Interactive Arts and Science

This program is offered through the Centre for Digital Humanities

Director

David Hutchison

Academic Adviser

Alisa Cunnington

General Information

Administrative Assistant

Clara Suba

905-688-5550 extension 3270

Thistle 269D

brocku.ca/iasc

The Interactive Arts and Science (IASC) program focuses on the intersection of digital technologies and the humanities. The program prepares the next generation of digital media innovators and scholars.

The IASC program is offered through the Centre for Digital Humanities (CDH), which is centrally located on Brock's main campus. The CDH features a wide range of media production facilities that IASC students can utilize in order to achieve their scholarly and creative goals.

The IASC program features academic and hands-on experiences that blend theory and practice. Students explore digital and interactive tools for analyzing, representing and visualizing ideas across disciplinary subjects.

IASC students can choose from a wide selection of courses that focus on interactive media, its theoretical foundations and underlying production methods. Several courses are cross-listed with other academic programs at Brock. There is also an internship option and directed project courses that allow students to gain credit for learning experiences outside the formal classroom. A number of Dramatic Arts courses are open to IASC majors with permission of the Department. Refer to the Dramatic Arts course bank for details.

The IASC program is highly individualized. IASC students can pursue an Honours or Pass Major, a Combined Major or a Minor program of study. Students can also focus their IASC studies on one of four concentration areas.

Most courses are taught in small groups. The IASC program is designed to maximize choice and flexibility so that students can personalize their programs of study. There are also opportunities to collaborate with others, including faculty members and industry experts, on scholarly and interactive media projects.

Non-majors and those without a declared minor in Interactive Arts and Science may enroll in a maximum of one IASC studio course without a portfolio.

Program Notes

Honours Program

Year 1

	IASC 1F01 and 1F02
	one IASC credit numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99
	one Sciences context credit (see program note 1)
	one Social Sciences context credit (see program note 1)

Year 2

	IASC 2P01, 2P02, 2P03, 2P06 and 2P08
	one and one-half credits from IASC courses numbered 2(alpha)00 to 3(alpha)99, COMM 2P26, DART 2P92, 2Q91, 2Q92, FILM 1F94, VISA 2P61 (see program note 4)
	one elective credit

Year 3

	IASC 3F01 and 3P02
	two and one-half credits from IASC courses numbered 2(alpha)00 to 3(alpha)99, DART 3F61, 3Q91, 3Q92, FILM 2F90, 2P94, PCUL 2P20 (see program note 4)
	one elective credit

Year 4

	IASC 4F00
	two credits from IASC courses numbered 3(alpha)90 or above, DART 3P92, 4F90, FILM 3P93 (see program note 4)
	two elective credits

Pass Program

Satisfactory completion of the first three years of the Honours program entitles a student to apply for a Pass Degree.

Combined Major Program

Interactive Arts and Science students may combine either an Honours or Pass program and a second discipline. For requirements in the other discipline, the student should consult the relevant department/centre. It should be noted that not all departments/centres provide a combined major option.

Honours

	IASC 1F01
	one-half IASC credit numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99
	two and one-half IASC credits numbered 2(alpha)00 to 2(alpha)99 (see program note 4)
	three IASC credits numbered 3(alpha)00 or above (see program note 4)

Pass

	IASC 1F01
	one-half IASC credit numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99
	two and one-half IASC credits numbered 2(alpha)00 to 2(alpha)99 (see program note 4)
	one IASC credit numbered 3(alpha)00 or above (see program note 4)

Concentration Program

Digital Expression

Digital content creation through the humanities, including narrative, literature, theatre, music, and art.

Students may earn a Concentration in Digital Expression by successfully completing the following courses as part of the requirements for a BA (Honours) in Interactive Arts and Science:

Six credits from IASC 1P06, 1P95, 1P99, 2P06, 2P15, 2P91, 2P94, 2P97, 2P98, 2P99, 3F91, 3F96, 3P01, 3P04, 3P10, 3P14, 3P15, 3P73, 3P90, 3P95, 3P97, 3P98, 3P99

Digital Prototyping

Exploration of digital ideas from inception to production.

Students may earn a Concentration in Digital Prototyping by successfully completing the following courses as part of the requirements for a BA (Honours) in Interactive Arts and Science:

Six credits from IASC 1P00, 1P01, 1P02, 1P04, 1P93, 2P01, 2P02, 2P03, 2P06, 2P89, 2Q95, 3P02, 3P03, 3P04, 3P91, 3P94, 3P95, 3P97, 3P98, 3P99

Digital Scholarship

Development and use of digital and collaborative technologies to collect, analyse, and represent data within academic disciplines.

Students may earn a Concentration in Digital Scholarship by successfully completing the following courses as part of the requirements for a BA (Honours) in Interactive Arts and Science:

Six credits from IASC 1Q99, 2F27, 2P01, 2P02, 2P03, 2P07, 2P25, 3F01, 3F31, 3P02, 3P05, 3P15, 3P95, 3P97, 3P98, 3P99, 4P01

Instructional Design

Design of interactive curricula components for teaching at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels and other instructional contexts.

