Art + Design < Northeastern University Academic Catalog

Dietmar Offenhuber, PhD
Chair

Julia Hechtman, MFA
Associate Chair

617.373.4340

Art makes life meaningful. Design makes life possible. Together they make life wonderful. The work of artists and designers informs and forms cultures, benefits society, and empowers the global marketplace of ideas. The faculty in the Department of Art + Design seeks to prepare students for a rich and rewarding life making a significant difference in the lives of others. We study the fundamentals of knowing, thinking, making, and doing; you have an opportunity to learn to use ideas and influences, tools and techniques, and principles and processes of art and design. We provide a faculty, format, and facilities for a great experiential education in art and design within a major urban research university. You pursue your curiosity about, intentions toward, and obligations to the evolving world. Semester and summer programs may include many international destinations—including Austria, England, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, and Japan—and offer intensive studio experiences to augment your study with travel and creative work in the context of other cultures.

Whether you are studying design, media art, or game design, the Department of Art + Design seeks to cultivate your talents as a source of original ideas and expressions of an inner life, using classical, current, and emerging media. You are inspired and challenged to create powerful new works. You will gain visual literacy and fluency with professional art, design, and game design practices in the context of a liberal arts education. You can be transformed into a creative force, ready to realize your potential and create cultural value and social benefit.

Art, BA

Northeastern University offers a studio-based fine art program that investigates visual studies and various cultures, giving students a way of developing their own creative practice as well as an understanding of the relationship between form and meaning. To achieve this level of consciousness around arts practice, students will strike a balance between studio courses in drawing/painting and digital media with visual studies courses that focus on the historical, theoretical, and critical interpretation of visual art. This exploration of art methods creates a more visually and conceptually astute student through making. Students’ education, experience, and training in understanding creative practices takes full advantage of the remarkable scope of the College of Arts, Media and Design. Some courses in this program are offered in locations abroad and may include Austria, Ireland, Japan, and Sicily, where students have an intensive and immersive creative experience during five-week summer sessions.

The visual studies concentration examines both production public reception of art across regions, contexts, periods, media, foregrounding arts’ status as both a material artifact and social communication. Courses reflect the active research profiles and professional experience of its distinguished faculty who all prioritize accessibility, collaboration, and cutting-edge research. Lectures and seminars take advantage Northeastern’s proximity to area museums and cultural centers, including the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, as well as campus facilities and initiatives like Gallery 360 and the Center for the Arts. Other dynamic resources include Northeastern’s own renowned archives offering tangible case studies to consider how criticism coalesces into the historical record. Visual studies introduces students to a broad range of creative careers endemic to the fields of design, publishing, curation, conservation, and scholarship.

The Department of Art + Design uses communal studio space to train students in painting and drawing processes. The department also hosts a fabrication lab that supports a wide range of material-based research for the CAMD community. Beyond the foundation-level courses required for all students, the makerspace provides the resources for prototyping processes ranging from model making, woodworking, CAD, as well as digital fabrication through laser cutting, 3D scanning, and 3D printing.

The Bachelor of Arts in Art is offered with a concentration in visual studies or without a concentration.

Design, BFA

Design is the practice-based discipline that poses important questions about—and provides significant answers to—how we live. Designers are needed when we don’t know what is needed as well as when we think we do. Designers propose alternative futures and create new choices using principles and processes to create, compose, and construct meaning in diverse knowledge fields. Designers seek a broad understanding of principles and systems of perception, communication, and action.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design is offered with the following concentration options: experience design, graphic design, information design, and interaction design.

Graphic designers make messages and meaning using visual form and the integration of text and image. Their work often has a persuasive intent and uses rules of visual composition, form, and pattern to enable storytelling or to create attention and an ambiance for consideration.

Information designers visualize and physicalize concepts and data to enhance human understanding of complex and vital knowledge. Their work has an enlightening or instructive intent and is based on factual content.

Interaction designers focus on the creation of navigable interfaces and systems that allow audiences to take an active role to achieve meaningful goals. Their work connects people to people and people to information and environments.

Experience designers take a holistic and integrative approach that focuses on the quality of the human experience in concrete situations. They employ research, analysis, creativity, and technology as tools to understand human goals, needs, and desires. Their work examines and improves contexts, systems, services, or events.

Game Design, BFA

The Bachelor of Fine Art in Game Design seeks to give students the skills to communicate ideas and emotions through interactive media. The focus of the BFA degree is to explore games as an aesthetic and expressive form through critical analysis and creative, reflective practice. To reflect emerging trends in the video and analog game industries, including broader platforms, audiences, and distribution channels, students will be oriented toward developing games and playful media in an independent creative context. Curriculum is geared to cultivating students’ unique creative voices through courses applying theoretical analysis to game-development practices across a wide range of media. Students are exposed to a wide variety of genres and contexts, as well as different ways of thinking about games content, platforms, and asset production.

Media Arts, BFA

The continuing revolution in digital computing and global communications has produced a rapidly evolving field for artists who create experiences of image and form with computer screens, intelligent devices, and new materials. Artists also invent tools for exploring, creating, and distributing their ideas and works. Media arts concentrations of animation, photography, and video arts are offered with variations yet to be invented.

Courses in imaginative and narrative arts, required for professional work in documentary films, game art, visualization, visual effects, motion graphics, interactive art, illustration, and short animated films, are offered at Northeastern. The curriculum in our intensive studio program provides knowledge, experience, and techniques of media arts informed by theory, experimentation, and critique. Extensive digital imaging and interactive media editing production facilities afford one the opportunity to become highly proficient in the current skills and emerging practices necessary for remarkable work. The media arts are evolving and expanding into culture in daily life and global experience. The revolutions in immersive media, 3D printing, embedded devices, and robotics are changing the landscape in which the media artist will operate. This degree is designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of continuous change with adaptive ingenuity.

The animation concentration provides a comprehensive exploration of the entire production pipeline for a variety of animated content including films, visual effects, broadcast, visualization, games, and spatial media. With a focus on developing robust, conceptual, narrative, and technical software skills, this rigorous studio program explores the power and potential of effective visual communication through 2D and 3D motion design. The animation concentration provides ample opportunities to explore and collaborate with related creative disciplines (VR/AR/XR, game design, interactive, video, etc.), making this a truly unique learning experience. Throughout their education, students will work to develop a professional-level portfolio, the centerpiece of which will be a senior-year capstone project, demonstrating mastery in their specific area of focus.

The photography concentration encourages experimental and self-disciplined engagement with photographic processes in order to understand how materials function, both as a physical component of photographic work as well as a signifier of meaning. Concept and process are in constant dialogue, and we believe learning through doing cultivates individual vision and working methods. Each student’s creative approach establishes a vital platform for discovery. In addition, theory and conceptual development provide students with necessary analytical tools for understanding and analyzing visual and technological trends in current and future photographic practices.

Young professionals today must meet challenges—as well as enjoy opportunities—to be more creative, adaptive, and innovative as active practitioners within our contemporary visual culture and evolving technological environment. Our responsibility as liberal arts educators is to expand the skills and vision of each student in light of their individual and professional goals. At a time when initiative, creativity, and innovation are leading principles for social and economic progress, it is important to stress the ways in which their artistic and creative endeavors can make a rewarding and meaningful contribution.

Northeastern photography concentration or minor students find themselves in the center of Boston’s creative hub, across from the Museum of Fine Arts. Northeastern’s own Center for the Arts directs interdisciplinary research and presents exhibitions and innovative programs. The newly renovated Media Hub offers state-of-the art equipment rentals and digital printing resources. Photography students have access to two large computer labs and an alternative photographic processes darkroom with film processing and analog printing capabilities.

Our foundation photography courses are small studio and lab classes, leading to intermediate and advanced studios and seminars with an emphasis on personal vision developed through lectures, critiques, individual meetings, and research. In addition, guest artists are invited to participate and offer insights.

The video arts concentration is a multidisciplinary field focused on creative video expression and messaging that weaves together art and design foundations; art and design history; video production; cinematic language (including documentary, narrative, and experimental strategies); collaborative frameworks; and theories of social and cultural change. The scope of the video arts curriculum is a broader and more diverse tapestry than traditional video art, and it reflects the dynamic evolution of video in multiple contexts. The video arts concentration enables students to explore traditional, alternative, and other artistic means of video art production in a variety of creative and technical contexts. The focus on a multiplicity of artistic formats—hence, the choice of the title video arts—underscores our attention to the training of students who are interested in learning how to experiment with new technical, narrative, and aesthetic practices and incorporate these options into the traditional medium of video art.

Admission Requirements for Art + Design

There are specific admissions criteria for students entering majors in the Department of Art + Design. See Admission Requirements for the College of Arts, Media and Design.

