Game Design as a Cultural Practice / Fall 2002
Dr. Janet H. Murray  LCC 4400 / LCC 6215  Tuesdays  3-6  Skiles 349  
requirements | schedule | texts  

Weekly position paper and class discussion (25%)

Weeks 2-13:  Post a 1-2 page analysis of the assigned (or similar) game in the light of the assigned readings, OR a 1-2 page position paper on the assigned readings with specific reference to particular games. Paper must be posted on line BEFORE CLASS and you should be prepared to present it in class.  

Game Expert/Supplementary Reading Presentation (25%)

Singly or in groups, prepare one of the assigned games (or similar alternate) in depth and present to the class with saved game illustrations, screen shots, analysis of antecedents in electronic and non-electronic form.  Deliver in class and create web presentation (no position paper due)

Grad Reports: Readings marked with * are required for grad students only and will be the basis of assigned in-class reports.

 

Final Seminar Paper or Project (50%)

Paper option: An in-depth analysis of a single game, genre, or game culture issue, in the larger cultural context, including electronic and non-electronic antecedents and analog. 20 pages (15 for undergrads)

Project option: a detailed design document with prototype/mockup for a proposed game, presented within the larger cultural context,

including electronic and non-electronic antecedents and analogs. 

 

Week 5: Submit preliminary topic, choose between paper or project

 

Week 8: Revised topic summary with research sources; if project, include preliminary screenshot

 

Week 11: Individual conferences with Prof. Murray for progress report on paper/project: first drafts may be handed in for critique at this time if you choose.

 

Week 14: Individual  5-minute in class summary statement of project by all,  plus 1 page web description

 

Week 15 and Week 16   Individual 20  minute full presentation of report/project, with 10 minute discussion

 

Last day of classes: absolute last day final fixed form paper/project itself can be handed in