Why are you here and what do you want to get out of the class?

Instructor: Robert DeLaRosa Rdelarosa@cart.org

Office Hours: By appointment

Room N104 

Grading: A-F

I. Rationale: 

The CTE course curriculum is project based and an English component is included in all projects. Students are introduced to industry standard software such as Blender 3D, Unreal Engine, GDevelop, and Piskel.

II. Course Aims and Outcomes: 

Aims

This course is an introduction to the tools used to create interactive games. 

Specific Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will have a basic understanding of: 

Graphic design

Animation

Modeling

Gameplay 

Story design 

Additionally, they will be working in teams to create original games and characters rendered in 2D and 3D.

I want you to attempt things in your projects that may not be successful... if everything works perfectly every single time, you are need to step up your level of difficulty. Your effort in this class is WAY more important than getting a AAA Style Game Mechanic to work. Your understanding of how difficult concepts work is more valuable at this point. 

III. Format and Procedures: 

Welcome to the slowly becoming famous Section 3, This is the section that is the heart of this class. IGD is a fusion of many different talents and personalities. It is these differences that make the magic in this class happen but it only happens if we treat each other right. You are the reason this class is so great but it is only as great as you treat each other so let's go.

Each day students will complete a warm up activity

After warmups, the lesson or independent work time begins.

During instruction time, students should be at a voice level of 0 (no talking)

During independent work time, students should be at a voice level of 2 (only the people next to you can hear you).

Shouting is not acceptable behavior in the classroom setting.

We must treat each other with respect, gassing, roasting, name calling, etc will not be tolerated. 

Students are expected to attend every class and make up any work that they missed.

Late Work will be graded as a 65% or D. You may lose additional points if you don't meet the criteria of the assignments and still could receive a non-passing grade.

IV. My Assumptions

Most students have not been exposed to many of the software programs that we will be using, for this reason, I understand that it will be challenging but I am more concerned with students understanding how to use the software rather than how good the project looks. Nobody masters any of them in a month or two but you must be willing to try to focus on including the required elements rather than just how it looks.

V. Course  Prerequisite(s): Database, Graphics, Programming, or Web Design. 

VI. Class attendance and participation policy: Any work missed when you are out must be make up on your own time

VII. Course readings: 

(a) Required text: My class website, cartgamer.com

(b) Required text: Video game Storytelling

VIII. Grading Procedures: 

1. Grades: 

(a) (90 - 100%)

(b) (80 - 89%) 

(c) (70 - 79%)

(d) (60 - 69%)

(f) (<60%)

IX. Academic Integrity

Students are expected to do their own work. You are encouraged to help each other but you are responsible for creating your own content. Should copying occur, you will automatically receive a zero for the assignment. 

AI - It seems to be changing the way we do things constantly so we are going to be fluid with the usage as well. You are welcome to use AI in this class (Ms Harper will have her own expectations for AI usage so this is only for IGD, not English) to speed up your productivity but it is your responsibility to understand what you are doing. The moment you put your name on something done with AI, it is your reputation. Everyone makes mistakes but choosing to turn in something that you do not understand will damage your reputation. In the business world, mistakes can be forgiven but your reputation can help or keep you from getting a job.

Examples of ways you may use AI in this class:

Organizing your ideas in an outline or table

Generating ideas for a project.

Punching up something you have already completed.

*  If you use AI in this class, you are required to include an explanation of what you did, why you did it and how you did it. Failing to disclose usage will be considered academic dishonesty and you will receive no credit. You are allowed to use AI, just document it please.

We are not going to fear AI but I want you all to use it responsibly and as a tool to improve your process and workflow, not to take place of you actually thinking.

Examples of way you may NOT use AI in this class:

Class warm-ups are the way I get to learn about you, your writing style and your voice. 

Generating characters for your game projects. You may use it to get ideas but I want your work to be your work! This class is your opportunity to try different ideas and find YOUR voice and style.

X. Accommodations for students with disabilities

I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be required for student with disabilities. Requests for academic accommodations are to be made during the first three weeks of the semester, except for unusual circumstances, so arrangements can be made.

XI. Inclusivity Statement

I understand that students represent a rich variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The interactive gaming design class is committed to providing an atmosphere for learning that respects diversity. While working together to build this community we ask all members to:

·        share their unique experiences, values and beliefs

·        be open to the views of others 

·        honor the uniqueness of their colleagues

·        appreciate the opportunity that we have to learn from each other in this community

·        value each other’s opinions and communicate in a respectful manner

·        keep confidential discussions that the community has of a personal (or professional) nature 

·        use this opportunity together to discuss ways in which we can create an inclusive environment in this course and across CART

XII. CLASS RULES

Students are to complete assignments before games/free time

Students are to stay at a voice level of two or below (only the people near you or in your group can hear you)

You are responsible for all assignments even if you are absent

If you are need to step away, do it quietly but you are responsible for getting caught up. You may get help during office hours.

YOU MUST PUT IN THE WORK! You are expected to be working in class, if this is your senior year and you wish to relax, this is NOT the class for you. Take this opportunity to push yourself and create something you never thought you could do.

XIII. Closing

We are embarking on a challenging but fun way of learning, but we must have the maturity and self-discipline to complete the work. We can do this, I will try my best to make this class interesting, but I need your help so that we can all grow together.