Academic Progression Standards

Same as college standards.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Mechanical Engineering and Design

Minors

The college or colleges that offer the following programs has/have approved suspension of admissions to these programs for 2025-2026:

Art - Design Courses
Art - Fundamentals Courses
Art - General Courses
Art - History Courses
Art - Media Arts Courses
Art - Studio Courses
Game Design
School of Museum of Fine Arts Courses

Art - Design Courses

ARTG 1001. Design Perspectives: An Introduction to Design in the World. (2 Hours)

Introduces students to a range of perspectives and points of view on design as a human activity. Explores a mix of theories, principles, practices, and histories that constitute various understandings of design across cultures. Through illustrative case studies, examines impacts, influences, accomplishments, consequences, possibilities, and limits of design in the world. Investigates what it means to develop a personal design practice.

Corequisite(s): ARTG 1002

ARTG 1002. Seminar for Design Perspectives. (2 Hours)

Offers a small-group discussion format to cover material in ARTG 1001 and provides opportunities for the application of course topics.

Corequisite(s): ARTG 1001

ARTG 1250. Design Process Context and Systems. (4 Hours)

Explores common design practices, principles, and vocabularies, introducing the design process as a method of inquiry and problem solving through studio projects. Emphasizes the importance of an awareness of audience and context in the creation of meaningful communications and experiences. Explores the practice of design as an iterative process, offering students an opportunity to obtain an understanding of the value of systems thinking and the importance of feedback and exchange as a means for assessing the quality of design’s effectiveness in helping users achieve their goals.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTG 1270. Design: Process + Practices. (2 Hours)

Introduces students to a range of design practices demonstrated through case studies, activities in lecture and workshop, and presentations by design practitioners.

Corequisite(s): ARTG 1271

ARTG 1271. Studio for Design: Process + Practices. (2 Hours)

Explores common design practices, principles, and vocabularies, introducing the design process as a method of inquiry and problem solving through studio projects in the areas of graphic, information, interaction, and experience design. Emphasizes the importance of an awareness of audience and context in the creation of meaningful communications and experiences. Explores the practice of design as an iterative process, fostering an understanding of the value of systems thinking and the importance of feedback and exchange as a means for assessing the quality of design’s effectiveness in helping participants achieve their goals.

Corequisite(s): ARTG 1270

ARTG 1290. Typographic Systems. (2 Hours)

Covers typography as a core element of graphic design. Examines typography's history, development, and contemporary state. Studies typography principles and how to apply them in different contexts and formats. Introduces the cultural meaning of and diversity of typography and the importance of research while engaging with it. Through appreciation, curiosity, engagement, and discipline, initiates an intellectual investigation and practice of what it means to work with typography and apply typography in different disciplines.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 1122 with a minimum grade of D-

Corequisite(s): ARTG 1291

ARTG 1291. Studio for Typographic Systems. (2 Hours)

Introduces letterforms in visual communication. Studies typography as a form in terms of its function and explores visual principles affecting the organization and access of typographic information. Explores how to organize words and phrases to create clear meanings. Introduces the use of the typographic grid and issues of hierarchy and legibility through assigned projects, readings, and lectures. Includes the historical evolution of typefaces and their classification as a rational system. Guides students in the application of typography as the basis of organizing and expressive principle of graphic design.

Corequisite(s): ARTG 1290

ARTG 1990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTG 2242. Information Design Principles. (4 Hours)

Introduces foundational concepts, methods, and procedures for the creation of data-rich information graphics. Investigates and implements visual systems and information structures such as maps, graphs, infographics, charts, and diagrams. Explores conceptual and visual solutions, and the creative process of organizing, visualizing, and communicating information. Examines design solutions that make complex information easier to understand and use. Course experiences include: analysis of design case studies and other critical readings, lectures, class discussions, and individual in-studio design work.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 1122 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 2250. Typography 1. (4 Hours)

Introduces typography as the basis of graphic design and visual communication. Guides students through an understanding of letterforms, words, sentences, and text as both image and information. Studies form, context, and visual meaning. Introduces use of the typographic grid and issues of hierarchy and legibility through assigned projects, readings, and lectures. Includes the historical evolution of typefaces and their classification as a rational system.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 1122 with a minimum grade of D-

Corequisite(s): ARTG 2251

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTG 2251. Type Tools. (1 Hour)

Offers students an opportunity to acquire technical software skills used in typesetting, such as Adobe InDesign, in this introductory lab.

Corequisite(s): ARTG 2250

ARTG 2252. Graphic Design Principles. (4 Hours)

Introduces foundational graphic design principles, processes, and methods for creating meaning within function, content, and context. Covers graphic form and vocabulary. Uses typography; language; image; symbolism; and visual principles of composition, hierarchy, rhythm, balance, scale, texture, pattern, grid, value, and color to create effective visual communication. Analyzes design case studies and offers critical readings, lectures, class discussions, and individual in-studio design work.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 1122 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 2260. Programming Basics. (4 Hours)

Exposes students to basic programming design for user interfaces. Offers students an opportunity to become familiar with the logical elements of programming languages. Through lectures, hands-on in-class exercises, and modular projects, explores Web-based design and programming solutions for managing interaction and animation.

ARTG 2262. Prototyping with Code. (2 Hours)

Introduces students to creative coding and algorithmic thinking through creative projects. Students prototype projects by starting with preproduction exercises like flowcharts and pseudocode before proceeding to writing modular code, then testing and debugging, and finally writing reflection documentation. Introduces multiple programming platforms that can be used for the completion of coursework, allowing students flexibility in coding their project visions. Lecture sessions combine topical lectures with live coding and code walks of example code.

Corequisite(s): ARTG 2263

ARTG 2263. Lab for ARTG 2262. (2 Hours)

Introduces students to creative coding and algorithmic thinking through creative projects. Lab sessions consist of team-based code walks, activities, and problem solving. Students can use different software platforms to complete creative coding projects.

Corequisite(s): ARTG 2262

ARTG 2290. Fashion and Wearable Technologies. (4 Hours)

Introduces key social, environmental, and technical challenges underpinning sustainable innovation in the fashion, wearable technology, and smart textiles industries. Examines inclusive design and circular economy principles and uses them as a framework within which to analyze complex socio-technical networks of production, use and disposal of fashion, wearable technology, and smart textile products, and their impacts on health and wellbeing, society and the planet. Presents the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of the complex nature of today's open, dynamic, and networked problems through a site visit, case studies, and a series of practical activities. Instills understanding of creative intelligence and innovation as a field of practice.

Attribute(s): NUpath Interpreting Culture, NUpath Societies/Institutions

ARTG 2400. Interaction Design Principles. (4 Hours)

Introduces foundational interaction design principles, processes, and tools for creating physical and screen-based interfaces. Uses design research methods, stakeholder identification, problem framing, information structuring, low- to high-fidelity prototyping techniques, iterative development, assessment strategies, and usability testing to construct design proposals for interactive artifacts. Analyzes design case studies and offers critical readings, instructor and guest lectures, class discussions, and individual and collaborative in-studio design work.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 2223 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 2401. Interaction Design Principles Tools. (1 Hour)

Introduces skills and software used in designing and developing Web-based interactive environments. Explores Web-page scripting and tagging, CSS-based design coding, options for front- and back-end page design connections, and alternative technologies.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 2400 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 2990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTG 3100. Physical and Digital Fabrication. (4 Hours)

Explores interdisciplinary projects and themes in immersive media and physical making by fabricating novel artifacts and experiences. Students form groups to create design solutions to wicked problems. Student teams follow a hackathon model to explore multiple ideas quickly. By engaging in critique and studio practice, offers students an opportunity to demonstrate and grow their technical skills.

Prerequisite(s): ARCH 2260 with a minimum grade of D- or ARTD 2000 with a minimum grade of D- or ARTF 1124 with a minimum grade of D- or ARTG 2260 with a minimum grade of D- or CS 2510 with a minimum grade of D- or GE 1502 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 3250. Physical Computing. (4 Hours)

Explores the communication between the physical world and the interactive, computer-based interface. Examines the potential of reactive analog and digital devices embedded within the physical realm. Offers students an opportunity to use simple kit sensors and indicators designed to enable student teams to create interfaces triggered by gesture, bodily movement, physical forces, and other tangible actions. Concludes with discussions of more complex interactive devices, the relationship between physical computing and robotics, and possible future directions.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 2400 with a minimum grade of D-

Attribute(s): NUpath Analyzing/Using Data, NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTG 3350. Typography 2. (4 Hours)

Continues ARTG 2250, exploring structures and hierarchies through increasing typographic complexity. Investigates meaning, legibility, and readability with an emphasis on voice, organization, sequence, and the typographic grid.

