Course overview
Stuart Moulthrop
Professor, School of Information Arts and Technologies
200-F Academic Center, 410/837-5301
smoulthrop[at]ubalt[dot]edu
iat.ubalt.edu/moulthrop
Description and Objectives
This course introduces the critical study of computer games and the professional practice of game design. Through readings, discussion, and research you will better understand the current market for games and simulations, and of the cultural roots from which that market has emerged.
The class also has a practical component, using a relatively new game development system called Unity. Learning to modify and create games with this system will introduce you to the most common task faced by game designers: adapting to unfamiliar, rapidly evolving software environments. It will also reveal in some detail the technical structures that support standard games.
Required Texts and Software
| Both main texts should be available in the Bookstore. Order online if not. | |
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K. Salen and E. Zimmerman, Rules of Play. MIT Press, 2003. |
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A. Grossman, Postmortems from Game Developer. CMP Books, 2003. |
| Unity game development system, available in SDE Lab and by download from www.unity3d.com. | |
| 3D Platform Tutorial from Unity3D. Download the PDF here. | |
Grading Scheme
| 20% | Quizzes |
| 20% | Desert Island Games Report |
| 25% | Midterm Paper |
| 10% | Unity Project Proposal |
| 25% | Final Unity Project |
Preview of Graded Assignments
I will post on this site detailed instructions for each assignment as we go. Follow the directions and specifications in those posts. The brief descriptions on this page are just previews. Actual assignments may differ.
- Quizzes
- There will be a brief quiz at each class meeting, based primarily on the reading assigned (listed) for that class, or (rarely) information covered in lecture and discussion from the previous class. For example, the quiz on September 15 will cover chapters 3 and 4 of Salen and Zimmerman. There will be 10 quizzes. I will drop your two lowest marks, which gives automatic relief for two absences. The quiz will be administered at the start of class. Students arriving late may take the quiz during the mid-class break. No make-ups are allowed.
- Desert Island Games Report
- We'll be compiling a list of games we'd want with us on a desert island (one with power and game consoles). You will choose a game for the list and make a 10-minute presentation to class about it, following directions that will be posted later.
- Midterm Paper
- A 4-6 page research paper covering some aspect of game design, topics to be announced.
- Unity Project Proposal
- Using the format I will supply, write a brief document (3-5 pages) outlining the modification or mini-game you intend to produce as your final Unity project.
- Unity Project
- Working in teams of 2-4, create a significant modification of the Unity 3D Platformer Tutorial game, or a small proof-of-concept for an original Unity game. You will have 3-4 weeks to complete this assignment.
Deadlines
Deadlines are enormously important in the game industry, and you need to start observing them carefully in your schoolwork. There are no make-ups allowed for quizzes. The final Unity project must be submitted by December 19, unless everyone in your group agrees to file for an Incomplete grade. Other assignments may be submitted up to two weeks after the posted deadline, with one grade step penalty for each week late (making A work worth a C after two weeks). No work will be accepted after two weeks.
I will make exceptions for illness or serious emergency, provided you discuss the problem with me in a timely manner. Obviously, this policy will be revisited in the case of a flu crisis. In that case, I will post new instructions.
Software
You are not required to own a personal license of Unity, which will be available on all machines in AC 219. For home use, you may download a trial version of Unity; though your trial access will only last 30 days. An independent Unity license costs $199.
Save the Trees
I will NOT make copies of assignments and other documents posted to the Web site. Check the site regularly for updates and important information. If you do not have Internet access from home, use the classroom or an open-access lab on campus.
Furlough Policy
The University System of Maryland has imposed a furlough program for the coming academic year, but the University of Baltimore has not yet announced its implementation. Furlough days are unpaid leave. I will post more information as soon as possible. I will not be available for University business on furlough days.
Getting in Touch
My office is 200-F in the Academic Center of the University of Baltimore (1420 North Charles Street).
My office hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays 3:00 - 6:00 PM. If you need to see me at another time, please arrange an appointment via e-mail.Reach me by phone in the Baltimore office at 410/837-5301 or by e-mail at smoulthrop[at]ubalt[dot]edu.
I receive a large volume of mail daily, and generally do not read mail over the weekend. Current students have first priority for response, but for urgent matters, please use the phone and/or voicemail.
Please note that I am teaching an additional course over my usual load this fall.
Additional Policies
A statement of general academic policies appears on my Web site as an extension of this syllabus. See iat.ubalt.edu/moulthrop/policies.htm.
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