Course Syllabus
GAME 101 - Computer Game Creation

Johnson County Community College
Business and Technology Division

Credit Hours: 4.0, Lecture: TR 3:30-4:45pm in OCB 306

Instructor: J. Douglas Patterson, CLB 302, 469-8500 x4268, e-mail: dpatter@jccc.edu, web: http://staff.jccc.edu/dpatter.

Office Hours: T 11am-12pm; R 10-11am; TR 2-3pm; F 9-10am

Course Description:

This course is designed to present the skills and to provide the hands-on experience required to create computer games utilizing game development tools that require no programming. Typical game creation topics to be covered include 2D graphics, 3D modeling, music and sound effects. Typical tasks will include setting up a game development studio, manipulating graphics images, obtaining or creating sounds and music, installing and using various game development tools and working with pictures and animation.

Prerequisites: None

Text: None

Supplies: Portable storage media.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Set up a game development studio.
2. Create 2D and 3D games with game creation tools.
3. Design and implement games with multiple game levels.
4. Control active objects within the game context.
5. Employ graphics, sound and animation as appropriate.
6. Create 3D models using 3D modeling tools.
7. Categorize a game into its appropriate genre.

Course Requirements:

Lectures:

The lecture will consist of traditional instructive lectures, class discussions, video material, and demonstrations. Not all material in the lecture will appear in the notes and not all material in the notes will be discussed in the lecture. Students are responsible for material covered in lecture as well as in the notes.

In-Class Exercises:

Seven exercises demonstrating different skills and techniques will be done in the classroom. You are expected to work the exercises along with me and submit your work upon completion. Each exercise differs in its length and style.

Assignments:

There will be seven assignments given that correspond to the seven exercises. These are short tasks that you will complete outside of the classroom and submit via WebCT.

Projects:

There will be three projects given throughout the semester. These will be of larger scope and require more time than the assignments or exercises, and they will come in a variety of forms.

Games:

You will be required to create five different games throughout the semester. Each game will stress a different aspect of game design and technique

Tests:

There will be two unit exams. Unit tests will cover material from lecture, exercises, assignments, projects, and the supplied notes.

Final Project:

The culmination of your semester's work will be the production of a full game complete with a game proposal document, and design document. This will be a semester-long project.

Grading Standards:

Grades will be based upon the following:

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
below 60% = F

Academic Dishonesty Policy Statement:

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be subject to the appropriate penalties. Please make every effort to avoid the appearance of dishonesty in all course activities. Penalties may include, but are not limited to, a zero grade for the assignment, failure in the course, or dismissal from the college.

Disability Statement:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her Assistant Dean. The instructor and Assistant Dean will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.