Prerequisite(s): (ARTG 1290 with a minimum grade of D- ; ARTG 1291 with a minimum grade of D- ) or ARTG 2250 with a minimum grade of D-

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTG 3400. Topics In Interaction Design Inquiry. (4 Hours)

Focuses on a specific intermediate-level topic of timely relevance to the domain of interaction design. May be repeated up to two times for a maximum of 12 semester hours. Topics vary each semester.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 2400 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 3444. Topics in Information Design Inquiry. (4 Hours)

Focuses on a specific intermediate-level topic of timely relevance to the domain of information design. May be repeated up to two times for a maximum of 12 SH.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 2242 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 3450. Graphic Design 2. (4 Hours)

Explores the conceptual potential inherent in the merging of words/text with images/symbols to achieve a level of communication that exceeds the sum of visual and verbal components. Examining how the relationship of verbal and visual content can enhance meaning and comprehension, students identify a social issue of personal relevance and create a visual campaign targeting a core audience. Through a process including projects, readings, and lectures/discussions, students research, frame concepts, explore visual decisions, and determine appropriate deliverables.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 2252 with a minimum grade of D-

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTG 3451. Information Design 1. (4 Hours)

Introduces basic concepts, methods, and procedures of information design with a focus on mapping information. Students investigate visual systems and information structures such as maps, graphs, charts, and diagrams. Emphasizes the creative process of organizing, visualizing, and communicating data by making complex information easier to understand and use.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 3350 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 3452. Topics In Graphic Design Inquiry. (4 Hours)

Focuses on a specific intermediate-level topic of timely relevance to the domain of graphic design. May be repeated up to two times for a maximum of 12 semester hours.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 2252 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 3460. Identity and Brand Design. (4 Hours)

Addresses the origins, significance, and consequence of identity and branding expressions, in diverse media, in terms of personal, cultural, and commercial values. Using design research and studio methods, a series of exercises explores expressions of individual and collective identity. Offers students an opportunity to work in teams to develop branding projects in a process designed to increase their capacity to create effective brand expressions and analyze semiotic significance and cultural and economic value. Critique of work and presentation of concepts of identity and brand seek to sharpen students’ skills and challenge their ideas about brand. External critique seeks to create valuable tests of bias and assumptions, while principles of managing attention and trust seek to build the ability to function as a brand steward in actual practice.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 2250 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 3462. Experience Design Principles. (4 Hours)

Introduces foundational experience design principles, processes, and methods for understanding and creating conditions and interventions that impact people’s experiences. Uses design research methods, stakeholder identification, visual synthesis of research findings, and problem framing as means to understand the motivations, behaviors, and values of audiences and participants. Develops scenarios and prototypes to construct design proposals informing people’s relationships and experiences with products, environments, and services. Analyzes design case studies and offers critical readings, lectures, class discussions, and individual in-studio design work.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 1250 with a minimum grade of D- or ARTF 2223 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 3463. Experience Design 2. (4 Hours)

Continues ARTG 3462 processes and strategies for creating compelling human-centered experiences. Offers students an opportunity to use design processes from multiple disciplines to develop real-world solutions.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 3462 with a minimum grade of D- or ARTG 3465 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 3464. Topics In Experience Design Inquiry. (4 Hours)

Focuses on a specific intermediate-level topic of timely relevance to the domain of experience design. May be repeated up to two times for a maximum of 12 semester hours.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 3462 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 3700. Interaction Design 2: Mobile. (4 Hours)

Explores user-centered interface design for information exchanges using handheld and mobile devices. Studies the potentials for leveraging both the social and locative possibilities of mobile devices through research, discussions, and project assignments.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 2400 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 3990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTG 4550. Design Degree Project. (4 Hours)

Encompasses the proposal and execution of a comprehensive project in graphic, interaction, or experience design. Guides students in practical, hands-on implementation of contemporary design methods, as individuals or small interdisciplinary teams. Offers students an opportunity to develop an actionable design proposal and complete a polished project using appropriate design methods, as well as the opportunity to deepen understanding of the ways of knowing through design practice. Serves as a culmination to the undergraduate program.

Attribute(s): NUpath Capstone Experience, NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTG 4554. Typography 3. (4 Hours)

Offers an advanced course exploring a variety of typographical solutions, including expressive formal and complex content-based projects.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 3350 with a minimum grade of D-

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTG 4555. Graphic Design Synthesis. (4 Hours)

Offers students experience in the design of identity, information, persuasive messaging, and publication projects. Focuses on cross-platform (print, digital, and three-dimensional) manifestations—all based on a single area of content.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 3450 with a minimum grade of D- ; ARTG 3350 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 4990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTG 5000. Topics in Design. (1-4 Hours)

Explores a variety of key topics in design, including historical and cultural models. Taught by faculty on topics related to their research and expertise. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 16 semester hours.

ARTG 5100. Information Design Studio 1: Principles. (4 Hours)

Explores the theories and practices of information design through studio projects. Investigates visual systems and information structures such as maps, timelines, charts, and diagrams. Emphasizes the creative process of organizing, visualizing, and communicating data by seeking to make complex information easier to understand and use. Requires graduate standing or permission of program coordinator or instructor.

ARTG 5110. Information Design History. (4 Hours)

Investigates the history of visualization practices across disciplines and in relation to technology developments. Critically examines seminal visualizations in social, cultural, and technological contexts by means of discussions and writing activities in a seminar format. Requires graduate standing or permission of program coordinator or instructor.

ARTG 5120. Research Methods for Design. (4 Hours)

Examines qualitative and quantitative research methods pertinent to design. Through discussion and writing activities, offers students an opportunity to investigate varied inquiry toward the development of researchable questions, argument formation, and assessment methodologies. Students who do not meet course restrictions may seek permission of instructor.

ARTG 5130. Visual Communication for Information Design. (4 Hours)

Explores graphic and typographic theory, principles, and practices. Introduces students to visual communication design with a primary focus on typography as the fundamental means of conveying content. Readings locate design and typography within the larger history of visual art and writing development. Covers methods of organizing content through hierarchy and spatial organization of grid structures. Considers relationships between positive and negative space, depth perception, transparency, and color theory. Requires graduate standing or permission of program coordinator or instructor.

ARTG 5150. Information Visualization Principles and Practices. (3 Hours)

Introduces information visualization from theoretical and practical perspectives. Defines the information visualization domain and advances principles and methods for the effective visual representation of data. Contextualizes the field from a historical perspective. Presents the perceptual and cognitive tasks enabled by visualizations. Studies an extensive range of visualization models. Illustrates good and bad practices in visualization with real-world examples. Introduces concepts in computer programming in an information visualization context.

ARTG 5151. Information Design Critique Seminar. (1 Hour)

Requires students to present their work in design critique sessions to peers, faculty, and guests. Through these critiques, offers students an opportunity to improve their projects based on feedback, learn how to present their work effectively, and articulate design problems in verbal discourse. Can only be taken in conjunction with ARTG 5150.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 5150 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C or ARTG 5150 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C

ARTG 5310. Visual Cognition. (4 Hours)

Introduces human visual cognition as it applies to information design and visualization. Focuses on perception, attention, pattern recognition, information acquisition, memory, and creation of mental models. Explores reasoning, cognition, decision making, and problem solving in relation to visual artifacts. Students who do not meet course restrictions may seek permission of instructor or program coordinator.

ARTG 5320. Statistics for Design. (4 Hours)

Offers design students an opportunity to obtain the necessary skills to collect, summarize, analyze, and interpret data. Introduces concepts and methods in statistical reasoning and analysis. Topics include data mining, comparison, assessment, and delivery. Students who do not meet course restrictions may seek permission of instructor or program coordinator.

ARTG 5330. Visualization Technologies 1: Fundamentals. (4 Hours)

Introduces programming languages that allow computational analysis and digital delivery of dynamic information. Examines implications of environmental and personal sensor data sources, mobile collection and analysis of data, real-time networked data sets, and social use of shared data visualization tools. Students who do not meet course restrictions may seek permission of instructor or program coordinator. May be repeated once.

ARTG 5430. Visualization Technologies 2: Advanced Practices. (4 Hours)

Builds on the foundational skills acquired in ARTG 5330. Introduces students to intermediate- to advanced-level topics in web-based interactive visualization. Focuses on building greater proficiency in working with d3 and related JavaScript libraries and on acquiring knowledge of best practices and common patterns in data visualization problem solving. Through lectures, workshops, and a final project, offers students an opportunity to learn to effectively deploy their data visualization skills to explore and extract understanding from data in a critical and productive way.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 5330 with a minimum grade of C- or ARTG 5330 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTG 5600. Experience Design Studio 1: Principles. (4 Hours)

Offers students hands-on project development of systems, artifacts, communication, environments, or service offerings with a focus on the unique personal experience of the audience exposed to the project. Experience design is a holistic approach to design that investigates the human experience in specific situations to improve its quality, given an understanding of human goals, needs, and desires. This course provides a context for a cohesive experience through interaction, movement, and understanding, which builds on previous knowledge of audiences and applications. Presents students with design methods and processes for experience design by developing a semester-long project. Offers students an opportunity to develop competency in tools used to create the various elements that create the context for experiences in specific situations and events including interaction, artifact, and environment design. Understanding a design process and knowledge of studio critique practices is recommended.