Students may earn a Concentration in Instructional Design by successfully completing the following courses as part of the requirements for a BA (Honours) in Interactive Arts and Science:

Six credits from IASC 1P04, 1P50, 1P95, 2P01, 2P03, 2P04, 2P89, 2P90, 2P98, 3F01, 3P04, 3P15, 3P62, 3P91, 3P94, 3P95, 3P97, 3P98, 3P99, 4P01

Minor Program

Students in other disciplines can obtain a Minor in Interactive Arts and Science within their degree program by completing the following courses with a minimum 60 percent overall average:

One IASC credit numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99

two IASC credits numbered 2(alpha)00 to 2(alpha)99

one IASC credit numbered 3(alpha)00 or above

Description of Courses

Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable term timetable for details.

# Indicates a cross listed course

* Indicates a primary offering of a cross listed course

Prerequisites and Restrictions

Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.

INTERACTIVE ARTS AND SCIENCE COURSES

IASC 1F01

Foundations of Interactive Arts and Science

Conceptual frameworks for interactive media technology, design, theory and production. Focus on digital scholarship, expression, prototyping, and instructional design. Practice-based projects leading to the development of an interactive media product.

Seminar, lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors or permission of the Centre.

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in IASC 1F00.

IASC 1F02

Being Human in a Digital World

Exploration of how emerging technologies shape human identities and lifestyles. Impact of rapid technological change on citizenship, education, employment, entertainment, globalization, health, privacy and security. Predictions of what the future may hold and its implications for the human condition.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Note: may be offered online.

#IASC 1P00

Introduction to Media Computation

(also offered as APCO 1P00)

Programming by example, encoding and manipulating pictures (such as grayscale and colour replacement), pixel manipulation (such as red eye and mirroring), designing and debugging, text manipulation with HTML, file processing, automatic generation and manipulation of web pages, and sound processing (such as encoding, volume manipulation and splicing).

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week; tutorial, 1 hour per week.

Restriction: not open to COSC (single or combined), BCB, CAST and CNET majors.

Note: prior computer experience is not required.

#IASC 1P01

Fluency With Technology

(also offered as APCO 1P01)

Skills, concepts and capabilities of computers, networks and the Internet. Topics include representation of information, current hardware, software and network technologies, modelling with Excel, presentations with Powerpoint, Internet searching and basic web page development with HTML.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week.

Restriction: not open to COSC (single or combined), BCB, CAST and CNET majors.

Note: some prior computer experience is preferred but not required.

*IASC 1P02

Web Media Production

(also offered as STAC 1P02)

Principles of website creation and design. Formatting, lists, images, links and tables with HTML. Web colour and graphics formats with Photoshop, Typography and layout with CSS. Button, rollovers and forms with JavaScript. Introduction to animation and sound with Flash. Usability, accessibility and interactivity. Creation of public interactive web based projects.

Lab, tutorial, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

IASC 1P04

New Media and Games

Information, knowledge, and expression in interactive and networked media environments. Technologies and socio-political infrastructures that make such media possible. Historical development of and precedents for interactive media. Concepts in poetics, hypertextuality, hypermediacy, remediation, social relations and play. Projects that build active participation in new media cultures.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors.

IASC 1P05

Games, Genres and Aesthetics

Exploration of the diverse ways in which meaning is created in games. History of games and key concepts in game studies addressing formalisms, platforms, communities and player experience. Consideration of the games industry and studio development.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors.

*IASC 1P06

History and Future of Storytelling

(also offered as ENCW 1P06 and WRIT 1P06)

History of storytelling from the earliest oral traditions to contemporary forms of digital expression. Storytelling's cultural roots in fairytales, legends and myths through to film, video games and interactive fiction. Elements of narrative, structure, character, conflict, and dramatic arc. Concepts and practices in rhetoric, storyboarding, and presentation.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

IASC 1P10

Introduction to Media Tools

Systematic examination of imaging, multimedia authoring and animation software tools and their application to problems in visualization, representation and sequencing of image, text, video and audio content. Portfolio development emphasizes conceptualization and reflection in new media contexts.

Lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

Note: enrolment limited to 24 students. Materials fee required. Students must supply any additional materials and equipment.

*IASC 1P30

Programming for Interactive Media

(also offered as APCO 1P30)

Introduction to ActionScript and object-oriented programming syntax and usage for classes, functions, properties and events in interactive Flash applications for the web.

Lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 1P10, one APCO credit, one COSC credit (minimum 60 percent) or permission of the instructor.

Note: enrolment limited to 24 students. Materials fee required. Students must supply any additional materials and equipment.

#IASC 1P50

Integrity and Literacy in the Information Age

(also offered as APCO 1P50 and COSC 1P50)

Issues in use of information technology including historic and social perspectives; legal, ethical and moral issues; intellectual property, licensing and copyright; privacy and freedom of expression; professional conduct and information literacy.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; seminar, 1.5 hours per week.

