ATEC 2320: Frye, Fall 2011

ATEC 2320: Introductory Topics in ATEC

Tuesday, 10:00AM - 11:15AM Thursday, 10:00AM - 11:15AM SOM 2.903 Spring 2011

Instructor: Robert Frye Office Hours: ATEC 1.908, by appointment only Email: rxf023000@utdallas.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is an introduction to the study and analysis of video games. Students will learn to thinking and write critically about games and to understand games in the larger context of society. This course is suitable for students with varying experience playing games. Students in this course will be expected to play several games and write online responses on them. Course culminates in a 1015 page game analysis paper expanded from one of the Online Responses.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS/EVALUATION CRITERIA Students are expected to complete all readings and assignments and to engage in class discussion. Students will write several papers: a 5 page research paper on a game designer and a 10-15 page game analysis chosen from the weekly Online Response games. Students will also participate in a group research project on a game company. Attendance Policy Students will be graded on their participation both in class, and with the online responses. GRADING 35% Final 15 page Analysis Paper 25% Group presentation on a game company 25% 5 Page paper over a game designer of the students choice. 10% Online Response. Due a week after they have been assigned. 10% Participation.

ATEC 2320: Frye, Fall 2011

COURSE SYLLABUS
All readings should be completed by the date listed. This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor (all changes will be furnished to students in writing). Aug. 25 What is this class? Explaining the essential experience. Assignment : Online Survey

Aug 25/ Sept. 1 Topics: Topics: what is a game? /A brief history of games DUE: Online Response #1 Assignment : 5 Page Game designer paper Assignment : Suspended OR Spider and Web Sept. 6/8 Topics: The mechanics of a game. Guest speaker: Tim Christopher DUE: Online Response #2 Assignment : Desktop Dungeon OR crawl Topics: The importance of place: level design and settings of games. Guest speaker: Phill Johnson DUE: Online Response #3 Assignment : Time Fcuk OR Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory Topic: Characters. Guest speaker: Dr. Monica Evans DUE: Online Response #4 Assignment : Psyconauts OR Half Life 2 Topics: Narratives pt 1 DUE: Online Response #5 Assignment : Bioshock OR Heavy Rain Topics: Narratives pt 2 DUE: 5 Page Game designer paper Assignment : Assign Groups for game company presentation Topics: Tabletop gaming. Ephemera. Guest speaker: Dr. Adam Brackin DUE: Online Response #6 Topics: The Industry. Guest speaker: Wes Parker, artist and TBA Presentations Presentations Topics: Casual Games Assignment : Plants Vs. Zombies OR World of Goo Topics: The independent game scene pt. 1 DUE: Online Response #7 Assignment : Cave Story OR La Mulana Topics: The independent game scene pt. 2 DUE: Online Response #8 Assignment : Portal

Sept. 13/15

Sept. 20/22

Sept. 27/29

Oct. 4/6

Oct. 11/13

Oct. 18/20 Oct. 25/27 Nov. 1/3 Nov. 8/10

Nov. 15/17

Nov. 22

Nov. 24/ Topics: The art game Dec. 1 DUE: Online Response #9 Assignment : mondo medicals OR every day the same dream

ATEC 2320: Frye, Fall 2011

Dec. 6

Topics: What is Game Studies? The future of games. DUE: Online Response #10 DUE: Final 15 page Analysis paper (no class)

Dec. 13

Information on university policies and procedures: http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies