Category Archives: Announcements

CS216 offered this Spring

CS 216 Graphics, Modeling, and Animation
CS216 assumes a prior computer graphics class although the first couple
of weeks will be a review so that everyone can start on a roughly equal
footing. The class will be project-based where the projects will be in C++
using the popular graphics and gaming libraries OpenGL and SDL which
we will introduce as the class progresses. Topics will include texture mapping,
sampling and resampling techniques, surface reconstruction, ray tracing,
lighting models, geometric modeling, and animation.

Game-related courses offered in Spring 2014

Here is a list of game-related courses being offered in Spring 2014. CS majors can get elective credit for courses cross listed as CS courses. The other courses should still be considered if you are serious about a career in gaming.

 

ART 108 / CS108 Game Studies
MW, 6 – 715 in Art 135
Introduction to the systems, design, history, and cultural analysis of games with emphasis on development, technological literacy, markets and impact on society. In this course we shall read about, write about, play and design traditional paper based and video games. Req: upper division standing or instructor consent. James Morgan instructor.
CS 134
MW 4:30-5:45 MH 422
Architectures and object-oriented patterns for computer game design. Animation, simulation, user interfaces, graphics, and intelligent behaviors. Team projects using an existing game engine framework. Prerequisite: CS 146 and either CS 151 or CMPE 135 (with a grade of “C-” or better in each); or instructor consent. Jared Finder instructor.
CS185C sec 5 Game Design Studio
TR 6:30 – 7:45 in MH222
Game Design Studio is the capstone course in Game Design. Inter-disciplinary teams will create a substantial project over the course of the semester and present it to the public. The class will cover game production and development with groups operating as small indie-game startups. Emphasis will be placed on rapid prototyping, iteration and refinement. Lectures focus on gaming, society, and recent directions in the indie-game movement, with occasional guest lecturers from professionals in the field.  Weekly activities include play-tests, prototyping and presentations. Game development will be done in Unity, or another platform with consent of instructor. John Bruneau instructor.
COMM  141P
W 9-1015 HGH 219
Small Group Communication. An applied approach to small groups and teamwork that links theory and practice across a variety of contexts. In the Spring 2014 semester, the course will have a special emphasis on gamification–applying principles of learning and games to contexts such as education and business. Prerequisite: Completion of GE oral communication. Stephanie Coopman instructor.
Comm 181F, New Media/New World
ONLINE/TBA
This course explores the history and culture of the internet, the convergence of media into digital formats and networks, and the impacts of new media on communication behaviors. Analysis includes social action, interpersonal relationships, public and private sector uses, and content development. Class workshops facilitate a deeper understanding of games and gamification; privacy and cybersercurity; policy and intellectual property; social media; economics; information; education, and identity. Ted Coopman instructor.
ART 107
TH 1200-250, Art 237
Art 107 teaches interactive art and technology with an emphasis on research, design, experimentation and collaboration using object-oriented programming, computer vision, microprocessors, tactile controllers and biological sensors with a specific focus on real-time data which are dynamic, noisy, and alive. Req: upper division standing or instructor consent. G. Craig Hobbs instructor.

New: Information Security Club and Speaker Series

A handful of student have recently organized an information security club here at San Jose State. At present, the club is recognized by A.S. and has over 25 enlisted members with about a dozen active in the club.

Along with building an on-campus community of students – undergraduate and graduate – interested in information and cyber security, one of our goals is to get in touch and connect members with industry professionals to gain some perspective and insights into the field. We’ve been working closely with Professor Mark Stamp and he has helped attract two professionals so far, who have volunteered to come to campus to give talks to any students interested in attending.

Our concern right now is getting the word out about these talks, the first of which will be on Friday, October 25 at 1 PM in the Student Union in the Costanoan Ballroom.

entrepeneurs needed

Increasingly, I am hearing calls from investors for more interdisciplinary teams of students with ideas for products. The business school is trying to put investors together with students by sponsoring events like the  Innovation Challenge (http://www.sjsu.edu/svic/) that I encouraged everyone to participate in. I am co-sponsoring the Neurosky hack-a-thon next week, which could be a starting point for cool new products. But these contests work better with interdisciplinary teams– computer guy + business guy + domain expert.

A new student organization called Telos is forming with the goal of providing a platform for students from different disciplines to come together to work on product ideas. They are having an organizational meeting this Thursday morning at 11 next door in the AS house. I strongly encourage anyone with an entrepreneurial tendencies to attend.

Here’s a link to the event: