Curriculum Development
Sam oversaw the curriculum for the University of Southern California’s cross campus Games program, managing curriculum reviews, iteratively improving course plans and expanding the interconnections between academic departments. While at USC, Sam built new BFA degrees in Game Art and Themed Entertainment, the first of its kind at a major research university, in collaboration with industry professionals and the faculty of over 6 distinct schools within the university.
Course Development
As an instructor Sam has developed many courses, including visual design for games, introduction to game development, and systems design. Sam’s syllabi are informed by his expertise in games industry career paths, innovative design, and production methodology. He is proudest of his class on Tabletop Roleplaying Game Design, which he created and is the longest running course of its kind in the world.
Interactive Learning
Sam is experienced in building programs that bring together talented creatives from diverse backgrounds to confront vexing problems of design and innovation in interactive media. He has organized multiple game jams and commissioned games for clients with new and emerging platforms as diverse as the Oculus Rift, Blinks Tabletop Tiles, Google ARCore and PS Vita.
Mentorship
As a teacher, professional advisor, and festival director Sam has crossed paths with many young game developers, including Jenova Chen, Sam Rosenthal, Akira Thompson, Erin Reynolds, Carol Mertz, and A.M. Darke. At both USC and IndieCade, Sam has built additional special programs to provide focused mentorship to lift up young professionals in areas of need and critical focus, such as the USC Games Bridge.