BS - Computer Game Design & Development - Computer Science Concentration
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College of Computing & Software Engineering
Department of Software Engineering and Game Development
Computer Game Design and Development, BS (Computer Science Concentration)
Program Information:
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design and Development equips students and graduates with the skills and knowledge to apply computing and software engineering techniques to the design and production of digital media for entertainment, research, and education. As a specialization within the field of computing, game design and development builds on and applies expertise in computing hardware and software to create engaging and immersive multimedia systems.
This is a suggested 4-year schedule of courses based on the Computer Game Design and Development - Computer Science Concentration degree requirements and course prerequisites in the Fall 2018 Undergraduate Catalog. (If course prerequisites change, you must meet the prerequisites in effect when you take the course, so always check the current Catalog for course prerequisites.)
Milestones:
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Must earn a grade of "C" or better in coursework.
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Not all courses are offered every semester.
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See KSU online Catalog or departmental website for pre-requisite or course descriptions.
Contact Information:
(470) 578-3790
http://ccse.kennesaw.edu/swegd
Term 1
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Requirement
Hours
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3
ENGL 1101 3 Credits Composition I
Focuses on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation. Also includes introductory use of a variety of research skills. The corequisite for this course applies only to Learning Support Students.
Prerequisites:
-
3
CSE 1321 3 Credits Programming Problem Solving I
This course provides an introduction to computing with a focus programming. Instruction centers on an overview of programming, problem-solving, and algorithm development. Particular topics include object-oriented design/programming, primitive data types, arithmetic and logical operators, selection and repetition structures, interactive user input, exception handling, using and designing basic classes, single-dimensional data structures with searching and sorting, and arrays. Programming assignments focus on techniques of good programming style including proper documentation. The student is taught to efficiently design, code, and debug problem solution and the relationship between correct code and security.
Prerequisites: (
MATH 1112** with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113** with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1190** with a minimum grade of C or
CSE 1300** with a minimum grade of C) and (
CSE 1321L** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with CSE 1321
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1
CSE 1321L 1 Credits Program Problem Solving I Lab
Lab activities with programming and game design to accompany CSE 1321.
Prerequisites: (
CSE 1321** with a minimum grade of C or
CSE 1301 with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with CSE 1321L
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3
MATH 1113 3 Credits Precalculus
This course is an intensive study of the basic functions needed for the study of calculus. Topics include algebraic, functional, and graphical techniques for solving problems with algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their inverses.
Prerequisites: ((Test
HSGPA with a minimum score of 3.0) and (Test
A02 with a minimum score of 25 or Test
S12 with a minimum score of 590)) or (Test
ALEKS with a minimum score of 61)
HIST 1100 or HIST 1100 3 Credits Introduction to World History
This course is an overview of world history that provides an introduction to the origin and development of the world's societies and their political, cultural, and economic traditions.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
HIST 1111 or HIST 1111 3 Credits Pre-Modern World History
This course is a survey of world history to early modern times. The course examines the political, economic, social, and cultural history of the world with a focus on connections and interactions.
HIST 1112HIST 1112 3 Credits Modern World History
This course is a survey of world history from early modern times to the present. The course examines themes, events, trends, institutions, and ideas with a focus on global connections and interactions.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
3
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3
Total: 16
Notes/Milestones:
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Complete ENGL 1101 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.
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Complete MATH 1111, 1112, or 1113 this semester with a grade of 'C' or higher.
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Complete the KSU First Year Experience Requirement.
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Complete CSE 1321 and CSE 1321L with a grade of "B" or better.
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All students must meet with an academic advisor each semester until earning 30 semester hours at KSU.
Term 2
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Requirement
Hours
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2
ECON 1000 2 Credits Contemporary Economic Issues
This course provides students with the knowledge and tools necessary to critically examine social and policy issues from an economic perspective. Fundamental economic questions ? as they relate to individuals, firms, and society in the modern global world ? are addressed. Students learn about different economic systems, how markets function, the role of government in the economy, the basis for international trade, measurement of macroeconomic performance, and the impact of globalization on living standards and economic growth.
Prerequisites:
-
3
ENGL 1102 3 Credits Composition II
Develops writing skills beyond the levels of proficiency required by ENGL 1101. Interpretation and evaluation are emphasized, and a variety of more advanced research methods are incorporated.
