間眅埶AV

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Interactive Arts and Technology Honours

Bachelor of Arts

The School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT) offers a bachelor of arts (BA) degree with an honours in interactive arts and technology with three concentrations: design, media arts and interactive systems.

間眅埶AV Requirements

間眅埶AV is based on a competitive cumulative grade point average. Students whose first admission attempt is unsuccessful may improve their average by completing additional courses. 間眅埶AV to the school is possible via three routes, as outlined below.

Route 1

These applicants come directly from BC high school 12 or have equivalent high school preparation in accordance with the requirements.

Route 2

Internal transfer applicants are students who have already been admitted to another 間眅埶AV program, and now wish to be transfer to the School of Interactive Arts and Technology.

Students apply to either the program after completing 18 units of the lower division requirements listed below, or equivalents.

Route 3

These applicants apply to the School of Interative Arts and Technology for direct transfer from another post-secondary institution.

Students apply to the program after completing 18 units of the lower division requirements listed below, or equivalents.

Prerequisite Grade Requirement

Interactive Arts and Technology course entry requires a grade of C- or better in each prerequisite course.

Students must obtain permission from the department if they wish to complete, for further credit, any course that is a prerequisite for a course the student has already completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Grade Point Average

For honours, a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division grade point average (UDGPA) is required.

Program Requirements

Students complete 132 units, as specified below.

This program requires the completion of

  • lower and upper division requirements of the BA degree program as specified below
  • honours research project sequence (IAT 490-6, 491-6)
  • a total of at least 132 units including 60 upper division units, 48 of which must be upper division IAT units.

Lower Division Requirements

Core Courses

SIAT lower division core requirements are as follows.

Students complete all of

CMPT 166 - An Animated Introduction to Programming (3)

An informal introduction to programming using examples drawn from animation and graphics. Fundamental programming language features are covered, including variables, expressions, statements, loops, functions, and objects. Class design, event-driven programming or other advanced programming techniques may be introduced as needed. No prior programming experience is assumed. Prerequisite: Recommended: BC Math 12 or equivalent. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

or an equivalent introductory programming course such as CMPT 120, 125, 126, or 128

IAT 100 - Digital Image Design (3)

This is a project-based course that introduces the theory and hands-on practice of art and design in digital media. As the introductory course in IAT, this course teaches the core fundamental principles in 2D visual design, sequential and animation design. Students learn the fundamentals of digital photography and vector image creation. The theory is contextualized in contemporary new media design practice and is broadly applicable across disciplines. Breadth-Humanities.

IAT 102 - Graphic Design (3)

Introduction to fundamental design principles for visual communication. Organized as a continual interplay of theory and practice, students will examine historical, philosophical, perceptual and semiotic approaches to understanding graphic design, and will explore principles of form, such as structure and composition, hierarchy, form, color, space, scale, typography, and legibility and readability through hands-on projects. Traditional time-based and interactive media forms will be compared and contrasted.

IAT 103W - Design Communication and Collaboration (3)

Teaches essential skills for negotiating first-year course work successfully. Covers the principles, practice and understanding of effective communication, research, critical thinking, and teamwork with a focus on issues central to the practice of IAT as a profession. Presents opportunities to practice and develop interpersonal skills and make that expertise transferable to the workplace. Students who have completed TECH 101W may not complete this course for further credit. Writing.

IAT 106 - Spatial Thinking and Communicating (3)

Introduces the world of 3D thinking, representation and communication, with a focus on spatial thinking. Provides the foundational skills and knowledge needed to understand, create, and use computer-generated 3D representations. Covers the technical bases of representing 3D environments, as well as cognitive science theories of visual thinking. Students with credit for TECH 106 may not complete this course for further credit.

IAT 167 - Digital Games: Genre, Structure, Programming and Play (3)

Introduces game genres, structures, and programming methods basic to developing games. Students learn how games are designed and how to program the underlying patterns that facilitate play and engagement. Issues of user interface, skills and competition are discussed as are principles of compelling entertainment for players. Prerequisite: CMPT 166 (or equivalent first year programming course such as CMPT 120, 125, 126, 128, 130 or 135). Students who have obtained credit for, or are currently enrolled in, a CMPT course at the 200 division or higher, or IAT 265 or 267 may not complete this course for credit.

IAT 201 - Human-Computer Interaction and Cognition (3) *

Introduces topics in human perception, cognition and embodied action as a foundation of design for human use. It explores the practical application of techniques for analyzing diverse interactive situations and designing effective user interfaces. Students will engage in the analysis and design of a simple user interface, gaining detailed knowledge and experience with the standard basic techniques for interface specification, prototyping and evaluation. Prerequisite: Completion of 24 units, including at least one lower division "W" course.

