Computational Media
2018-19 General Catalog
Baskin School of Engineering
(831) 459-2158
https://www.soe.ucsc.edu/
Faculty | Computational Media Course Descriptions | Games and Playable Media Courses
Program Description
Computational media includes the creation, enhancement, and study of media forms for which computational processes enable deeply interactive and generative experiences, as well as the use of computation to understand and assist creation of media broadly. The department emphasizes the construction of technologies that make possible novel media experiences and tools, while simultaneously embracing and engaging in theoretical and practical approaches from the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The Computational Media (CMPM) Department offers courses on a wide range of topics, many of which integrate technical subject matter with design-oriented, theoretical, and historical topics. The Computational Media Department administers an undergraduate bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in computer game design, a master of science (M.S.) degree in games and playable media,as well as a master of science (M.S.) and a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in computational media. Besides offering instructional courses, the department engages in a substantial research program in which both advanced undergraduates and graduate students participate.
B.S. Computer Science: Computer Game Design Major Requirements
The goal of this degree is to provide students a deep understanding of the technical aspects of computer game engineering and a broad background in the artistic, systemic, and production elements of game design and development. The core of the degree program is a strong grounding in computer science and computer engineering, preceded by a foundation in mathematics. Classes also develop skills in areas such as visual communication and team-oriented game production, while developing knowledge of topics such as game and art history, play experiences, and social and ethical issues. In their upper-division courses, students gain depth by taking upper-division electives in computational media, computer science, and computer engineering, with options such as game AI, mobile app development, game engine architecture, and interactive narrative. A two-course interdisciplinary game creation experience (usually taken at the end of the sophomore year) and a year-long interdisciplinary capstone game design and development studio class allow students to develop substantial computer games and integrate materials from the rest of the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Recipients of a B.S. degree in computer game design at UCSC are expected to have the following skills and experiences:
- Demonstrate mastery of computer science in the following core knowledge areas: algorithms, data structures, complexity, and software engineering and development.
- Apply system-level perspective by thinking at multiple levels of detail and abstraction and by recognizing the context in which a computer system may function, including its interactions with people and the physical world.
- Apply problem-solving skills and the knowledge of computer science to solve real problems.
- Recognize and take into account the social, legal, ethical, and cultural issues in the discipline of computer games.
- Demonstrate written and oral communication skills regarding technical material about computer science and computer games, broadly conceived.
- Design and build a technical system that achieves an artistic goal for audience experience, employing sound computer science techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to collaboratively plan, organize, and execute complex, team-oriented projects, using appropriate communication and coordination techniques.
Declaration of the Major
In order to be admitted into the Computer Science: Computer Game Design major, students must be listed as a proposed major within the School of Engineering. Students in the Engineering and Computing Cluster must propose a major before they can declare. Please refer to the School of Engineering section under “Declaration of Major” for more information.
In addition to being listed as a proposed School of Engineering major, admission to the Computer Science: Computer Game Design major is based on the following criteria:
- Students have to complete all the foundation courses when they declare their major: a core programming sequence, Computer Engineering (CMPE) 16: Applied Discrete Mathematics, and a calculus sequence, which may be Mathematics 19A and 19B, or 20A and 20B. Options for core programming include one of the following group of classes:
- Computer Science (CMPS) 5J, CMPS 11, and CMPS 12B/M or
- CMPS 12A/L and CMPS 12B/M or
- CMPE 13/L and CMPS 12B/M or
- CMPS 13H/L
- A GPA of 2.80 must be obtained in the foundation courses attempted at UCSC
- Declaration of the major can happen no sooner than the student's second quarter, and no later than the campus deadline
At most one unsuccessful attempt (grade C-, D+, D, D-, F, or NP) for a foundation course is permitted. Denials of admission to the major may be appealed by submitting a letter to the School of Engineering Undergraduate Office, addressed to the Computational Media Undergraduate Director. The appeal letter must describe why the prior performance is not an accurate reflection of the student's potential. Students who are informed that they are not eligible to declare the major after their first appeal may submit a letter to the department chair within 15 days from the date the notification was mailed. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, the department will notify the student and their college of the decision.
Honors in the Major
Students must obtain a GPA of 3.8 or higher in the courses in the major to be considered for the distinction of “Highest Honors in the Major.” Students must obtain a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the courses in the major to be considered for the distinction of “Honors in the Major.” The School of Engineering reserves the right to withhold honors based on other criteria, such as an incident of academic dishonesty.
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students must satisfy the Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement by successfully passing CMPM 170.
Letter Grade Policy
Please refer to the School of Engineering section of the catalog (subheading: Letter Grade Policy).
Transfer Students
Most courses have a strong theoretical component to prepare the student for designing, as opposed to simply using, technical and game systems. Often, courses taken at other institutions which emphasize applications of current programming languages and authoring tools do not count toward the major at UCSC.
At UCSC, the core programming sequence—courses Computer Science (CMPS) 12A/L (or 5J and 11) and 12B/M (or 13H/L, which covers both 12A/L and 12B/M)—exposes students to both Java and C. Many upper-division courses that involve programming use the C and C++ programming languages. Transfer students who are not familiar with both Java and C may need to take a remedial course. Students familiar with C++ and Unix should find the transition to Java and C relatively simple.
Transfer students must have completed all of the core programming, computer systems, and mathematics courses (CMPS 12A/L and 12B/M, CMPE 16, MATH 19 A and B), or their articulated equivalents. A student lacking one such course may be admitted if they have completed CMPE 12/L. It is highly recommended that all transfer students complete this course prior to admission.
To the extent possible, it is recommended that transfer students take the equivalents of additional major required courses beyond the core programming, computer systems, and mathematics courses. If students have access to courses that develop a foundation in building and understanding games and other forms of interactive media, these are valuable to take—and in some cases may be substituted for CMPM 80K, Foundations of Video Game Design, once they enter the program. Transfer students who are planning a course substitution for CMPM 80K should refer to the School of Engineering portion of the catalog (subheading Course Substitutions).
Finally, transfer students should have completed as many general education requirements as possible. If transfer students are admitted for the winter quarter of their junior year, they must have completed ARTG 80G and ARTG 80H before coming to UCSC.