Prerequisites: (
ENGL 1101 with a minimum grade of C or
ENGL 101 with a minimum grade of C)
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3
CSE 1322 3 Credits Programming Problem Solving II
The second course in computing provides coverage of more advanced topics of object-oriented programming. This includes the use of static variables and classes, non-linear data structures, inheritance and polymorphism, file input/output, exception handling, recursion, and parameterized types. Elementary data structures (linked lists, stacks, and queues) are introduced to solve application problems. Graphical user interfaces, parallel programming, database programming, and event-driven programming are also introduced. Students will use good programming style including proper documentation.
Prerequisites: (
CSE 1321 with a minimum grade of B and
CSE 1321L with a minimum grade of B) or
CSE 1301 with a minimum grade of B and
CSE 1322L** with a minimum grade of B)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with CSE 1322
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1
CSE 1322L 1 Credits Program Problem Solving II Lab
This course is the required and supervised lab course to accompany CSE 1322.
Prerequisites: ((
CSE 1321 with a minimum grade of B and
CSE 1321L with a minimum grade of B) or
CSE 1301 with a minimum grade of B) and (
CSE 1322** with a minimum grade of C)
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with CSE 1322L
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4
MATH 1190 4 Credits Calculus I
This course is the first in the calculus curriculum and introduces the central concepts of calculus. Topics include limits, continuity, derivatives of algebraic and transcendental functions of one variable, applications of these concepts and a brief introduction to the integral of a function.
Prerequisites: ((
MATH 1112 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113 with a minimum grade of C)((Test
HSGPA with a minimum score of 3.20) and (Test
A02 with a minimum score of 26 or Test
S12 with a minimum score of 620)) or (Test
ALEKS with a minimum score of 76))

MATH 2345 or MATH 2345 3 Credits Discrete Mathematics
An introducation to the fundamentals of discrete mathematics. Topics include sets, formal logic, methods of proof, counting relations, functions, graphs and trees, and finite state automata.
Prerequisites: MATH 1112 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1190 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113 with a minimum grade of C)
CSE 2300CSE 2300 3 Credits Discrete Struct Comp
Coverage of discrete structures is crucial to any program in computing. This course covers propositional and predicate logic, proofs, set theory, relations and functions, algorithms and complexity theory, matrices, graphs and trees, and combinatorics. Throughout the emphasis will be on applications of these concepts in computing.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of
CSE 1321 with a minimum grade of C and
CSE 1321L with a minimum grade of C or
CSE 1311 with a minimum grade of C or
CSE 1301 with a minimum grade of C) and (
MATH 1113 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1111 with a minimum grade of C and
MATH 1112 with a minimum grade of C
with a minimum grade of )
3
Total: 16
Notes/Milestones:
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Complete ENGL 1102 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.
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If MATH 1111 was taken in the first semester, take MATH 1112 instead of MATH 2345 or CSE 2300.
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Must complete MATH 1190 with a grade of "C" or higher.
Year 1 (Hours: 32)
Term 3
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Requirement
Hours
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4
CGDD 2002 4 Credits Fundamentals of Game Design
This course presents an overview of the history of computer games and the theory of gaming. Topics include game genres, content, patterns, playability, suspension of disbelief and immersion, storytelling, and game balance and fairness. Students are required to analyze historical and current games and must also develop a computer-based prototype of an original game
Prerequisites: (
CSE 1322 with a minimum grade of B and
CSE 1322L with a minimum grade of B) or (
CS 1302 with a minimum grade of B)
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3
SWE 3313 3 Credits Intro to Software Engineering
This course provides an overview of the software engineering discipline, introducing the student to the fundamental principles and processes of software engineering. This course highlights the need for an engineering approach (both personal and team) to software with understanding of the activities performed at each stage in the development cycle. In this course, students will perform requirements analysis, design, implementation and testing. The course presents software development processes at the various degrees of granularity. Students will become aware of libraries of standards (IEEE, ACM, SWEBOK, etc.).
Prerequisites: (
CSE 1322 with a minimum grade of C and
CSE 1322L with a minimum grade of C) or
CSE 1302 with a minimum grade of C or
IT 1324 with a minimum grade of C or (
IT 1323 with a minimum grade of C and
IT 1323L with a minimum grade of C)
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3
MATH 2332 3 Credits Probability and Data Analysis
This course is a foundational, calculus-based introduction to statistics and probability. The following conceptual themes will be developed through the process of statistical investigation: exploratory data analysis (univariate and bivariate), fundamentals of experiment design and sampling, planning and conducting a study, exploring random phenomenon using probability and simulation, and the fundamentals of statistical inference. Technology is integrated into each theme, and the statistical software package used will be chosen by the instructor.
