Please see the section on Course Description Symbols and Terms in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Computer Animation and Game Development Course Offerings

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
CAGD 110	Computer-Assisted Art I	3.0	FS	GE
This course provides an introduction to computer graphics and art. Students use the computer as a tool for creating static and animated images. Basic instruction in design and color relationships is provided. The writing component may include research reports from current graphics publications and/or attendance and discussion of art exhibitions. 1 hour discussion, 4 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (002287)
CAGD 112	Digital Photography	3.0	FS
An introduction to digital photography that explores the composition and aesthetics of photography. Emphasis is on concepts and techniques of image manipulation software. The course addresses printing and displaying photographic portfolios. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (015869)
CAGD 117	Concept Design and Storyboarding	3.0	FS
An in-depth look into the pre-production process as it directly pertains to storyboard creation, character development and design, pre-visualization techniques, and principles of concept design. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (015870)
CAGD 170	Video Game Design	3.0	FS
An introduction course to video game design, studying the art, technology, and science involved in the creation and development of video games. The course covers video game history, game theory, design of computer-based games, delivery systems, development cycle, case studies, ethical and social issues, and emerging technologies and trends. This course emphasizes the understanding and the interdisciplinary nature of video game design. This is not a computer programming course. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (020239)
CAGD 180	Scripting and Programming for Computer Graphics	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: GE Critical Thinking (A3), GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (A4). This course introduces application scripting and programming to visual artists using scripting and programming environments embedded in applications and integrated graphical development environments. Fundamental scripting techniques for computer modeling, animation, video game and other visual media will be explored. Elementary application programs will be designed, implemented and tested. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020648)
CAGD 189	Industry Internship	1.0 -3.0	FS
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020125)
CAGD 198	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Department permission. This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. (020130)
CAGD 199	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020133)
CAGD 230	Digital Modeling	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CAGD 112. The course explores the basic concepts, principles, practices, tools and techniques of digital modeling, and production pipeline used primarily in CGI, games, and simulations. Topics include creating modifying, texturing, lighting, and rendering basic architectural and prop objects. Projects are designed to guide students through the process of designing digital objects and understanding how objects are imported and used in CGI, games, and simulations. Students produce digital models that demonstrate these concepts, principles, workflow, and technique. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (021443)
CAGD 240	Digital Animation	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CAGD 110. The course explores the basic principles and techniques of motion such as in-betweening, timing, squash and stretch, and more. Students produce animated works that demonstrate these principles and techniques and that effectively communicate with the audience. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020240)
CAGD 250	Introduction to Technical CGI	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CAGD 117 and CAGD 230 all with a grade of C- or higher. This course provides an introduction and technical foundation to tools and strategies used to develop both pre-visualized and final deliverables leading to effective visual communication as it relates to digital production in the game and animation industries. Emphasis is placed on the basics of compositing techniques and components of 3D pre-visualization. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (022151)
CAGD 270	Level Design	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CAGD 170. This project-oriented course introduces the concepts and tools used in creating levels for games. Fundamental architectural theory, critical path, flow, pacing, dilemmas, balancing, difficulty level, playtesting, and storytelling relating to level design are studied. Existing game levels are studied and analyzed; original game levels are created using industry toolsets to meet game design objectives. Understanding how level design fits into the production pipeline and how to work in collaborative environments. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (021350)
CAGD 280	Introduction to Game Scripting	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CAGD 180 or CSCI 111 all with a grade of C- or higher. The course covers an introduction to game scripting concepts and will take the student through the process of creating prototypes and games using an industry-standard game engine. The course will explore using a game engine and associated scripting to maneuver characters around in 2D/3D space, develop interactive game environments, implement special effects, manipulate objects, script menus and graphical user interfaces, create non-player character behaviors, and much more. The student is required to have basic programming skills and game design experience from which the course will expand in using scripting and a game engine to create effective games. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (022150)
CAGD 289	Industry Internship	1.0 -3.0	FS
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020126)
CAGD 298	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
(020131)
CAGD 299	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020134)
CAGD 320	Digital Texturing	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CAGD 230. The course explores the concepts, principles, practices, tools, and techniques of UV layout for 3D models and the digital texturing process. Topics include UV layout, material creation, texture painting and baking, level of detail, and import/export of final content into various media formats. Students demonstrate the concepts, principles, workflow and techniques as part of the texturing pipeline associated with industry standard practices. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021903)