School of Engineering Policies
Please refer to the School of Engineering section of the catalog (subheading: Admission to School of Engineering Majors) for additional policies that apply to all School of Engineering programs. These policies include admission to the major and the need for students to obtain preapproval before taking courses elsewhere.
Preparation for the Major
It is recommended that high school students intending to apply to the major have completed four years of mathematics (through advanced algebra and trigonometry) as well as any available courses in computer science, arts, and media (especially interactive media). Comparable college mathematics, arts, and media courses completed at other institutions also serve to properly prepare a student for the major.
Major Requirements
The curriculum has 24-26 courses (depending on core programming sequence taken). Fourteen of the courses are upper-division. Several of the required courses and electives are also general education courses. Please consult with the schedule of classes or the general catalog for more information.
Lower- and Upper-Division Requirements
Course requirements are divided into six conceptual areas and may not be credited in more than one area:
Mathematics
Complete all of the following courses:
Mathematics 19A-B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (students can alternately take Mathematics 20A-B, Honors Calculus. Credit for one or both Mathematics 19A-B may be granted with adequate performance on the CEEB calculus AB or BC Advanced Placement examinations).
Mathematics 21, Linear Algebra, or Applied Mathematics and Statistics 10, Mathematical Methods for Engineers I
Computer Engineering 16, Applied Discrete Mathematics
Computational Foundations
Complete all of the following courses:
Computer Science 12A/L, Introduction to Programming (Accelerated)/Laboratory* (or both Computer Science 5J and 11 or Computer Engineering 13/L)
Computer Science 12B/M, Introduction to Data Structures/Laboratory*
Computer Engineering 12/L, Computer Systems and Assembly Language/Laboratory
Computer Science 109, Advanced Programming
Computer Science 101, Algorithms and Abstract Data Types
*Computer Science (CMPS) 13H/L may be used instead of both CMPS 12A/L and 12B/M
Arts Foundations
Complete the following course:
Art and Design: Games and Playable Media (ARTG) 80G, Visual Communication and Interaction Design
Games and Playable Media Foundations
Complete all of the following courses:
Art and Design: Games and Playable Media 80H, History of Digital Games
Film and Digital Media 80V, Video Games as Visual Culture
Game Design and Development
Complete all of the following courses.
Computational Media 80K, Foundations of Video Game Design
Computational Media 120, Game Development Experience
Art and Design: Games and Playable Media 120, Game Design Experience
Computational Media 170, Game Design Studio I
Computational Media 171, Game Design Studio II (7 credits)
Computational Media 172, Game Design Studio III (7 credits)
Computational Media 176, Systems Design
Computer Game Engineering
Complete five courses from the following list. No more than two of the five can be courses marked with an asterisk (*). The majority of these Computer Game Engineering electives are technical practice electives which focus on the development and analysis of computational systems (the “programming” part of game creation). The asterisk (*) courses focus on other skills useful in computer game development, such as design, production, and mathematical analysis.
Computational Media 131, User Experience for Interactive Media
Computational Media 147, Generative Design
Computational Media 148, Interactive Storytelling
Computational Media 146, Game Artificial Intelligence
* Computational Media 150, Creating Digital Audio
Computational Media 151, Algorithmic Music for Games
Computational Media 163/L, Game Graphics and Real-Time Rendering
Computational Media 164/L, Game Engines/Laboratory
* Computational Media 177, Creative Strategies for Designing Interactive Media
Computational Media 178, Human-Centered Design Research
Computational Media 179, Game Design Practicum (may be repeated for credit; only the first offering counts toward the Computer Game Engineering requirement)
Computer Science 102, Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms
Computer Science 104A, Fundamentals of Compiler Design I
Computer Science 104B, Fundamentals of Compiler Design II
Computer Science 105, Systems Programming
Computer Science 111, Introduction to Operating Systems
Computer Science 112, Comparative Programming Languages
Computer Science 115, Software Methodology
Computer Science 116, Software Design Project
Computer Science 117, Software Design Project II
Computer Science 119, Software for Society
Computer Science 121, Mobile Applications
Computer Science 122, Computer Security
Computer Science 128, Distributed Systems, File Sharing, Online Gaming, and More
Computer Science 129, Data Storage Systems
* Computer Science 130, Computational Models
* Computer Science 132, Computability and Computational Complexity
Computer Science 140, Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science 142, Machine Learning and Data Mining
Computer Science 143, Natural Language Processing
Computer Science 160/L, Introduction to Computer Graphics/Laboratory
Computer Science 161, Introduction to Data Visualization
Computer Science 162, Advanced Computer Graphics and Animation
Computer Science 165, Data Programming for Visualization
* Computer Science 166A, Game Theory and Applications I
Computer Science 180, Database Systems I
Computer Science 181, Database Systems II
Computer Science 183, Web Applications
Computer Science 184, Data Wrangling and Visualization
Computer Engineering 110, Computer Architecture
Computer Engineering 113, Parallel and Concurrent Programming
Computer Engineering 118/L, Introduction to Mechatronics/Laboratory
Computer Engineering 150/L, Introduction to Computer Networks/Laboratory
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students must satisfy the major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement by completing the first course in the game design studio sequence CMPM 170.
Comprehensive Requirement
Students satisfy the senior comprehensive requirement by receiving a passing grade in all three courses of the game design studio sequence.
Major Planners
The following are three sample academic plans that students can use to plan their sequence of courses in the major. The first two plans are suggested guidelines for students who begin their studies in their frosh year. Such students, if they plan carefully, will have several openings free to take other breadth courses they find interesting. Plan one is for a student entering UCSC in their frosh year who is prepared to go directly into Mathematics 19A/20A and Computer Science 12A/L. Plan two is for a student entering UCSC their frosh year who needs to take preparatory courses prior to Mathematics 19A or Computer Science 12A/L to ensure a successful outcome in those courses. The third plan is for a junior transfer student who has completed their mathematics, computational foundations, modern art history, and general education requirements.