Prerequisites: (
MATH 1190 with a minimum grade of C)
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2
CSE 3801 2 Credits Professional Practices & Ethic
This course covers the historical, social and economic consideration of the discipline. It includes studies of professional conduct, risks, and liabilities, and intellectual property relative to the software engineering and computing professions. Software engineering/computing case studies will be used.
Prerequisites: (
CSE 1322 with a minimum grade of C and
CSE 1322L with a minimum grade of C) or
CSE 1302 with a minimum grade of C or
IT 1324 with a minimum grade of C or (
IT 1323 with a minimum grade of C and
IT 1323L with a minimum grade of C)
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3
PHYS 1111 3 Credits Introductory Physics I
This is an introductory algebra and trigonometry-based course on classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. The student will be able to apply Newton's laws and conservation of energy and momentum to various problems in kinematics and dynamics, use the law of universal gravitation to falling objects and orbital motion, describe simple harmonic motion, oscillations, and waves, and explain temperature, heat, and entropy.
Prerequisites: (
MATH 1112 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1190 with a minimum grade of C)
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1
PHYS 1111L 1 Credits Introductory Physics I Lab
Prerequisites: PHYS 1111** with a minimum grade of C
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with PHYS 1111L
Total: 16
Notes/Milestones:
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Take CSE 2300/MATH 2345 instead of CSE 3801 if not already taken.
Term 4
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Requirement
Hours
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4
CS 3304 4 Credits Data Structures
This course introduces data structures, specification, application, and implementation. The case studies will illustrate how data structures are used in computing applications. The emphasis of the course is on linear and some nonlinear data structures and object oriented principles. Topics include: abstract data types, stacks, queues, lists, binary search trees, priority queues, recursion, algorithm efficiency, trees, heaps, hash tables, and analysis of search and sort algorithms and their performance for implementation and manipulation. The programming language to be used in this course is any standard high-level object-oriented programming language such as C++, Java, and Ada.
Prerequisites: MATH 2345 with a minimum grade of C and (
CS 1302 with a minimum grade of C or
CSE 1302 with a minimum grade of C)
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3
SWE 3643 3 Credits Software Testing & QA
This course will show how software quality assurance and configuration management is performed and how software process improvement is maintained in order to assure the highest possible quality. Topics include software process metrics and their use in QA, testing approaches, methods and techniques. Development of QA plans, reviews, inspections and audits will be done. Configuration control boards and methods for software process improvement is discussed.
Prerequisites: (
SWE 3313 with a minimum grade of C or
CPE 3000 with a minimum grade of C)
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3
CGDD 3103 3 Credits App Extension and Scripting
This course provides an introduction to the use and extension of applications for content creation and management. Both the theoretical as well as applied aspects of extensible application architectures and plug-ins are covered. Existing and emerging scripting languages will also be discussed extensively, and programming in these scripting languages is covered. Students will explore and utilize current applications and must create extensions to these applications.
Prerequisites: CGDD 2002 with a minimum grade of C((
CSE 1322 with a minimum grade of B and
CSE 1322L with a minimum grade of B) or
CSE 1302 with a minimum grade of C)
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3
PHYS 1112 3 Credits Introductory Physics II
PHYS 1112 is an introductory algebra and trigonometry-based course on electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. The student will be able to apply the concepts of electric field and electric potential to problems in electrostatics and with electric currents, describe the motion of charged particles in magnetic fields and induction, explain the origin of electromagnetic waves and properties of light, and understand elementary principles of special relativity and quantum physics.
Prerequisites: (
PHYS 1111 with a minimum grade of C or
PHYS 2211 with a minimum grade of C or
PHYS 2211K with a minimum grade of C or
PHYS 1211K with a minimum grade of C) and (
MATH 1112 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1113 with a minimum grade of C or
MATH 1190 with a minimum grade of C)
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1
PHYS 1112L 1 Credits Introductory Physics II Lab
Prerequisites: PHYS 1112** with a minimum grade of C
**indicates that a class may be taken concurrently with PHYS 1112L
Total: 14
Year 2 (Hours: 30)
Term 5
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Requirement
Hours
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3
CGDD 4003 3 Credits Digital Media & Interaction
This course explores how digital media is created and utilized within computer games and simulations. Topics include sound, video, text, images, character modeling, animation, game world and level generation (2D and 3D), and current and emerging interaction techniques. Students are required to work in teams to produce a multimedia term project.
