2020 Computational Media Summer Courses

CMPM 80K

Session 1

A generally accessible course in which students explore how video games (and games generally) shape experiences and express ideas. Students develop novel games, engage in game interpretation, and survey related topics (e.g., game history, technology, narrative, and ethics) through lectures and readings. Programming experience is not required. (General Education Code(s): IM.) 

Proposed Instructor: James Fey

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CMPM 120

Session 1

Teaches the concrete programming and collaboration skills associated with making a digital game from start to finish, including but not limited to: establishing a team, concepting, storyboarding, prototyping, producing, and testing a game for release. Students are organized into groups and work together to create and produce a playable game. This course is taught in conjunction with Art 120G which covers the skills required to design and critique digital games.(General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

Prerequisite(s): CMPM 80K, CSE 15 and CSE 15L, and FILM 80V; and ARTG 80G or ARTG 80H or ARTG 80I; and concurrent enrollment in ARTG 120.

Visiting Students - contact instructor for approval to enroll - N. Altice, naltice@ucsc.edu. Provide proof of prerequisite material.

Proposed Instructor - Nathan Altice

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CMPM 121

Session 1

Introduction to construction of games using game engine technology, using a specific game engine as a focus. Covers major game engine features: input, collision, animation, model import, lighting, camera, rendering, textures, particle systems. Introduction to a specific game scripting language, custom game logic, game programming patterns.

Prerequisite(s): CMPM 120.

Visiting Students - contact instructor for approval to enroll - I. Paranjape, iparanja@ucsc.edu. Provide proof of prerequisite material.

Proposed Instructor: Ishaan Paranjape

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CMPM 146

Session 1

CM146 (Game AI) examines the use of Artificial Intelligence in games. The class is organized around three themes: (1) AI metaphors that can be used in games, (2) novel roles that AI can play in game design, coding, testing, and analysis, and (3) unpacking the AI in existing games. Students will learn how to employ a diverse set of AI metaphors in game contexts through lectures and programming assignments (e.g., graph search, navmesh path planning, constraint satisfaction, hierarchical finite state machines, production rules, reactive languages, goal oriented action planning, deep learning, and more). The first half of the class focuses on the AI metaphors, the second half focuses on a creative project. 13 readings (no textbook), 6 programming assignments (in python), a midterm and a final project. All programming assignments are done in groups. In summer session, Game AI will be a 5 week class. It is a hard class in 10 weeks, so this will be an intense (but rewarding) experience.

Prerequisite(s): CSE 101; familiarity with C++. Enrollment is restricted to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

Proposed Instructor - Daniel Shapiro

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CMPM 179

Session 2

Provides the opportunity to practice the creation of novel computer games. Students learn a new game-making technology, then create three games using this technology. Cross listed courses: ARTG 179 (General Education Code: PR-C) Prerequisite(s): CMPM 120 and CMPM 80K. 

All students - prerequisites lifted in summer.

Proposed Instructor - Tad Leckman

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