ARTG 5610. Design Systems. (4 Hours)

Explores a systems-based perspective on our environment by addressing questions that are fundamental to design practice: What is a system, and what are the different types? How do we observe, analyze, and represent systems? What interactions can we have with systems and what are the different types of interaction? Explores structures and processes for the design of systemic relationships between people, artifacts, environments, and activities. Systems may be physical, virtual, social, or a combination. Through discussion, writing, diagramming, and project exercises, offers students an opportunity to learn principles of systems theory and explore the connection between design methods and systems thinking. Students who do not meet course restrictions may seek permission of instructor or program coordinator.

ARTG 5620. Notational Systems for Experience. (4 Hours)

Examines theoretical foundations, concepts, and methods of visual notational systems used in the effective analysis and communication of existing experiences and in the envisioning of conditions for future experiences. Notational systems are sets of graphic signs and codes that denote or prescribe specific actions, forces, operations, events, or performances that occur over time. Students engage with concepts and models through readings, discussion, case study analyses, and speculative design projects. Evaluates the role that notational systems play in documenting, analyzing, and understanding the human goals, actions, behaviors, and perceptions key to experience and assesses their value in designing for agency and new experiences. Students who do not meet course restrictions may seek permission of instructor or program coordinator.

ARTG 5640. Prototyping for Experience Design. (4 Hours)

Explores tools, technologies, and processes to create prototypes of artifacts, environments, and interactive systems for experience design projects. Offers students the opportunity to learn, use, experiment with, and test prototypes using a wide range of state-of-the-art prototyping technologies to further their understanding of multiple strategies and techniques of prototyping for experience design. Tools and techniques change over time but typically include laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC machining, electronics prototyping, augmented reality, machine tools and 2D forming, fast prototyping, and hand tools.

ARTG 5710. Design for Dignity. (4 Hours)

Explores the ethical dimensions of design practice through design projects.This studio course addresses design problems with a focus on the concept of dignity as a central principle of human-centered design. Uses readings and in-class activities to study human value systems, dignity as a principle, and service design as a process of deliberation. Offers students an opportunity to practice applying these perspectives, models, and theories to create compelling design projects as well as to develop competencies in collective participation in community.

ARTG 5910. Human-Centered Design. (4 Hours)

Introduces human-centered design and associated ways of thinking and working. Human-centered design places people at the center and can be used to develop many types of interventions. Aims to foster understanding of people’s lived experiences and identify their needs and pain points through extensive user research, iterative testing, and close interaction with the intended audience and relevant stakeholders. That understanding informs and gives direction to the design process and decisions made along the way to ensure that the final intervention benefits its intended users.

Art - Fundamentals Courses

ARTF 1000. Art and Design at Northeastern. (1 Hour)

Introduces students to the intellectual and extracurricular opportunities within the Department of Art + Design and the College of Arts, Media and Design. Exposes students to the cultural vibrancy of Boston with the goal of building networks that facilitate a supportive learning community. Familiarizes students with their major and introduces them to the resources at the university and across the city to help them succeed academically. Provides grounding in the culture and values of the university community and seeks to help students develop interpersonal skills.

ARTF 1120. Observational Drawing. (4 Hours)

Focuses on developing an understanding of the structure of object and figure through freehand drawing. Offers students an opportunity to explore a wide range of materials, including wash, charcoal, and pencil.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTF 1121. Conceptual Drawing. (4 Hours)

Seeks to expand the student’s knowledge and skills through a mark-making process. Offers students an opportunity to begin to understand the relationship between form and meaning while relating the drawing process to broader concepts of communication.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTF 1122. Color and Composition. (4 Hours)

Offers an opportunity to discover and research basic principles, language, and concepts inherent in two-dimensional visual systems. Offers students an opportunity to learn to think critically, analyze, and apply basic principles to design and art projects. In a studio workshop setting, three primary phases explore art, design, and photography.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTF 1123. Color and Composition Tools. (1 Hour)

Introduces skills and software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, used in creating and manipulating pixel- and vector-based images, in a technology workshop format.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 1122 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D-

ARTF 1124. Form and Structure. (4 Hours)

Explores three-dimensional form. Examines principles including mass, volume, line, plane, and texture. Introduces basic materials and structure through constructing models and prototypes. Presents sequential exercises with simple eye/hand skills and form recognition. Explores complex projects that require an understanding of context, content, and developing original forms.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 1125

ARTF 1125. Form and Structure Tools. (1 Hour)

Introduces skills and software used in creating 3D forms with the computer. Explores basics of 3D modeling, surfacing, lighting, and rendering in this technology workshop.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 1124

ARTF 1200. Representational Drawing. (2 Hours)

Introduces the fundamental tools and techniques of representational drawing as a means of rendering 3D objects and spaces in the physical environment onto a 2D surface. Structured exercises offer students an opportunity to practice the act of seeing and drawing utilizing the techniques of positive and negative space, formal one- and two-point perspective, observed perspective, organizational lines, sighting, and value.

ARTF 1210. Abstract Drawing. (2 Hours)

Introduces the fundamental tools and techniques of conceptual drawing to represent abstract concepts and information. Applies contemporary art and design practices to explore physical mark making and to better understand the relationship between form and content.

ARTF 1220. Elements of Visual Composition. (2 Hours)

Introduces the fundamental principles and materials of 2D art and design. Emphasizes visual concepts of balance, rhythm, pattern, emphasis, contrast, unity, movement, line, shape/form, space, value, color, and texture. Studio experimentation offers students an opportunity to practice composition and color theory as it applies to 2D art and design.

ARTF 1221. Elements of Visual Composition Tools. (0 Hours)

Introduces 2D art and design software including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 1220 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D-

ARTF 1230. Making with Form and Materials. (2 Hours)

Introduces concepts, processes, and studio practice in 3D making. Examines the elements and principles of 3D making, including mass, volume, line, plane, and texture. Hands-on experimentation offers students an opportunity to develop skills to define 3D form, express ideas through it, and solve visual problems. Students experiment with additive, subtractive, and substitutive material processes while leveraging both traditional craft techniques and digital fabrication. Focuses on developing a practical understanding of the relationship between material, form, function, aesthetic and context, and a vocabulary to successfully articulate concepts and insights during discussions and critiques.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 1231

ARTF 1231. Making with Form and Materials Tools. (0 Hours)

Introduces a range of tools and industry-standard software for creating 3D forms and making. Offers students an opportunity to learn about file setup and safe operation of basic wood shop tools, CNC laser cutters, and 3D printers. Focuses on the unique affordance of each tool to enable students to creatively experiment with these processes. Covers the basics of 3D modeling and vector drawing and making.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 1230

ARTF 1240. Making with Video, Sound, and Animation. (2 Hours)

Introduces the fundamental tools and techniques of lens-based and time-based art and design principles and materials. Applies visual principles of movement, point of view, time, repetition, sequencing, sound, and space to create video and film compositions.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 1241

ARTF 1241. Making with Video, Sound, and Animation Tools. (0 Hours)

Focuses on developing an understanding of, and dexterity with, movement- and time-based media and software—including After Effects—to create motion graphics, short animations, video, and montage-style films.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 1240

ARTF 1250. Designing Interactive Experiences. (2 Hours)

Introduces the language, concepts, and processes of interactive experience as a compelling medium to communicate meaning. Examines how variables within the environment can change how we inhabit an experience physically, conceptually, and emotionally and affect or provoke responses. Hands-on experimentation offers students an opportunity to learn using one or more forms of rapid prototyping. Studies historical and contemporary examples of art and design projects designed as exchanges or experiences. Incorporates visual and nonvisual mapping techniques as a means to understand the present.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 1251

ARTF 1251. Designing Interactive Experiences Tools. (0 Hours)

Introduces wireframing and industry-standard tools and software for creating basic web-based content using HTML and CSS. Offers students an opportunity to create a portfolio website for showcasing projects created in ARTF 1250.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 1250

ARTF 1990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTF 2220. Movement and Time. (4 Hours)

Explores time-based art and design in an introductory lecture/studio format. Introduces formal, narrative, and alternative concepts for creative time-based communication. Assignments investigate video, animation, and a mixture of media in a screen based context.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 2221

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTF 2221. Movement and Time Tools. (1 Hour)

Introduces skills and software used in animating 2D and 3D images, graphics, and forms. Explores the basics of key framing, layering, parenting, 3D modeling, surfacing, and rigging in this technology workshop.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 2220

ARTF 2223. Experience and Interaction. (4 Hours)

Explores the language of interactive experience as a compelling medium to communicate meaning. Examines how variables within the environment can change how we inhabit an experience physically, conceptually, and emotionally. Studies historical and contemporary examples of art and design projects designed as exchanges or experiences. Incorporates drawing as a means to understand the present and project potential future experiences.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 2224

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTF 2224. Experience and Interaction Tools. (1 Hour)

Introduces skills and software used in creating basic Web-based content. This technology workshop introduces software using HTML and style sheets such as Adobe Dreamweaver.