Plan One
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|
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
Year 1 |
ARTG 80H (PE-T) |
CMPM 80K (IM) |
ARTG 80I (PE-H)* |
|
ARTG 80G |
FILM 80V |
CMPM 120 (PR-E) |
|
|
Year 3 |
CMPS 101 |
Game Engineering 1 |
Game Engineering 3 |
|
Year 4 |
CMPM 170 (DC) |
CMPM 171 |
CMPM 172 |
*ARTG 80I is recommended, but not required.
Plan Two
|
|
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
Year 1 |
ARTG 80H (PE-T) |
CMPM 80K (IM) |
Composition 2 |
|
Year 2 |
ARTG 80G |
FILM 80V |
CMPM 120 (PR-E) |
|
Year 3 |
CMPS 101 |
Game Engineering 1 |
Game Engineering 3 |
|
Year 4 |
CMPM 170 (DC) |
CMPM 171 |
CMPM 172 |
Plan Three
|
|
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
Year 1 |
ARTG 80H |
CMPM 80K |
CMPS 101 |
|
CMPM 170 (DC) |
CMPM 171 |
CMPM 172 |
*This planner assumes that, in addition to the minimum requirements for transfer students to be admitted to UCSC, they have completed one of these two courses; MATH 21 or AMS 10, and CMPE 12/L; this slot in the planner is for the third course. Not having completed one additional course may result in a student taking more than two years to graduate.
Graduate Program
Master’s Degree in Computational Media
The goal of the M.S. in Computational Media (CM) is to help students build on existing strengths and move into new areas of computational media work. The design of the degree ensures, first, that students have a meaningful foundation in the key areas needed for undertaking interdisciplinary CM work. This may require some additional development in one or more areas (e.g., a sequence of computer programming classes). In addition, the M.S. coursework includes both broad and topical classes that help students understand the different ways that innovative work in CM connects the knowledge and methods of the different disciplines that contribute to it. Finally, the M.S. also includes a student-defined thesis, in which they demonstrate their ability to apply their foundational and integrative knowledge while developing novel work through supervised research. The M.S. is appropriate for students continuing in a variety of directions, including pursuing a terminal degree and performing innovative media creation.
M.S. students must complete a minimum of 35 quarter credits of graduate and upper-division courses, including 15 credits of core courses, 10 credits of topical courses, CMPM 204 (5 credits), and at least 2 credits of supervised research. No more than 15 credits may be upper-division undergraduate courses.
Core Courses (15 Credits)
CMPM 201: Introduction to Computational Media (5 credits)
CMPM 202: Computational Media Research (5 credits)
CMPM 203: Computational Media Methods (5 credits)
Topics Courses (10 Credits)
M.S. students are required to take 10 credits of CM topics courses. This category includes all 5-credit CMPM graduate classes, as long as they are not already counted in another category (e.g., it cannot include core courses), in addition to courses available in other departments. Current topics courses are listed below.
M.S. Thesis (7-10 credits)
The M.S. is either a written thesis or a project (with a written report of the project) in lieu of a thesis. It is a substantial undertaking within the CM field, which may emphasize technical, media-creation, or interpretive aspects—or may emphasize more than one area equally. It is reviewed by a committee of at least two faculty that must include at least one member of the CM department and draw half or more of its members from the UCSC academic senate. M.S. students are required to take CMPM 204 (Computational Media Project Definition), in which their written thesis or project topic is developed, as well as CMPM 299, an independent study with the faculty adviser for their written thesis or project.
Additional Requirements
There are three additional program requirements, though students may have completed the necessary work for one or more before admission.
First, all M.S. students must demonstrate an understanding of media creation in a CM context, and must do so by the end of their second year in the program. This can be completed by any of:
- The Computer Science: Computer Game Design B.S. game studio sequence (CMPM 170, 171, 172) before graduate enrollment.
- The Art and Design: Games and Playable Media B.A. game studio sequence (ARTG 170, 171, 172) before graduate enrollment.
- A Digital Arts and New Media (DANM) project group sequence (three DANM 250 courses in same area, in sequence) during or before computational media M.S./Ph.D. graduate enrollment.
- The Games and Playable Media M.S. project sequence (GAME 270, 271, 272) before computational media M.S./Ph.D. graduate enrollment (due to Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST) and cohort model, these cannot be taken by students in other programs).
- At least three graduate or upper-division undergraduate courses from a list of offerings at UCSC that require programming knowledge and are focused on defining and developing CM-related projects (e.g., CMPM 148) during or before CM graduate enrollment. See the media creation courses list below.
- Petition to CM graduate director, presenting evidence of equivalent coursework at another institution and/or equivalent CM project experience in another context.
Second, all M.S. students must demonstrate an understanding of computer programming sufficient to carry out CM research, and must do so by the end of their second year in the program. This can be completed by either:
- Taking core programming (e.g., CMPS 12A and 12B) and advanced programming (e.g., CMPS 109) at UCSC or another institution.
- Petition to CM graduate director, presenting evidence of programming knowledge developed in another context.
Third, all M.S. students are expected to have an understanding of interpretive and critical methods sufficient to carry out CM research. Students who lack such a background are strongly encouraged to take a series of courses in this area, consulting with their adviser regarding which courses would be most appropriate. A set of three courses from those required for the minor in History of Consciousness (HISC) are recommended:
- HISC 1: Introduction to the History of Consciousness
- HISC 185: Topics in the History of Consciousness
- A five-credit graduate or upper-division undergraduate course in an area of the student’s interest from the History of Consciousness course listing (which includes cross-listed courses with programs such as anthropology, political studies, and history of art and visual culture)
Note: In extraordinary circumstances the graduate director can reduce the number of required courses based on a petition presenting past accomplishments, for example, reducing the number of required topics courses by one for each substantial past research publication or system accepted from the petition.
Transfer Credit
Up to 10 credits transferred from equivalent courses in previous graduate work at UCSC or elsewhere can be applied toward the M.S. course requirements. This can satisfy the topics requirement, but is not to exceed the three-course overall limit on transfers from outside institutions. A Course Substitution/Waiver form can be found on the Jack Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE) Graduate Advising website.
