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University of Pittsburgh    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Apr 17, 2024
 
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Digital Narrative and Interactive Design, BA/BS


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The Digital Narrative and Interactive Design major (DNID) harnesses the narrative, world-building, and media studies strengths of the English department and the coding, software development, and human computer interface strengths of the School of Computing and Information. It draws upon existing initiatives in game design at SCI and critical game studies, making, and media production within the English department. Students will learn how to build interactive narrative systems such as games, interactive literature, virtual reality environments and other interactive media experiences in a variety of fields. They will learn to creatively combine design with narrative, code with story. This uniquely positions majors in today’s workforce: game and interactive media designis booming in nearly every field and sector. What these positions require,and what is currently in short  supply, are individualscapable of both understanding the intricacies of narrative and implementing that knowledge in the form of computational media (coded interactive systems).

The DNID major is managed jointly by the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Computing and Information. This program offers  training that builds a solid foundation in English (Writing, Composition, Film and Media Studies, and Literature), Computer Science, and Information Science.

 

Digital Narrative and Interactive Design Requirements


The Digital Narrative and Interactive Design major (DNID) harnesses the narrative, world-building, and media studies strengths of the English department and the coding, software development, and human computer interface strengths of the School of Computing and Information. It draws upon existing initiatives in game design at SCI and critical game studies, making, and media production within the English department. Students will learn how to build interactive narrative systems such as games, interactive literature, virtual reality environments and other interactive media experiences in a variety of fields. They will learn to creatively combine design with narrative, code with story. This uniquely positions majors in today’s workforce: game and interactive media design is booming in nearly every field and sector. What these positions require, and what is currently in short supply, are individuals capable of both understanding the intricacies of narrative and implementing that knowledge in the form of computational media (coded interactive systems).

The DNID major is managed jointly by the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Computing and Information. This program offers training that builds a solid foundation in English (Writing, Composition, Film and Media Studies, and Literature), Computer Science, and Information Science.

Core and Upper Level Courses


Elective courses


Students must complete two elective courses from the School of Computing and Information and two elective courses from the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Courses offering a depth of knowledge in pre-identified areas of interest are clustered together to provide a guide for students; Students are not required to follow nor declare a specific track.

Online Media track


Game Design track


Critical Making track


Capstone sequence


The Capstone sequence allows students to design and implement a signature project to complete the major. Students start with the design project (Project 1) and complete the sequence with the implementation project (Project 2) in consultation with their advisors. Students seeking Independent Study or Directed Study options for the capstone sequence should work with their advisors to ensure that the work done in these courses will complete the sequence.

Additional Information


Writing (W) requirement: Dietrich School students must complete at least one W-course in the major. ENGCMP 0610  fulfills this requirement.

Grade requirements: A letter grade of C or better is required in each of the core and upper level courses that are to count toward the major. The elective courses for the major must also be completed with a grade of C or better. A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all departmental courses taken is required for graduation. If a D+ or lower is earned in an elective course for the major but is not repeated, the course will be used to calculate the overall GPA but will not be counted toward the 40 credits required for the major.

Satisfactory/No Credit option: No courses that count toward the major may be taken on an S/NC basis.

Advising: Digital Narrative and Interactive Design is a joint undergraduate degree between the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Computing and Information. Students enrolled in each school are advised by advisors within that school.

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