CAGD 325	Motion Capture	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CAGD 230. This course provides students an understanding and a practical application of motion capture technology used for game, virtual reality (VR), film and simulations. It provides students with fundamental skills in the use and aesthetics of motion capture. Students gain practical experience in calibrating and operating a motion capture system, and in planning and implementing a motion capture shoot. Students also gain an overview of the broader context of motion capture such as its use in computer generated imagery (CGI), animation, game development, and interactive performance. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021778)
CAGD 330	3-D Computer Modeling	3.0	FA
Prerequisite: CAGD 320. This course uses 3-D modeling and animation software in developing 3-D computer models and creating presentations of those models in story-telling still scenes. The tools, techniques, and topics studied include basic and advanced 3-D modeling tools, 3-D scene layout, lighting, texturing, and rendering. 1 hour discussion, 4 hours activity. (002317)
CAGD 331	3-D Character Modeling	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CAGD 330. A study of the necessary principles and techniques of creating digital 3-D characters. Students learn the necessary skills for modeling characters, creating effective anatomy, and rigging characters for animation purposes. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (020241)
CAGD 340	Computer Animation	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CAGD 240. The concepts of computer imaging and animation are taught in this project-based course. Focus is on the principles of animation and how they apply to current computer animation techniques. This course emphasizes both creative and technical skills. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (002366)
CAGD 345W	Advanced Animation Pre-Production and Story Development (W)	3.0	FS	GW W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, CAGD 117. Concentration on story development as it directly relates to Computer Animation. Students write a treatment, script, and storyboard for an animation project. Emphasis is placed on understanding the story structure, writing interesting dialogue and developing an in-depth storyboard. The course gives students a practical approach to creating the pre-production component of an animated "short." 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (015871)
CAGD 350	3D Scanning	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CAGD 320 with a grade of C- or higher. This course provides an introduction and technical foundation to tools and strategies used to develop 3D scanned content and deliverables leading to effective visual communication as it relates to digital production in the game and animation industries. Emphasis is placed on the basics of scanning theory, hardware uses and limitations, safety, digital capture and pipeline development. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (022149)
CAGD 358	Emerging Technologies in Media and Entertainment	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: CAGD 112, CAGD 180 for CAGD majors; JOUR 255 or 255W, JOUR 260W for JOUR majors; MADT 206 for MADT majors. This course is also offered as JOUR 358, MADT 358. This professional skills and technology course teaches students in media, entertainment, and technology fields about new and emerging trends in media and entertainment technologies, including, but not limited to, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Photogrammetry, LIDAR scanning, 360 degree photo-scanning, and Motion Capture. The course is focused on the exploration of emerging technologies, as it applies to the various industries in media and entertainment, including, but not limited to, journalism, storytelling, and game development. 3 hours discussion. (021966)
CAGD 370	Video Game Development	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CAGD 180, CAGD 270. The course covers the principles of game design, gaming strategies, game production, and marketing. Students learn to function as a productive member of an interdisciplinary game design team to plan, document, and develop a video game concept. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (020242)
CAGD 373	Game Asset Production	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CAGD 320. This course explores the basic concepts, principles, practices, tools and techniques of game asset production and the production pipeline used primarily in games and interactive environments. Topics include creating, modifying, texturing, lighting, and rendering environmental and prop assets across a variety of media. Projects are designed to guide students through the process of designing digital assets and understanding how objects are important and used in games and interactive environments. Students produce game assets that demonstrate the concepts, principles, workflows, and techniques associated with game asset production. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (021633)
CAGD 374W	Interactive Storytelling in Video Games	3.0	FS	W
Prerequisite: CAGD 345W or CAGD 370 (with a grade C- or higher). This course examines video games as a storytelling medium, investigating how interactive storytelling incorporating rich characters and stories that incite an immersive experience, requires approaches to writing that may be linear or nonlinear. Students will delve into the evolution of narrative in video games along with the iterative process of writing for video games and examine the critical component of a unified experience between writer and level designer. Students will engage in the elements of narrative for video games through investigation, analysis, and design. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Writing Course. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (022152)
CAGD 375W	Video Game Pre-Production	3.0	FS	GW W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; CAGD 370 (with a grade C- or higher). An intermediary course studying the video game pre-production and development process. This course covers the software and production processes used within the video game development industry. Emphasis is placed on game documentation, team communications, and understanding Agile production processes. The course gives students a practical approach to creating the pre-production elements of a video game. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (022194)
CAGD 377	Mobile Game Development	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CAGD 370. The course investigates the evolution of mobile gaming and the challenges for developing mobile games such as game design, art, programming, distribution, marketing, and monetization are examined. The phases in mobile game development and various roles in a development project are explored. Existing and planned mobile games are analyzed. The process of planning, designing, implementing, and producing mobile games on various architectures are also investigated. Throughout the course, game concepts and proposals are created for analysis with promising proposals moving on to planning, design, implementation, and development. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021444)
CAGD 380	Game Scripting	3.0	SP