Corequisite(s): ARTF 2223

ARTF 2990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTF 3990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTF 4990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

Art - General Courses

ARTE 1990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTE 2301. The Graphic Novel. (4 Hours)

Explores the word-and-image medium of comics as a narrative form. Focuses on the contemporary phenomenon of the so-called graphic novel. What are the preoccupations of today’s graphic novels? How does their storytelling work? Some work in translation is included, but the course largely concentrates on the American tradition, focusing on fiction, memoir, and nonfiction reporting and adaptation. Offers students an opportunity to learn practices of reading—and making—comics. Emphasizes the formal language, or grammar, of comics in order to interpret its narrative procedure and possibilities.

Prerequisite(s): ENGW 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1102 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov, NUpath Interpreting Culture

ARTE 2500. Art and Design Abroad: Studio. (4 Hours)

Offers an intensive studio course taken abroad and taught by an art and design faculty member. Exposure to regional artists, history, culture, museums, architecture, and physical geography provide focus of study and creative exploration. May be repeated without limit.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov, NUpath Interpreting Culture

ARTE 2501. Art and Design Abroad: History. (4 Hours)

Offers an intensive history course taken abroad and taught by an art history, design, or art faculty member. Exposure to regional and international artists, history, culture, museums, landscape architecture, galleries, material culture, and architecture provide a rich context for studying the history of art and design. Offers students an opportunity to understand narrative and visual components through detailed hands-on workshops and detailed creation of artistic formats, including design, text essays, photographic essays, temporary exhibitions, video art projections, and live performances as artifacts. May be repeated without limit.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov, NUpath Interpreting Culture

ARTE 2990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTE 2991. Research in Art and Design. (1-4 Hours)

Offers an opportunity to conduct introductory-level research or creative endeavors under faculty supervision.

ARTE 3901. Art and Design Special Topics. (4 Hours)

Offers an art and design course in which format and content are determined by the instructor. May be repeated up to five times.

ARTE 3990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTE 4901. Special Topics in Art and Design Studio. (4 Hours)

Offers an art and design studio in which format and content are determined by the instructor. May be repeated up to five times.

ARTE 4970. Junior/Senior Honors Project 1. (1-4 Hours)

Focuses on in-depth project in which a student conducts research or produces a product related to the student’s major field. Combined with Junior/Senior Project 2 or college-defined equivalent for 8 credit honors project. May be repeated up to five times.

ARTE 4990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTE 4992. Directed Study. (1-4 Hours)

Offers independent work under the direction of members of the department on a chosen topic. Course content depends on instructor. May be repeated without limit.

ARTE 4994. Internship. (4 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity for internship work. May be repeated up to five times.

Attribute(s): NUpath Integration Experience

ARTE 4996. Experiential Education Directed Study. (4 Hours)

Draws upon the student’s approved experiential activity and integrates it with study in the academic major. Restricted to those students who are using it to fulfill their experiential education requirement. May be repeated without limit.

Attribute(s): NUpath Integration Experience

ARTE 5901. Special Topics in Art and Design Studio. (4 Hours)

Offers an opportunity for the intensive study of specialized themes in areas of research in studio and aesthetics related to art and design. Instructor determines format and content. May be repeated up to five times.

Art - History Courses

ARTH 1001. Visual Intelligence. (2 Hours)

Examines via interdisciplinary lectures how image technologies and techniques of perception endemic to visual art, popular culture and digital media shape how visual culture is understood within an expanding knowledge economy. Introduces analytical skills of observation and methods of contextual analysis (materialism, semiotics, feminisms, LGBTQ studies, queer theory, theories of decolonization and disability studies), in order for students to develop compelling interpretations of visual phenomena within a shifting global context. Visual Intelligence explains how visual studies connects to the fields of law, design, publishing, curating, conservation, and other areas of knowledge production.

Corequisite(s): ARTH 1002

Attribute(s): NUpath Interpreting Culture

ARTH 1002. Seminar in Visual Intelligence. (2 Hours)

Accompanies ARTH 1001. Fosters in-depth discussion, allows for hands-on workshops and facilitates visits to area museums and cultural organizations. Emphasizes the ways digital image technologies are socially constructed and are based on earlier paradigms of classification and differentiation. Seminar meetings demonstrate how to critically read a range of images (e.g. texts, films, videogames, memes, artworks) by paying attention to the ways meaning is often shaped by identarian formations such as race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and ability. Investigates how diverse perspectives enhance the ability to create, while introducing students to creative professionals who actively use visual intelligence in their dynamic careers.

Corequisite(s): ARTH 1001

ARTH 1100. Interactive Media and Society. (4 Hours)

Offers a critical historical survey of interactive media from analog to digital techniques and from physical to virtual spaces. Examines the social, ethical, and cultural impact of interactive media. Concludes with a study of current issues and directions in interactive media. Through weekly lectures, research projects, and critical analyses, offers students an opportunity to consider current and historical aspects of interactive media and design.

ARTH 1110. Global Art and Design History: Ancient to Medieval. (4 Hours)

Investigates the history of painting, sculpture, design, and related arts through a study of masterpieces from prehistoric times to the end of the Middle Ages. Offers students an opportunity to become familiar with specific works, styles, and terminology of art and design and to develop an ability to communicate about the visual arts.

Attribute(s): NUpath Interpreting Culture, NUpath Societies/Institutions

ARTH 1111. Global Art and Design History: Renaissance to Modern. (4 Hours)

Explores the evolving history of visual art and architecture from 1300 through the 20th century. Combines integrated modules and activities together with observation and analysis of art and architecture, with the goal of interpreting cultures and understanding societies. Offers students an opportunity to learn specific works, styles, and specialized terminology, thereby developing an ability to communicate about the visual arts.

Attribute(s): NUpath Interpreting Culture, NUpath Societies/Institutions

ARTH 1990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTH 2200. Topics in Design History. (4 Hours)

Explores various design history topics through pioneering designers whose work has influenced contemporary design culture. Instructor determines format and content.

ARTH 2210. Modern Art and Design History. (4 Hours)

Surveys modernist movements from early to mid-20th century. Emphasizes the reciprocal evolution of art and design within cultural and social contexts.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1102 with a minimum grade of C

Attribute(s): NUpath Interpreting Culture, NUpath Societies/Institutions, NUpath Writing Intensive

ARTH 2211. Contemporary Art and Design History. (4 Hours)

Offers a study of contemporary culture in an art and design survey from mid-twentieth century to present. Presents a thematic approach to late-modern and postmodernist movements, focusing on interrelationships among media.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1102 with a minimum grade of C

Attribute(s): NUpath Writing Intensive

ARTH 2212. Survey of the Still and Moving Image. (4 Hours)

Examines the history of still and moving images in relationship to other artistic, documentary, and journalistic practices.

ARTH 2215. History of Graphic Design. (4 Hours)

Follows a chronological survey of graphic design from 4000 BC to the beginning of the 21st century, emphasizing work from 1880 to 2000, and the relationship of that work to other visual arts and design disciplines. Demonstrates how graphic design has responded to (and affected) international, social, political, and technological developments since 1450. Traces developments in the areas of typography and publication, persuasion, identity, information, and theory.

ARTH 2311. The Science of Art, the Art of Science. (4 Hours)

Explores the intersection of science and the arts as both ways of 'knowing', and how, during their development they have shared many techniques and approaches. Considers areas such as botany, anatomy, cartography, engineering, perspective and ecology relation to both science and art, arguing that observation, imagination, and invention were fundamental to both pursuits. Investigates the cultural conditions at the heart of the common cultural trope, "Renaissance Man". Focuses on two components of observation, drawing and writing, both important techniques of the early modern artist and scientist.

