GSD 490

Fall 2026 Part of Term 1

Part of Term 1
Aug 24-Dec 9
Advanced Special Topics in Game Studies & Design

Credit: 1 TO 4 hours.

Topics of current interest. Advanced study in an emerging or special topic related to Game Studies and Design not covered in normal course offerings.

1 to 4 undergraduate hours. 1 to 4 graduate hours. May be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Other prerequisites as specified for each topic offering. See Class Schedule.

Section Status updates every 10 minutes.
GSD 490 class schedule data for fall 2026
Status CRN Type Section Time Day Location Instructor Section Details
4
80760
Laboratory-Discussion
3DG
9:30AM -12:10PM
T
0060 Siebel Center for Design
Velazquez, J
Availability:
CrossListOpen (Restricted)
Part of Term:
1
Date Range:
08/24/26-12/09/26
Credit:
4 hours
Section Title:
3D MODELING
Section Info:
This course provides an in-depth introduction to 3D modeling using Blender, an industry-standard open-source tool widely used in game development, visual effects, and digital content creation. Explore essential 3D concepts, master foundational modeling techniques, and adopt best practices for efficient workflows.
Restriction(s):
Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.
4
80759
Laboratory-Discussion
3DU
9:30AM -12:10PM
T
0060 Siebel Center for Design
Velazquez, J
Availability:
CrossListOpen (Restricted)
Part of Term:
1
Date Range:
08/24/26-12/09/26
Credit:
3 hours
Section Title:
3D MODELING
Section Info:
This course provides an in-depth introduction to 3D modeling using Blender, an industry-standard open-source tool widely used in game development, visual effects, and digital content creation. Explore essential 3D concepts, master foundational modeling techniques, and adopt best practices for efficient workflows.
Restriction(s):
Not intended for students with Freshman or Sophomore class standing. Restricted to Undergrad - Urbana-Champaign.
2
79995
Laboratory-Discussion
ADS
11:00AM -12:20PM
MW
FAB LAB Art-East Annex, Studio 2
Schultz, A
Availability:
CrossListOpen
Part of Term:
1
Date Range:
08/24/26-12/09/26
Section Title:
Escape Room Design
Section Info:
Meets with THEA 402: Escape Room Design
4
80739
Laboratory-Discussion
KMS
10:00AM -12:00PM
WF
Location Pending
Starks, K
Availability:
CrossListOpen (Restricted)
Part of Term:
1
Date Range:
08/24/26-12/09/26
Special Approval:
Instructor Approval Required
Section Title:
Critical Games Research
5
81632
Lecture-Discussion
TS
12:30PM -1:45PM
MW
61 English Building
Sanders, T
Availability:
Closed
Part of Term:
1
Date Range:
08/24/26-12/09/26
Credit:
3 hours
Section Title:
Storymaking
Section Info:
In Storymaking, we’ll explore the wide array of conceptual and technical strategies, or “craft,” across the spectrum of contemporary narrative arts: short fiction, novels, film, video games, graphic novels, television, picture books, theater—all art forms centered around story. Working from a creator’s point of view, we’ll deconstruct the storytelling tools, techniques, and processes used in these varied narrative fields, while also emphasizing foundational concepts of storymaking across form and genre. In other words, we will read and watch and listen and play. We will break down film scenes, close-read short fiction, explore ludonarrative game arcs, and contemplate many other form-specific aspects of storycraft. We’ll examine multi-form adaptations such as The Last of Us (video game and TV show), Jaws (novel and film), and Kindred (novel and graphic novel). We’ll also have guests visiting class from time to time, working practitioners in their narrative fields. Although not a workshop, Storymaking culminates in a final project in a narrative form chosen by the student and instructor, to be shared with the class.
Restriction(s):
Not intended for students with Freshman class standing. Restricted to Undergrad - Urbana-Champaign.
5
81633
Lecture-Discussion
TSG
12:30PM -1:45PM
MW
61 English Building
Sanders, T
Availability:
Closed
Part of Term:
1
Date Range:
08/24/26-12/09/26
Credit:
4 hours
Section Title:
Storymaking
Section Info:
In Storymaking, we’ll explore the wide array of conceptual and technical strategies, or “craft,” across the spectrum of contemporary narrative arts: short fiction, novels, film, video games, graphic novels, television, picture books, theater—all art forms centered around story. Working from a creator’s point of view, we’ll deconstruct the storytelling tools, techniques, and processes used in these varied narrative fields, while also emphasizing foundational concepts of storymaking across form and genre. In other words, we will read and watch and listen and play. We will break down film scenes, close-read short fiction, explore ludonarrative game arcs, and contemplate many other form-specific aspects of storycraft. We’ll examine multi-form adaptations such as The Last of Us (video game and TV show), Jaws (novel and film), and Kindred (novel and graphic novel). We’ll also have guests visiting class from time to time, working practitioners in their narrative fields. Although not a workshop, Storymaking culminates in a final project in a narrative form chosen by the student and instructor, to be shared with the class.
Restriction(s):
Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.
4
81723
Lecture-Discussion
WHG
3:30PM -4:45PM
MW
140 Henry Administration Bldg
Helmke, W
Availability:
CrossListOpen (Restricted)
Part of Term:
1
Date Range:
08/24/26-12/09/26
Credit:
4 hours
Section Title:
Japan's "Media Mix"
Section Info:
Long before Hollywood embraced cinematic universes, Japan was pioneering cross-media storytelling through its “media mix” strategy—seamlessly blending manga, anime, games, and novels into expansive narrative worlds. This course dives into the history, creativity, and global impact of Japan’s media mix, inviting students to explore iconic examples and craft their own interconnected media experiences.
Restriction(s):
Restricted to students with Graduate class standing.
4
81724
Lecture-Discussion
WHU
3:30PM -4:45PM
MW
140 Henry Administration Bldg
Helmke, W
Availability:
CrossListOpen (Restricted)
Part of Term:
1
Date Range:
08/24/26-12/09/26
Credit:
3 hours
Section Title:
Japan's "Media Mix"
Section Info:
Long before Hollywood embraced cinematic universes, Japan was pioneering cross-media storytelling through its “media mix” strategy—seamlessly blending manga, anime, games, and novels into expansive narrative worlds. This course dives into the history, creativity, and global impact of Japan’s media mix, inviting students to explore iconic examples and craft their own interconnected media experiences.
Restriction(s):
Not intended for students with Graduate class standing.
COURSE EXPLORER
Email: Course Explorer Feedback

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR | 901 W. Illinois Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801

Site developed by: Technology Services at Illinois | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
1102 Digital Computer Laboratory | MC-256 | Urbana, IL 61801 | phone 217-244-7000