry I

ERS 101/101L: Weather and Climate

ERS 102/102L: Planet Earth

ERS 103/103L: Oceanography

ERS 125/125L: Environmental Sustainability Science

FSC 100/100L: Introduction to Forensic Chemistry

PHY 103: University Physics I

PHY 104: University Physics II

PHY 120/120L: The Physical Universe

PHY 127/127L: Physics for Pharmacy

PHY 131/131L: General Physics I

PHY 131/131L: College Physics I

PHY 132/132L: General Physic II

PHY 132/132L: College Physics II

Quantitative Reasoning

MTH #: Any Mathematics Course

ILO 4:

Oral and Written Communication

(6 credits)

Knowledge and skill in exchanging informed and well-reasoned ideas in effective and meaningful ways through a range of media to promote full understanding for various purposes, among different audiences and in a variety of contexts and disciplines.  

Written Communication

ENG 110: Writing I – Composition and Analysis

ENG 111: Writing II – Research and Argumentation

ILO 5: Information and Technological Literacies

 (3 credits)

Ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.

CGPH 126: Web Design for Everyone

EDI 100: Contemporary Issues in Education

ENG 148: Ideas and Themes n Literature

ENG 173: Writing in the Community

ENG 175: Writing in the Professions

ENG 178: Writing in the Sciences

HIS 107: Engaging the Past

HIS 190: Research Problems in History

POL 100: Research Problems in Political Science

SOC 102: Social Problems

SOC 148: Medical Sociology

SOC 148: Sociology of Health and Illness

ILO 6: Critical Inquiry and Analysis 

(3 credits)

Reflective assessment and critique of evidence, applying theory, and practicing discernment in the analysis of existing ideas and in the production of new knowledge across a broad array of fields or disciplines.

ENG 103: Grammar and the Structure of English

ENG 112: World Literatures I

ENG 113: World Literatures II

ENG 140: Introduction to Literature

ENG 180: Literary Genres

FRE 100: French Cinema

GGR 101: The Geography of Sustainable Development

HIS 104: Topics in American History

HIS 120: Topics in Medieval History

HIS 164: History of Gender and Sexuality

HIS 167: History of Science and Technology

PHI 100: Beginning Philosophy

PHI 163: Philosophy of Art

PHI 179: Social and Political Philosophy

POL 147: Political Psychology

POL 156: Diplomacy and Negotiation

PSY 103: General Psychology

PSY 111: Psychological Perspectives on Teaching and Learning

SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology

SOC 112: Gender, Race and Ethnicity

SOC 126: Sociology of Gender

SOC 161: Sociology of Sport

ILO 7: Ethical Reasoning and Civic Engagement (3 credits)

Evaluation of ethical issues in conduct and thinking, development of ethical self-awareness, consideration of various perspectives, and responsible and humane engagement in local and global communities.

ART 177: High Impact Art

CIN/FIL 103: Major Forces in the Cinema

ECO 101: Microeconomics

ECO 102: Macroeconomics

ENG 150: Empathy and Literature

HIS 116: History of Race and Society

HIS 158: History of Politics and Power

PHI 105: Bioethics

PHI 113: Philosophy and Film

PHY 178: Ethics and Society

POL 101: Introduction to Political Science

POL 102: Introduction to American Politics

POL 123: Political Parties and Public Opinion

SOC 108: Sociology of Youth

SOC 109: Social Movements and Change

SOC 110: Human Rights and Social Justice

SOC 119: Sociology of the Family

SOC 122: American Social Problems/Global Context

SPA 105: The Hispanic World

Courses

ART 1 Introduction to Visual Arts 

This course covers world art from the beginnings of human culture to today. The aim is to explore why art is the product not only of its creator, but also of the historical, political, economic, and social forces that shaped the artist. Students are introduced to the language and concepts of visual analysis and historical contextualization, with the goal of increasing their understanding of world cultures and the role of artistic representation in society. This course fulfills the Creativity, Media, and the Arts thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00 