Note: this course involves seminars and considerable written work. A good command of written and spoken English is required.

#IASC 1P93

Applied Programming

(also offered as APCO 1P93)

Modern software techniques including problem solving and design of effective algorithms, structured program design methodology, subprogram library usage, documentation, correctness, floating-point arithmetic and error analysis.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 2 hours per week; tutorial, 1 hour per week.

Restriction: not open to COSC (single or combined), BCB, CAST and CNET majors.

Prerequisite(s): APCO 1P00 or 4U mathematics credit.

#IASC 1P95

Introduction to Digital Images, Methods and Concepts

(also offered as STAC 1P95 and VISA 1P95)

Technical foundations of digital images, media methods and concepts including web-based, digital photography, image processing software and printing; foundations of digital media in video, audio and computational production and post-production. Contemporary digital practices within the broader history of visual and media arts.

Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. After that date open to IASC (single or combined), COSC (single or combined), MCMN, STAC, VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours) BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors.

Note: materials fee required. Students might need additional materials, which they must supply. A prerequisite for all digital media courses.

#IASC 1P96

Foundation Studio

(also offered as VISA 1P96)

Basic aesthetic and conceptual processes that underlie visual art production. Two- and three-dimensional formal principles, fundamental critical issues and stylistic/material development. Examples from historic and contemporary art practice provide context for studio projects and readings.

Lectures, studio work, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. After that date open to IASC (single or combined) and VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors.

Note: materials fee required. Students might need additional materials, which they must supply. Production and Design Concentration students may register. Contact the Visual Arts Department.

#IASC 1P97

Studio Now: Introduction to Contemporary Practice

(also offered as VISA 1P97)

The making, thinking and language of contemporary art from the perspective of the studio practitioner; dynamics between contemporary art practice and theory. Emphasis on multimedia, alternative or marginal practices, current studio trends and the cultural reception of art.

Lectures, studio work, gallery visits, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors.

Prerequisite(s): VISA 1P96 (minimum 60 percent).

Note: materials fee required. Students might need additional materials, which they must supply.

#IASC 1P99

The Culture of Noise

(also offered as STAC 1P99 and VISA 1P99)

Role of Noise in music, social space and art. Exploration of discursive issues concerning the value of sound studies.

Lectures/seminar, 3 hours, online, 3 hours, alternate weeks.

Note: enrolment limited to 50 students. Materials fee is required. Offered online and face-to-face during Spring session.

#IASC 1Q98

Introduction to Visual Culture

(also offered as LART 1Q98 and VISA 1Q98)

Concepts of art, its vocabulary, structure and varied cultural contexts. Problems of meaning, visual perception and formal structure of the visual arts, functions of art in contemporary society, the function of galleries and museums, and the role of patrons and critics. Contemporary critical methodology.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours week.

Note: no studio work. May be offered online.

#IASC 1Q99

Introduction to the History of Western Art

(also offered as LART 1Q99 and VISA 1Q99)

Analysis of key monuments and the prerequisite technology, as well as various ways of looking at the visual past and present. Focus on the visual arts from prehistory through the early 20th century.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours week.

Note: no studio work. May be offered online.

IASC 2F00

Game Discourses and Criticism

Games as cultural artifacts that inspire a hybrid and multidisciplinary discourse. Analysis of larger context of humanities around games through game criticism. Connection of cultural studies with extant game critique, and of theoretical literature on game studies and critical analysis using new media tools.

Seminar, lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 1F01 (1F00) (minimum 60 per cent) or permission of instructor.

#IASC 2F27

Historical Geographic Information Systems

(also offered as HIST 2F27)

Overview of multiple fields in history in which Geographic Information Systems are applied. Instruction in use of software and provides local history project for students to apply software skills

Lectures, lab, 3 hours per week.

Note: labs focus on the history of St. Catharines.

IASC 2P01

Foundations of Project Management

Professional strategies for planning and managing projects from inception to closure. Managing risks and constraints. Promoting collaboration and communication. Time management strategies for individuals and project teams. Solutions to common project management challenges. Introduction to project management software and organizers.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have a minimum of 5.0 overall credits.

IASC 2P02

Solving Problems through Interactive Arts and Science

Role of digital tools in addressing scholarly questions in the humanities. Case studies, current trends and critical debates.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 1F01 (1F00) or permission of the Centre.

IASC 2P03

Interaction and Interface Design

Composition and interface design for reactive and interactive systems. Layout, graphics and media tools for user interface design. Models for how interactivity shapes understanding and expectations of digital media tools and interfaces.

Seminar, lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 1F01 (1F00) or permission of the Centre.

IASC 2P04

Ludology

Nature, psychology and characteristics of play. Theories related to fun, play and games including improvisation, competition, exploration, role-playing, sports and thrill-seeking. Examination of formal and informal games, goals, rules, decisions, interaction, rewards and penalties, and psychological triggers and responses. Analysis of gameplay, player experience, engagement, mechanics, design and usability.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors with a minimum of 5.0 overall credits.

