Game Studies and Design Undergraduate Minor

The undergraduate GAME STUDIES & DESIGN MINOR is a set of courses that fosters critical skills in academic game studies, and technical skills in game design. The minor will serve undergraduates who are interested in the study and design of games, gaming, game design and the digital, extended and virtual reality (XR/VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies involved with the crafting of interactive systems and interfaces relevant to the game, film, education, and media industries, as well as a range of other emerging professions.

Through this minor, students will learn to think critically about the history, cultural meaning, social impact, ethics, and the increasingly significant role of games, gaming, and interactive media in a diverse society; they will develop the logical, algorithmic, narrative, and design capacities needed to make games, interactive narratives, and simulations; and they will become prepared for graduate work, if desired, on a path to pursuing a career in the game industry or in academic game studies research.

Why Game Studies and Design?

A Minor in Game Studies & Design can diversify your educational portfolio and complement your major. This minor signals not only that you have acquired design skills (relevant to games, but also other interactive media) but also that you are aware of the impact of games across sectors of society, and that you understand how games and game technologies can be applied more broadly, and in ethical and socially constructive ways.

Game Studies & Design will teach you to become a better creator and user of games and game technologies, and to think critically about their role in society.

Who should Minor in Game Studies and Design

ANY STUDENT who wants to learn more about game design, innovative applications of games and game technologies, the impact of games on society, or simply enjoys games!

What can a student do with a minor in Game Studies and Design?

The game industry market value for 2021 was expected to exceed $175 billion, and $200 billion by the end of 2023. New technologies are also creating new markets; cloud-based gaming, for example, which was valued at just $152 million in 2019, had an estimated 23.7 million paying users in 2021 and is projected to grow in value to $6 billion by 2024.

Our Game Studies & Design program, however, does not only serve students with ambitions towards the thriving video game industries (which offer careers for designers, programmers, graphic artists, sound technicians, composers, writers, developers of virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence technologies, among other emerging fields). Our program will also provide training to students headed towards many other professions as well; our students are likely to be asked to navigate the game-like environments of social media, to program chatbots for their employers’ websites, or to work with VR and AI applications in their medical, educational, or business fields, for example.

Independent Studies

Students who have declared the Undergraduate Minor in Game Studies and Design may complete an independent study with a Game Studies and Design affiliate faculty member by submitting the form below.

Independent Study Form for Undergraduate Minor in GSD

Two course options are available—GSD 199 and GSD 399—each offered for 1–4 credit hours.

Before submitting the form, students should first meet with the faculty member who will supervise the research project to determine which course is appropriate and how many credits align with the proposed work.

Independent studies taken as GSD 399 count as upper-level electives for the Undergraduate Minor in Game Studies and Design.

Please note: This form is for undergraduate students in the Game Studies and Design Minor. Students pursuing the Graduate Minor in Game Studies should follow the graduate-level independent study procedures instead.

Requirements for the Minor

Students are required to take three core courses: GSD 101, a minimum of one of the following historical/social perspectives courses: GSD 102, IS 142, or GSD 202, and at least one of the following introductory game design courses: GSD 103 or CI210.

In addition, students must complete 3 approved upper-level Games Studies electives totaling at least9 credit hours.

Core Game Studies & Design Courses

The three required core courses provide a general and solid foundation in game studies. All three are introductory in nature and meet the university’s General Education requirements.

GSD 101 Introduction to Game Studies
This broad survey course will provide students across campus an introduction to interdisciplinary game studies, covering both historical/social perspectives and game design. It will explore humanities, social science understandings of play, and the social contexts from which our games and gaming practices arise, as well as the development and consequences of gaming cultures.

A minimum of one 100-200 level historical/social perspectives course. Choose from the following:

GSD 102 – Introduction to the Video Game Industry
IS 142 Social History of Games & Gaming
GSD 202 Let’s Play: Understanding the Role of Play in Life and Art

A minimum of one 100-200 level introductory game design course. Choose from the following:

GSD 103 The Basics of Game Design
CI 210 Introduction to Digital Learning Environments

GSD Undergraduate Minor Pathways

There are 10 suggested GSD Undergraduate Minor Pathways to help focus the minor in an area of interest: Design, Programming, Education & Research, Film & Media, Music, Sound & Dance, Narrative, Play Studies, Theater, and Visual Arts. These pathways are suggestions; students may choose any combination of classes on the approved list.

Design Pathway

These are the courses available for this Game Studies Undergraduate Minor pathway. To view more information about which semesters courses are offered (and a link to the course catalog), click on a course number. These links open in a new browser window.