Attribute(s): NUpath Interpreting Culture

ARTH 2312. Revolutionary Design and Propaganda in Eastern Europe. (4 Hours)

Introduce students to significant and influential movements in Eastern European art and design history, such as Suprematism, Constructivism, Productivism, Socialist Realism and Nonconformist art, and explores both the ways in which art was instrumentalized by the Soviet state and the ways in which artists reacted against that instrumentalization in later years. By analyzing posters, costume and set designs, socialist realist paintings, and performances, and creating them themselves, students understand the ways in which artists sought to become producers and create work that perfectly embodied the burgeoning socialist state, and later used coded language to create work that reacted against that increasingly failing state.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov, NUpath Interpreting Culture

ARTH 2313. Global Networks in Early Modern Art and Visual Culture. (4 Hours)

Presents case studies exploring histories, interpretations, and reception of diverse global art, design, architecture, and visual culture and their embeddedness in circuits of global trade, migrations, pilgrimage, exile, colonialism, and the movements of diasporas before 1900. Considers the role of the artist and artisan and types of creative agency in the construction and maintenance of empires, in ritual practice, and in Indigenous resistance. Emphasizes intermixed image cultures produced by intercultural contact and tracks the movement of materials and visual culture around the globe. Describes and critiques the agency of global visual cultures to reflect and produce identities. Examines and compares the cultural and social functions of art and its ties to global goods and resources and art materials.

Attribute(s): NUpath Interpreting Culture, NUpath Writing Intensive

ARTH 2990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTH 3000. Topics in Visual Studies. (4 Hours)

Explores a variety of topics in visual studies, including historical and cultural models. Taught by faculty according to their research interests and expertise. May be repeated up to six times.

Attribute(s): NUpath Interpreting Culture, NUpath Writing Intensive

ARTH 3211. Performance Art. (4 Hours)

Examines the development and significance of performance art globally, from its prehistory in the early 20th century, to its heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, through to the present day. Examines the history and theory of performance art and engages with the genre through making and reflecting on students' experiences of knowing the artwork “from the inside.”.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov, NUpath Interpreting Culture, NUpath Writing Intensive

ARTH 3990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTH 4000. Topics in Visual Studies. (4 Hours)

Explores a variety of advanced topics in visual studies, including historical and cultural models. Taught by faculty according to their research interests and expertise. May be repeated five times.

Attribute(s): NUpath Interpreting Culture, NUpath Writing Intensive

ARTH 4990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTH 5600. Landscape and Ecology in Visual Culture. (4 Hours)

Offers critical and historical approaches to landscape, nature, ecology, and human subjectivity in art, design, and visual culture up to the present day, drawn from the interdisciplinary environmental humanities. Ecocritical art history is a growing field that examines and critiques the agency of creative visual production to represent, narrate, innovate, and transform our relationship to the natural world.

Art - Media Arts Courses

ARTD 1001. Media Art, Culture, and Social Justice. (2 Hours)

Introduces a wide range of perspectives on and practices of media art and social justice. Exposes students to key concepts, lineages, controversies, and consequences of media practices that expose injustice and seek to build a more equitable and sustainable world. Positions media arts as an intersectional and interdisciplinary practice connecting racial, gender, technological, and spatial/environmental justice. Also serves as an introduction to this dynamic and growing field of professional practice, with illustrative case studies that include interdisciplinary creative work by CAMD faculty as well as leading international practitioners.

Corequisite(s): ARTD 1002

Attribute(s): NUpath Difference/Diversity, NUpath Ethical Reasoning

ARTD 1002. Seminar for ARTD 1001. (2 Hours)

Accompanies ARTD 1001. Discusses and directly applies ideas and practices. Offers students an opportunity to articulate their own positions on critical issues by participating in a range of engaging in-class and research activities.

Corequisite(s): ARTD 1001

ARTD 1990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTD 2000. Introduction to Immersive Media. (4 Hours)

Introduces three forms of immersive media—augmented reality, 360 video, and virtual reality—through engagement in content creation, the fundamentals of software tools, development methodologies, and production techniques. Offers students an opportunity to produce basic immersive sequences, read literature, play games, and experience contemporary projects that highlight the uniqueness of immersive media.

ARTD 2100. Narrative Basics. (4 Hours)

Explores narrative sequence and story development in a variety of story architectures and media combinations, including text, video, music, audio, and design. Uses lectures, in-class workshops, and collaborative projects to expose students to the critical role of narrative in society and interactive media, including games. Offers students an opportunity to develop an interactive media design document over the second half of the semester.

Prerequisite(s): ENGW 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1102 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C

Attribute(s): NUpath Writing Intensive

ARTD 2340. Introduction to Computational Creative Practice. (4 Hours)

Examines concepts of computational creative practices, focusing on the use of computational processes for the creation of interactive and generative experiences. Includes computational procedures and concepts for creative purposes such as automation, recursion, and data processing. Students use data and mathematical procedures to generate images, express ideas, and create meaning. Offers students an opportunity to gain practice-based experience with the benefits and limitations of using computational processes; make creative computational projects using code and/or other media such as photography, video, performance installation, etc.; and reflect on what computers can and cannot do well.

ARTD 2360. Introduction to Photography. (4 Hours)

Introduces creative photography, exploring techniques and processes starting with the basic principles of camera controls, lens and lens functions, digital image presentation basics, as well as photographic seeing and visual thinking. Evaluates and expands technical and conceptual knowledge of the medium. Beyond the technical foundation of digital image making, analyzes various theories and understanding of ways of seeing photographically. Culminates in a final project and presentation designed to demonstrate the importance of technical expertise, editing, sequence, layout, and presentation of ideas.

Corequisite(s): ARTD 2361

ARTD 2361. Photo Tools. (1 Hour)

Introduces students to the creative possibilities of photographic image editing and management with Adobe Bridge, Camera Raw, and Photoshop. Offers students an opportunity to establish a professional digital workflow, acquire industry-standard creative techniques for photographic image editing, and gain an understanding of the importance of high-quality postproduction output.

Corequisite(s): ARTD 2360

ARTD 2370. Animation Basics. (4 Hours)

Offers an introductory studio course that explores the creative potential of animation. Exposes students to a variety of traditional animation processes and techniques through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on assignments. Provides an historical survey of animation art through the twentieth century. Emphasizes using the computer to develop concepts creatively while learning the fundamental skills of constructing animated images and forms.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 2220 with a minimum grade of D-

Corequisite(s): ARTD 2371

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTD 2371. Animation Tools. (1 Hour)

Introduces intermediate skills and software used in creating 3D animation. Explores modeling, surfacing, lighting, key framing, and rigging in this technology workshop.

Corequisite(s): ARTD 2370

ARTD 2380. Video Basics. (4 Hours)

Offers an introductory exploration into the moving image as an art form. Covers the fundamental technical and aesthetic aspects of contemporary video production. Emphasizes personal, experimental works from an individual point of view. Analysis of projects is directed toward the development of a personal voice.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 2220 with a minimum grade of D-

Corequisite(s): ARTD 2381

ARTD 2381. Video Tools. (1 Hour)

Introduces intermediate skills and software used in capturing, manipulating, and editing video and audio in this technology workshop.

Corequisite(s): ARTD 2380

ARTD 2990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTD 3000. Topics in Media Arts. (1-4 Hours)

Explores a variety of intermediate-level thematic topics in media arts, including photography, video arts, animation, immersive media, and computational media. Taught by faculty according to their research interests and expertise. Students who do not meet course restrictions may seek permission of instructor or program coordinator. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 16 semester hours.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 2000 with a minimum grade of C or ARTD 2360 with a minimum grade of C or ARTD 2370 with a minimum grade of C or ARTD 2380 with a minimum grade of C

ARTD 3460. Photography: Concept + Process. (4 Hours)

Explores how process informs concept and vice versa, with a focus on making and photographic practice. Emphasizes creative projects, readings on contemporary photography, and the responses and presentations on the ideas brought forth by our investigations. Constructive critiques, which include investigation of the nuances of the medium and its uses, encourage confidence of creative abilities, vision, and independent thinking. Students use photographic concepts and creative techniques for the development, coordination, and completion of a final photographic body of work. Considers the politics of representation and contextual references and seeks to answer: Who is it of? Who is it for? What does it do? Who does it serve? This is an intermediate photography seminar.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 2350 with a minimum grade of D- or ARTD 2360 with a minimum grade of D-

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTD 3470. Animation 1. (4 Hours)

Introduces the fundamentals of three-dimensional computer animation. Class lectures and demonstrations are followed by substantial hands-on exploration. Students gain fundamental skills for modeling, surfacing, and animating. Projects progress from creating simple geometric objects to realistic organic characters. Basic systems for animating are introduced and explored.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 2370 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 3471. Virtual Environment Design. (4 Hours)

Utilizes elements of story and game play in the design of both 2D and 3D environments, integrating architecture, landscape, and set dressing. Introduces real-time procedurally generated terrain and flora, asset optimization, and nonlinear path finding. Explores content ranging from historically accurate and contemporary hyperrealistic to stylized and fanciful.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 1120 with a minimum grade of D- ; ARTD 2370 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 3472. Character Design for Animation. (4 Hours)

Focuses on the development of characters as they relate to game design and animation. Explores, through treatments and synopsis, theme-based character back story, rationale, and visual design. Integrates learning objectives of both 2D and 3D, optimized rigging, movement study, and accessory and prop design.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 1120 with a minimum grade of D- ; ARTD 2370 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 3473. Animation for Games. (4 Hours)

