About the Course
Tuesdays 5:30-8:00 pm
Stuart Moulthrop
Professor, School of Information Arts and Technologies
508 Charles Royal, 410/837-5301
smoulthrop@ubalt.edu
iat.ubalt.edu/moulthrop
Description and Objectives
This course introduces the critical study of computer games and the professional practice of game design. Students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the current market for games and simulations, and of the cultural roots from which that market has emerged. They will learn the conceptual basis of games by producing interactive fictions, games that emphasize the design of a coherent, virtual world. By testing one another's productions, they will learn about the continuum of design and play. Readings in commentary and speculation frame this applied work in a network of issues and ideas.
Required Texts and Software
- K. Salen and E. Zimmerman, Rules of Play. MIT Press, 2003.
- N. Stephenson, The Diamond Age. Bantam, 1994.
- R. Firth and S. Kesserich, The Inform Beginner's Guide. 3rd ed. Self-published, 2004.
- S. Johnson, Everything Bad is Good for You. Riverhead Books, 2005.
- Inform Interactive Fiction System, available free from www.inform-fiction.org.
Grading Scheme
| 20% | Research assignment | 20% | Proposal for I.F., completed I.F., and walk-through | 20% | I.F. play test report | 20% | Game concept documents, preliminary and final | 20% | Weekly quizzes (10 highest grades of 12) |
Preview of Graded Assignments
I will hand out detailed instructions for each assignment as we go. Follow the instructions and specifications on the handout when you receive it. These brief descriptions are only meant to indicate the work required in the course. Due dates are given on the weekly syllabus (above).
- Research assignment
- A brief written report on an emerging game technology, based on Internet and library research.
- Proposal for Interactive Fiction
- Brief description of the I.F. you and your work group intend to produce.
- Complete Interactive Fiction and Walk-Through
- Complete, playable I.F. of a specified size, created with Inform; accompanied by a walk-through explaining the winning traversal of the game.
- I.F. Play Test Report
- Work groups will exchange I.F.s and play them, writing up their results and impressions.
- Preliminary Game Concept Document
- Brief analysis of your original game concept (format prescribed).
- Final Game Concept Document
- Longer description and argument for your game concept (guidelines provided).
- Quizzes
- After the first meeting, every class will begin with a brief quiz based on reading assigned for that night. If you arrive late, you may take the quiz during the nightly break. Otherwise, quizzes may not be made up. Overall grade will be based on your 10 highest marks, discarding the two lowest marks and/or zeroes for missed quizzes.
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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