IAT 202 - New Media Images (3)

Explores the computational nature of technology as applied to contemporary art and design. It is a studio-based, media production course that explores new forms of art and design that are mediated by or modeled after computing processes as opposed to transforming or digitizing existing forms. Prerequisite: IAT 100 and a minimum of 15 units. Students with credit for IAT 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

IAT 222 - Interactive Arts (3)

Introduces key concepts within contemporary digital art practices. Issues surrounding digital art will be explored through readings, the study of artworks, and the creation of their own artistic projects. Prerequisite: completion of 24 units. Breadth-Humanities.

IAT 233 - Spatial Design (3)

Designing and understanding spaces used by people. The iterative process of making and criticizing, experiencing and analyzing spatial form. Compositional ideas for form-making. Critical thinking applied to design. Computers are the principal medium used in this course for form-making and visualization. Prerequisite: IAT 102 or an approved course in design.

IAT 235 - Information Design (3)

Introduces theory and practice of designing visual representations of information. Students will learn to visually translate textual, numerical and evidentiary information so that it can be communicated to diverse user communities and contexts. An emphasis will be on understanding how the meaning of images can change over time and across contexts and cultures. Beginning with photographic images, interactive charts, graphs, and maps, projects progress to more complex information in media forms ranging from advanced aspects of the web to interactive 3D visualizations. The relationship between visual display is explored in relation to its technology of creation, including code and information architecture. Prerequisite: IAT 102.

IAT 265 - Multimedia Programming for Art and Design (3) *

Using cases from topics such as animation, cinema, music and design, this course introduces a variety of programming tools and techniques. Practical use of multimedia scripting languages and authoring environments is covered in the context of a series of composition and design projects. Code libraries and programming techniques for specific media will be introduced. Assessment will be based on both programming and the expressive use of programs in their case context. Prerequisite: IAT 167 and one of MATH 130, MACM 101, MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157. Students who have completed IAT 267 before Dec. 31 2012 may use IAT 267 as a prerequisite for IAT 265 instead of IAT 167. Quantitative.

or other approved second year programming course

IAT 267 - Introduction to Technological Systems (3)

Introduction to the core technologies and systems used in media-rich interactive environments, including computer hardware, operating systems, input and output technologies, networking and media. The concepts will be examined by working in a high-level media programming environment. Prerequisite: IAT 167. Students who have completed IAT 265 before Dec. 31 2012, may use IAT 265 as a prerequisite for IAT 267. Recommended: IAT 265 or other second year programming course.

* these courses or their equivalents must have a science designation

Additional Requirements

Students in this BA program will also complete both of

IAT 206 - Media Across Cultures (3)

Introduces a discursive framework for media, design and cultural interfaces enabling students to interpret, negotiate, and engage with new media with an awareness of the significance of cultural and contextual difference. Assessment is based on written and project work. Prerequisite: Completion of 18 units. Breadth-Humanities.

or equivalent

MATH 130 - Geometry for Computer Graphics (3)

An introductory course in the application of geometry and linear algebra principles to computer graphical representation. Vector and matrix algebra, two and three dimensional transformations, homogeneous coordinates, perspective geometry. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least C. Quantitative.

or equivalent

Upper Division Requirements

Students in this BA program will complete 24 units chosen from the following

IAT 312 - Foundations of Game Design (3)

Examines the discipline of game design. Games are studied across three analytical frameworks: games as rules (formal system), games as play (experiential system), games as culture (social system). Includes analytical and practical exercises in game design. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 265.

IAT 313 - Narrative and New Media (3)

Explores the role of narrative in various media and New Media environments, from traditional linear environments and multi-linear and networked media environments. Examines the relationship of narrative elements in the light of the practice and the aesthetics of New Media. It will include an overview of New Media theorists. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units.

IAT 320 - Body Interface (3)

Explores ideas of embodiment, knowledge, and space within the human relationship to technology. Throughout this course, students will construct and analyze contemporary and historical models of bodily interaction with machines, understand physical practices of embodiment, and apply these concepts to representation, design, and the production of artistic interface. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 267,301 or 222.