ART 5 Introduction to Basic Drawing

This course is the beginning investigation into the practice and skill of drawing as an expressive, descriptive art medium. Through historic examples and the use of a variety of materials and techniques, the student learns the past, present and future uses of drawing. This course fulfills the Creativity, Media, and the Arts thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00 


ART 11 Life Drawing I 

This course is an introduction to the study of the human figure as an art subject. Various techniques and drawing media are explored in developing compositional and drawing skills of the individual student.
Credits: 3.00 


ART 12 Life Drawing II

This course is a continuation of the study of the human figure as an art subject. Advanced techniques are explored in developing compositional and drawing skills of the individual student.
Credits: 3.00 


BDST 4 Digital Audio Production 

This course is designed to familiarize the student with intermediate-level theory and practice of digital audio production. Continues instruction in the various techniques for capturing and engineering sound. it offers training in the tools and techniques of producing audio and provides the foundation for sound production/reproduction essential to dealing with audio in environments such as radio, television, film ,multimedia, broadcast journalism and web production.Prepares the student for advanced work in audio production.
Credits: 3.00 


BDST 11 Production Essentials: Audio 

This course introduces the student to the basics of digital audio production. Students complete studio assignments in order to master the basics of audio production,including an introduction to principles of sound, audio formats, analog vs. digital recording, editing,use of various microphone types.Remote equipment use, studio production and production for the web will also be introduced.
Credits: 3.00 


CGPH 7 Digital Illustration 1 

This introductory course will introduce the student to Digital Illustration using Adobe Illustrator. Through a series of computer demonstrations students will be introduced to a wide range of tools and techniques commonly used in illustration. The primary focus of the course is to first provide the student with a fundamental technical overview of how to use Illustrator. Students will then will apply this knowledge to create a wide variety of graphic design and illustration projects which include logos, postage stamps, package design, and label design. Emphasis will be placed on developing technique, style, and accuracy.
Credits: 3.00 


CGPH 8 Digital Illustration 2 

This advanced digital illustration course introduces student to more sophisticated techniques using Adobe Illustrator. This course will reinforce and encourage use of basic design principles that students have been previously exposed to. As they continue to enhance their technical and conceptual illustration skills, students are expected to create a wide variety of complex design projects that include event logos, technical renderings, and editorial illustrations. Emphasis will be on developing technique, style, and accuracy. Students will also be introduced to digital drawing tablets.
Credits: 3.00 


CGPH 9 Digital Typography 

This advanced typography course provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of the usage, design, and aesthetics of type through a series of projects which incorporate both traditional techniques and digital creation. These projects include creating a set of typographic dingbats/icons, an all type poster design, and a distressed type treatment. The objective of this course is to provide the student with a technical and aesthetic foundation for creating successful typographic designs. The history of typography and traditional typographic techniques will also be covered. The course will incorporate different software packages depending on the project requirements. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop will be the predominant software applications used to create a range of typographic treatments. Students will also learn how to properly work with display type as they create typographic designs in Indesign.
Credits: 3.00 


CGPH 11 Interaction Design 1 

This course is an introduction to Interaction Design. Course instruction will focus on using Adobe XD and Adobe Creative Suite to design mobile app prototype wireframes. Students will gain knowledge of all forms of interaction requirements including information, education, promotion and entertainment arenas. Emphasis will be on developing an understanding of various interactive techniques for user experience. Students will learn how to create artwork components necessary to complete an interaction design concept to wireframes containing audio, video animation, and basic scripting techniques.
Credits: 3.00 


CGPH 14 Interaction Design 2 

This course addresses advanced Interaction Design and User Interface and Experience. Course instruction will focus on using Adobe XD and Adobe Creative Suite to design mobile app prototypes. Students will gain knowledge of all forms of interactive publications and presentations dealing with the areas of information, education, promotion and entertainment arenas. Emphasis will be on developing an understanding of various interactive techniques and protocol. Students will compose a variety of sample interactive presentations. Students will learn how to create artwork and all the components necessary to complete an interactive presentation, via audio, video animation and scripting techniques.
Credits: 3.00 