ART 310: Design Thinking – Art

ARTD 318: Digital Interaction – Art-Design
Note: Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule.

ARTD 418: Advanced Interaction Design – Art-Design
Note: Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule.

CI 210: Introduction to Digital Learning Environments – Curriculum & Instruction
Note: This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Social & Beh Sci – Beh Sci

CI 437: Educational Game Design – Curriculum & Instruction

DANC 465: Screendance – Dance
Note: Specific population encouraged to take the course are Cinema and Media studies, Theater Design and Technology and Art and Design.

GSD 103: The Basics of Game Design – Game Studies and Design

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 403: An Introduction to Top Down Video Game Design – Game Studies and Design
Note: formerly taught as INFO 403

GSD 409: Design & Programming of Narrative Games & Simulations – Game Studies and Design
Note: Same as CW 463 1U Design & Programming of Narrative Games & Simulations. Credit is not given for GSD 409and INFO 490 JP, JPU or JPG “Design & Prog Text Based Games” sections.

GSD 490: Video Game Development Process – Game Studies and Design

INFO 416: Makerspace: Game Studies – Informatics
Note: Class will meet in the CU Community Fab Lab in Art Annex II. Students who have taken a different makerspace class before are encouraged to enroll. Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. Credit is not given for INFO 416 and INFO 490 A/AG “Makerspace: Game Studies” sections.

INFO 418: Makerspace: Escape Rooms – Informatics
Note: Credit is not given for INFO 418 and INFO 490 B, BG, ERU or ERG “Makerspace: Escape rooms” sections.

IS 145: Mapping Inequalities: Serious Games & Simulations – Information Sciences
Note: No previous computer programming experience is required. No previous computer programming experience is required. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Quantitative Reasoning II Social & Beh Sci – Soc Sci Cultural Studies – US Minority

IS 426: Museum Informatics – Information Sciences

IS 490: Topics in Info Foundations: Playful Design Methods – Information Sciences

THEA 456: Properties Design – Theater

THEA 461: Introduction to Media Design – Theater

Education & Research Pathway

CI 210: Introduction to Digital Learning Environments – Curriculum & Instruction
Note: This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Social & Beh Sci – Beh Sci

CI 437: Educational Game Design – Curriculum & Instruction

CI 439: Critiques of Educational Technology – Curriculum & Instruction

CI 482: Social Learning & Multimedia – Curriculum & Instruction

CI 499: Issues and Development in Education: Attention Learning and Tech – Curriculum & Instruction

CI 499: Issues and Development in Education: Technology Apps for Teachers – Curriculum & Instruction

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

INFO 416: Makerspace: Game Studies – Informatics
Note: Class will meet in the CU Community Fab Lab in Art Annex II. Students who have taken a different makerspace class before are encouraged to enroll. Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. Credit is not given for INFO 416 and INFO 490 A/AG “Makerspace: Game Studies” sections.

JOUR 430: Augmented and Virtual Reality – Journalism
Note: Credit is not given for JOUR 430 if credit for JOUR 460 (section – Ext Reality and Immersive Tech) or JOUR 460 (section – Immersive Technologies) has been given.

MACS 496: Advanced Media/Cinema Topics: Collaboration in Interactive and Immersive Media – Media & Cinema Studies

Film & Media Pathway

ADV 390: Content Creation – Advertising

ARTJ 301: Manga: The Art of Image and Word – Japanese Arts and Aesthetics
Note: This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities – Lit & Arts Cultural Studies – Non-West

ARTJ 302: Intro to Japanese Animation – Japanese Arts and Aesthetics
Note: This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities – Hist & Phil Cultural Studies – Non-West

DANC 330: Dance Documentation – Dance
Note: May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 8 hours.

DANC 400: Viewing Dance – Dance

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

JOUR 430: Augmented and Virtual Reality – Journalism
Note: Credit is not given for JOUR 430 if credit for JOUR 460 (section – Ext Reality and Immersive Tech) or JOUR 460 (section – Immersive Technologies) has been given.

JOUR 460: Special Topics: Basic Video Production – Journalism

MACS 323: Studies Film/Media Production – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: To apply for course, students (individually or in groups) must propose an idea or concept for a film/media project they would like to produce during the class. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. May be repeated by students who wish to pursue a longer project in two consecutive semesters (may include summer). Students may not repeat the course to pursue separate projects.

MACS 326: New Media, Culture, and Society – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: Lectures and discussion sections are held in computer-equipped classrooms. Same as INFO 326.

MACS 370: Cinematography and Sound Design – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: A prerequisite for MACS 480 & MACS 481, the department’s capstone seminar in advanced cinema production.