Prerequisites: (
CGDD 3103 with a minimum grade of C)
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3
CS 4242 3 Credits Artificial Intelligence
Prerequisites: (
CS 3305 with a minimum grade of C and
CS 3305L with a minimum grade of C) or
CS 3304 with a minimum grade of C
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3
CS 4306 3 Credits Algorithm Analysis
Advanced algorithm analysis including the introduction of formal techniques and the underlying mathematical theory. Topics include asymptotic analyses of complexity bounds using big-O, little-o, omega, and theta notations. Fundamental algorithmic strategies (brute-force, greedy, divide-and-conquer, backtracking, branch-and-bound, pattern matching, parallel algorithms, and numerical approximations) are covered. Also included are standard graph and tree algorithms. Additional topics include standard complexity classes, time and space tradeoffs in algorithms, using recurrence relations to analyze recursive algorithms, NP-completeness, the halting problem, and the implications of non-computability.
Prerequisites: (
CS 3305 with a minimum grade of C and
CS 3305L with a minimum grade of C) or
CS 3304 with a minimum grade of C
HIST 2111 or HIST 2111 3 Credits United States History to 1877
This course explores major themes in the social, cultural, political, and economic history of the peoples of North America to 1877. Topics include the intersections of cultures in colonial America, the origin and development of the American republic, the evolution of democratic ideas and institutions, western expansion, slavery, sectional conflict, and emancipation and its aftermath.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
HIST 2112HIST 2112 3 Credits US History Since 1877
This course examines the major themes in the social, cultural, political, and economic history of the United States since 1877, the multicultural nature of contemporary U.S. civilization, and the nation's role in the global arena.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
3
Free Elective. Any course in the university curriculum.
3
Total: 15
Term 6
-
Requirement
Hours
-
3
CGDD 4303 3 Credits Educational Game Design
This course presents the history, theory, and current best practices of serious gaming and the use of serious games to educate and train. This course focuses on how to engage and entertain while presenting informative interfaces to the user. Topics include motivation, designing engaging learning interfaces, knowledge transfer from the game environment to the real world, assessment of learning, and instructional value. A design/prototype project is required.
Prerequisites: CGDD 4003 with a minimum grade of C
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4
SWE 4324 4 Credits User Centered Design
A course that presents the fundamental knowledge, processes, skills, and practices leading to the user-centered design of computer systems and applications. The course addresses the effectiveness of human interactions with computers by examining issues of physical ergonomics, cognition and perception, human memory and information processing, and evaluation of prototype software in a Usability Lab. Usability engineering techniques are covered leading to improved system effectiveness in supporting use of computers, user learning, diversity in interaction styles, and individual versus group work. Class exercises provide practice of needed skills. A major project that integrates all aspects of user-centered task-oriented design is included.
Prerequisites: (
SWE 3313 with a minimum grade of C)
-
3
CS 4722 3 Credits Computer Graphics & Multimedia
The basic principles and practices of interactive computer graphics and multimedia systems are covered in this introductory course. The design and implementation of state-of-the-art computer graphic rendering and visual multimedia systems are the main part of the course. The sub-topics of the course deal with specific input/output hardware devices and their technology, software and hardware standards, programming methods for implementing 3-dimensional graphical applications and interactive multimedia applications, and a study and evaluation of the effectiveness of graphic/multimedia communications. A large component of the class is the building of a large-scale application.
Prerequisites: (
CS 3305 with a minimum grade of C and
CS 3305L with a minimum grade of C) or
CS 3304 with a minimum grade of C
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3
STS 1101 3 Credits Science, Technology & Society
This course provides students with the knowledge and tools necessary to critically examine the development and integration of science, technology, and society. The course seeks to help students better understand the world in which they live, the broader implications of their major course of study, and the complex social, ethical, and moral choices presented by modern science and technology in human relationships.
Prerequisites:
-
3
Total: 16
Notes/Milestones:
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KSU Freshman Seminar counts as free elective during this term.
Year 3 (Hours: 31)
Term 7
-
Requirement
Hours
-
3
CGDD 4803 3 Credits Studio
This course begins the studio experience and explores the application of game design and development in a structured environment; teams build applications utilizing best practices in software engineering including asset, project, configuration, and requirements management. Students in this Studio course will assume an apprentice position within their teams and learn from more senior students taking the Capstone course. This course involves weekly status, design, and development meetings.