Lower-Division Courses
Students who are considering enrolling in lower-division courses in order to fulfill additional degree requirements (e.g., CMPS 12A, HISC 1) may wish to consult with the course instructor and their adviser about instead taking an independent study or directed study (with the course instructor, their adviser, or a third faculty member) that subsumes the work of the course and adds additional content to bring it up to a graduate level. Graduate students must be enrolled in some combination of at least 10 credits of courses or independent studies that are either graduate or upper-division undergraduate courses in order to be considered full-time enrolled.
Current Topics Courses
CMPM 235: User Evaluation of Technology
CMPM 244: Artificial Intelligence in Games
CMPM 245: Computational Models of Discourse and Dialogue
CMPM 248: Interactive Narrative
CMPM 265: Generative Methods
CMPM 290J: Playable Media
CMPM 290K: Social and Emotional Approaches to Human Computer Interaction
CMPM 290P: Topics in Computational Cinematography
CMPE 231: Human-Computer Interaction
CMPS 260: Computer Graphics
CMPS 261: Advanced Visualization
CMPS 263: Data Driven Discovery and Visualization
CMPS 290L: Topics in Crowdsourcing and Collaboration
DANM 250A: Collaborative Research Project Group: Mechatronics (can be repeated)
DANM 250B: Collaborative Research Project Group: Participatory Culture (can be repeated)
DANM 250C: Collaborative Research Project Group: Performative Technologies (can be repeated)
DANM 250D: Collaborative Research Project Group: Playable Media (can be repeated)
FILM 228: Moving Image Archives and the Frontiers of Information
FILM 230: Expanded Documentary
FILM 234: Toward an Ethics of New Media
Current Media Creation Courses
CMPM 146: Game AI
CMPM 147: Generating Worlds
CMPM 148: Interactive Narrative
CMPM 164: Game Engines
CMPM 179: Game Design Practicum
CMPM 244: Artificial Intelligence in Games
CMPM 245: Computational Models of Discourse and Dialogue
CMPM 248: Interactive Narrative
CMPM 265: Generative Methods
CMPS 160: Introduction to Computer Graphics
CMPS 161: Introduction to Data Visualization
CMPS 165: Data Programming for Visualization
CMPS 183: Hypermedia and the Web
CMPS 260: Computer Graphics
CMPS 261: Advanced Visualization
CMPS 263: Data Driven Discovery and Visualization
Sample Programs
M.S. in One Year (Student with technical CM B.S. degree)
This is a sample program for a student who has completed a bachelor’s degree with significant technical content and a focus on some form of computational media (such as computer games). The B.S. in Computer Science: Computer Game Design at UCSC is such a degree. Such students will have already satisfied the requirement for understanding media creation in a CM context (e.g., by taking the CMPM 170, 171, and 172 sequence at UCSC) and the requirement for demonstrating an understanding of computer programming (e.g., by taking a core programming sequence and CMPS 109 at UCSC). This program is for a student who wants to complete the M.S. degree in one year.
|
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
CMPM 201 |
CMPM 202 |
CMPM 203 |
M.S. in Five Quarters (Student requiring technical and interpretive foundation work)
This is a sample program for a student who has graduated from a digital media program or other undergraduate degree that provides experience in media creation in a CM context, but not an understanding of computer programming or interpretive practices. (CMPM 202 is moved to the second year, to reflect the need for computer programming knowledge before taking this course.)
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Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
Year 1 |
CMPM 201 |
HISC 185 |
CMPM 203 |
| Topics course | Topics course | HISC graduate/ upper-division course |
|
| HISC 1 | CMPS 12A/L | CMPS 12B/M | |
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Year 2 |
CMPM 204 |
CMPM 202 |
|
| CMPS 109 | CMPM 299 (2-5 credits) | ||
| Elective/Independent Study (optional) |
Elective/Independent Study (optional) |
||
| (M.S. thesis approved) |
Ph.D. in Computational Media
The Ph.D. in computational media is designed for those who are already actively working in computational media and want to develop new knowledge that will change what is possible and how we understand it. The Ph.D. program includes all the course requirements of the M.S., with the exception of those related to the M.S. thesis. Ph.D. students have a number of additional requirements, as well. First, they must take additional topics courses, building understanding of a broader set of CM approaches. Second, they must pass both a first-year exam and a comprehensive exam, setting clear milestones for the development of expert-level knowledge in CM. Third, they must engage in substantial independent research that contributes to the development of the field, working closely with CM research faculty. Fourth, they must propose, complete, and defend a significant and novel dissertation project. The Ph.D. is appropriate for those who aim to lead future CM research efforts, within the academy, industry, government, non-profit, and other contexts.
Ph.D. students will complete 15 credits of core courses, 20 credits of topical courses, and 12 credits of courses involved in preparation for the comprehensive examination.
Core Courses (15 Credits)
CMPM 201: Introduction to Computational Media (5 credits)
CMPM 202: Computational Media Research (5 credits)
CMPM 203: Computational Media Methods (5 credits)
Topics Courses (20 Credits)
Ph.D. students are required to take 20 credits of CM topics courses. The courses may be any combination of these types (as long as not already counted in another category):
- 5-credit CMPM graduate classes.
- Classes in other subject codes that cover the theory and/or practice of a CM area, as listed in the “topics courses.”
- Up to 10 credits transferred from equivalent courses in previous graduate work at UCSC or elsewhere (not to exceed three course overall limit on transfers from outside institutions, between this and other requirements).
Exam Courses (12 Credits)
CMPM 206: Computational Media Research Preparation (2 credits): Teaches skills for gathering literature and preparing portfolio for Comprehensive Exam, taken the same quarter as exam.
CMPM 297: Independent Study (10 credits): Research in preparation for the Comprehensive Exam, usually taken with the student’s adviser the same quarter as CMPM 206.
Additional Requirements
There are three additional program requirements, though students may have completed the necessary work for one or more before admission.
First, all Ph.D. students must demonstrate an understanding of media creation in a CM context, and must do so by the end of their second year in the program—and before the comprehensive exam. This can be completed by any of:
- The Computer Science: Computer Game Design B.S. game studio sequence (CMPM 170, 171, 172) before graduate enrollment.