MACS 371: Editing and Postproduction for Cinema – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: Strongly suggested for students who wish to be considered for the editing and postproduction positions in MACS 480/481. Credit is not be given for MACS 371 if credit for MACS 323: Video and Audio Postproduction has been given.

MACS 372: Screenwriting – Media & Cinema Studies

MACS 480: Advanced Filmmaking – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: Concurrent enrollment in MACS 481: Advanced Filmmaking Studio is required. Junior or Senior standing recommended for this course.

MACS 481: Advanced Filmmaking Studio – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: Concurrent enrollment in MACS 480: Advanced Filmmaking Studio is required. Junior or Senior standing recommended for this course.

MACS 485: Making Video Essays – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: Credit is not given for MACS 485 if credit for MACS 496: Making Video Essays has been given.

Games & Society Pathway

ART 310: Design Thinking – Art

ARTD 451: Ethics of a Designer in a Global Economy – Art-Design
Note: May be repeated up to 8 hours in the same term and 12 hours in separate terms, if topics vary.

CI 437: Educational Game Design – Curriculum & Instruction

DANC 451: Individual Study/Creative Investigations: Social Impact thru Arts Technology – Dance

ENGL 253: Topics in Literature and New Media – English
Note: May be repeated in separate terms up to 6 hours. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities – Lit & Arts

ENGL 277: Gender in Gaming – English
Note: Same as GSD 204, GWS 204 and MACS 204. See GSD 204.

GSD 102: Introduction to the Video Game Industry – Game Studies and Design

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

INFO 303: Writing Across Media – Informatics
Note: Same as WRIT 303 Writing Across Media. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Advanced Composition.

INFO 416: Makerspace: Game Studies – Informatics
Note: Class will meet in the CU Community Fab Lab in Art Annex II. Students who have taken a different makerspace class before are encouraged to enroll. Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. Credit is not given for INFO 416 and INFO 490 A/AG “Makerspace: Game Studies” sections.

IS 145: Mapping Inequalities: Serious Games & Simulations – Information Sciences
Note: No previous computer programming experience is required. No previous computer programming experience is required. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Quantitative Reasoning II Social & Beh Sci – Soc Sci Cultural Studies – US Minority

IS 199: Undergraduate Open Seminar: Social History of Games & Gaming – Information Sciences

JOUR 101: Interactive Media and You – Journalism
Note: This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Social & Beh Sci – Beh Sci

MACS 326: New Media, Culture, and Society – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: Lectures and discussion sections are held in computer-equipped classrooms. Same as INFO 326.

RST 199: Undergraduate Open Seminar: Esport Foundations – Recreation, Sport, and Tourism

THEA 418: Devising Social Issues Theatre – Theater
Note: Same as GWS 418.

Music & Sound Pathway

DANC 268: Music Theory for Dancers – Dance

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

INFO 490: Special Topics: Computer Music – Informatics

INFO 490: Special Topics: Musical Informatics – Informatics

MACS 370: Cinematography and Sound Design – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: A prerequisite for MACS 480 & MACS 481, the department’s capstone seminar in advanced cinema production.

MUS 209: Acoustics for Musicians – Music
Note: This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Nat Sci & Tech – Phys Sciences

MUS 407: Electronic Music Techniques I – Music
Note: Weekly lab times assigned.

MUS 409: Electronic Music Techniques II – Music
Note: Weekly lab times are assigned.

MUS 499: Proseminar in Music: Algorithmic Techniques for Multichanel Audio – Music

MUS 499: Proseminar in Music: Audio Coding with SuperCollider – Music

MUS 499: Proseminar in Music: Introduction to Interactive Music – Music

MUS 499: Proseminar in Music: Project-Oriented Computer Music – Music

THEA 453: Introduction to Theater Sound – Theater
Note: Each graduate student is required to create 2 sound stories in addition to normal requirements of the course.

THEA 455: Sound Design for Video Games – Theater
Note: May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 18 hours, as topics vary

Performance & Dance Technologies Pathway

DANC 256: Choreographic Laboratory Intermediate – Dance
Note: May be repeated in same term for up to 2 hours and in separate terms to a maximum of 4 credit hours.

DANC 268: Music Theory for Dancers – Dance

DANC 330: Dance Documentation – Dance
Note: May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 8 hours.

DANC 400: Viewing Dance – Dance

DANC 451: Individual Study/Creative Investigations: Social Impact thru Arts Technology – Dance

DANC 465: Screendance – Dance
Note: Specific population encouraged to take the course are Cinema and Media studies, Theater Design and Technology and Art and Design.

