GAM 399 Independent Study
Summary
Advanced Level design builds on the topics covered in Introduction to Level Design, with a focus on creating believable worlds for videogames. This course emphasizes designing large exterior environments, advanced mission scripting and integrated storytelling. Using a 3D level editor and formal level design process, students will create fun, polished, memorable virtual worlds.
Texts
There is not a textbook for this course. Some online reading will be assigned. This means the lectures are of critical importance. If you miss a lecture, be sure to get notes from a classmate or listen to it online. You may purchase the "Mastering Unreal Technology" books as optional reference texts.
Grading
Final grades will be made up of four equally-weighted elements:
25% - Level Design Assignments
25% - Papers
25% - Exams
25% - Final Project
Prerequisites
Introduction to Level Design (GAM 341) or Game Mod Workshop (GAM 392).
Supplies
A Steam account and a copy of Unreal Tournament 3 (aka "Unreal Tournament 3 Black") for Windows are required for this course. See http://www.steampowered.com/ to download Steam, sign up for a Steam account, and purchase the game. Unreal Tournament 3 can be found on Steam here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/13210/
Resources
CDM 634 is equipped with PCs that can run the Unreal Editor. If you do not have a computer capable of playing UT3 you will need to do your assignments in this lab or in the Game Development Lab, room 727. You also have access to the PC Gaming Lab in room 920 for playing and researching games. See the DeFrag website for lab times. http://defrag.depaul.edu/
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296