International Game Developers Association

Games Education
Course

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ETEK201 Introduction to Entertainment Technology

Contents 1 Instructors 2 Course Description 3 Areas 3.1 Primary Classification 3.2 Secondary Classification 4 Course Learning Objectives 5 Course Materials 5.1 Books 5.2 Other materials 5.3 Software (engines, tools) 6 Course Structure 6.1 Week by week topics 6.2 Methods used for each learning objective 7 Course Composition 8 Evaluation Methods 9 Guest Speakers 10 Course Prerequisites 11 Related Courses 12 Facilities (software and hardware) 13 Analysis (Postmortem) 13.1 What worked 13.2 What didn’t work 14 Resources 14.1 Syllabus 14.2 Other materials 14.3 Slides 14.4 Assessment materials 14.5 Digital media used in class 14.6 Case studies 14.7 Tutorial files 14.8 Executable software

Instructors

• Bary W Pollack
• Susan Gold

Course Description

This course introduces students to the breadth and depth of the issues involved in the field of Entertainment Technology. A variety of ET environments are explored. Students construct several kinds of worlds using different techniques. This is a project-oriented class where students are required to work in small teams. There will be a field trip to Los Angeles requiring 100% participation and attendance.

Areas

Primary Classification

Survey Course

Secondary Classification

Game Design

Course Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:

1. Exercise the skills needed to create environments (Problem solving)
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the general programming concepts and methods for creating ET environments;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the visual languages for representing ET environments and implementing them;
4. Problem solving: Produce and manipulate digital imagery created, either graphically and through programming;
5. Critical thinking: Evaluate and identify current artistic and commercial trends as related to the field;
6. Critical thinking: Communicate with peers and effectively critique work;
7. Organize, plan and complete a major project.

Course Materials

Books

1. Handouts and web URL’s
2. Software as assigned
3. Texts to support the software

Other materials

Papers, magazines, videos (add links to online materials)

Software (engines, tools)

Game Maker

Alice

Course Structure

Week by week topics

Week 1 /Introductions
Week 2 /Online Games
Week 3 /Online Games
Week 4 /Video Games
Week 5 /Film & Special Effects
Week 6 /Film & Special Effects
Week 7 /TV
Week 8 /TV
Week 9 /Virtual Worlds
Week 10 /LA Field Trip
Week 11 /Virtual Worlds
Week 12 /Gaming
Week 13 /Sound
Week 14 /Final Projects - Open Lab
Week 15 /Final Projects - Open Lab
Week 16 /Finals Week

Methods used for each learning objective

Methods of sssessing student outcomes:

1. Writing assignments(s);
2. Project assignments that culminate in the construction of one or more ET environments;
3. In-class projects and/or written examinations;
4. Final project that includes coverage of the topics discussed in the course outline;
5. Class participation.

Instructional strategies:

This class will utilize lectures and demonstrations, small groups, individual work in class (sometimes using laptop computers), inquiry learning, and homework assignments.

Course Composition

This is the foundation course in the minor. The composition of the course is 75% freshman and 20% sophomore, 5% transfer or upperclassman. Students enroll typically interested in computer science and or digital art. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the genre, the course is open to all students interested in the minor.

Often we find business and entrepreneurial students enrolling in the course wanting to know more about the electronic entertainment industry. Writing students interested in narrative storytelling also find a home in the class.

Evaluation Methods

Team collaboration grades are based on peer and self-assessment. Students help determine their own participation grades.

Guest Speakers

October 22-26, 2006. Participation is mandatory as the class revolves around the subjects dealt with during the trip. Students on the field trip will be expected to attend and be on time for all meetings and activities. Grade penalties will be assessed for arriving late or non-attendance. Your field trip fee will cover the cost of transportation, accommodations, entrance fees, all lunches and two dinners. The field trip fee is non-refundable after the last day to drop, August 25, 2006. Free time will be available during the trip.

Companies visited: House of Moves, Activision, Naughty Dog, Sony Imageworks, Blur Studios, Lou Castle at Electronic Arts, Rhthym & Hues, Infinity Ward, The Post Group, USC's Game Lab

Damon Redmond from Shaba Games, a division of Activision

Course Prerequisites

COMP 101 or permission of the instructor.

Related Courses

This is the first in a series of courses offered in ETEK. The second course is ETEK301 - Building Virtual Worlds.

Facilities (software and hardware)

Students provide their own laptops.

Analysis (Postmortem)

What worked

Rapid Prototyping Exercises, Peer Evaluation

What didn’t work

Leadership skill building, many students were apprehensive to take the lead role.

Resources

Syllabus

ETEK201

Other materials

(link to an uploaded resources -- e.g. research papers -- or external storage location)

Slides

LA Field Trip A
LA Field Trip B
LA Field Trip C

Assessment materials

e.g. tests, quizzes, assignment requirements, project requirements

Digital media used in class

e.g. Video, Multimedia sources, Audio

(link to each file's storage location)

Case studies

(link to each file's storage location) or each respective wiki page

Tutorial files

(link to each file's storage location)

Executable software

(link to each file's storage location)