Yeah, you read it right, and no, I am NOT kidding!

Students in UC - Berkeley can take up StarCraft studies for college credits. Well, at least it's not as far out as some University courses, but it's still amazing and interesting. The only thing the students could want in addition to this is a Blizzard sponsorship and playing around in StarCraft II!

Read all about this marvellously educating college course (that WILL give you college credits)!

Course Description:
UC Berkeley students with an interest in real-time strategy games and the competitive gaming landscape are encouraged to participate in this class.

This course will go in-depth in the theory of how war is conducted within the confines of the game Starcraft. There will be lecture on various aspects of the game, from the viewpoint of pure theory to the more computational aspects of how exactly battles are conducted. Calculus and Differential Equations are highly recommended for full understanding of the course. Furthermore, the class will take the theoretical into the practical world by analyzing games and replays to reinforce decision-making skills and advanced Starcraft theory.

Class will start with lecture and usually include a special discussion topic having to do with the day’s lecture to inspire new and original thought. At the end of lecture, there may be time to analyze student-submitted replays to illustrate a point or to improve analysis. Homework will be assigned at the end of each class and is due at the beginning of each lecture.


Course Learning Objectives and Goals:
What may look like complex topics are just ways we want you to think more deeply about the game to derive a greater satisfaction from playing. Furthermore, this understanding should have applications in real life, to further synthesize new information from limited inferences. The primary goal is for students to learn, enjoy the art of competitive StarCraft, and have fun. Overall, students will be applying critical thinking, quick decision-making, and game theory skills throughout the sessions. Students will also learn what to look for in a replay or game to learn most effectively.

Some of the prerequisites for the course is that students "should be familiar with all units and some basic StarCraft strategy". Anyone interested in the course needs to enter the class with "an open and analytic mind". This is besides the Calculus and Differential Equations recommended in the description above. Oh, and you need to have StarCraft: Brood War, doh!

An interesting point for us in the StarCraft Community with all of this is all the final projects that students will make. Mayhap a lot of new, interesting points of view will emerge by the end of this course?

Final Project:
There will be a final project where students will present and explain their contribution to the Starcraft Community. This may take the form of an essay detailing new theory or calculations, or an in-depth analysis of a significant game. Whichever final project is chosen will be displayed or published on a public forum for peer criticism.

We have had an interview with the course facilitator, and we'll be posting an update on this shortly!


Update:

The interview article about the StarCraft College course is now released!


Thanks VIIIofSwords for the tip. You can also check out his official page BerkeleyStarCraft.com and the FaceBook group. Read the full syllabus on page 2.-->

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