The Media School
Specialization in Game Audio (Bachelor of Arts in Media)
Students on Summer 2021, Fall 2021, or Spring 2022 requirements MDAS10
Requirements
The specialization requires at least 9 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Game Audio. Two (2) courses:
- MSCH-G 320 Game Art and Sound
- MSCH-G 421 Sound for Games and Playable Media I
- MSCH-P 353 Production Audio
- MSCH-P 369 Sound Design
- MUS-Z 361 Introduction to Midi and Computer Music
MSCH-G 320 Game Art and Sound
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- A general introduction to concepts, techniques, and tools for creating audio, visual, and narrative assets used in computer games and digitally mediated environments, including sound editing and synthesis, frame-based and procedural animation, and non-linear story writing. Students will create original sounds, write and edit computer code, and author multiform narratives while studying their roles in emerging and complex systems.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-G 320 or TEL-T 284.
MSCH-G 421 Sound for Games and Playable Media I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-G 320; and consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores the theoretical, creative, and technical issues surrounding audio and interaction in games and virtual worlds, virtual reality, augmented reality, art installations, and smartphone applications. Provides the skills needed to construct sound environments that are relevant to visual media and responsive to interactions that happen within a variety of mediated environments.
MSCH-P 353 Production Audio
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 223, MSCH-C 228, MSCH-C 229, or MSCH-G 320
- Description
- Practice a broad range of audio recording and mixing exercises in preparation for advanced courses in film, video, and documentary production. Hands-on activities introduce the most commonly encountered types of audio equipment and their proper use.
MSCH-P 369 Sound Design
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 223 and one of MSCH-C 228, MSCH-C 229 or MSCH-G 320, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Introduces sound design for film and television with a focus on the role of the Sound Effects Editor. Explores the ways sound is used to enhance visual language, provide narrative cues, create a sense of space and place, focus audience attention, provide compositional structure, and create psychological ambience.
MUS-Z 361 Introduction to Midi and Computer Music
- Description
- Modest working knowledge of personal computers. Basics of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface system, its software, and the instruments commonly used with desktop MIDI workstations (synthesizers, digital samplers). MIDI sequencing, digital audio editing, and principles of digital synthesis. The course is intended for those with little prior technical training.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
- Advanced Game Audio. One (1) course:
- MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-P 455 Topics in Music Scoring for Visual Media
- MSCH-V 334 Current Topics in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-V 401 Senior Seminar in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-V 470 Issues in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-X 490 Projects in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MUS-Z 362 Computer Music: Design/Perform
MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from term to term.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit with different topics in JOUR-J 360 and MSCH-J 360.
MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Topical seminar in journalism dealing with changing subjects and materials from term to term.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit up to 4 times.
MSCH-P 455 Topics in Music Scoring for Visual Media
- Credits
- 1–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- Consent of instructor and demonstrated background in MIDI and composition; and at least junior standing
- Description
- Specialized techniques course developing students' skills in music scoring for visual media.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 18 credit hours.
MSCH-V 334 Current Topics in Media
- Credits
- 1–3 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Analysis of selected problems in media studies. Topics vary each semester.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
MSCH-V 401 Senior Seminar in Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Senior standing; and consent of instructor
- Description
- Study of problems and issues in rhetoric and communication.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 401 and MSCH-V 401.
MSCH-V 470 Issues in Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Seminar exploring new developments and advanced research in media.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
MSCH-X 490 Projects in Media
- Credits
- 1–6 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- Application approved by director of undergraduate studies, instructor, and facilities and technology director (when relevant)
- Notes
- Application is available on the Media School website
- Description
- Opportunity for individual and group projects in media production and journalism; work with faculty member on individual or group basis.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in MSCH-X 475, MSCH-X 490, and TEL-T 498.
MUS-Z 362 Computer Music: Design/Perform
- Description
- Projects in fixed-media computer music composition (with and without video) and live electronic music performance. Field recording, audio editing, sampling, effects processing, mixing, mastering, video synchronization, methods of synthesis, virtual instrument design, real-time hardware control of audio, live video processing.
- Additional information
- Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
- Specialization GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the specialization.
- Minor GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the specialization—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
Specialization Area Courses
-
Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:
- Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements at the time the course is taken—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
- Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
Exceptions to and substitutions for specialization requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.