Computer Animation and Game Development

Course Overview Link

This summer program for high school students offers a highly visual, non-mathematical introduction to computing and computer programming. Our vehicle is the Alice development environment, which allows students without prior experience to rapidly create 3D virtual worlds like those seen in animations and video games. Alice programmers choose environments, populate them with features, creatures, and sounds, and animate these elements in simulated three-dimensional space to tell stories, play games, give interactive instructions, etc. Students become the masters of domains of their own creation.

Students work in small teams creating virtual worlds for assignments and learn the principles of computer programming in the process. They will see the results of their efforts immediately. We aim to improve students’ skills in exact thinking, analysis/design, and problem-solving, while providing an enjoyable path to more formal study of computing and programming, and a foundation for utilizing professional 3D animation systems and games. This STEM course offers a highly visual, non-mathematical introduction to computer programming and animation. The vehicle is the Alice development environment, which allows students without prior experience to rapidly create 3D virtual worlds like those seen in animations and video games. Alice programmers choose environments, populate them with features, creatures, and sounds, and animate these elements in simulated three-dimensional space to tell stories, play games, give interactive instructions, etc. Students become the masters of domains of their own creation.

Students work in small teams creating virtual worlds for assignments and learn the principles of computer programming in the process. They will see the results of their efforts immediately. We aim to improve students’ skills in exact thinking, analysis/design, and problem-solving, while providing an enjoyable path to more formal study of computing and programming, and a foundation for utilizing professional 3D animation systems and game engines.

All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.

Course Objectives Link

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• Use the Alice development system to create colorful virtual worlds and populate them with a wide variety of animatable objects
• Apply 3D graphics/animation concepts to precisely control object animation
• Write computer programs of modest size in an object-oriented, event-driven style
• Modularize animations/programs to support the development of long-form animations

” I would have most likely applied with an undeclared major if it were not for Syracuse University Summer College.”

—Maia M., Summer College – Online Student, 2020

Course Information Link

Course Prefix and Number: SCN 022

Format: On Campus (at Syracuse University)

Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school junior, or senior status – or a 2024 high school graduate, who has passed Algebra I and Geometry with understanding, and whose reading comprehension is sufficient to negotiate a textbook used in colleges and high schools. No previous programming or animation experience required.

Credit: Noncredit

Grading: Pass/Fail

Cost:

• Residential: $4,095
• Commuter: $3,166

Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.

Program Information Link

Summer College – On Campus: Experience what college is really like: take a college-level course, live in a residence hall, have meals with friends in a dining hall, and participate in activities and events on campus.