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

JOUR 430: Augmented and Virtual Reality – Journalism
Note: Credit is not given for JOUR 430 if credit for JOUR 460 (section – Ext Reality and Immersive Tech) or JOUR 460 (section – Immersive Technologies) has been given.

MACS 370: Cinematography and Sound Design – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: A prerequisite for MACS 480 & MACS 481, the department’s capstone seminar in advanced cinema production.

MACS 496: Advanced Media/Cinema Topics: Collaboration in Interactive and Immersive Media – Media & Cinema Studies

THEA 409: Production Management – Theater
Note: May be repeated if topics vary to a maximum of 6 undergraduate or 8 graduate hours.

THEA 418: Devising Social Issues Theatre – Theater
Note: Same as GWS 418.

THEA 453: Introduction to Theater Sound – Theater
Note: Each graduate student is required to create 2 sound stories in addition to normal requirements of the course.

THEA 455: Sound Design for Video Games – Theater
Note: May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 18 hours, as topics vary

THEA 456: Properties Design – Theater

Programming Pathway

ARTD 418: Advanced Interaction Design – Art-Design
Note: Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule.

CI 437: Educational Game Design – Curriculum & Instruction

CS 415: Game Development – Computer Science

CS 418: Interactive Computer Graphics – Computer Science
Note: Same as CSE 427.

CS 498: Special Topics: Video Game Development – Computer Science

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 409: Design & Programming of Narrative Games & Simulations – Game Studies and Design
Note: Same as CW 463 1U Design & Programming of Narrative Games & Simulations. Credit is not given for GSD 409and INFO 490 JP, JPU or JPG “Design & Prog Text Based Games” sections.

IS 145: Mapping Inequalities: Serious Games & Simulations – Information Sciences
Note: No previous computer programming experience is required. No previous computer programming experience is required. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Quantitative Reasoning II Social & Beh Sci – Soc Sci Cultural Studies – US Minority

Theater & Production Pathway

ARTS 320: Fashion and Textiles Design – Art-Studio
Note: Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. A student registered in one or more Art & Design course(s) exhibiting this message, will be assessed a $95 facility use fee once each term.

DANC 256: Choreographic Laboratory Intermediate – Dance
Note: May be repeated in same term for up to 2 hours and in separate terms to a maximum of 4 credit hours.

DANC 451: Individual Study/Creative Investigations: Social Impact thru Arts Technology – Dance

FAA 499: Special Topics: Escape Rooms as Interactive Theatre – Fine & Applied Arts

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

INFO 490: Special Topics: Computer Music – Informatics

IS 410: Storytelling – Information Sciences
Note: For undergraduates, junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.

JOUR 460: Special Topics: Basic Video Production – Journalism

MACS 323: Studies Film/Media Production – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: To apply for course, students (individually or in groups) must propose an idea or concept for a film/media project they would like to produce during the class. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. May be repeated by students who wish to pursue a longer project in two consecutive semesters (may include summer). Students may not repeat the course to pursue separate projects.

MACS 496: Advanced Media/Cinema Topics: Collaboration in Interactive and Immersive Media – Media & Cinema Studies

THEA 409: Production Management – Theater
Note: May be repeated if topics vary to a maximum of 6 undergraduate or 8 graduate hours.

THEA 410: Dramaturgs’ Workshop – Theater
Note: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 undergraduate hours and 12 graduate hours, if topics vary.

THEA 411: Playwrights’ Workshop – Theater
Note: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 undergraduate hours or 9 graduate hours.

THEA 418: Devising Social Issues Theatre – Theater
Note: Same as GWS 418.

THEA 426: History of Décor – Theater
Note: Enrollment limited to Theatre majors. May be repeated in separate terms to a max of 6 hours if topics vary.

THEA 427: Scene Painting I – Theater

THEA 428: THEA 428 Scene Painting II – Theater
Note: May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 3 hours if topics vary.

THEA 445: Costume History I – Theater

THEA 448: Costume Crafts – Theater
Note: Student is responsible for providing all materials used to complete the various projects

THEA 455: Sound Design for Video Games – Theater
Note: May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 18 hours, as topics vary

THEA 456: Properties Design – Theater

THEA 461: Introduction to Media Design – Theater

Visual Arts Pathway

ART 310: Design Thinking – Art

ART 350: Writing with Video – Art
Note: Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule.

ART 499: Special Topics in Art – Art

ARTD 318: Digital Interaction – Art-Design
Note: Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule.

ARTD 418: Advanced Interaction Design – Art-Design
Note: Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule.