Prerequisite: CAGD 180 or CSCI 111. This course covers an introduction to game scripting and takes the student through the process of creating games using an industry-standard game engine. The course explores using a game engine and associated scripting to maneuver characters around in 3D space, develop game environments, implement special effects, manipulate objects, script menus and graphical user interfaces, create non-player character behaviors, and much more. The student is required to have basic programming skills and game design experience from which this course expands in using scripting and game engine to create effective games. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (021604)
CAGD 389	Industry Internship	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This internship is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020127)
CAGD 398	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (015892)
CAGD 399	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is an independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020135)
CAGD 420	Digital Lighting and Texturing	3.0	FA
Prerequisite: CAGD 330. This course explores the techniques used for simulating realistic lighting and texturing in 2D and 3D environments and develops student skills in accurate image creation. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020243)
CAGD 432	3-D Character Rigging	3.0	SP
Prerequisite: CAGD 330 or CAGD 340. This course explains the technical skills and challenges of rigging for 3-D animation. Students develop key technical skills for 3-D character setup including how to build, rig, skin, pose, and test 3-D models for animation. Students explore the process of creating joints, assembling skeletons, fine-tuning rigs for realistic motion, rigging bodies and faces, and techniques for binding surfaces to skeletal rigs for animation. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (021225)
CAGD 441	3-D Character Animation	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: CAGD 340. This course covers the study of motion, timing and acting as they apply to animated characters. Emphasis is on the performance of the character and how it reads to the audience. Techniques and methods for facial expressing, lip-synching, and staging are explored. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (020245)
CAGD 445	Advanced Animation Production	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: CAGD 330 or CAGD 340,CAGD 345W. The computer animation production process is taught in this class. Working from a script, storyboard, and/or animatic, students complete an "animated short" with accompanying sound, music, and visual effects. Emphasis is on working as a member of a computer animation team, similar to a real-world production facility. 3 hours discussion. (002367)
CAGD 458	Applied Emerging Technologies in Media and Entertainment	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CAGD 112, CAGD 180 for CAGD majors; JOUR 255 or JOUR 255W, JOUR 260W for JOUR majors; MADT 206 for MADT majors. This course is also offered as JOUR 458, MADT 458. This professional skills and technology project-based course engages students in new and emerging technologies in media and entertainment through applied projects requiring students to work in multidisciplinary teams to create completed visual content projects. The course is focused on the application of new and emerging technologies with relevance in various media and entertainment industries, including, but not limited to, journalism, storytelling, and game development. 3 hours discussion. (021969)
CAGD 470	Video Game Production	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CAGD 370; CAGD 373 for CAGD majors only. Using the principles of game design, students work in collaborative teams to design, implement, test, and produce a computer game. Marketing strategies are also explored. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (020246)
CAGD 489	Industry Internship	1.0 -3.0	FS
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020128)
CAGD 491	Portfolio	1.0	FS
Prerequisites: CAGD 340. This course is an exploration of design and implementation of portfolios germane to the computer graphics field. 1 hour lecture. (020247)
CAGD 493	Senior Portfolio	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: Senior standing in CAGD. This course affords senior level students the opportunity to develop work for a professional-quality portfolio through directed senior-level projects demonstrating their creativity, and acquired aesthetic and technical skills in their area of study. Projects are selected by negotiation starting with a specific written proposal and plan. The course utilizes the process of preparing and deploying a professional portfolio to incorporate these new works and refined selections of prior works. The course also addresses self-promotional strategies and successful work practices of industry professionals. Students are required to formally present the portfolio. Class time will be a mix of lecture, discussion, presentation, critique, meetings, and activities. 3 hours discussion. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (021424)
CAGD 495	Advanced Production	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: Faculty permission. This course is designed to give hands-on experience to students in Computer Animation and Game Development or related majors. Students work as collaborators on large-scale, professional productions relevant to their field of study. Content of this course is subject to change each semester. 1 hour discussion, 4 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 12.0 units. (020563)
CAGD 498	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (015891)
CAGD 499	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is an independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020136)
CAGD 499H	Honors Project	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: Junior standing, top 5% of major. An enrolled student must be sponsored by a full-time faculty member in Computer Animation and Game Development. Independent study resulting in a piece of scholarly or creative work involving substantial research to be completed and publicly presented. Must receive a grade of B or higher. This course must be taken during two consectuvie semesters in order to complete the 6-unit Honors project. This course is not available to graduate students. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (020643)
CAGD 545	Advanced Animation Post-Production	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CAGD 330 or CAGD 340, CAGD 345W This course focuses on the completion of animation projects in the post-production environment, including editing, music, sound effects, and other post-production elements to successfully complete professional-level short animations. Emphasis is on working as a member of a computer animation team, similar to a real-world production facility. 3 hours discussion. (020248)
CAGD 589	Industry Internship	1.0 -3.0	FS
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020129)
CAGD 598	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Department permission. This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. (020132)
CAGD 599	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020137)
CAGD 697	Independent Study	1.0 -6.0	FS
You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 10.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020138)
CAGD 698	Graduate Seminar in Computer Graphics	3.0	INQ
3 hours seminar. (020402)