Prerequisites: CGDD 4003 with a minimum grade of C
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3
CGDD 4203 3 Credits Mobile & Casual Game Develop
This course explores the segments of mobile (handheld, PDA and cell-phone) and casual gaming. Aspects of mobile hardware resources such as smaller memory, limited processor capabilities, and smaller displays are discussed; implications of such limitations to design and playability are also presented. Patterns of casual game development and emerging markets for casual games are also explored. A term project exploring mobile and/or casual game development is required.
Prerequisites: (
CGDD 4003 with a minimum grade of C)
-
3
POLS 1101 3 Credits American Government
This course examines the institutions and processes of American government and Georgia State government. Global comparisons are made between the governments of the U.S. and other modern nation-states.
Prerequisites:
-
3
COM 1100 3 Credits Human Communication
Human Communication is an introduction to the fundamental components of the human communication process. The course provides a basic history of the communication discipline. Course content begins with ancient rhetoric and traces the communication discipline's history to its classification as a modern social science. The course emphasizes selected methods and practice in dyadic, small group, and oral presentational settings. Course content also covers communication models, organizational communication, mass communication, intercultural communication, and forms of inquiry.
Prerequisites:
-
3
Total: 15
Term 8
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Requirement
Hours
-
4
CGDD 4814 4 Credits Studio 2
This course continues the studio experience from CGDD4803 and further explores the application of game design and development in a structured environment; teams build applications utilizing best practices in software engineering including asset, project, configuration, and requirements management. Students taking this Capstone course will assume a senior position within their teams and provide mentoring to students taking the Studio course. This course involves weekly status, design, and development meetings.
Prerequisites: CGDD 4803 with a minimum grade of C
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3
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3
ART 1107 or ART 1107 3 Credits Art in Society
This interactive course is an introduction to the role of visual art in global societies, from antiquity through the present day. It examines various media within their social, historical, and intellectual contexts; explores a variety of art-historical, art-critical, and theoretical issues; and facilitates critical and analytical thinking. It also teaches students how to analyze the basic elements of art and design and how to visit a museum. (Visits to some venues may require paid admission.)
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
DANC 1107 or DANC 1107 3 Credits Dance in Society
Through an examination of the role of arts in society, and an in-depth study of selected dance events, this interactive course provides an understanding of the creative process and develops skills in creativity and critical analysis. Heightened perceptual abilities will be developed through class experiences and field visits to a variety of arts events in dance, music, visual arts, and theater. (Attendance at some events requires paid admission.)
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
MUSI 1107 or MUSI 1107 3 Credits Music in Society
This course examines the role of music in society through a study of musical works within their cultural and historical contexts. Course assignments develop skills in critical analysis and global perspectives as well as an understanding of the creative process. Required attendance at live performances provides the experiential component so crucial to the understanding and enjoyment of music. (Most events require paid admission.)
Notes: Offered as an online course.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
TPS 1107TPS 1107 3 Credits Theatre in Society
This interactive course examines the role of theatre in society through the study of dramatic works and performance events within their cultural and historical contexts. Course assignments promote understanding of the creative process and develop skills in critical analysis, global perspectives, and collaboration. Attendance is required at live performances, including some events with paid admission.
Prerequisites: with a minimum grade of )
3
Total: 13
Year 4 (Hours: 28)
Program Total: 121 Hours
Milestones: All courses indicated as a Milestone with this icon (
) should be completed in the term suggested to prevent delays in program completion.
Disclaimer: An academic map is a suggested four-year schedule of courses based on degree requirements in the KSU undergraduate catalog. This sample schedule serves as a general guideline to help build a full schedule each term. Some departments allow students to use the three credit first-year seminar course as a free elective for a degree program, which may impact the program's total credit hours. Milestones, courses, and special requirements necessary for timely progress to complete a major are designated to keep you on track to graduate in four years. Missing milestones could delay your program. Enrolled Students should reference DegreeWorks and not this plan.
This map is not a substitute for academic advisement—contact your advisor if you have any questions about scheduling or about your degree requirements. Also
see the current undergraduate catalog (catalog.kennesaw.edu) for a complete list of requirements and electives. Note: Requirements are continually under revision, and
there is no guarantee they will not be changed or revoked; contact the department and/or program area for current information.
You may choose to attend a summer term to reduce your load during fall or spring terms but still stay on track to graduate in four years.