IASC 2P05

Game Design Paradigms

Conceptual and practical frameworks for the design of games as systems. Consideration of the formal structures of games. Focus on world building and narrative, goals and experience, balance, consistency, and meaningful decision making. Simple game prototyping, testing and documentation.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 1P04 and 1P05 or permission of the Centre.

IASC 2P06

3D Objects, Environments and Visualization

Introduction to concepts and tools for 3D modelling, texturing, lighting, cameras, and navigation for the production of virtual spaces and mixed-reality environments. Contemporary perspectives on the simulation and representation of 3D spaces in a humanities context. Introduction to 3D scanning and printing.

Seminar, lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 1F01 (1F00) or permission of the Centre.

#IASC 2P07

Introduction to Geospatial Technologies

(also offered as ERSC 2P07 and GEOG 2P07)

Concepts and applications of geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensing. Properties of digital maps, airborne data and satellite imagery. Principles of map compilation and design. Practical experience in computer mapping, image interpretation and GIS analysis.

Lectures, lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), ERSC (single or combined) and GEOG (single or combined), GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

IASC 2P08

Competencies in Interactive Arts and Science

Workshops, conferences, networking events, volunteer opportunities and other experiences related to the Interactive Arts and Science program.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors with a minimum of 5.0 overall credits.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 1F01 (1F00).

Note: for further information consult the brocku.ca/iasc website.

IASC 2P10

Media Tools for Interactivity

Exploration of real-time graphical programming environment for audio, video and graphical processing using patcher programming languages such as Pure Data and Max/MSP. User-centred interaction with systems through tactile, aural and visual senses using sensors and actuators.

Lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors and minors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 1F01 (1F00) (minimum 60 per cent); one of IASC 1P00, 1P10, 1P30, 1P93.

Note: enrolment limited to 24 students. Materials fee required. Students must supply any additional materials and equipment.

#IASC 2P15

Speculative Fiction

(also offered as ENGL 2P15)

Critical study of some of the histories, contexts, genres, and traditions of science fiction and the literature of the fantastic.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): one Humanities context credit (minimum 60 percent) or permission of the instructor.

#IASC 2P25

Revolutions in Communication

(also offered as HIST 2P25)

Major developments in the history of communication from the invention of writing until the modern information age.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), HIST (single or combined), HIST (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors and minors until date specified in Registration guide.

#IASC 2P28

Persuasive Discourse: Theoretical Foundations

(also offered as ENGL 2P28 and WRIT 2P28)

Classical foundations, historical developments and contemporary theory. Relation of language use to cultural practices, ethics, identity and power. Analysis of various genres of texts and persuasive writing in popular culture and mass media.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): one credit from IASC 1F01 (1F00), COMM 1F90, ENGL 1(alpha)90 to 1(alpha)99, WRIT 1(alpha)90 to 1(alpha)99 or permission of the instructor.

#IASC 2P50

Great Myths in Literature and Art

(also offered as CLAS 2P50)

Most influential myths in Greek and Latin literature and in ancient art, emphasizing continuity of themes and images. Selected readings in major genres of poetry and prose. Selected works of painting and sculpture.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

*IASC 2P60

Web 2.0 Content, Construction, Collaboration

(also offered as APCO 2P60)

Context and topics in web-based interactive environments, communities and social networks designed for sharing content, user interaction and collective intelligence. Blogs, videoblogs and vodcasts; peer 2 peer and consumer 2 consumer; RSS, agents and recommender systems; social networks; online communities and virtual environments; tagging, bookmarking; wikis; mashups; collaborative and open source software and working environments.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

#IASC 2P70

Introduction to Literary Theory

(also offered as ENGL 2P70)

Approaches to meaning and interpretation in the contemporary study of literature.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 1F01 (1F00), one ENGL credit numbered 1(alpha)90 to 1(alpha)99 or permission of the instructor.

#IASC 2P89

Internet Technologies

(also offered as APCO 2P89 and COSC 2P89)

Concepts and techniques for building and maintaining advanced interactive Web sites. Topics include XML and SGML, database connectivity and forms handling, basic animation, graphics optimization for the Web, scripting, advanced searching and Web design for accessibility.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab/seminar, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 1P00 (minimum 60 percent) and 1P01 (minimum 60 percent), or COSC 1P03 (minimum 60 percent).

#IASC 2P90

Computer-Mediated Communication

(also offered as COMM 2P90)

Nature of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and its role in social, educational and interpersonal contexts. Introduction to technology and methodologies essential to explore the potential of CMC.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): one of IASC 1F01 (1F00), IASC 1P04 and 1P05, COMM 1F90 or permission of the instructor.

