This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The B.F.A. in Kinetic Imaging with a concentration in interaction and game design is intended for students seeking a specialization in virtual interactive worlds and emergent systems and game design. The concentration courses within the 121-credit program comprise 14 credits integrating studio-based learning methodologies and culminating with a practicum.

Student learning outcomes

Kinetic imaging core outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to create media art that is conceptually grounded and evidences individual reflection and critical inquiry.

  • Students will be able to make appropriate choices of media and presentation to support the conceptual intent of their work.

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to construct meaning, synthesize ideas, ask pertinent questions and identify resources. Students will be able to successfully bring critical analysis and review to collaborative critique sessions and also to written responses.
  • Students will demonstrate an advanced level of skills in their use of technology and tools for the production of video, animation, sound and emerging media. This includes a wide range of technology in regards to both equipment and software.

Interaction and game design concentration-specific outcomes

  • Students will be able to synthesize interactive elements with narrative and world-building techniques in gamification environments.
  • Students will be able to develop products that contribute to current issues surrounding interactive art and design practices and principles.

Degree requirements for Kinetic Imaging, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a concentration in interaction and game design

Course Title Hours
General education
Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser.30
Major requirements
• Major core requirements
KINE 233Media Arts Survey3
KINE 243Video Practices4
KINE 245Animation Practices4
KINE 247Sound Art4
KINE 3483D Computer Art4
KINE 354Creative Code and Electronics 4
KINE 357Critical Issues in the Media3
KINE 375Concept and Development Studio4
KINE 474
KINE 475
Research and Production I
and Research and Production II
8
• Concentration requirements14
Live Coding
Virtual Interactive Worlds
Emergent Systems and Game Design
Practicum
• Major electives
Emphasis area electives (300 level or above)6
Ancillary requirements
Art Foundation Program
ARTF 131Drawing Studio3
ARTF 132Surface Research3
ARTF 133Space Research3
ARTF 134Time Studio3
ARTF 139Project Studio2
or ARTF 138 Project Seminar
ARTH 103
ARTH 104
Survey of Art I
and Survey of Art II
6
Additional requirements
UNIV 101Introduction to the University1
Open electives
Select any course.12
Total Hours121

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 121.

What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.

Freshman year
Fall semesterHours
ARTF 131 Drawing Studio 3
ARTF 133 Space Research 3
ARTH 103 Survey of Art I 3
UNIV 101 Introduction to the University 1
UNIV 111 Play VideoPlay course video for Focused Inquiry I Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 16
Spring semester
ARTF 132 Surface Research 3
ARTF 134 Time Studio 3
ARTF 139 Project Studio 1
ARTF 139 Project Studio 1
ARTH 104 Survey of Art II 3
UNIV 112 Play VideoPlay course video for Focused Inquiry II Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 17
Sophomore year
Fall semester
KINE 233 Media Arts Survey 3
Select two of the following: 8
KINE 243 Video Practices -
KINE 245 Animation Practices -
KINE 247 Sound Art -
KINE 348 3D Computer Art -
KINE 354 Creative Code and Electronics -
UNIV 200 Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) 3
 Term Hours: 14
Spring semester
Select the remaining three of the following: 12
KINE 243 Video Practices -
KINE 245 Animation Practices -
KINE 247 Sound Art -
KINE 348 3D Computer Art -
KINE 354 Creative Code and Electronics -
General education course 3
 Term Hours: 15
Junior year
Fall semester
KINE 357 Critical Issues in the Media 3
KINE 454 Live Coding 4
MTEC 315 Emergent Systems and Game Design 3
General education course 3
Open elective 3
 Term Hours: 16
Spring semester
KINE 375 Concept and Development Studio 4
KINE 458 Virtual Interactive Worlds 4
Emphasis area elective 3
General education course 3
Open elective 3
 Term Hours: 17
Senior year
Fall semester
KINE 474 Research and Production I 4
Emphasis area elective 3
General education course 3
Open elective 3
 Term Hours: 13
Spring semester
KINE 475 Research and Production II 4
MTEC 493 Practicum 3
General education course 3
Open elective 3
 Term Hours: 13
 Total Hours: 121

The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 121.