This week in gaming news, college just got a little bit more awesome. Or did it?

Most gaming sites are currently reporting that University of California at Berkeley is currently offering a course in which students will study competitive gaming within the context of the most popular real-time strategy game of all time: Blizzard’s Starcraft. It’s unclear how this story first broke, but all reports link to the following website for the supposed course, not even hosted on the college’s domain: http://michaelo.phswebs.com/BerkeleyStarcraft/.

The course website contains a convincing description indicating that topics will range from casual discussions about war strategy to computational approaches to fighting, and recommends knowledge of calculus and differential equations. Prerequisites for the course on Starcraft theory are limited to an open mind and Starcraft: Brood War. Beats the heck out of my $180 organic chemistry textbook.

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.

Course Workload:

Each week, students must submit 2 replays of games they played and are willing to analyze in depth. Students are expected to explain the flow of the game, identify the time of several positive and negative moves, and show an understanding of how to overcome mistakes in these replays. Some replays will be reviewed by the class together.

Unfortunately, it looks like this webpage was created as a joke, which most outlets have bought hook, line, and sinker.

I first doubted the veracity of the report when I googled the suggested reading and came up empty-handed. The syllabus recommends reading The Theory of Starcraft by Alan Feng (professor and webmaster for the course), but apparently there is no such publication, or even web article by that author. Strike one. Then I tried to find Alan Feng on the University of California, Berkeley website, again coming up with nothing. Strike two. A search of the current De-CALs course catalog sealed the deal–there is no Starcraft course at Berkeley, nor are there any courses being instructed Alan Feng. Strike three.

Is the Starcraft theory course at Berkeley for real? The verdict: HOAX.

ARTICLE CORRECTION:

My sincere apologies go out to Alan Feng–it appears that this course is indeed real. Two students of the class have left comments on this site; furthermore, I contacted the DeCal office at UC Berkeley and they confirmed that even though the course is not listed it is being offered for 2 units of pass/fail credit to university students.

Mr. Feng also left a comment on this very article (scroll down for source):

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