CIS 300: Introduction to Computer Game Design

Frequently Asked Questions
and Frequently Answered Answers

Who can take the course, and what are the prerequisites?
CIS300 takes many different kinds of students. But, each "track" (art, music, writing, programming) has prerequisites:

Programmers - CS 211, and demonstrable ability to program in C++   (Recommendation: use Winter Break or CS213 to get up to speed)

Artists - Drawing skill at the level of Art 251, and experience with Photoshop and/or Illustrator.

Musicians - MUSIC 120, COMS 100, and familiarity with digital music creation software.

Writers - COMS 100, and creative writing skill at the level of ENGL 280/281.

When and where does the class meet?
For Spring 2007, MTWRF 12:20-1:10, in CL3.

How do project teams work?
Students usually work in teams of about 4-6 people. The course staff picks the teams by matching people according to the interests they indicate. The staff also tries to accommodate "pre-made" teams, but we cannot guarantee that you'll always be able to work with a particular person.

Does this course fulfill technical writing credit?
CIS300 does fulfill Engineering's technical writing credit.

What does CIS300 count for?
We're certain it does not count as a 400-level project/practicum course. 

What happened to DIS's CS/CIS490 and CS790?
They still exist. In the past, we ran what's now called CIS300 as a CS/CIS490 called "Part 1." What was once "Part 2" is now CIS400. The 490/790 that remains is called "Part 4" (don't ask why). You can think of Part 4 as an independent study that follows Part 1 and 2. In Parts 2 and 4, students pitch either pitch projects (games and game technology) or sign up for occasional industry projects that we have been getting (work experience!). In general, students may continue to "retake" 490s/790s if they have multiple projects and a desire to enter the game industry. Also see the next question.

Can I be a TA?
We employ a large undergraduate TA staff. In total we have 3 Programming TAs, 3 Art TAs, 1 Music TA, and 1 Writing TA. As our TAs graduate, we need to fill these spots. In order to qualify for a TA position, you must have taken CIS300 and CIS400. Check back here to see about specific TA openings near the end of the semester.

For other questions, please check out the labs, homeworks, and past projects on this site and the GDIAC site, or contact the course staff.