IAT 334 - Interface Design (3)

Provides an introduction to the art and design of human-computer interfaces, design methods, prototyping and evaluation of user interfaces. Examines issues of interactivity and its relation to human contexts and technological systems. The role of aesthetic, symbolic, affective and cultural factors will be assessed in concert with scientific and technological issues. The class is primarily focused on visual interfaces on computer monitors and hand-held devices, but culminates with considerations of increasingly physical interactions in ubiquitous environments. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 235.

IAT 338 - Interactive Objects and Environments (3)

Develops programming and scripting skills for developing combined software, and hardware prototype versions of interactive objects and environments. Covers the art and design of interactive objects and environments. Methodologies emphasizing embodiment, kinesthetics and haptics are introduced by combining theory and practice. Students develop programming skills for developing working prototypes comprised of software, sensors, and hardware. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 233, 235 and 267, or IAT 230, 231, 232 and 204.

IAT 343 - Animation (3)

An introduction to techniques for 3D computer animation such as keyframing, performance animation, procedural methods, motion capture, and simulation. The course also includes an overview of story-boarding, scene composition, lighting and sound track generation. The course will explore current research topics in computer animation such as facial animation, behavioral animation, artificial life and interactive systems. Prerequisite: Minimum of 24 units, including MATH 130 or MACM 101 or MATH 151 or equivalent. Students with credit for IAT 241 may not take this course for further credit.

IAT 344 - Moving Images (3)

Reviews and consolidates the fundamentals of digital video production, including camera and composition skills, the role of sound, lighting, and continuity and montage editing. Students will review and analyze works from traditional cinema and from contemporary digital video. The course will reinforce fundamental skills and extend the student's abilities to use a range of digital production, post-production, and presentation techniques. Prerequisite: Minimum of 48 units and IAT 202 or 101 or other approved digital video course. Students with credit for IAT 242 may not take this course for further credit.

IAT 380 - Special Topics in Interactive Arts and Technology (Arts) (3)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to registration each semester. Variable units: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. Prerequisite: 48 units.

IAT 431 - Speculative Design (3)

Provides students with the opportunity to experiment with designing in various non-normative frameworks provided by cultural studies, critical theory and phenomenology. Students will examine design's potential for cultural, social and ethical critique of emerging technologies and society. Rather than merely illustrating theoretical positions, this examination involves enacting and embodying differing theoretical positions, thereby rendering criticism productive. Individual design expertise and voice is emphasized. Prerequisite: Completion of 63 units.

IAT 443 - Interactive Video (3)

An intermediate level investigation of interactivity explored through media, in the context of current display technologies relevant to Interactive Arts and Design. Examines recombinant, computational and compositional structures related to image, sound and video. Students explore video within technologies ranging from cell phones and mobile locative media, and hand held and wearable devices, to 3D immersive virtual and/or networked environments, video art installations, multiple scales of display technology, and responsive spaces. Students will design, produce and critically appraise work. Prerequisite: IAT 344 or 242.

IAT 445 - Immersive Environments (3)

Introduces advanced 3D computer animation and virtual world building techniques. Integrates hands-on fundamentals with design praxis and theoretical and research concerns. Fundamentals are complemented with examples from current research and design praxis. The studio aspect of the course will include assignments focusing on specific animation and behaviour modeling techniques and a team-based design project. Prerequisite: IAT 241 or 343.

IAT 480 - Special Topics in Interactive Arts and Technology (Arts) (3)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrolment each term. Variable units: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. Prerequisite: 69 units.

and any upper division course from communication (CMNS), publishing (PUB), cognitive science (COGS), contemporary arts (FPA), human geography (GEOG), philosophy (PHIL), business (BUS), or psychology (PSYC).

Concentrations

A concentration is an area of specialization that approved IAT majors may pursue within their Bachelor of Arts.

Students may choose their area of concentration after completing at least 27 units of lower division core courses. All upper division (300 & 400 level) concentration courses must be completed at 間眅埶AV.

Areas of concentration are only open to approved IAT majors. Students pursuing an IAT minor may not pursue an area of concentration. Acceptance to some concentrations is limited due to the limited spaces in required courses; students will be accepted to these limited concentrations based on their CGPA and are required to maintain the specified CGPA while pursuing the limited concentration. Students can be accepted only to one concentration at the same time. Students in a concentration have priority in registering for that concentration's courses. Students are required to complete all their concentration courses within two years, after this time they will lose their priority for registration in concentration courses.

Students who do not choose a concentration or are not accepted to any concentration may still complete concentration requirements and apply for recognition of the completed concentration on their degrees at the time of graduation.

Students may complete more than one concentration. All completed concentrations will be recognized on their degrees.