- The Art and Design: Games and Playable Media B.A. game studio sequence (ARTG 170, 171, 172) before graduate enrollment.
- A DANM project group sequence (three DANM 250 courses in same area, in sequence) during or before CM M.S./Ph.D. graduate enrollment.
- The Games and Playable Media M.S. project sequence (GAME 270, 271, 272) before CM MS/PhD graduate enrollment (due to PDST and cohort model, these cannot be taken by students in other programs).
- At least three graduate or upper-division undergraduate courses from a list of offerings at UCSC that require programming knowledge and are focused on defining and developing CM-related projects (e.g., CMPM 148) during or before CM graduate enrollment. See the list of media creation courses.
- Petition to CM graduate director, presenting evidence of equivalent coursework at another institution and/or equivalent CM project experience in another context.
Second, all Ph.D students must demonstrate an understanding of computer programming sufficient to carry out CM research, and must do so by the end of their second year in the program—and before the comprehensive exam. This can be completed by either:
- Taking core programming (e.g., CMPS 12A and 12B) and advanced programming (e.g., CMPS 109) at UCSC or another institution.
- Petition to CM graduate director, presenting evidence of programming knowledge developed in another context.
Third, all Ph.D. students are expected to have an understanding of interpretive and critical methods sufficient to carry our CM research. Students who lack such a background are strongly encouraged to take a series of courses in this area, consulting with their adviser regarding which courses would be most appropriate. A set of three courses from those required for the minor in History of Consciousness are recommended:
- HISC 1: Introduction to the History of Consciousness
- HISC 185: Topics in the History of Consciousness
- A five-credit graduate or upper-division undergraduate course in an area of the student’s interest from the History of Consciousness course listing (which includes cross-listed courses with programs such as anthropology, political studies, and history of art and visual culture)
Note: In extraordinary circumstances the Graduate Director can reduce the number of required courses based on a petition presenting past accomplishments. For example, reducing the number of required topics courses by one for each substantial past research publication or system accepted from the petition.
Transfer Credit
Up to 10 credits transferred from equivalent courses in previous graduate work at UCSC or elsewhere can be applied toward the Ph.D. course requirements. This can partially satisfy the topics requirement, but is not to exceed the three-course overall limit on transfers from outside institutions. A Course Substitution/Waiver form can be found on the BSOE Graduate Advising webpage.
Lower-Division Courses
Students who are considering enrolling in lower-division courses in order to fulfill additional degree requirements (e.g., CMPS 12A, HISC 1) may wish to consult with the course instructor and their adviser about instead taking an independent study or directed study (with the course instructor, their adviser, or a third faculty member) that subsumes the work of the course and adds additional content to bring it up to a graduate level. Graduate students must be enrolled in some combination of at least 10 credits of courses or independent studies that are either graduate or upper-division undergraduate courses in order to be considered full-time enrolled.
Ph.D Field Examinations
The Ph.D. requires two examinations before the qualifying examination.
First-Year Examination
The Ph.D. first-year exam measures students’ understanding of, and ability to synthesize and apply, core computational media knowledge (history, theory, research approaches, and evaluation methods). This is the material covered in the CM core courses.
There are three possible outcomes of the first-year exam:
- Pass at Ph.D. level
- Pass at M.S. level
- Fail
Students who pass at the Ph.D. level are done with the exam. Students who pass at the M.S. level may elect to leave the program with an M.S., upon completion of all M.S. requirements. Both students who pass at the M.S. level and students who fail have the option to take the exam again, in the immediately following summer offering (unless granted an exception to take it the following academic year). Students who take the exam again may not decrease their outcome (e.g., a student who passes at the M.S. level in spring, then fails in summer, retains the option of completing the M.S.). Students may only take the exam twice. Students are recommended for dismissal from the program immediately if they either (a) fail twice or (b) fail once and elect not to take the exam again.
In extraordinary circumstances the graduate director may give a student the option of taking the first-year exam without having taken the core coursework (CMPM 201, 202, and 203) during any quarter. Those who pass may complete the degree without taking the core courses.
Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination
The Ph.D. comprehensive exam measures students’ preparation to perform independent CM research. It must be taken (for the first time) no later than the end of a student’s third year in the program (the ninth quarter, excluding summer quarters). Before taking the exam, students must have completed the requirements for understanding media creation and computer programming, as well as demonstrated an understanding of interpretive practices (as outlined above). Students enroll in CMPM 206 (a two-unit course, usually offered by the CM grad director each quarter) and a 10-unit independent study (CMPM 297, usually with their adviser), and take an exam evaluated by adviser and graduate director (with another faculty member stepping in if adviser is graduate director). The exam itself includes:
- Reading a significant body of material in two or three depth areas of CM—from a list developed by student, adviser, and course instructor—integrating it, and writing one or more essays about it.
- A portfolio review of CM projects, with (a) a detailed written description of the computational system-building goals and process of at least one project led (in this aspect) by the student and (b) a detailed written description of the media-making goals and process of at least one project led (in this aspect) by the student. The projects may be from during or before enrollment in program, and the written descriptions may be of the same or different projects.
There are three possible outcomes of the comprehensive exam:
- Pass at Ph.D. level
- Pass at M.S. level
- Fail
As with the first-year exam, students who pass the comprehensive exam at the Ph.D. level are done with the exam. Students who pass at the M.S. level may elect to leave the program with an M.S., upon completion of all M.S. requirements. Both students who pass at the M.S. level and students who fail have the option to take the exam again, in a future quarter, not later than the middle of their fourth year in the program (the 11th quarter, excluding summer quarters). Students who take the exam again may not decrease their outcome (e.g., a student who passes at the M.S. level in spring, then fails the following fall, retains the option of completing the M.S.). Students may only take the exam twice. Students are recommended for dismissal from the program immediately if they either (a) fail twice or (b) fail once and elect not to take the exam again.