ARTD 451: Ethics of a Designer in a Global Economy – Art-Design
Note: May be repeated up to 8 hours in the same term and 12 hours in separate terms, if topics vary.

ARTD 499: : AI and Design – Art-Design

ARTD 499: : Sustainable Lifecycle Design & Research I – Art-Design

ARTJ 301: Manga: The Art of Image and Word – Japanese Arts and Aesthetics
Note: This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities – Lit & Arts Cultural Studies – Non-West

ARTJ 302: Intro to Japanese Animation – Japanese Arts and Aesthetics
Note: This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities – Hist & Phil Cultural Studies – Non-West

ARTS 320: Fashion and Textiles Design – Art-Studio
Note: Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. A student registered in one or more Art & Design course(s) exhibiting this message, will be assessed a $95 facility use fee once each term.

ARTS 444: Interactivity II – Art-Studio
Note: Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 undergraduate or 8 graduate hours.

ARTS 499: Special topics in Studio Art – Art-Studio

CS 418: Interactive Computer Graphics – Computer Science
Note: Same as CSE 427.

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

JOUR 430: Augmented and Virtual Reality – Journalism
Note: Credit is not given for JOUR 430 if credit for JOUR 460 (section – Ext Reality and Immersive Tech) or JOUR 460 (section – Immersive Technologies) has been given.

MACS 323: Studies Film/Media Production – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: To apply for course, students (individually or in groups) must propose an idea or concept for a film/media project they would like to produce during the class. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. May be repeated by students who wish to pursue a longer project in two consecutive semesters (may include summer). Students may not repeat the course to pursue separate projects.

MACS 496: Advanced Media/Cinema Topics: Collaboration in Interactive and Immersive Media – Media & Cinema Studies

Writing & Narrative Design Pathway

ART 350: Writing with Video – Art
Note: Additional fees may apply. See Class Schedule.

ARTJ 301: Manga: The Art of Image and Word – Japanese Arts and Aesthetics
Note: This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities – Lit & Arts Cultural Studies – Non-West

ARTJ 302: Intro to Japanese Animation – Japanese Arts and Aesthetics
Note: This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities – Hist & Phil Cultural Studies – Non-West

DANC 256: Choreographic Laboratory Intermediate – Dance
Note: May be repeated in same term for up to 2 hours and in separate terms to a maximum of 4 credit hours.

DANC 451: Individual Study/Creative Investigations: Social Impact thru Arts Technology – Dance

ENGL 396: English Honors Seminar: Games Telling Stories – English

FAA 499: Special Topics: Escape Rooms as Interactive Theatre – Fine & Applied Arts

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 409: Design & Programming of Narrative Games & Simulations – Game Studies and Design
Note: Same as CW 463 1U Design & Programming of Narrative Games & Simulations. Credit is not given for GSD 409and INFO 490 JP, JPU or JPG “Design & Prog Text Based Games” sections.

INFO 303: Writing Across Media – Informatics
Note: Same as WRIT 303 Writing Across Media. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Advanced Composition.

IS 145: Mapping Inequalities: Serious Games & Simulations – Information Sciences
Note: No previous computer programming experience is required. No previous computer programming experience is required. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Quantitative Reasoning II Social & Beh Sci – Soc Sci Cultural Studies – US Minority

IS 357: Introduction to Data Storytelling – Information Sciences

IS 410: Storytelling – Information Sciences
Note: For undergraduates, junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.

MACS 326: New Media, Culture, and Society – Media & Cinema Studies
Note: Lectures and discussion sections are held in computer-equipped classrooms. Same as INFO 326.

MACS 372: Screenwriting – Media & Cinema Studies

THEA 411: Playwrights’ Workshop – Theater
Note: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 undergraduate hours or 9 graduate hours.

THEA 418: Devising Social Issues Theatre – Theater
Note: Same as GWS 418.

Play, Sports, & Health Pathway

This pathway is not yet available but is coming soon!

GSD 199: Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

GSD 399: Advanced Individual Study – Game Studies and Design
Note: Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 6 hours. Only one independent study course can count as an elective towards the minor.

How To Declare the minor

The Game Studies & Design minor program is open to undergraduates from all colleges and majors. It complements the backgrounds of those majoring in any field, whether your college is liberal arts and sciences, engineering, fine arts, applied health sciences, information science or any other! It is recommended, but not required, that you apply before the end of your sophomore year so that you will receive proper advice, and notifications about new courses.

Complete the Minor Declaration form online
Once Game Studies & Design approves, the form will be routed to your college for their approval. Your college will add the minor to your degree audit
Email game-studies@illinois.edu with any questions