UNIV 104F30 Years of Pokemon

Catalog

30 YEARS OF POKEMON: COMPUTER ARTS, JAPANESE FOLKLORE AND GLOBAL FRANCHISE - - - The UNIV 101 & UNIV 104 courses offer a blended course format which includes two primary components, one focusing on the academic topic, taught by a faculty member with the second component devoted to new student transition topics, taught by a professional staff partner instructor. This freshmen seminar course will explore an intriguing intellectual topic, help freshmen hone critical thinking and writing skills, and assist students in making a successful transition to university life. - - - This introductory class examines the Pokemon franchise on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, exploring how art, technology, and cultural storytelling contributed to one of the most recognizable creative worlds in modern media. Students investigate how early hardware limitations shaped pixel-based computer art, how Pokemon character design evolved across generations of games, and how many Pokemon draw inspiration from Japanese folklore and mythology. The course also explores Pokemon as a global media franchise, comparing its creature design and storytelling strategies with other monster-based franchises in games and popular culture. Students will experiment with digital pixel art techniques and explore the use of AI-assisted image generation as a tool for creative ideation. A key component of the course focuses on civic discourse and ethical engagement with emerging technologies. Through structured discussions and design activities, students examine topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in artistic creation, cultural interpretation in global media, and how creative works adapt mythological traditions across cultures. Students will practice evaluating information sources, considering multiple viewpoints, and engaging in respectful dialogue around issues related to art, technology, and cultural representation. Working in pairs, students will design an original Pokemon and produce a complete Pokedex entry including a pixel sprite, AI-assisted concept art, and a written description of the creature’s habitat, abilities, and cultural inspiration. No prior experience with digital art or AI tools is required. NOTE: All UNIV 101 and UNIV 104 courses are restricted to students in their FIRST SEMESTER at the University. Students MAY NOT register for more than one UNIV 101 or UNIV 104 course. A key component of the course focuses on civic discourse and ethical engagement with emerging technologies. Through structured discussions and design activities, students examine topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in artistic creation, cultural interpretation in global media, and how creative works adapt mythological traditions across cultures. Students will practice evaluating information sources, considering multiple viewpoints, and engaging in respectful dialogue around issues related to art, technology, and cultural representation. Working in pairs, students will design an original Pokémon and produce a complete Pokedex entry including a pixel sprite, AI-assisted concept art, and a written description of the creature’s habitat, abilities, and cultural inspiration. No prior experience with digital art or AI tools is required. NOTE: All UNIV 101 and UNIV 104 courses are restricted to students in their FIRST SEMESTER at the University. Students MAY NOT register for more than one UNIV 101 or UNIV 104 course.