#IASC 2P91

Social Media: Reading and Writing in New Spaces

(also offered as COMM 2P91 and PCUL 2P91)

Theory, philosophy and politics of Social Media as a communicative mode. Topics include critical theory in a Social Media context, changing perceptions of reader narrative and Social Media compared with other electronic textuality.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): one of IASC 1F01 (1F00), COMM 1F90, CPCF 1F25, PCUL 1F92 or permission of the instructor.

#IASC 2P93

Critical Practice in the Fine and Performing Arts

(also offered as STAC 2P93)

Interdisciplinary approach to key ideas about music, art, dance and drama through critical readings and guided exposure to selected public fine and performing art events. Exploration of issues in aesthetics and criticism using varied theoretical approaches.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): one of IASC 1F01 (1F00), CANA 1F91, DART 1F91 (1F93), MUSI 1F10, VISA 1Q98 and 1Q99 or permission of the instructor.

Note: event attendance is required; events fees required.

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in STAC 2F90.

#IASC 2P94

Embodied Text: Art Beyond the Artifact

(also offered as STAC 2P94)

How art functions outside the conventions associated with words, texts, paintings and scores. Experiencing musical, visual, movement and theatre vocabularies through the exploration of spatial/temporal/aesthetic/embodied forms of art in performance.

Seminar, workshop, 4 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 2P93 (STAC 2F90) or permission of the instructor.

#IASC 2P96

Introduction to 3D Modelling and Animation

(also offered as COSC 2P96, STAC 2P96 and VISA 2P96)

Concepts and skills of 3D modelling and rendering. Approaches to building models, using texturizing, lighting, cameras and rendering as well as basic animation techniques. Relevant historical and theoretical perspectives on 3D and virtuality situating 3D within creative process and broader critical practices in cultural production.

Seminar, lab, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), COSC (single or combined), STAC, VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): one of IASC 1F01 (1F00), four COSC credits, one credit from VISA 1P93 (minimum 60 percent), 1P94 (minimum 60 percent), 1P95 (minimum 60 percent), 1P96 (minimum 60 percent), 1P97 (minimum 60 percent) or permission of the instructor.

Note: materials fee required. Students might need additional materials and equipment, which they must supply. VISA 1P95 recommended.

#IASC 2P97

Digital Video Art

(also offered as STAC 2P97 and VISA 2P97)

Concepts of basic videography and its applications within conceptual and aesthetic studio practice. Camera work, composition and lighting; digital video and audio editing, special effects, composing, text and titling, and DV output. Critical analysis of recent and contemporary film and video practices.

Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), STAC, VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): one credit from IASC 1F01 (1F00), VISA 1P93 (minimum 60 percent), 1P94 (minimum 60 percent), 1P95 (minimum 60 percent), 1P96 (minimum 60 percent), 1P97 (minimum 60 percent) or permission of the instructor.

Note: materials fee required. Students might need additional materials and equipment, which they must supply. VISA 1P95 recommended.

#IASC 2P98

Intermedia

(also offered as STAC 2P98 and VISA 2P98)

Approaches to the conceptualization and production of video, sound generation, multimedia environments, performance, interactive and installation art.

Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), STAC, VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): one credit from IASC 1F01 (1F00), VISA 1P93 (minimum of 60 percent), 1P94 (minimum 60 percent), 1P95 (minimum60 percent), 1P96 (minimum 60 percent), 1P97 (minimum 60 percent) or permission of the instructor.

Note: materials fee required. Students might need additional materials and equipment, which they must supply. VISA 1P95 recommended.

#IASC 2P99

Introduction to Sound Design

(also offered as STAC 2P99 and VISA 2P99)

Approaches to the conceptualization and production of sound recording, notation, field-recording, foley arts, soundtrack production, experimental music and performance, and contemporary sound art.

Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. After that date open to IASC (single or combined), STAC, VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors.

Prerequisite(s): one credit from IASC 1F01 (1F00), VISA 1P93 (minimum 60 percent), 1P94 (minimum 60 percent), 1P95 (minimum 60 percent), 1P96 (minimum 60 percent), 1P97 (minimum 60 percent) or permission of the instructor.

Note: materials fee required. Students must supply any additional materials and equipment. VISA 1P95 recommended.

#IASC 2Q95

Introduction to Interactive Media

(also offered as STAC 2Q95 and VISA 2Q95)

Concepts and creation in electronic media enabled by physical interaction between a user/viewer and a sculpture. Installation, sound and video environment or wearable media. Fundamental concepts of voltage, current and resistance. Use of simple circuits, sensors and switches, software interfaces and basic microprocessors.

Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to STAC, VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. After that date open to IASC (single or combined), STAC, VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors.

Prerequisite(s): one of two IASC credits, four COSC credits, one credit from VISA 1P93 (minimum 60 percent), 1P94 (minimum 60 percent), 1P95 (minimum 60 percent), 1P96 (minimum 60 percent), 1P97 (minimum 60 percent) or permission of the instructor.

Note: no previous experience in electronics is required. Materials fee required. Students might need additional materials and equipment, which they must supply. VISA 1P95 recommended.

