University of California, Berkeley is now offering a credited class on Blizzard's Starcraft

[0ni0n]

The Tumeroks blog reports that the University of California, Berkeley is now offering a class on Blizzard's Starcraft real-time strategy game. "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.

[Daimen-G]

you can just call me... dr. starcraft.

edit for content it seems kind of strange that they'd make that class available now with SC2 coming out at the end of this year, or some time next year probably.

I guess everyone just has really low expectations :I

[volcanicweather]

Something tells me this class won't be worried about getting enough students...

I wonder if anyone will sign up and have no idea what starcraft is, or think it's an astrology class of some sort

[ZarakiKujata]

wonder how many korean kids will die studying for the final exam.

[Chicomagiko]

wonder how many korean kids will die studying for the final exam.

^ This.

[Khamsin]

I was more wondering why it wasn't already a class in Korean universities.

But I imagine any student who enrolls in this class will be the kind that doesn't know what they want to major in and just aimlessly takes classes that sound interesting or neat "just 'cause".

Believe it or not, there are some people out there who go to college simply because they feel it's the logical next step after high school, or because their parents had the money, rather than because they have a specific goal in mind (such as a specific degree required by their anticipated field).

[Blabj]

I always wondered if factually accurate RTS games were used to teach Military History classes.

I could see using Starcraft and the like to teach battlefield strategies being effective as part of a course... But as it's own course? Are you sure this isn't just a course module?

[The Blackrose]

... Because Calculus and Diff/Eq will save your ass from the zerg rush.

You heard it here first, ladies.

[Natallon]

I would take it.

[Xanthe]

I was more wondering why it wasn't already a class in Korean universities.

In Korea it's part of the prenatal education initiative.

[ferigor]

Believe it or not, there are some people out there who go to college simply because they feel it's the logical next step after high school, or because their parents had the money, rather than because they have a specific goal in mind (such as a specific degree required by their anticipated field).

I'd say that, at least at my school, more people were here just because thats what you're supposed to do. Hell, I only went through college right after high school because I had a full ride pretty much, but I'd lose it if I waited. I always suggest people wait to go to college until they know what they want to do. So much wasted money and effort on people who bounce around majors every semester.

I'd take Starcraft 101, I'm sure it fills some retarded gen-ed requirement. Thats why I took history of rock and roll too.

[Gulkeeva]

I was reading the article till I noticed the words "porn course" midway ;/

[0ni0n]

I was more wondering why it wasn't already a class in Korean universities.

Because it's already a prerequisite to getting into colleges.

[MrW]

Reminds me of the class they started offering about the writings and literary works of Tupac Shakur. Seems pretty interesting actually. Although I'd be interested in seeing the syllabus first to find out worthwhile this class is.

That's a pretty wide range of pre-reqs though. Differential equations was a class that most people didn't take till at least their sophmore year. At least that's when I took it.

[Mizango]

In Korea it's part of the prenatal education initiative.

^ lol

[Brien]

... Because Calculus and Diff/Eq will save your ass from the zerg rush.

You heard it here first, ladies.

haha

[Maguspk]

Saw this on Digg and thought about posting it...

It's taught by a student, not a professor, it's just for an elective, doesn't count toward any major. I went to their website and read the some homework assignments and the syllabus; they've even got gameplay videos on there from these really legit huge stage, seizure inducing lights, Starcraft game shows. It's quite lulz worthy. That having been said, I'd still love to take a course like this.

[MrW]

The first 3 weeks of homework obviously doesn't need a calc pre-req. If it's worth any gen ed credits I sign up for that.

[Demosthenes11]

is that this semester?
I might just go and sit in on it >.>

[Bwelch]

What does Blizzard think about this? Have they commented?