CGPH 16 Digital Imaging 

This course introduces the student to Adobe Photoshop for creating graphic designs and digital imagery. Students learn how to use Adobe Photoshop as a graphic design tool for various applications. Students also learn image editing and manipulation techniques. The course also covers industry standards on resolution and colors models. Emphasis is placed on technical proficiency and creative expression.
Credits: 3.00 


CGPH 18 Digital Imaging Synthesis 

This course explores advanced aesthetic and technical concepts in Digital imaging using Adobe Photoshop. Creation and assemblage of source materials, complex montage making and development of a personal style are emphasized. Advanced photo retouching and typography special effects are also covered.
Credits: 3.00 


CGPH 20 3-D Modeling & Animation 1 

This course is intended for advanced students who wish to create three-dimensional moving objects utilizing modeling and animation script techniques. Using a three-dimensional modeling/animation program, students build objects, view the model from any angle and then render it with a palette of 16 million colors. Students will gain a basic proficiency in the industry standard software, Autodesk Maya 3D. Emphasis will be placed on principles of 3D design techniques for animation and illustration. Maya¿s relationship to peripheral software such as Photoshop CC and Adobe After Effects CC will also be explored. This course will conclude with an introduction to 3D character development and animation for both the movie and gaming environments.
Credits: 3.00 


CGPH 21  3-D Modeling & Animation 2 

This course explores advanced techniques in three-dimensional modeling and animation with the current version of Maya. Emphasis will be placed on character development, modeling, and animation scripting within the three-dimensional environment.
Credits: 3.00 


CIN 25 Animation and Computer Graphics Workshop 

This is a basic course in animation and computer graphics techniques.
Credits: 3.00 


CIN 26  Intermediate Animation and Computer Graphics Workshop 

CIN 27  Advanced Animation and Computer Graphics Workshop 


CMA 10 Media, Law and Ethics 

This course examines the legal and ethical responsibilities of media professionals in broadcasting, journalism, public relations, and other fields. Students are introduced to the legal framework that supports freedom of speech and freedom of the press and examine the current laws of libel, invasion of privacy, copyright and newsgathering, as well as FCC and other telecommunications regulations. Students also examine ethical codes that guide media professionals and study conflicts that arise when legal and ethical principles conflict with real-world dilemmas. Recommended to be taken in sophomore year for all Department of Communications and Film majors. This course fulfills the Ethics, Self, and Society thematic cluster requirement in the core curriculum.
Credits: 3.00 


CS 101

CS 106

CS 111

CS 116

CS 127

CS 133

CS 231

CS 237

CS 245

CS 254

CS 257

CS 263

CS 267

CS 271


DGD 1 Introduction to Game Design 

This is an intense hands-on course in which students design a new game every two weeks. Because of its focus on quick iteration, these games are non-digital. Students create card games, board games, and physical games. This class has a heavy focus on playtesting. Students will play each other's games and give one another constructive feedback. In this course students are expected to learn the basic concepts behind game design through lectures, game analysis, and game creation.
Credits: 3.00 


DGD 2 Games Through History 

This course is an introduction to the history of games, play, and players. Starting with the premise that video games are best viewed as a subset of humankind's much longer history of games, we will look through the past several thousand years, examining not only games, but also the people who study, create, and play them. Most importantly, we will take time to critically play the games we discuss, enabling students to gain a critical understanding and appreciation of canonical games.
Credits: 3.00 