IASC 3F00

Imagining Immersive Worlds

Philosophical and cultural discourse on virtual worlds and gauge their influence on issues such as identity, play and stories. Synthesis and critical approaches to virtual reality and simulation. Creation of game/simulation in virtual worlds focusing on processes and procedures in the development and experience the work ethics.

Seminar, lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors and minors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 2F00 (minimum 60 per cent) and one IASC credit numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.

Note: enrolment is limited to 24 students. Materials fee is required. Students must supply any additional materials and equipment.

IASC 3F01

Digital Document Production

Concepts and skills related to graphic design, typography and desktop publishing. Production of academic posters, booklets, charts and graphs, newsletters, portfolios, presentations, promotional materials, technical documentation, and other print-based digital documents.

Seminar, lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have a minimum of 10.0 overall credits.

#IASC 3F31

Virtual Worlds and the Discipline of History

(also offered as CLAS 3F31 and HIST 3F31)

Surveys historians' and historical scientists' use of computer formalisms and 3D modelling to support expression and teaching, and to answer long-standing and emerging questions in history. Practical introduction to 3D modelling and virtual heritage.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), CLAS (single or combined), HIST (single or combined), HIST (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors and minors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): CLAS credit numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99 and one credit from CLAS 2P32, 2P34, 3P03, 3P04, 3P05, 3P06, or one HIST credit numbered 1(alpha)90 to 1(alpha)99 and one HIST credit numbered 2(alpha)00 to 2(alpha)99 or permission of the instructor.

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in HIST 4F30 and 4F31.

IASC 3F90

Survey of Humanities Computing

Research and concepts associated with the emerging discipline of humanities computing. Topics may include use of computer games in the humanities, hypertext design and delivery and current theory treating the use of multimedia as an instrument for expression.

Seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: students must have a minimum of 10.0 overall credits.

Note: enrolment limited to 20 students.

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in HIST 3F90.

*IASC 3F91

Innovations in Advanced Digital Media

(also offered as STAC 3F91 and VISA 3F91)

Introduction to advanced interactive media concepts and visualization technologies. Design and workflow issues and integration of visual effects and 3D animations with live action media. May include motion capture, 3D and 2D animation, HD, 2K and 4K live action video and 3D graphics software.

Seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 2P96.

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in IASC (STAC/VISA) 3Q90.

IASC 3F92

Best Practices in Instructional Design

Real-world practice-based projects drawing on the principles of instructional design. Integrationof text, multimedia, interactive, and online elements to accomplish teaching and learning goals.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: students must have a minimum of 10.0 overall credits and permission of the Centre.

Note: enrolment is limited. Collaborations between students with digital tool, pedagogical, and subject content expertise.

#IASC 3F96

Interdisciplinary Workshop

(also offered as DART 3F96, STAC 3F96 and VISA 3F96)

Advanced studio workshop in interdisciplinary studio practices, including video, performance, audio and conceptual art, interventions and other time-based or experimental media. Projects involve collaboration and investigation of alternatives for public dissemination of artworks.

Lectures, studio work, reading, off-campus projects, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), DART (single or combined), STAC, VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide or permission of the instructor.

Prerequisite(s): one credit from VISA 2P61 (minimum 60 percent), 2P96 (minimum 60 percent), 2P97 (minimum 60 percent), 2P98 (minimum 60 percent), 2P99 (minimum 60 percent) or permission of the instructor.

Note: materials fee required. Students might need additional materials, which they must supply. Several field trips are organized outside of the regular course meeting time. Students participating in field trips are expected to pay their own expenses.

IASC 3M05-3M09

Visual Studies Abroad

Topics in an area of mutual interest to the student and instructor.

#IASC 3P01

Media Transformations in the Creative Arts

(also offered as STAC 3P01 and VISA 3P01)

The trajectory and influences of new media on the development of and discourses in 20th century and contemporary creative production including the arts, broadcast, film, video, and electronic arenas such as the internet, games and interactive media. Overview of fundamental concepts, practices and language. Consideration of aesthetics, production, script and story, direction, authorship, collaborative process and distribution.

Lectures, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): two IASC, COMM, ENGL, STAC, VISA, WRIT credits or permission of the instructor.

IASC 3P02

Publishing for New Literacies

Dissemination of academic scholarship and interactive digital projects through non-traditional new media platforms. Collaborative scholarship through online communities of inquiry. Scholarly legitimacy and peer review in the digital age.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have a minimum of 10.0 overall credits.

IASC 3P03

Prototyping with Micro Controllers and Mobile Technologies

Applied programming and prototyping with small computing devices and peripherals.

Lectures, lab, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors and permission of the Centre.

IASC 3P04

Immersion and Simulation

Cognitive, perceptual and imaginative processes that produce a sense of total engrossment in a digital environment. Modelling and simulation of the appearance and behaviours of a world.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors with a minimum of 10.0 overall credits.