Concentration in Media Arts

This concentration studies the creation, analysis and understanding of new media. New media environments are both computational artifacts and cultural experiences that include historical, social, aesthetic, and economic processes. Graduates will be skilled in the critical analysis and making of new media forms such as electronic games, digital video, computer animation, and interactive multimedia.

Students who choose this concentration complete all of

IAT 313 - Narrative and New Media (3)

Explores the role of narrative in various media and New Media environments, from traditional linear environments and multi-linear and networked media environments. Examines the relationship of narrative elements in the light of the practice and the aesthetics of New Media. It will include an overview of New Media theorists. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units.

IAT 320 - Body Interface (3)

Explores ideas of embodiment, knowledge, and space within the human relationship to technology. Throughout this course, students will construct and analyze contemporary and historical models of bodily interaction with machines, understand physical practices of embodiment, and apply these concepts to representation, design, and the production of artistic interface. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 267,301 or 222.

IAT 343 - Animation (3)

An introduction to techniques for 3D computer animation such as keyframing, performance animation, procedural methods, motion capture, and simulation. The course also includes an overview of story-boarding, scene composition, lighting and sound track generation. The course will explore current research topics in computer animation such as facial animation, behavioral animation, artificial life and interactive systems. Prerequisite: Minimum of 24 units, including MATH 130 or MACM 101 or MATH 151 or equivalent. Students with credit for IAT 241 may not take this course for further credit.

IAT 344 - Moving Images (3)

Reviews and consolidates the fundamentals of digital video production, including camera and composition skills, the role of sound, lighting, and continuity and montage editing. Students will review and analyze works from traditional cinema and from contemporary digital video. The course will reinforce fundamental skills and extend the student's abilities to use a range of digital production, post-production, and presentation techniques. Prerequisite: Minimum of 48 units and IAT 202 or 101 or other approved digital video course. Students with credit for IAT 242 may not take this course for further credit.

IAT 443 - Interactive Video (3)

An intermediate level investigation of interactivity explored through media, in the context of current display technologies relevant to Interactive Arts and Design. Examines recombinant, computational and compositional structures related to image, sound and video. Students explore video within technologies ranging from cell phones and mobile locative media, and hand held and wearable devices, to 3D immersive virtual and/or networked environments, video art installations, multiple scales of display technology, and responsive spaces. Students will design, produce and critically appraise work. Prerequisite: IAT 344 or 242.

IAT 445 - Immersive Environments (3)

Introduces advanced 3D computer animation and virtual world building techniques. Integrates hands-on fundamentals with design praxis and theoretical and research concerns. Fundamentals are complemented with examples from current research and design praxis. The studio aspect of the course will include assignments focusing on specific animation and behaviour modeling techniques and a team-based design project. Prerequisite: IAT 241 or 343.

Concentration in Interactive Systems

Students in this concentration learn how to design and program interactive technology used in work, play and learning.

This concentration emphasizes applying human-computer interaction principles to highly interactive applications, devices and systems. Graduates will be able to conceive, design and program applications in areas such as the web, handheld devices and games.

Students who choose this concentration must complete all of

IAT 351 - Advanced Human-Computer Interaction (3)

Students will learn about and gain experience with a wide variety of interaction technologies, environments and architectures supporting user interaction with systems in work, learning and play. Applied topics may include, but are not limited to, collaboration and computers; ubiquitous and responsive environments; security, trust and privacy; networking; and distributed and heterogeneous interfaces. Emphasis is on practical experience, involving a group design/analysis project in advanced topics in human computer interaction. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 265 or other approved second year programming course, and IAT 201 or equivalent introductory HCI course. Strongly recommended: IAT 267.

IAT 352 - Internet Computing Technologies (3)

XML technologies, databases and data mining are reviewed as means of storing and extracting knowledge. Server-client and service oriented architectures are examined from the perspective of building interactive systems. Web 2.0 technologies are reviewed, including peer-to-peer systems, social networking portals, and personalization technologies. Students apply conceptual knowledge by programming a web application using AJAX, servlets and a database. Prerequisite: REQ-completion of 48 units, including IAT 265 or other approved second year programming course.

IAT 355 - Introduction to Visual Analytics (3)

Focuses on the design and implementation of interactive computer visualization techniques for the analysis, comprehension, and explanation of large collections of abstract information. The application of principles from perception, information visualization, interaction and visual analytics will be covered. Introduces tools for programming geometric information and displaying the results. Emphasizes development of practical skills in using graphics libraries and tools: students will develop programming experience with relevant examples and techniques. Prerequisite: IAT 201 and IAT 267 and either IAT 265 or CMPT 225 or other approved second year programming course. Recommended: IAT 235.

