CSC 486 - Computational Visual Narrative
Catalog Description:Computational Visual Narrative is a project-based course for developing computational media with visual computing tools such as game engines. Within this course we will gain familiarity with the repertoire and practice of individuals involved in the design and development of digital interactive experiences. In the process, you will gain an understanding of the underlying concepts, techniques and technologies of computational and digital systems, software development and its role and potential in narrative practice.
Contact Hours:
- Lecture: 3 hours
Co-requisites: None
Restrictions: None
Coordinator: Dr. Arnav Jhala
Textbook: None
Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to…
- Describe and apply the vocabulary of narrative features
- Critique multi-modal media artifacts in terms of their narrative structure, communicative power, and aesthetic expression
- Apply data structures and algorithms for representing narrative information
- Develop effective narrative visualizations for storytelling
- Create graphical visual stories using modern game engines
- Effectively participate in interdisciplinary teams to develop a series of projects centered on digital-humanities-based storytelling, interactive media artmaking, computational cinematics, and computer game development.
Topics:
- Introduction to Unity Game Engine
- Narrative and Interaction design tools
- Client-focused design and development of Pinball/Pachinko digital games
- Introduction to Machinima
- Client-focused design and development of 2- to 3-minutes long Machinima clip
- Client-focused design and development of Endless runner games
- Client-focused design and development of Escape Room games
- In-class video presentations for all projects to external project clients
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