GAM 341 Introduction to Level Design

Summary

GAM 341

Introduction to Level Design

Thursdays: 5:45pm to 9:00pm

Room 634, CDM Building.

Instructor: Allen Turner

Summary:

GAM 341 continues the process introduced in GAM 244 and focuses on the design of 3D spaces for interaction using the Unreal Development Kit. Students do not need to purchase t=any licenses and all projects will be doable using the freely available UDK.

We will explore how level design has progressed in 3D games. We will explore the use of spatial language, lighting, static meshes, matinees, and scripting using Unreal's visual scripting language (Kismet) to create interesting experiences and interactions.

Though students will be using static meshes and building spaces they will focus on the creation of "white boxed" spaces which are oriented in showing off the flow of play and not pretty environments.

Students will utilize an agile process to produce a number of individual game projects and a larger group project will be the focus of the last 3rd of the class. For all projects and emphasis will be places on paper maps and planning before students move into implementation

As GameMaker has a great visual scripting system there is no programming skill required. Students with programming experience are welcome to explore beyond the visual system, especially if they have a license.

Students will be expected to create design documentation along with their game projects and will continue to hone their presentation skills. Students will be expected to document their progress and submit works in progress for peer review weekly.

I look forward to meeting you all. It's going to be fun making some fun.

Grading

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