IAT 410 - Advanced Game Design (3)

Students will design and develop a variety of electronic games, culminating in an advanced game project. They will continue to analyze the experience of play within the game, and the connections between the game experience and broader cultural phenomena. Prerequisite: Completion of 63 units, including IAT 265 or equivalent programming course. Strongly recommended: IAT 312.

IAT 452 - Developing Design Tools (3)

Introduces approaches to customizing and developing software applications as design-support tools to be employed in dynamic design environments comprising people, other tools, and their interactions in relation to the tasks to be performed. Discusses effective strategies for software development to find the best matching solutions for a given situation and applies the select methods in software design, prototyping, and evaluation. Makes use of software development processes, languages, and notations in representing design of the tools being developed. Experiments with contemporary systems such as drafting tools (CAD), authoring applications (for games, Websites, animations), parametric design-modeling systems, etc.; and searches their potentials to enhance design environments. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 351.

IAT 455 - Computational Media (3)

The representation of media is introduced: specifically one dimensional (sound), two dimensional (images) and three dimensional (moving images). This course focuses on techniques and methods for creating digital video special effects, allowing students to explore their creativity while extending their graphics and programming skills in digital media. Computational techniques based on signal processing are developed that support the creation, manipulation, combination, transformation, compression, storage and display/performance of different media forms. An important aspect is representation in the temporal/spatial vs. the frequency domain and different transformation techniques. Students will be required to generate special effects, critique and analyze effects from movies, develop skills and abilities to manipulate digital video and audio, and implement their own algorithms to express their technical and artistic skills. Prerequisite: IAT 265 and MACM 101. Recommended: MATH 151 or equivalent.

Concentration in Design

This concentration focuses on the design and use of interactive products and systems. It emphasizes designing and understanding all aspects of successful designs. Graduates will demonstrate ability in contemporary design from requirements through design to critique and evaluation.

Students who choose this concentration must complete all of

IAT 333 - Interaction Design Methods (3)

Examines concepts of design practice and related design methods for interaction designers. Design methods include ethnography, personas, design games, role-playing, scenarios, participatory workshops, and prototyping. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 credits, including IAT 265. Recommended: IAT 102 or 233.

IAT 334 - Interface Design (3)

Provides an introduction to the art and design of human-computer interfaces, design methods, prototyping and evaluation of user interfaces. Examines issues of interactivity and its relation to human contexts and technological systems. The role of aesthetic, symbolic, affective and cultural factors will be assessed in concert with scientific and technological issues. The class is primarily focused on visual interfaces on computer monitors and hand-held devices, but culminates with considerations of increasingly physical interactions in ubiquitous environments. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 235.

IAT 336 - Materials in Design (3)

Introduces material properties and performance in the context of interactive artifacts. Covers criteria for material selection, including durability, environmental effects, tactile properties, manufacturing processes, compatibility and effects of particular forms of use. Prerequisite: IAT 233 or 230.

IAT 337 - Representation and Fabrication (3)

Introduces computer-based tools for representing and fabricating designs. Covers the representation of work within a design process, the use of visualization techniques to communicate with clients, and the use of digital fabrication technology to build prototypes. Projects are chosen to highlight key representational issues in contemporary design practice. Prerequisite: IAT 233.

IAT 338 - Interactive Objects and Environments (3)

Develops programming and scripting skills for developing combined software, and hardware prototype versions of interactive objects and environments. Covers the art and design of interactive objects and environments. Methodologies emphasizing embodiment, kinesthetics and haptics are introduced by combining theory and practice. Students develop programming skills for developing working prototypes comprised of software, sensors, and hardware. Prerequisite: Completion of 48 units, including IAT 233, 235 and 267, or IAT 230, 231, 232 and 204.

IAT 431 - Speculative Design (3)

Provides students with the opportunity to experiment with designing in various non-normative frameworks provided by cultural studies, critical theory and phenomenology. Students will examine design's potential for cultural, social and ethical critique of emerging technologies and society. Rather than merely illustrating theoretical positions, this examination involves enacting and embodying differing theoretical positions, thereby rendering criticism productive. Individual design expertise and voice is emphasized. Prerequisite: Completion of 63 units.

In addition, students complete sufficient unspecified upper division courses to total 60, and unspecified courses at any division to total 132 units overall.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to 間眅埶AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at 間眅埶AV within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 as upper division work.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.

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