Title: Syllabus
Course: RITA MC - GAME DESIGN

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE |
COURSE SYLLABUS |

The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): (1) a brief description of the course including each major course requirement, assignment and examination; (2) the learning objectives for the course; (3) a general description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and (4) any required or recommended readings. Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC’s purpose and mission. Information specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to enrolled students.

Course Title: Design and Creation of Games
Course Prefix & Number: GAME1306 | Section Number: 350 | Term Code: 151S
Semester Credit Hours: 3 | Lecture Hours: 32 | Lab Hours: 32
Course Description (NCTC Catalog):

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, a survey of the major innovators, and examination of the trends and taboos that motivate game design.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Course Type:

o - Academic General Education Course (from Academic Course Guide Manual but not in NCTC Core)

o - Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

x - WECM Course

Name of Instructor: | Lin Hampton
Campus/Office Location: | Corinth Campus, by appt. room 201
Telephone Number: | 940-891-2935
E-mail Address: | mhampton@nctc.edu
Office Hours: | Online conference and by appointment

Name of Chair/Coordinator: | Judy Archer
Office Location: | Corinth, C233
Telephone Number: | 940-498-6292
E-mail Address: | jarcher@nctc.edu

REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS

Required:  None. No Textbook is mandated. There are several textbooks available, but the Online Resources are much more updated. The User Manual and Online Tutorials will be used as training material.

Required Software: GameMaker Studio current FREE downloadable version is acceptable, however GameMaker Studio PRO is recommended - $49.00.

Optional Textbooks: The previous text uses an earlier and less capable version of the software: The Game Maker's Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners (Book & CD) [Paperback]

Jacob Habgood and Mark Overmars (Authors) ISBN: 978-1590596159   &

GameMaker Essentials (Book) [Paperback] Nathan Auckett, PACKT Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-78439-612-1 www.packtpub.com (e-versions available)

While we provide the locations to download the software for this class, it is your responsibility to install the software on your computer, and ensure it is executing properly. NCTC is not and cannot be responsible for installing any of the software programs and the proper operation of your computer.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS, EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements | Graded Course Elements | Percentage or Points Values
15 | Chapter Quizzes | 180
8/4 | Game Tutorials & Game Designs | 260
4 | Exams | 350
3 DF | Attendance& Participation | 40
1 | Practicum – FINAL Game Design (Portfolio Work) | 170

GRADING SCALE

90-100 | A |  | 60-69 | D
80-89 | B |  | <60 | F
70-79 | C |  |  |

INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING GOALS

o           A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs.

o           Quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences which parallel the lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities.

x          Quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled occupations, and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading to certificates and associate degrees.

o           Quality programs and services in support of adult literacy and basic skills development as a mean of workforce enhancement and expanding access to higher education.

PROGRAM PURPOSE STATEMENT

NCTC seeks to implement its goal of providing quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled occupations, and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading to certificates and associate degrees by offering a coherent sequence of courses with appropriate breadth and depth to prepare students for success in the workforce.

DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT

The goal of the Computer Information Technology (CITE) program is to prepare students for successful entry level careers in the IT industry, and/or prepare students for success in pursuing higher education in the Computer Information System and Technology fields.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this course, the student shall be able to:

1.) Summarize the evolution of the electronic game industry;

2.) Explain essential game and simulation elements;

3.) Evaluate the strengths and limitations of game and simulation systems;

4.) Identify programmatic and graphical elements of a development system;