Explores all areas of 3D game asset creation—animation, modeling, shading, effects, and their integration. Working in small groups, students have an opportunity to learn how to construct animated assets that work efficiently within a game programming environment. Encourages students to specialize in at least one area of asset creation.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 3470 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 3480. Video: Sound and Image. (4 Hours)

Continues the study of video as an art form. Focuses on the dynamic relationship between sound and the moving image. Begins with audio exercises exploring various aspects of sound design that are integrated into an in-depth video production. Emphasizes the production of innovative video art with powerful visual imagery, complex editing rhythms, and creative sound design.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 2380 with a minimum grade of D- or MSCR 1230 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 3485. Experimental Video. (4 Hours)

Constitutes an advanced video production and analysis course. Emphasizes the development of personal vision and building a working knowledge of contemporary experimental video art techniques. Offers students an opportunity to expand conceptual ideas and visual language skills by interrogating concepts of time, movement, light, and space within their exploratory working process. Visual research and discussion supplement the studio work.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 2380 with a minimum grade of D- or MSCR 1230 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 3490. Data Art and Hacktivism. (4 Hours)

Explores the practices and politics of data collection and processing for creative and critical output. Studies how to collect online data with and without APIs and how to process textual data using Natural Language Processing techniques. Examines the practices currently used in social web technologies by making creative projects. Addresses the ethical issues of data collection and privacy, as well as the practical, technical, and social problems that can arise during the processing of social data.

ARTD 3990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTD 4530. Media Arts Degree Project. (4 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to develop a refined, process-driven media art project that combines personal vision, research, and scholarship. Centers on the creation of a comprehensive capstone project that highlights a specific area of interest and supplements a body of work that has been accumulated through the media arts curriculum. The course structure is based on weekly goals and reviews that are partially determined by the specific and unique aesthetic and technical demands of an individual student’s capstone project. A well-planned project statement serves as the method for contextualizing and articulating the unique goals of the capstone project. This advanced studio course provides preparation for graduating students in their careers as professional artists and creative practitioners.

Attribute(s): NUpath Capstone Experience

ARTD 4565. Photography: Visual Strategies + Context. (4 Hours)

Emphasizes combining students’ personal aesthetic choices with refined technical skills in this advanced photography seminar. Students integrate personal vision, historical research, and well-defined concepts in their work. Through lectures on contemporary topics and artist studio and museum visits, students situate their own ideas and processes to historical and cultural forces. Focuses on the relevance of contemporary models in which the still image is used, specifically interdisciplinary approaches.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 3460 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 4570. Animation 2. (4 Hours)

Continues ARTD 3470. Focuses on seamless integration of animated three-dimensional models with digital photographic backgrounds. Continued emphasis on building comprehensive modeling, surfacing, and animation skills. Students develop original content based on course objectives. Complex systems for creating realistic movement are introduced. Exposes students to compositing and animation processes through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on assignments.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 3470 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 4575. Animation 3. (4 Hours)

Continues ARTD 4570. Focuses on building comprehensive modeling, animation, and compositing skills in this advanced studio course. Students explore creating special effects through seamless mixture of computer-generated imagery and digital video footage. Advanced compositing and lighting techniques are introduced and explored. Students create original characters using organic modeling and surfacing techniques. Exposes students to animation and compositing processes through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on assignments.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 4570 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 4660. Studio Photography. (4 Hours)

Examines studio practices and lighting techniques. Offers students an opportunity to obtain a thorough understanding and working knowledge of contemporary practice in the photography studio. Includes comprehensive exercises and assignments with various types of lighting equipment.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 2360 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 4661. Photography: Experimental Processes. (4 Hours)

Offers a studio/lab course in which students study the history of photographic processes and contemporary approaches of the medium while creating their own photographs in the darkroom. Explores 19-century techniques such as camera obscura, photograms, cyanotypes, tintypes, kalli-types, cliché verre, and others. Investigates the use of analog film photography and digital photography in combination with alternative processes. The structure of the course is designed to present exciting ways of thinking about technical questions, materials, subject matter, and aesthetic approaches through experimentation.

Prerequisite(s): ARTD 2350 with a minimum grade of D- or ARTD 2360 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTD 4990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

Art - Studio Courses

ARTS 1990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTS 2340. Painting Basics. (4 Hours)

Presents an introductory studio course in the fundamental techniques of painting. Formal problems in the study of color, light, space systems, form, and composition establish the foundation for more individual creative expression. Uses critiques and slide lectures as needed.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTS 2341. Figure Drawing. (4 Hours)

Focuses on developing the student’s awareness of the structure of the figure as well as the emotive qualities of “figuration.” Students draw from a model in each class. They also develop drawings based on the political and social concerns of contemporary culture and the role of gender as seen through “image.”

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

ARTS 2990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTS 3000. Topics in Studio Arts. (4 Hours)

Explores studio arts topics, supporting work in all studio arts disciplines. Examines current discourse in the field and draws on instructor expertise. Students develop original creative projects in response to the topic, informed by critical readings, instructor and guest lectures, examination of other artists' works, and class discussions. Emphasizes skill development and strategies for self-directed studio arts production including experimentation, planning, iteration, revision, and critique of creative work. May be repeated up to five times.

Prerequisite(s): ARTF 1120 with a minimum grade of D- or ARTF 1121 with a minimum grade of D- or ARTF 1122 with a minimum grade of D-

ARTS 3449. Drawing in Mixed Media. (4 Hours)

Offers an upper-level course designed for students who want to explore the ever-changing discipline of drawing, which has now become a medium that stands on its own. Explores a range of media for generating drawings, including traditional techniques and computer-based media. Emphasizes open-ended application and interpretation of drawing as a medium. Requires students to attend lectures and exhibitions and keep a journal.

ARTS 3990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTS 4990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

ARTS 4992. Directed Study. (1-4 Hours)

Offers independent work under the direction of members of the department on a chosen topic. Course content depends on instructor. May be repeated without limit.

Game Design

GAME 1110. Games and Society. (4 Hours)

Provides an historical and cultural perspective on games and other forms of interactive entertainment. Examines the present state and future directions of paper, card, and board games; physical games and sports; and video games. Introduces students to current issues, experiments, and directions in the field of game design. Through weekly lectures and small-group labs, students have an opportunity to develop a critical basis for analyzing game play.

GAME 1850. Experimental Game Design. (4 Hours)

Explores traditions of games, play, participation, and procedurality in twentieth-century art movements, including Dada, Surrealism, Fluxus, conceptual art, the Situationists, Happenings, participatory performance and Tactical Media, avant-garde music, and contemporary art games. Through readings, lectures, and studio assignments, offers students an opportunity to understand and apply key principles by creating a series of artworks using various strategies drawn from these traditions, including appropriation, scores, intervention, and expression.

GAME 1990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

GAME 1999. Principles of Board Game Development. (4 Hours)

Introduces game design from engineering and innovation perspectives using initial design, rapid prototyping, and iterative design. Covers theory and implementation techniques to enable technical evaluation and game review, including statistical probability of random events; relative balance of player skill to game chance; game mechanics; and incorporating game art, theme, and flavor. Offers students an opportunity to learn game mechanics, development methods, and play-testing techniques. Introduces methods to match a game to its intended audience and designing games to be fun. Surveys roles in the tabletop game industry that impact game design: designers, publishers, manufacturers, distributors, game stores, conventions, and online sales. Students use acquired knowledge in a project-based learning environment to create a game that could be considered for commercialization.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

GAME 2010. The Business of Games. (4 Hours)

Surveys a wide array of game-specific industry topics, including pitching and development of talking points, business models and revenue structures, studio organization and style, intellectual property, contracts, project management expectations, project green-lighting, production pipelines, return on investment, outsourcing, and marketing. Exploring historical shifts and evolution of the video game market offers students an opportunity to obtain perspective on the status of the industry and potential growth in the economy.

GAME 2355. Narrative for Games. (4 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to learn how contemporary narrative theories evolved and their uses in various media. Examines various mediated texts to understand how best to use storytelling strategies for students' own narrative-forward games so as to best take advantage of designing narratives for different platforms and audiences. Uses presentations and performances to enhance students' understanding of how audiences assimilate information and to critique. Students write, play, and study narrative-driven games in the context of various narrative theories and practice writing with the awareness and intention that actors and audiences will read their work and respond.