Qualifying Examination and Advancement to Candidacy
The Ph.D. qualifying examination measures students’ preparation to begin Ph.D. research. It must be taken (for the first time) no later than the end of a student’s fourth year in the program (the 12th quarter, excluding summer quarters). It has two parts: first, a detailed written description of a proposed dissertation project, distributed to the committee before the oral examination; second, an oral presentation of the project, followed by questioning from the committee.
The committee policy for the CM Ph.D. follows that of UC Santa Cruz. Specifically: The qualifying examination committee shall consist of at least four examiners, one of whom is not a member of the student's department. The department shall submit to the Office of the Graduate Dean at least one month before the proposed examination a list of four qualified persons who are willing to serve on the examination committee, and who meet the following conditions:
- The chair of the examination committee must be a tenured faculty member.
- The student's thesis adviser cannot chair the examination committee.
- The outside member must be (a) a tenured faculty member from a different discipline on the University of California, Santa Cruz, campus, (b) a tenured faculty member of the same or different discipline from another academic institution involved in research and graduate education, or (c) a qualified person outside of academia with significant research experience (as determined by the Graduate Division).
After passing the qualifying examination, students advance to candidacy. Students who do not pass the examination may take it again, but must do so no later than the end of their fifth year in the program. Students may only take the examination twice. Students are recommended for dismissal from the program immediately if they either (a) fail twice or (b) fail once and elect not to take the examination again.
Ph.D. Dissertation
The Ph.D. dissertation is a significant contribution to the CM field. It may emphasize technical, media-creation, or interpretive aspects, but must have a significant secondary contribution from at least one of the other areas—and may also emphasize areas equally. It requires an oral defense before a faculty committee, as well as a final dissertation document reviewed by that committee (distributed to the committee before the defense, and revised after the defense in response to committee comments). The committee must include at least two members of the CM Department.
Current Topics Courses
CMPM 235: User Evaluation of Technology
CMPM 244: Artificial Intelligence in Games
CMPM 245: Computational Models of Discourse and Dialogue
CMPM 248: Interactive Narrative
CMPM 265: Generative Methods
CMPM 290A: Topics in Computational Media
CMPM 290J: Playable Media
CMPM 290K: Social and Emotional Approaches to Human Computer Interaction
CMPM 290P: Topics in Computational Cinematography
CMPE 231: Human-Computer Interaction
CMPS 260: Computer Graphics
CMPS 261: Advanced Visualization
CMPS 263: Data Driven Discovery and Visualization
CMPS 290L: Topics in Crowdsourcing and Collaboration
DANM 250A: Collaborative Research Project Group: Mechatronics (can be repeated)
DANM 250B: Collaborative Research Project Group: Participatory Culture (can be repeated)
DANM 250C: Collaborative Research Project Group: Performative Technologies (can be repeated)
DANM 250D: Collaborative Research Project Group: Playable Media (can be repeated)
FILM 228: Moving Image Archives and the Frontiers of Information
FILM 230: Expanded Documentary
FILM 234: Toward an Ethics of New Media
Current Media Creation Courses
CMPM 146: Game AI
CMPM 147: Generating Worlds
CMPM 148: Interactive Narrative
CMPM 150: Creating Digital Audio
CMPM 163: Game Graphics and Real-Time Rendering
CMPM 164: Game Engines
CMPM 179: Game Design Practicum
CMPM 244: Artificial Intelligence in Games
CMPM 245: Computational Models of Discourse and Dialogue
CMPM 248: Interactive Narrative
CMPM 265: Generative Methods
CMPS 160: Introduction to Computer Graphics
CMPS 161: Introduction to Data Visualization
CMPS 165: Data Programming for Visualization
CMPS 183: Hypermedia and the Web
CMPS 260: Computer Graphics
CMPS 261: Advanced Visualization
CMPS 263: Data Driven Discovery and Visualization
Sample Programs
Ph.D., Not Seeking M.S. Degree (Students with Technical CM M.S. Degree)
This is a sample program for a student who has completed a master’s degree with significant technical content and a focus on some form of computational media (such as computer games). The M.S. in Games and Playable Media at UC Santa Cruz (offered in Silicon Valley) is such a degree. Such students will have already satisfied the requirement for understanding media creation in a CM context (e.g., by taking the CMPM 270, 271, and 272 sequence at UCSC) and the requirement for demonstrating an understanding of computer programming (such master’s degrees generally only accept students who know how to program). This program is for a student who wants to complete the Ph.D. without getting a second M.S. in the process.
|
|
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
Year 1 |
CMPM 201 |
CMPM 202 |
CMPM 203 |
| Topics course | Topics course | Topics course | |
| Topics course | CMPM 297 | CMPM 297 | |
| (First-year exam) | |||
|
Year 2 |
CMPM 206 (2 credits) |
CMPM 297 (15 credits) |
CMPM 297 (10 credits) |
| CMPM 297 (10 credits) | CMPM 297 (5 credits) | ||
| (Passes comps) | (Passes QE/advancement) | ||
|
Year 3 |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
|
Year 4 |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
| (Dissertation defense) |
Ph.D., Seeking M.S. Degree (Students with Non-technical Master’s Degree)
This is a sample program for a student who has completed a master’s degree with significant arts content and a focus on some form of computational media (such as digital art). The M.F.A. in Digital Art and New Media at UC Santa Cruz is such a degree. Such students will have already satisfied the requirement for understanding media creation in a CM context (e.g., by taking one of the DANM 250 sequences at UCSC) but not necessarily the requirement for demonstrating an understanding of computer programming (such master’s degrees generally focus on the strength of the student’s arts portfolio, rather than technical skills). This program is for a student who wants to complete the Ph.D. while getting an M.S. in the process.
|
|
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
Year 1 |
CMPM 201 |
Topics course |
CMPM 203 |
| Topics course | CMPS 12B/M | Topics course | |
| CMPM 12A/L | CMPS 109 | ||
|
Year 2 |
CMPM 297 (10 credits) |
CMPM 202 |
CMPM 297 (15 credits) |
| Topics course | CMPM 297 (10 credits) | (First-year exam) | |
|
Year 3 |
CMPM 206 |
|
CMPM 297 (10 credits) |
| CMPM 297 (10 credits) | CMPM 297 (15 credits) | CMPM 297 (5 credits) | |
| (Passes comps) | (Passes QE/advancement) | ||
|
Year 4 |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
|
Year 5 |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
| (Dissertation defense) |
Ph.D., Also Seeking M.S. Degree (Students with Technical Non-CM B.S.)