#IASC 3P05

Geographic Information Systems

(also offered as ERSC 3P05 and GEOG 3P05)

Principles and use of computer-based systems for capturing, managing, manipulating, analysing and displaying data relating to the Earth's surface, emphasizing raster applications. Practical work using ArcGIS.

Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), GEOG (single or combined), GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) and ERSC (single or combined) majors until date specified in Registration guide. After that date open to IASC (single or combined), ERSC (single, combined or general studies), GEOG (single, combined or general studies), GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior), GHUM, SOSC majors, IASC, ERSC and GEOG minors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 2P07 or permission of the instructor.

IASC 3P06

Game Criticism

Critical methods from literary, film and cultural contexts, informed by the emerging canon of game criticism, and applied to games as expressive and cultural artifacts. Discourse analysis focusing on game genres, perspective, hardware platforms, computational frameworks, gameplay affordances, narratives, ludology and the process of meaning making.

Lecture, lab, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 2P04 and 2P05 or permission of the Centre.

#IASC 3P10

Expanded Video Process and Production

(also offered as VISA 3P10)

Practical and conceptual strategies in moving image production using digital video capture, other time-based media and emerging technologies. Contextualization in contemporary discourses. Script, location, directing actors, sequence, production design, planning and process, editing and effects.

Lectures, studio work, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until the date specified in Registration guide. Students must have a minimum of 8.0 overall credits.

Prerequisite(s): two IASC, VISA credits; VISA 2P97 or permission of the instructor.

Note: VISA 1P95 recommended. Materials fee required. Students might require additional materials, which they must supply.

#IASC 3P14

Dramatic Creation for Contemporary Cultural Practice

(also offered as DART 3P14, STAC 3P14 and VISA 3P14)

Components of dramatic story. Understanding character, dramatic action, structure, direction, improvisation, tempo, rhythm, voice and body potential. Theory and practical application in projects for creators in the arts, media and film.

Seminar, workshop, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): two IASC, COMM, DART, STAC, VISA credits or permission of the instructor.

Note: enrolment limited to 18 students. Materials fee required. Students might need additional materials, which they must supply.

Students will not receive earned credit for IASC 3P14 if DART 3F50, 3P53 or 3P92 have been successfully completed.

#IASC 3P15

Writing for New Media

(also offered as WRIT 3P15)

Theory and practice of writing for new online media. May include web sites, blogs, Twitter and other social media.

Prerequisite(s): one credit from COMM 1F90, ENGL 1(alpha)90 to 1(alpha)99, WRIT 1(alpha)90 to 1(alpha)99 or permission of the instructor.

Note: offered online.

#IASC 3P26

Social and Cultural Aspects of Digital Gaming

(also offered as COMM 3P26 and PCUL 3P26)

Critical investigation of digital gaming, particularly of the interrelationships among past and present games, culture and media.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: students must have a minimum of 9.0 overall credits or permission of the instructor.

Prerequisite(s): one of IASC 1P04 and 1P05, 2F00, PCUL 2P20.

#IASC 3P28

Rhetorical Analysis

(also offered as ENGL 3P28 and WRIT 3P28)

Analysis of literary and non-literary texts using categories, insights and practices of classical and contemporary rhetorical studies. Texts include poetry, fiction, drama, journalism, scientific and political writing, and advertising. Attention to the rhetoric of public spaces, issues of social justice, and the building and maintenance of human communities.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): two ENGL credits, one WRIT credit numbered 2(alpha)00 or above or permission of the instructor.

#IASC 3P39

Contemporary Literature in English

(also offered as ENGL 3P39)

The postmodern period emphasizing the forms, approaches and cultural responses that have characterized writing in English in the later 20th century.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): one of IASC 2P57 and 2P70, two ENGL credits numbered 2(alpha)00 to 2(alpha)99 or permission of the instructor.

#IASC 3P62

Video Games in the Classroom

(also offered as EDUC 3P62)

Research and current issues related to the integration of video games and other interactive new media technologies into the elementary and secondary school instructional program.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to students with a minimum of 6.0 overall credits.

#IASC 3P73

Creative Writing for Digital Media

(also offered as ENCW 3P73, ENGL 3P73 and WRIT 3P73)

Exploration of new avenues for creative expression opened by digital technologies. Consideration of how digitalization changes such notions as the nature of creativity, genre, audience, authorship and copyright.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), ECUL, ENCW, ENGL (single or combined), ENGL (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior), RWRT majors and minors until date specified in Registration guide.

Prerequisite(s): two ENGL credits or permission of the instructor.

#IASC 3P90

Advanced Topics in Digital Culture

(also offered as COMM 3P90)

Explorations of topics such as virtual communities, cyber-identity/identities and cyber-spirituality.

Lectures, lab, seminar, 4 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 2P90 or permission of the instructor.

IASC 3P91

Prototype Process and Development

Game development from concept through to production, including concept evaluation, storyboarding, work flow and team management.

Seminar, lab 3 hours per week.