5.) Develop a concept document and a simple game, with interactive challenges and sound.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER FOR EACH LECTURE/DISCUSSION

 | Topic | General Description of Subject Matter
 | Introduction | Introduction to game engines, specifically GameMaker, the Global User Interface, game installation and configuration and running a game. A discussion of the video game industry, its current direction and video game careers.
 | Essential Game and Simulation Environments | Game Design, Sprites and Objects
 | Events and controls | Discussion of events, how events are triggered, and using events to control program flow, Instances and Objects
 | Insertion of text and sound | How text and sound are used to improve the user experience, and how these objects are incorporated in Game Maker
 | Strengths and limitations of game and simulation systems | Game Design and Interactive Challenges.
 | Programmatic elements of a development system | Level Design. The Game Design Framework, front-end and completion screens.
 | Graphical Elements of a development system | Selecting and Applying Features, the Elements of Design, Rookie Mistakes
 | The Concept Document | Multiplayer games, Competitive Games, Weapons, Defense, Competition and Cooperation, Balance, What is Artificial Stupidity
 | Video Games | GML, the Programming Side of Gaming with Variables, Functions, Conditions, Arrays, Instances, Scripts and Debugging Fun.   Review support and resources like GIMP, Anvil Studio, and Audio Audacity.
Last day to Withdraw | For the Fall 2015 semester, the last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is November 5, 2015. The instructor will not drop you from this course. You must complete applicable papers and file them with the Registrar’s Office before the final drop date. |
Student Rights & Responsibilities | NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct.   These rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog. All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct. |
Scholastic Integrity

Filing a Complaint

CITE Certifications

Learning Management

System
Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies.

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.

If the complaint involves a problem with an instructor, the student shall discuss the matter with the instructor before requesting a conference with the department chair…. If the complaint involves a grade received, the student shall collect all tests, papers, daily assignments, class notes and other relevant material prior to the conference with the instructor.” (See Student Handbook  > Discussion of Complaint).  Failure to follow the procedure will result in no action taken.

If you are planning to complete a certificate, you must take the competency exam prior to graduation. Contact Judy Archer at jarcher@nctc.edu within three weeks of graduation.

This course will be augmented by using NCTC’s online course delivery system, CANVAS. Log into CANVAS from the NCTC home page (www.nctc.edu) or directly at www.CANVAS.nctc.edu. Discussion boards and emails may be available on CANVAS. Participation in CANVAS is MANDATORY.

If a student should experience problems accessing the course material in CANVAS any Virtual Labs, or in sending/receiving course mail, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor immediately.

Even though your grades will be posted on the CANVAS grade book, it is your responsibility to keep a record of your grades. Please give me at least two weeks to post your grades after the final due date of the assignment.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES |
Early Alert and NCTC CARES

Disability Services

(OSD)
The NCTC Early Alert program has been established to assist students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Your instructor may refer you to this program if you are missing assignments, failing tests, excessively absent, or have personal circumstances impacting your academic performance. If submitted as an Early Alert you will be notified via your NCTC e-mail address and then contacted by a Counseling and Testing advisor or counselor to discuss possible strategies for completing your course successfully.

The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team addresses behavior which may be disruptive, harmful or pose a threat to the health and safety of the NCTC community-such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student. Just click the NCTC CARES Team logo posted on MyNCTC, or send an e-mail to CARESTeam@nctc.edu.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call   940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx
Student Success Center
The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. The program helps students acclimate to college by providing students free interactive workshops about Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, and much more. For more information, please visit your nearest Student Success Center.

Counseling and Testing staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration), and much more. http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/CounselingTesting.aspx

Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, free 24/7 online tutoring through Grade Results and assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students.   First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized support services. http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices.aspx

Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information.       http://www.nctc.edu/FInancialAidHome.aspx
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veterans Services | The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who need assistance in financing their education. The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA. For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office. |
Other Pertinent Information On-Site Tobacco Policy | The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus at any time during the semester. Any announcements/information disseminated during class will take precedence over the syllabus. Assignments are due on the assigned due date. Late assignments are not accepted. No Excuses! NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is aware that tobacco use influences underage students which cumulates unsightly tobacco litter and interferes with assuring clean air for all who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco use and of exposure to second hand smoke. Information on a tobacco cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to stop using tobacco products. We would like to "thank you" for your help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free. For questions or concerns please contact the Office of the President of Student Services at 940.668.4240. |