Design and Creation of Games Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Office Location

R. E. Byrd Business Building BB360

Office Hours

Monday:  2:30 - 3:30 pm
Tuesday: 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Wednesday: 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Thursday: 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Please contact me to via email at jamelius@actx.edu so we can set up a time for an online Zoom appointment.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

GAME-1306-001 Design and Creation of Games

Prerequisites

Course Description

Introduction to game and simulation development. Includes analysis of existing applications and creation of a game using an existing game engine. In-depth coverage of the essential elements of game design. Also covers an overview of cultural history of electronic games, survey of the major innovators, and examination of the trends and taboos that motivate game design.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

In this course, you are expected to read all assigned materials and agree to abide by the rules and guidelines presented in the department academic integrity policy; by submitting an assignment, you acknowledge this policy. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VG1NSpxZzc8HDz_ElcnwYALIMYy-tCSl/view?usp=drive_link

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

No required textbook

Supplies

Access to a PC (personal computer)

Reliable access to the Internet

A working email address

Storage media

Word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Open Office

Student Performance

This course is an introduction to Game Design, a theoretical and applied approached to designing a video game. At the end of the semester, the student should be acquainted with the following concepts and skills:

  • Identify and classify game design elements and their purpose

  • Create and interpret commonly used design documents

  • Have a simple understanding of player psychology as it pertains to game design

  • Describe and utilize various models for organizing key parts of a game                             

  • Develop a good understanding of the history and significance of the gaming industry

  • Develop a series of game design documents for a game prototype

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work.  Students who are guilty of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or dishonesty may be excluded from class with a grade of F; or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College.  The faculty of the CIS Department reserves the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test by reproducing any specific section or all of the test in question. Any action that comprises the computer systems at Amarillo College, including but not limited to hacking or cracking, can result in a grade of "F" in this course and possible further disciplinary action. All student using computer lab workstations agree to the CIS department computer lab use policy.

Grading Criteria

Student grades are based on the following:  Each lab assignment will be due on its posted due date.  Half credit is given if the lab is turned in after the due date has passed (maximum score of 50 points). The lowest lab grade will be dropped.

  • Labs - 60%

  • Final Project - 30%

  • Participation - 10%

Final grades will be assigned as indicated below:

  • >89.5 = A

  • >79.5 = B

  • >69.5 = C

  • >59.5 = D

  • <59.5 = F

Attendance

  • Attend class and participate in class dicussions (in person or remotely as required)
  • Unless prior arrangements have been made, after 2 unexcused absense, 5 points are deducted from the participation grade for each unexcused absense (participation grade is 10 points)
  • Check your email daily and have assignments in on time.

Calendar

Tentative Course Schedule

Week 1: Introduction / History of Game Design
Week 2: Methods of Game Design
Week 3: Aesthetics and Game Feel
Week 4: Motivating the Player
Week 5: Planning your first prototype
Week 6: Game Mechanics
Week 7: Pitching your Game
Week 8: Final Projects

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

August 21:            Fall 1 Classes Begin
August 28:            Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)
September 4:        Labor Day Holiday (Campus Closed)
October 3:             Last Day to Withdraw from Fall 1 Classes
October 13:           Fall 1 Classes End
October 16 - 22:    Fall Break (faculty and students)
October 23:           Fall 2 Classes Begin
October 30:           Fall 2 Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)

 
TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING ISSUES
  • Computer Services Center: Located within the AC Bookstore, trained staff will diagnose computer-related issues and repair problems on a fee-for-service basis. Laptop rentals are also available. Visit the Computer Services Center website for additional details: https://www.actx.edu/bookstore/computer-service-center.
  • Student & Faculty Help Center: Located in the Underground below the Ware Student Commons, the Help Center provides technical support to students and faculty. The Help Center offers assistance in logging into AC Connect, Blackboard, resetting passwords, and general computing and software questions. Visit the Student & Faculty Help Center website at https://www.actx.edu/ctl/helpcenter.
COURSE ASSISTANCE
  • Tutoring: A variety of options are available when you need a little extra help in a course (online, walk-in, one-on-one). Visit the Tutoring website at https://www.actx.edu/tutoring/.
  • DisAbility Services: DisAbility Services helps students by providing necessary accommodations for course success and facilitating access to all services and programs at Amarillo College. Visit the DisAbility Services website at https://www.actx.edu/disability/.
  • Learn about using AC Connect (Blackboard) and using features of our course by reviewing the following tutorials:
    • Blackboard On-Demand Learning Center for Students
      • Topic list: https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student
      • Videos: http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm
    • AC Connect Student Resources
      • https://www.actx.edu/ctl/ac-connect-student-resources
PERSONAL ISSUES
  • Advocacy & Resource Center: The Advocacy & Resource Center is located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons. A variety of resources are available in the areas of social services, a food pantry, a clothing closet, and adult student programs. Visit the Advocacy & Resource Center website at http://www.actx.edu/arc/advocacy-and-resource-center.
  • Counseling Center: At the Counseling Center, students and counselors work together to develop more personal awareness and the skills needed to overcome barriers to success. All services are free and confidential. Visit the Counseling Center website at https://www.actx.edu/counseling/index.php.
  • Legal Clinic: The Legal Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic assisting enrolled AC students on various legal issues including family law, immigration, probate, landlord-tenant issues, and general legal matters. Visit the Legal Clinic website at https://www.actx.edu/legalstudies/legal-student-intership

 

 

Syllabus Created on:

08/17/23 8:21 PM

Last Edited on:

08/17/23 8:24 PM