Course Description

Practice and theory of interactive multimedia as a dramatic medium. Multimedia hardware and software, principles of interactive design, and comparison of development tools and delivery systems including CD-ROM and the World Wide Web.

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Athena Title

Interactive Media as Drama I

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Semester Course Offered

Offered every year.

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Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

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Course Objectives

Students will (1) understand the basic principles behind dramatic narratives found in interactive multimedia computer applications. This both enhances our understanding of dramatic structures and narrative forms and aids in the design of dramatic interactive digital animation. (2) practice using the tools of interactive multimedia development and (3) improve the quality of interactive digital animations by augmenting the technology with the foundations of dramatic narrative.

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Topical Outline

I.An introduction to Danny Hillis and Janet Murray II. Pattern in the Stone III. Variables and repeat loops IV. Linear versus associative narrative structures V. Strange and unusual phenomena related to narrative forms in interactive multimedia widgets VI. Stage, Cast, Score, Sprites VII. Paint, Text, field, Tools, colors, video, and scripts VIII. Sprite Inspector, Help, Memory and Behaviors IX. Animation, Ink effects, space to time, and quads X. Film Loops, exchange cast, markers transitions, timing, and sounds XI. Align, onion skin, and grids XII. Messaging Hierachy and event structures XIII. Mapping interactive structures

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