ClassInfo

GAM 228 Ethics in Computer Games and Cinema

Jennifer Ellison

Spring 2012-2013
Class number: 35482
Section number: 305
MW 2:40PM - 4:10PM
LEVAN 00304 Lincoln Park Campus

Summary

Societies function based on normative ethics utilizing common sense to distinguish between ethical and unethical behavior. Most of us are not aware of the underlying theories when arriving at ethical judgments about right and wrong. However, the fast pace of progress in information technologies and digital entertainment creates an environment, in which ethical challenges are particularly complex, both for the professional in the field and for the casual user. Several philosophical frameworks will be covered including; Kant's First and Second Categorical Imperatives, Utilitarianism, Social Contract Theory as well as the Ethics of Virtue. Students will use these frameworks to develop a personal code of ethics. In the second half of the course we will concentrate on the application of that code of ethics to the context of digital entertainment and its impact on an individual and society.

In the eyes of many, games and movies are often violent, offensive and immoral: what are the ethical bases for these judgments? Implications of certain values embedded in games and movies will be discussed. The issue of balancing individual creativity vs. cultural impact, particularly on children, will be addressed. The course will culminate with the formulation of elements of an ethical code of conduct for a game or movie creator.



Texts

Required Text:

The Elements of Moral Philosophy (Paperback)
by James Rachels.
7th Edition, Dec 2011
(you may use earlier editions, but do so at your own risk. Updates and changes have been made to the material)

Supplementary Reading: (Optional, but strongly recommended)

More Than a Movie: Ethics in Entertainment
by F. Miguel Valenti, foreword by Peter Bogdanovich

Reality is Broken: Why Games Make us Better and How They Can Change the World
By Jane McGonigal


Grading

Possible assignments:
* One short answer midterm test 20%
* Students will write two Peer Review papers- 600 words. These assignments will be posted on COL and forums will be set up to have students comment on the papers submitted by other students. 20%
* Students will write two Ethical Analyses Papers, 1000-1500 words each. In these two papers students will develop their own personal Moral Theory and how that theory applies to the field of digital entertainment. This will allow students to form a personal code of ethics to follow in their careers in the Digital Entertainment Industry. This theory will be developed from the Ethical Frameworks outlined in the textbook. Students will have feedback from the first paper and will have the opportunity to rewrite the first of these two papers. 30%
* There will be a final project in lieu of a final exam. Students will be grouped into small cohorts and give a final presentation on a chosen topic. Students will receive an overall grade that will combine with a peer evaluation 20%
* Grades will also be based on class participation and participation in the Peer Review Forums: 10%

A = 100-93, A- = 92-90, B+ = 89-88, B = 87-83, B- = 82-80, C+ = 79-78, C = 77-73, C- = 72-70, D+ = 69-68, D = 67-63, D- = 62-60, F = 59-0. A indicates excellence, B indicates good work, C indicates satisfactory work, D work is unsatisfactory in some respect, F is substantially unsatisfactory work.

NOTE: Based on individual class needs and many factors, we may modify this syllabus, the individual assignments and the structure of Ethics 228


Prerequisites

No previous knowledge of ethics or digital entertainment is required.


Laptop/PDA policy

While Laptops, iPhones, Blackberrys, etc. are a part daily life, they can also be a distraction. All electronic devices must be off during class time. If you have a phone call to make or an email/text to send, please do so before or after class.

There may come a time during the lecture when I allow use of these for internet and discussion purposes. Otherwise, these electronics are required to be off during class.


School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

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.

Online Course Evaluations

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.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

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.

Academic Policies

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 with Disabilities

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