Prerequisite(s): ENGW 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1102 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

GAME 2500. Foundations of Game Design. (4 Hours)

Seeks to define the practice of game design within the larger context of playful interaction design, while constantly maintaining a player-centric approach. Unfolds the process of designing games between phases of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Establishes the role of game designer as an expert with a vision for determined player experiences and a vocal advocate for players. Seeks to offer students a broad methodology consisting of brainstorming methods, prototyping techniques, process management practices, and evaluation procedures to solve a wide array of design problems in an iterative manner.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

GAME 2650. Introduction to Game Research Methods. (4 Hours)

Surveys research methods and epistemologies relevant to game researchers, designers, and artists, including experimental studies; analytics, formal and historical analysis; ethnography; qualitative social research; and design research. Engages students in lectures, readings, and game faculty guest lectures presenting practical examples of methods discussed in the class. Seeks to familiarize students with core literatures on games, library research, and research design through a series of hypothetical research project drafts and the completion of a research project using a specific method covered in the class.

Attribute(s): NUpath Analyzing/Using Data

GAME 2750. Games Criticism and Theory. (4 Hours)

Covers fundamental theories of art, meaning-making, expression, cultural reflection, and criticism concerning media, games, and playful artifacts. Assigns several papers that offer students an opportunity to choose and apply different critical lenses to games, game criticism, and their own gameplay experience. A long-form paper allows students to train writing theoretically informed and argumentatively cogent critical presentations of games and gameplay experience.

Prerequisite(s): GAME 1110 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D- or GAME 2500 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D-

Attribute(s): NUpath Writing Intensive

GAME 2755. Games and Social Justice. (4 Hours)

Analyzes games from a social justice perspective, encouraging students to consider issues of social stereotyping, normalization, exclusion, and inequity as they apply to games from all sectors of the industry. Discusses and analyzes games using a variety of social theories from a diverse set of fields, including gender studies, critical race theory, and LGBTQ studies. Provides a studio setting in which students have an opportunity to engage in critical making of playable experiences that are based upon and deeply integrate social justice theories in their design.

GAME 2950. Game Studio. (4 Hours)

Offers an experiential learning course in which students collaborate with faculty on a project for credit, which may include research, game creation, or a combination of the two. Offers students an opportunity to co-produce a publishable, distributable, or exhibitable game and/or research paper, which can become part of the student’s portfolio. Course may be taught by an individual faculty member or team-taught to explore a specific topic, such as documentary games, art games, physical interfaces, installations, historical games, live-action role-playing, etc. Offers students an opportunity to gain experience working on a real-world project, as well as being credited for collaboration with an established practitioner/researcher. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite(s): GAME 1110 with a minimum grade of D- ; GAME 2500 with a minimum grade of D- ; GAME 2650 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D-

GAME 2990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

GAME 2991. Research in Game Design. (1-4 Hours)

Offers an opportunity to conduct introductory-level research or creative endeavors under faculty supervision.

GAME 3300. Game Interface Design. (4 Hours)

Introduces interface design for games. A game interface is the point at which the player interacts with the game system, which pertains to visual, auditory, and haptic cues; screens and graphical user interfaces; the player character; and the game controller. Analyzes successful and unsuccessful game interfaces from historical, theoretical, and cultural perspectives. Offers students an opportunity to learn to analyze, critique, and iteratively design innovative game user interfaces; learn about and practice game usability and game feel, as well as design techniques for user interfaces and user experience; and focus on designing innovative game interfaces as they iteratively develop and test a game interface from beginning to end, resulting in a portfolio-ready game interface prototype. Designed as an intermediate course for undergraduate students across disciplines.

Prerequisite(s): GAME 1110 with a minimum grade of D-

GAME 3400. Level Design and Game Architecture. (4 Hours)

Analyzes game-level designs in a variety of genres and forms. Building upon basic drawing and design skills, students have an opportunity to develop paper prototypes and simple game “mods” in the context of story and game play. Students use computer-based tools to examine game-level architecture. Encourages students to take this elective in preparation for or in parallel to the Game Projects courses.

Prerequisite(s): GAME 1110 with a minimum grade of D-

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

GAME 3700. Rapid Idea Prototyping for Games. (4 Hours)

Studies digital and nondigital prototyping techniques through weekly activities in which students build and critique prototypes around a variety of game design themes. Offers students an opportunity to build a portfolio of small proof-of-concept game prototypes over the course of the semester. Additionally, covers how to iterate on a single prototype through a semesterlong project in which students have an opportunity to work individually on a larger game design.

Prerequisite(s): GAME 1110 with a minimum grade of D- or GAME 2500 with a minimum grade of D-

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

GAME 3800. Game Concept Development. (4 Hours)

Offers student teams an opportunity to conceptualize, design, document, and develop a complete game, including content, level design, user interface, and game mechanics as specified in design documents. Offers a set of brainstorming techniques. Students segment the concepts into individual systems and prototype them in an iterative manner, formally iterating over the whole game to improve the player experience. Requires students to maintain a schedule and project management documents. Results in the presentation of the complete game for critique. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite(s): GAME 3700 with a minimum grade of D- ; (ENGW 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1102 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C )

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov, NUpath Writing Intensive

GAME 3990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

GAME 4000. Topics in Game Design. (1-4 Hours)

Explores a variety of advanced topics in game design, including the multimedia, multidisciplinary nature of games. Taught by faculty according to their research interests and expertise.

GAME 4155. Designing Imaginary Worlds. (4 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to learn to conceive, design, and convey imaginary worlds across a wide range of media. The crafting of fictional worlds has become an important skill in the media landscape, whether for video and tabletop games, comic books, novels, film, or television. Analyzes existing works in diverse genres such as fantasy, science fiction, superhero, and supernatural worlds. Explores, through creative projects, the ways in which the use of different media are suited to portray different aspects of an imaginary world.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

GAME 4460. Generative Game Design. (4 Hours)

Studies principles of procedural content generation and generative methods, including modular design, the role of randomness in design, and designing for emergence. Examines the role of generative design in games and its impact on both designers and players. Through assignments and a semester-long project, encourages student creation of generative systems for playful experiences.

Prerequisite(s): ARTG 2260 with a minimum grade of D- or CS 2500 with a minimum grade of D- or GAME 2500 with a minimum grade of D-

GAME 4600. Game Production. (4 Hours)

Focuses on the production of a substantial playable game. Students work in a team to produce a game that has been conceptualized and prototyped in a previous class. Beta testing prepares students to enter the workforce through the understanding and practice of workflows that resemble those at a professional game studio. Offers students an opportunity to develop, play-test, and iteratively refine a substantial multilevel game by creating their own goals and timelines under the guidance and supervision of the professor and then adopting individual roles and responsibilities within their team. The end result should be a fully functional group project and refined understanding of professional workflows.

Prerequisite(s): GAME 3700 with a minimum grade of D- or GAME 3800 with a minimum grade of D-

GAME 4700. Game Design Capstone. (4 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to develop a fully functional game using the iterative design skills they develop in GAME 3700 and GAME 3800. Students take on individual roles in a large-group project, with the goal of creating a complete game from preproduction through implementation and testing. Focuses on developing, playtesting, and iteratively refining a multilevel game, in addition to class discussions and exercises oriented toward professional and portfolio development. This class is an opportunity to complete, polish, and potentially publish that project. Integrated into the capstone are opportunities for the students to gain exposure for their games and to practice their professional development skills.

Prerequisite(s): GAME 3700 with a minimum grade of D- ; GAME 3800 with a minimum grade of D-

Attribute(s): NUpath Capstone Experience

GAME 4970. Junior/Senior Honors Project 1. (1-4 Hours)

Focuses on in-depth project in which a student conducts research or produces a product related to the student’s major field. Combined with Junior/Senior Project 2 or college-defined equivalent for 8-credit honors project. May be repeated without limit.

GAME 4971. Junior/Senior Honors Project 2. (4 Hours)

Focuses on second semester of in-depth project in which a student conducts research or produces a product related to the student’s major field. May be repeated without limit.

Prerequisite(s): GAME 4970 with a minimum grade of D-

GAME 4990. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

GAME 4992. Directed Study. (1-4 Hours)

Provides study for the student whose unique academic needs or interests cannot adequately be satisfied in any of the scheduled courses of the department. May be repeated up to three times.

GAME 4994. Internship. (4 Hours)

Provides students an opportunity for internship work. May be repeated without limit.

Attribute(s): NUpath Integration Experience

School of Museum of Fine Arts Courses

SMFA 3000. Museum of Fine Arts Studio. (2-12 Hours)

Offers course work at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. May be repeated without limit.

SMFA 4000. Museum of Fine Arts Capstone. (2-12 Hours)

Offers capstone course work at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. May be repeated without limit.

Attribute(s): NUpath Capstone Experience

Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Art + Design

Art, BA

Design, BFA

Game Design, BFA

Media Arts, BFA

Admission Requirements for Art + Design

Academic Progression Standards

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Minors

Art - Design Courses

Art - Fundamentals Courses

Art - General Courses

Art - History Courses

Art - Media Arts Courses

Art - Studio Courses

Game Design

School of Museum of Fine Arts Courses

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