James TerKeurst

Dr James TerKeurst PhD

Course Leader

School of Media Arts and Technology

Room no. RM325

Biography

Born in Detroit, James spent his early years playing games in arcades.  He began developing interactive software after purchasing his first computer in 1981, and after getting his PhD at the University of Iowa began teaching game development in 1999.  Since then James has worked and taught in North America, Britain and Japan, and has done substantial game industry research around the world.  He joined Solent University as a senior lecturer in computer games in 2016.

Taught courses

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BA (Hons) Computer Games Design
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BA (Hons) Computer Games (Art)
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BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology
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Foundation Year in Digital Arts

Further information

  1. Industry experience

    James was Director of the Institute of Digital Innovation at Teesside University. The IDI worked across the Northeast to help digital entrepreneurs start their own companies.

  2. Teaching experience

    James has considerable teaching experience in almost all aspects of game development from coding to asset creation. His current teaching is focused around game design and game industry practice.

  3. Research interests

    As a technology generalist James likes working with experts to develop industry relevant solutions. His personal digital media research has focused on enabling solutions for digital content development and his research is typically funded by grants and facilitated by collaborative teams.

  4. Recent publications

    James has contributed to a number of publications. Follow the link below to find out more.
    • James TerKeurst, “Square Pegs and Round Holes – Games in the Liberal Arts,” The Computer Games Journal 3(2b)(Special Edition – What is Missing from Games), eds. M. Sutherland and J. Sutherland, (2014): 208-211.
    • Jim TerKeurst, et al., Beyond eLearning: practical insights from the USA, ed. Jim TerKeurst (London: Department of Trade and Industry, 2006).
    • Jim TerKeurst, “Communications, Pedagogy and eLearning,” in Beyond eLearning: practical insights from the USA, ed. Jim TerKeurst (London: Department of Trade and Industry, 2006).
    • Jim TerKeurst and Inga Paterson, eds., Proceedings of Second Annual Women in Games Conference (Dundee: University of Abertay Press, 2006).
    • Lucy Joyner and Jim TerKeurst, "I’m Motivated Now Deliver What I Need!" in Proceedings of Women in Games Second Annual Conference, ed. J. TerKeurst (Dundee: University of Abertay Press, 2006). 
    • Lucy Joyner and Jim TerKeurst, “Accounting for User Needs and Motivations in Game Design,” in Interactive Convergence: Interdisciplinary Research in Multimedia, eds. S. P. Schaffer and M. L. Price, Critical Issues series, Vol. 10 Cybercultures (Oxford, Interdisciplinary Press, 2005, ISBN: 1-904710-09-3), pp. 31-43.
    • Jim TerKeurst et al., Future on the Line: Korean Best Practice in Digital Game Development, Publishing and Distribution, ed. Jim TerKeurst (London: Department of Trade and Industry, 2004).
    • Jim TerKeurst et al., Creativity is Not Enough: Global Best Practice in Digital Game Publishing, ed. Jim TerKeurst (Dundee: IC CAVE, 2003).
    • Lucy Joyner and Jim TerKeurst, “Is Usability Testing Really Pivotal for Developing a Global Games Market?  Introducing a Theory of Cross - Cultural Differences in Computer Game Playing,” in Culture and HCI: Bridging Cultural and Digital Divides (London: University of Greenwich, 2003).
    • Jim TerKeurst.  “Games for Mobile Phones,” in Proceedings of the 3rd Korea-UK High Technology Industry Forum  (London: Asia-Pacific Technology Network, 2003).
    • Lucy Joyner and Jim TerKeurst.  “The Social Nature of Competition,” in Proceedings of Game On: The Conference  (Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland, 2002).
    • Jim TerKeurst et al., Mobilising Entertainment Content: North American Best Practice in Mobile Entertainment, ed. Jim TerKeurst  (Dundee: IC CAVE, 2002).
    • Jim TerKeurst, Games are Like Fruit: Japanese Best Practice in Digital Games Development (Dundee: Abertay Press, 2002).

  5. Awards

    James won two Scottish Proof of Concept awards whilst working at Abertay University.

  6. Work in progress

    Follow the link to find out what James is currently working on.
    • James TerKeurst, "Teaching Digital Skills: A New Media Case Study" (unpublished manuscript, September 18, 2016), Microsoft Word file.
    • James TerKeurst, "The World Inside: Culture on a Coffee-table" (unpublished manuscript, September 12, 2016), Microsoft Word file.