#IASC 3P92

Technology and Culture

(also offered as COMM 3P92 and PCUL 3P92)

Exploration of mutually productive relations among cultural practices and technologies, using historical and contemporary examples.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined), BCMN, COMM, MCMN, PCUL majors and DCUL minors with a minimum of 8.0 overall credits.

Prerequisite(s): one of IASC 1F01 (1F00), IASC 1P04 and 1P05, COMM 2P26, 2P98 (3P14), PCUL 2P20 or permission of the instructor.

#IASC 3P94

Introduction to Human Computer Interaction

(also offered as APCO 3P94 and COSC 3P94)

Human factors in the design and support of computing systems. Design methodologies such as GOMS, TAGs and Task Analysis. Design principles relating to various interaction paradigms.

Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab/seminar, 2 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): two credits from IASC (minimum 60 percent), APCO (minimum 60 percent), COSC (minimum 60 percent) or permission of the instructor.

IASC 3P97

Interactive Media Portfolio

Cumulative portfolio that presents and reflects upon individual and team work (process and completed productions) developed through Interactive Arts and Science program.

Lab, 4 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors with a minimum of 10.0 overall credits.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 3F00.

Note: enrolment limited to 15 students. Materials fee required. Students must supply any additional materials and equipment.

IASC 3P98

Directed Studies

Program of study through research and readings designed in consultation with the faculty member directing the course.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors with a minimum of 10.0 overall credits and permission of the Centre.

Note: students are responsible for arranging their directed study course with a faculty member and must submit a written contract signed by the faculty member to the Director prior to registration.

IASC 3P99

Directed Project

Interactive media project with directed readings designed in consultation with the faculty member directing the course.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors with a minimum of 10.0 overall credits and permission of the Centre.

Note: students are responsible for arranging their directed project course with a faculty member and must submit a written contract signed by the faculty member to the Director prior to registration.

IASC 3V90-3V99

Special Studies in the Visual and Perfoming Arts

Topics in an area of interest to the student and instructor.

IASC 4F00

Team-based Practicum in Interactive Media Design and Production

Planning and production of a collaborative interactive media project.

Seminar, lab, 5 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors with approval to year 4 (honours) or permission of the Centre.

Note: materials fee required. Students must supply any additional materials.

#IASC 4P01

Creating Social Value from Material Culture

(also offered as STAC 4P01)

Theory and practice of creating social value from material culture. Curatorial and interpretive practice in public institutions focusing on art, human and natural history, and science and technology. Informal learning theory, authority structures and community engagement, audience segmentation and selection, exhibit design, and collections development within social and political contexts.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: students must have a minimum of 10.0 overall credits or permission of the instructor.

Note: event attendance may be required. Event fees may be required.

IASC 4P02

Video Game Research and Development

Directed program of readings and research related to the theoretical and practical aspects of game design/development as applied to each student's individual contributions to a team-based project. Best practices in the preparation of design and technical documentation.

Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.

Prerequisite(s): IASC 3P04 and 3P06.

#IASC 4P19

Heritage Interpretation in the Digital Age

(also offered as TMGT 4P19)

Use of digital platforms to identify, inventory, interpret, and conserve Niagara's natural and cultural heritage. Role of environmental heritage in tourism and education.

Lectures, tutorial, project workshop, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: students must have a minimum of 12.0 overall credits or permission of instructor.

Note: tutorials and class meetings held throughout the term. Independent field work for production of an online interpretive report on environmental heritage features in Niagara.

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in TREN 4P19.

#IASC 4P72

High and Low Art: Intersections, Exchanges and Flows

(also offered as STAC 4P72 and VISA 4P72)

The exchange between high art and entertainment, considering intertextuality and cultural appropriation; the changing role of museums and community-based arts; and the migration of values and tastes between market-driven and not-for-profit cultural outcomes.

Seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: students must have a minimum of 14.0 overall credits or permission of the instructor.

Note: event attendance is required; event fees required.

Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in STAC 4V72.

IASC 4V70-4V79

Advanced Studies in Interactive Arts and Science

Variable topics in an area of mutual interest to students and instructor

IASC 4V73

2015-2016: Advanced Studies in Interactive Arts and Science

Multiplayer level design for competitive first person games. Map making and game design readings.

Seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors and permission of the instructor.

Note: may be offered online.

IASC 4V79

2015-2016: Digital Assistive/Adaptive Technologies

Historical development and critical analysis of digital assistive/adaptive technologies and their implications for gaming and game design.

Seminar, 3 hours per week.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors and permission of the instructor.

INTERNSHIP COURSE

IASC 3P95

Internship in Interactive Media

Part-time internship in a business related to interactive media or the gaming industry.

Tutorial, 1 hour per week, plus internship placement time.

Restriction: open to IASC (single or combined) majors and permission of the Centre.

Note: enrolment will be limited to the number of placements available. Participation is required in an orientation to the co-op experience, goal setting, and resume and interview skills preparation. Students will be required to submit stated learning objectives, a site visit, a work term report and an employer performance evaluation.