Gaming and Interactive Media

Gaming and Interactive Media

The Gaming and Interactive Media (GAIM) Program at Felician University educates students in the necessary skills, knowledge, as well as aesthetic and critical sensibilities, to effectively communicate ideas through video games and related interactive media. Our interdisciplinary approach offers a variety of courses in computer science and the humanities. The objective of the GAIM Program is to emphasize an understanding of the field, both as an academic discipline as well as a profession, teaching hard science skills in concert with critical thought and creative forms of expression. Courses include Scripting Languages, Game Development, Animation, Screenwriting, Videomaking, New Media History, and more.

Mission Statement

Through this rigorous and dynamic curriculum, graduates of the GAIM Program will have an understanding of aesthetic and critical issues in the design of computer graphics and interactive media, effectively use appropriate technology tools, and have an appreciation for the ethics of the creative process.

Graduates will also be able to implement a variety of creative skills and techniques, as well as produce games and interactive media in a range of forms and styles. In terms of specifically technical skills, graduates will be able to analyze gaming and interactive media requirements, design and develop different games by using the best principles of the game design process, such as graphics attributes, geometric transformation, 2-Dimensional and 3- Dimensional viewing, lighting, shading, texture, and animation. Through survey knowledge of the field, they will be able to critique existing and new works, while also being able to recognize trends and understand the impact of gaming and interactive media on individuals and society.

Ultimately, GAIM graduates will be able to integrate and synthesize their skills, techniques, knowledge, and experience into a powerful career strategy.

Evaluation and Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan

i. Faith & Reason: Analyze the local and global impact of gaming design and interactive media technologies on individuals, organizations, and society through a Franciscan lens.

ii. Ethics, Values, and Truth: Judge situations and be willing to take a lead role concerning ethical, legal, social, and technology-based issues and responsibilities as a professional in the Gaming and Interactive Media industries.

iii. Communication and Expression: Communicate graphically, orally, visually, and in writing, while employing the professional skills and techniques used in the design, development, and documentation of games, within a team environment to accomplish a
common goal.

iv. Critical and Analytical Thinking: Critically assess and analyze game requirements, specific design challenges, and the principles of visual organization as expressed through projects and presentations utilizing traditional media, graphics software, and Web design elements.

Program Criteria

Students must meet the following requirements:

1. Satisfy Felician University admission requirements.
2. Completion of Program application by deadline.
3. Maintain an Institutional GPA of 2.75 or better.
4. Achieve a minimum grade of “C” in each required course.

Once admitted to the GAIM program, students falling below the required 2.75 Institutional GPA will be required to improve their Institutional GPA to a 2.75 in order to be readmitted to the program. Also, as per University policy, students must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in all major required coursework. The 2.75 GPA minimum will be evaluated each semester by the Dean’s Office.