Course Information

Cosc 330.001 Applied Simulation - Fall 2009
Instructor: Anastasia Salter (anastasia.salter -at- ubalt.edu)
Office Hours: 1:00 to 2:00 Monday and Thursday

As students have moved into the classrooms of Second Life and uncovered history from the simulations of Civilization, games and virtual spaces have made an increasing impact on education. This course will focus on interactive simulations put to serious purposes and the potential of such tools to reshape exchanges of knowledge. Students will examine several simulations as players and creators. We will study the history of educational and serious game applications, beginning with non-digital forms, such as board games and other media. As the semester progresses, students will create an educational game of their own using Adventure Game Studio, a simple prototyping tool for developing interactive content with minimal scripting.

All readings for the class can be found online: there are no physical text books. Watch the syllabus for changes in readings: additional articles might be assigned as new developments occur in the field. Students are expected to stay aware of discussions of simulations in social networks, blogs, and news media and to bring that knowledge to bear in classroom discussions.

Assignments

Games Analysis (30%)

Students will complete three games analysis pieces throughout the semester. These will consist of a written essay, 3-5 pages, and a multimedia presentation examining a simulation and considering its objectives, success, and larger implications. These essays must reference outside sources, either from the syllabus or from further research as appropriate.

Midterm Exam (20%)

The midterm exam will take place the week of October 15th. The exam will consist of two essay questions and is a take-home exam.

Class Participation (25%)

Class participation is determined by attendance and completion of in-class quizzes and exercises.

Final Project (25%)

Students will use their understanding of the historical and theoretical context of multiplayer gaming to develop their own thoughtful prototype using a digital content system such as Adventure Game Studio. Students can work alone or in groups. The exact scope of each individual or team final project will be agreed upon and workshopped in class.

This class enforces the University of Baltimore polices on academic honesty.