During this course, we will balance our time with theoretical discussions, game play & analysis, and game design exploration. To the extent possible, assignments and class experience will be designed to ensure that these are balanced. Assignments will be designed to meet the following goals:

Course Goals

To become conversant with claims around the value of games as learning environments

To have experience playing and analyzing a number of games

To be able to compare and contrast games in terms of player impact and learning, discussing deficiencies and usefulness

To articulate a personal perspective on the value of games for learning

To have basic appreciation for the anatomy of a game, and some experience applying this understanding to the design of a learning trajectory

 

Core Assignments

Game Play

----- Presentation (Description | Game Play | Narrative | Personal Impact | Overall Ranking) (10%)
----- Game Analysis (5%) 2 short (see template)
----- Observation Analysis (2 pages) (5%) (see template)
----- Use Impact Guide (2 x 5%) (see Bioshock, Minecraft, Portals, Superbetter, Mcdonalds, Foldit)
----- Create Impact Guide (2 x 5%)

Class Readings

----- Readings (10%)
----- Presentations (10%)

Game Design

----- Produce Game (1 narrative, 1 rule set, 1 game sequence) or Game Pitch Report (20%)
----- GameStar Mech (make game and comment) (5%)
----- Class Proposal Activity (5%)

General

----- Socratic Discussion or Extra Review Assignment (5%)
----- Final (10%) 4-5 page essay on "Why Games Should (or Shouldn't) Matter to Educators"