This is a sample program for a student who has completed a bachelor’s degree with significant technical content but little focus on any form of computational media. The B.S. in computer science at UC Santa Cruz is such a degree. Such students will have already satisfied the requirement for demonstrating an understanding of computer programming (e.g., by taking a core programming sequence and CMPS 109 at UCSC) though students strongly focused on theoretical computer science may need to take an advanced programming course. This program is for a student who wants to complete the M.S. degree on the way to the Ph.D.
|
|
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
Year 1 |
CMPM 201 |
CMPM 202 |
CMPM 203 |
| Topics course | Topics course | Topics course | |
| CMPM 179 | CMPM 148 | CMPS 290J | |
| (First-year exam) | |||
|
Year 2 |
CMPM 204 |
CMPM 297 (10 credits) |
CMPM 297 (15 credits) |
| Topics course | CMPM 299 (2 credits) | ||
| CMPM 297 | (M.S. thesis approved) | ||
|
Year 3 |
CMPM 206 |
CMPM 297 (15 credits) |
CMPM 297 (10 credits) |
| CMPM 297 (10 credits) | CMPM 297 (5 credits) | ||
| (Passes comps) | (Passes QE/advancement) | ||
|
Year 4 |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
|
Year 5 |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
CMPM 299 (15 credits) |
| (Dissertation defense) |
Master’s Degree in Games and Playable Media
The goal of the M.S. in games and playable media is to prepare students to make professional contributions to the creation of games and other forms of media that invite and structure play. The degree is offered through the UC Santa Cruz location in Silicon Valley, enabling connection and collaboration with local industry. The curriculum includes deep engagement with game creation as well as a focus on professional development. Students can also take advantage of the opportunities for coursework and collaboration offered by its “sister” degree in serious games (also offered in Silicon Valley), as well as strong course offerings in games and related technologies on the Santa Cruz campus, and the potential for connections with the department’s field-leading research groups. The M.S. in games and playable media is a five-quarter program that spans one and two-thirds academic years. Students are expected to complete coursework in five academic quarters, without leaves of absence.
Requirements for the Games and Playable Media Master’s Degree
Course Requirements
Each student is required to take 60 credits. Required courses are as follows:
- Games and Playable Media 200, Game Design Systems (5 credits)
- Games and Playable Media 221, Professional Development for Game Makers 1 (2 credits)
- Games and Playable Media 230, Fundamentals of Game Engineering (5 credits) or both of Games and Playable Media 235, Game Development I (5 credits) and Games and Playable Media 236, Game Development II (5 credits)
- Games and Playable Media 231, Game Technologies (5 credits)
- Games and Playable Media 270, 271, 272; Games and Playable Media Studio 1, 2, 3; 15 credits (5 credits each)
- Games and Playable Media 280A, Games Proseminar; 4 offerings; 8 credits (2 credits each)
- Three courses from the electives list below, 15 credits (5 credits each)
Students who lack sufficient technical preparation to enter course Games and Playable Media 230, Fundamentals of Game Engineering, must take both course Games and Playable Media 235, Game Development I, and course Games and Playable Media 236, Game Development II. Assessment of technical preparation will be performed based on completed coursework prior to entry into the program, discussion with the student, and, at the program’s discretion, use of a technical assessment examination.
Project
Completion of a master's project is required for the master's degree. These are generally collaborative projects, created together with other students in the Games and Playable Media M.S. program. Projects are typically completed by students during Games and Playable Media 272, Games and Playable Media Studio III. Students are evaluated based both on their individual contributions to the project and on the overall success of the project as a whole. Each project will be demonstrated via a public presentation, and this demonstration comprises part of the final project evaluation.
Evaluation of projects is performed by a committee consisting of at least three people, comprised of at least the games and playable media vice chair and will contain other members of the games and playable media program faculty, or members of the games and playable media program advisory committee, or other instructors in the games and playable media program. A majority of the committee’s voting members are members of the UC Santa Cruz academic senate.
Electives
GAME 210: Game Art Intensive
GAME 215: Audio Direction
GAME 232: Advanced Game Technologies
GAME 238: Computer Graphics for Games
GAME 250: Foundations of Serious Games
GAME 290A: Advanced Topics in Games
CMPM 201: Introduction to Computational Media
CMPM 202: Computational Media Research
CMPM 203: Computational Media Methods
CMPM 235: User Evaluation of Technology
CMPM 244: Artificial Intelligence in Games
CMPM 248: Interactive Storytelling
CMPM 265: Generative Methods
CMPM 297: Independent Study or Research
A maximum of five credits of Computational Media 297 (Independent Study or Research) can be used to meet degree requirements.
CMPS 201: Analysis of Algorithms
CMPS 203: Programming Languages
DANM 201: Recent Methods and Approaches to Digital Arts and Culture
DANM 202: Dialogues and Questions in Digital Arts and Culture
DANM 217: Computer-Assisted Composition
DANM 219: Introduction to Electronics for Artmaking
DANM 241B: Modern Art: Cubism to Pop
DANM 250D: Playable Media
DANM 250E: Games and Playable Media
DANM 254I: Empirical Approaches to Art Information
DANM 281: Games, Non-Fiction Storytelling & Social Action
Sample Programs
There are two primary paths through the first year of the degree. Students with less technical background take GAME 235, GAME 236, and GAME 231 in their first year, while those with more technical background take GAME 230 and GAME 231 in their first year.
The sample programs include summer internships or sponsored projects. These are not required, and do not bear academic credit. They are, however, strongly suggested.
