Program Roadmap

Virtual World Building 1

Introduction to the processes and principles of design associated with virtual world building. Two 2-hour lectures per week and assigned work.

Virtual World Building 2

Applied tools and techniques. Exploration of the processes and principles of design associated with virtual building. Two 2-hour lectures per week and assigned work.

Virtual World Building 3

Intermediate level virtual world building with an emphasis on intermediate-level tools and techniques for creating more complex environments, modeling, lighting, materials, characters, interaction, and behaviors. Two 2-hour lectures per week and assigned work.

Virtual World Building 4

Synthesis of processes, principles, tools, and techniques associated with virtual world building. Two 2-hour lectures per week and assigned work.

Cross-Reality Technology 1

Introduction to the fundamentals of Cross-Reality (XR) technologies, explore the development and delivery of interactive immersive digital worlds that transform and combine physical reality into virtual experiences. Two 1-1/2-hour lecture-labs per week and associated work.

History and Theory of Virtual Reality

This seminar course is designed to develop the historical and philosophical understanding of virtual reality (VR) technology and its cultural evolution. The course will explore the formal description of VR technology and interpret recent psychological theories of VR knowledge construction.

Advanced Lighting and Materials

Exploration of methods for illuminating and texturing virtual objects and environments. Foreground, middleground and background rendering issues are examined through topics that include radiosity, ray-tracing, procedural materials and render engine options. Three 1-hour lecture/labs per week and associated work.

Advanced Modeling

Exploration of methods used for modeling and sculpting organic surfaces focused on the creation of character and avatar for high and low polygon 3D digital models. Three 1 hour lecture/labs per week and associated work.

Cross-Reality Technology 2

Building upon the foundational knowledge of Cross-Reality (XR) technologies, exploring how current and emerging versions of XR technologies can enhance XR interactions (object-oriented and event-driven) and user experiences (story telling/presence/social/multiuser) in virtual worlds. Two 1-1/2-hour lecture/labs per week and associated work.

Theory and Applications of Virtual Reality

This seminar course is designed to develop the student's understanding of virtual reality (VR) design theory and application. The course will challenge students to develop new concepts for VR that have the potential to significantly impact society and expand on current concepts of the built environment.

Visual Effects

Exploration of methods used for visual and experiential communication, problem solving, and storytelling through linear and interactive 3D computer generated animation. Three 1-hour lecture/labs per week and associated work. (Spring only)

Advanced Character Design

Exploration of advanced workflows and methods for entertainment focused character design. This course will cover advanced digital painting techniques and basic image compositing in Photoshop while also covering digital sculpting and rendering using Zbrush. One 3-hour lecture/lab per week with associated work.

Capstone Studio 2

Sequential contract courses built around the collective content of five interdisciplinary clusters; research, design and implementation of comprehensive virtual design project. Three 3-hour studios per week and associated work.

Seminar

The Virtual Universe is a three-credit senior seminar class that travels 25 years into the future by analyzing emerging trends that will significantly impact students’ design careers. Concepts such as life expectancy, computer processing power, artificial intelligence, augmented realities, trans-humanism and a plethora of various contemporary influences are discussed while students prepare to present their “career” as they see it 25 years into the future. Projects range across network maps, written research reports, pecha kucha presentations, video animations and photography, ultimately culminating in a self-directed vision(s) of the future.

Teaching Assistant

Teaching assistant services performed by advanced undergraduate students with faculty supervision.