DGD 3 Game Studies 

This is the most purely academic of the Core Digital Game Design and Development classes. This course asks students to read and write about games from an interested academic perspective. Throughout the semester, students will read works ranging from Dutch historian Johan Huizinga's Homo Ludens, an early 20th century sociological study of the role of play among humans, to Mary Flannagan's Critical Play, a much more modern look at games and their influence on modern art. While the core of the class is based on weekly readings and student responses, students will write major papers during the semester. During class time students will discuss the readings and make presentations based on their papers. Examples from both historical games and modern games will be used in class discussions.
Credits: 3.00 


DGD 4 Digital Game Development 1 

Digital Game Development 1 is the first hands-on video game development class in the Digital Game Design and Development Program. This course focuses on the basic programming skills a student needs to start developing games on their own. As this is an introductory class, students are not expected to have any previous programming knowledge. Students will learn core programming concepts such as variables, if statements, for loops, arrays, functions, and object-oriented programming. They will also learn more game-specific concepts such as game states and collision detection. This course is taught in Processing, which is a creative coding language built on top of Java.
Credits: 3.00 


DGD 5 Digital Game Development 2 

Digital Game Development 2 teaches students how to create games using an existing engine. Since students are required to have completed DGD 4 before taking this course, it is assumed that they already have a good understanding of basic programming principles. This course teaches students how to create games using the Unity game engine. As with many courses in this program, the focus is on hands-on game creation.
Credits: 3.00 


DGD 6 Digital Game Development 3 

Digital Game Development 3 is an advanced course that allows students to dive deeper into game development. As the final course in a series of three classes, students should enter with strong knowledge of game development practices. In the first half of the semester students learn more advanced game development skills. During the second half, they are tasked with creating two multi-week group projects.
Credits: 3.00 


DGD 20 Level Design for Games 

Great games require more than carefully designed systems. The minute-to-minute experience of playing a game is defined by its levels. Creating interesting and memorable levels is its own skill and is one that good game developers foster early. In this course, students will learn how to construct levels and maps for existing games that challenge and intrigue the player across a variety of genres.
Credits: 3.00 


DGD 21 Introduction to Visual Design for Games 

This course provides students with an introduction to visual design for games. The course will teach students how to create the visual assets that not only look good by themselves, but also truly stand out within the context of a videogame world. Students in this course will learn a wide variety of visual design skills as they relate to game development. They will also learn how to create worlds, settings, and props for games. They will learn UI design for games, include menu design and HUD design. They will also learn how to successfully use visuals to enhance games with techniques like particle effects and interesting lighting.
Credits: 3.00 


DGD 22 Audio Design for Games 

Games are multimedia entities and audio is an integral part of the experience. Creating compelling audio for games requires sound designers who know how to deal with interaction as well as the technical requirements of a given game system or platform. In this course, students will learn how to create dynamic audio for games that enhance the play experience and define the mood they intend to create.
Credits: 3.00 


DGD 90 Senior Game Prototyping 

This course helps students prepare for their senior project in the spring semester. This class provides guided ideation and prototyping as students determine what their senior project will be and how to best approach making it a reality in a limited amount of time.
Credits: 3.00 


DGD 91 Senior Game Project 

The entire Digital Game Design and Development program leads to the Senior Game Project. This class requires students to bring together everything they have learned over the course of the program to create a major final project. The Senior Game Project allows students to work as individuals or in groups of any size. Students do not need permission from the instructor to pursue a particular project. The primary requirement is that, by the end of the semester, each student has created a complete, polished, and successful game.
Credits: 3.00 


MUS 14A Introduction to Music Technology 

This course introduces students to digital music production, digital audio editing, sequencing and music notation at the computer.
Credits: 3.00 


MUS 14B Sequencing and Production 

This course is a continuation of MUS 14A centering on MIDI sequencing and includes explanations and demonstrations of recording and arranging techniques for creating dynamic musical sequences in any musical style.
Credits: 3.00 


MUS 14C Music Notation Software 

This course is a continuation of MUS 14A in which advanced features of notation software are studied including score input options, editing tools, layouts, and part extraction.
Credits: 3.00 

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