Sample program with more technical background
| Quarter 1 | GAME 230, Fundamentals of Game Engineering (5 credits) |
| GAME 200, Game Design Systems (5 credits) | |
| GAME 280A, Games Proseminar (2 credits) | |
| Quarter 2 | Elective 1 (5 credits) |
| Elective 2 (5 credits) | |
| GAME 280A, Games Proseminar (2 credits) | |
| Quarter 3 | GAME 231, Game Technologies (5 credits) |
| GAME 270, Games and Playable Media Studio 1 (5 credits) |
|
| GAME 221, Professional Development for Game Makers I (2 credits) |
|
| Summer | Internship or Sponsored Project |
| Quarter 4 | GAME 271, Games and Playable Media Studio II |
| Elective 3 (5 credits) | |
| GAME 280A, Games Proseminar (2 credits) | |
| Quarter 5 | GAME 272, Games and Playable Media Studio III (5 credits) |
| Elective 4 (5 credits) | |
| GAME 280A, Games Proseminar (2 credits) |
Sample program with less technical background
| Quarter 1 | GAME 235, Development I (5 credits) |
| GAME 200, Game Design Systems (5 credits) | |
| GAME 280A, Games Proseminar (2 credits) | |
| Quarter 2 | GAME 236, Game Development II (5 credits) |
| Elective 1 (5 credits) | |
| GAME 280A, Games Proseminar (2 credits) | |
| Quarter 3 | GAME 231, Game Technologies (5 credits) |
| GAME 270, Games and Playable Media Studio 1 (5 credits) |
|
| GAME 221, Professional Development for Game Makers I (2 credits) |
|
| Summer | Internship or Sponsored Project |
| Quarter 4 | GAME 271, Games and Playable Media Studio II |
| Elective 2 (5 credits) | |
| GAME 280A, Games Proseminar (2 credits) | |
| Quarter 5 | GAME 272, Games and Playable Media Studio III (5 credits) |
| Elective 3 (5 credits) | |
| GAME 280A, Games Proseminar (2 credits) |
Transfer Credit
Up to three School of Engineering courses fulfilling the degree requirements of the M.S. degree may be taken before beginning the graduate program through the concurrent enrollment program. The game art, game writing, and game sound requirements of the M.S. program may also be satisfied through courses from other institutions or prior UCSC coursework. Petitions should be submitted along with the transcript from the other institution. For courses taken at other institutions, copies of the syllabi, examinations, and other coursework should accompany the petition. Such petitions are not considered until the completion of at least one quarter at UCSC.
At most, a total of three courses may be transferred from concurrent enrollment and other institutions.
Review of Progress
On an ongoing basis, the faculty reviews the progress of every student. Students not making adequate progress toward completion of degree requirements (see the Graduate Handbook for policy on satisfactory academic progress) are subject to dismissal from the program. Students with academic deficiencies may be required to take additional courses. Full-time students with no academic deficiencies are normally expected to complete the degree requirements at the rate of at least two courses per quarter, and move forward through the course sequences together with their cohort, remaining on track to complete the degree in a single four-quarter year.
Students receiving two or more unsatisfactory grades (U or grade below B) in the School of Engineering (SoE) courses, or who receive an unsatisfactory grade (U or grade below B) in a course in the Games and Playable Media Studio sequence, are not making adequate progress and will be placed on academic probation for the following quarter of registered enrollment. Withdrawing or taking a leave of absence does not count as enrollment. Part-time enrollment is counted as a half quarter of enrollment. Students who are on academic probation or are not enrolled full time are no longer guaranteed any previously committed funding. Should students receive an unsatisfactory grade (U or below B) in a School of Engineering course while on probation, the Computational Media Department may request the graduate dean to dismiss that student from the graduate program. If after being removed from probation, the student again receives an unsatisfactory grade (U or below B) in a School of Engineering course, he or she will return immediately to academic probation.
Graduate students experiencing circumstances or difficulties that impact their academic performance should contact their adviser and the graduate director immediately. Students may appeal their dismissal.
Designated Emphasis in Human Language Media and Modeling
The graduate designated emphasis (DE) leading to the degree notation “with an emphasis in Human-Language Media and Modeling” (HLMM) is a collaboration of faculty from Computational Media, Linguistics, and Technology Management. This DE is administered by the Department of Computational Media. Students wishing to complete a Master’s Thesis or Doctoral Dissertation in this area must satisfy the degree requirements of a primary program as well as of the DE. The DE is most suitable for students pursuing degrees in Linguistics, Computational Media, Technology Management, Computer Science, and Psychology. However, students from any area may work in this interdisciplinary field as long as they meet all requirements, including progress, within the primary degree program.
DE Faculty. The current HLMM DE faculty are:
- Pranav Anand, Linguistics
- Marilyn Walker, Computer Science
- Yi Zhang, Technology Management
- Jean E. Fox Tree, Psychology
Requirements for the Designated Emphasis
Committee Composition. The student’s M.S. project or Ph.D. qualifying exam, or Ph.D. committee must include one member of the HLMM faculty.
Writing. The student’s master’s project, dissertation or thesis must demonstrate knowledge of, and orientation to, research issues related to HLMM.
Proficiency Requirements. All students must demonstrate an understanding of Human-Language Media and Modeling, through prior work and the completion of a set of HLMM electives or courses.
Course requirements. All students must complete three five-unit graduate core courses from the approved list of courses and one two-unit seminar course and provide evidence of having attended 6 related seminars or invited talks.
List of Approved Courses
Three 5-credit courses plus two, 2-credit seminars are required, chosen from the list of approved courses, which is initially:
CMPM 235 User Evaluation of Technology (5 credits)
CMPM 244 Artificial Intelligence in Games (5 credits)
CMPM/LING 245 Computational Models of Discourse and Dialogue (5 credits)
CMPM 248 Interactive Storytelling (5 credits)
CMPM 265 Generative Methods (5 credits)
CMPM 290J Playable Media (5 credits)
CMPM 290P Topics in Computational Cinematography (5 credits)
CMPM 280X Seminar in Expressive AI (2 credits)
CMPM 280W Seminar in Digital Media (2 credits)
CMPS 280Z Seminar in Natural Language Processing (2 credits)
The Designated Emphasis can be retrospectively fulfilled by the previous numbering of these courses as CMPS 244, 245, 248, 265, 290J, 290P, 280W, CMPM 280Z and CMPE 235.
Revised: 07/15/18
