Introduction to Video Game Design Course Syllabus - Mr. Alex Cabal

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1 Introduction to Video Game Design Course Syllabus - Mr. Alex Cabal (951) Ext acabal@cnusd.k12.ca.us Course Description: This course will provide a comprehensive study to the history of video games, the business of the video game industry, game design concepts, and creating video games for the XBOX 360 in the C# programming language. Games are created in the Microsoft Windows Environment using the Kodu Game Lab software development kit, Microsoft XNA Framework which includes Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Express. Supplies and Materials: Text Book: Textbooks are provided in class and may not be removed from the classroom. We will also draw on supplemental material as well as programming handbooks. Materials: Bring required materials to class. Always have a pencil, pen, paper, and a binder to store your assignments. These are good school practices. ADDITONAL MATERIAL (not required, but makes your life easier) Programs: *Please check the specifications and system requirements before installing any programs on your personal home computer* Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Express (Visual C# 2010 Express), Microsoft XNA Framework Redistributable 3.1, Kodu Game Lab. You can download for FREE from: (Visual Studio Express) (XNA Game Studio) (Kodu Game Lab) Computer Peripherals: Xbox 360 wired controller, 4GB or larger USB Drive Student Expectations: o Attendance: Your attendance is essential to your success in this class. The majority of all assignments will be completed in class. DO NOT MISS CLASS. o Tardy Policy: Tardiness will result in after school detention, as per school policy. o Classroom Assignments and Homework: Almost all work will be done in class. If you do not have a computer with internet access at home you can use the computers in the library or make arrangements to come after school. All assignments must be completed before turning them in. INCOMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCPETED. o Late assignments: Any work turned in late will receive a grade of no higher than a C (only up to 70% of the overall score). Late work will NOT be accepted after 2 weeks of due date. If you have an extended absence, see me for other arrangements. o Keep your work: Do not throw away your papers or delete files. If you have any discrepancy in your grade you must have your work to back up your grade. All papers received will be 1

2 marked with a grade. This will be your proof of receipt. It will be easier to be resolved if you can validate your missing work so keep your assignments at home, or in your binder. o Restroom Passes: Please use the restroom before you come to class. You will be issued 4 passes per semester. o Attitude: Have a Good Attitude. Everyone has bad days. Don't let a bad day make you a bad person to be around. o Respect: You are expected to respect each other and the teacher. It is important that you respect the ideas of others. Don't belittle someone simply because you don't agree. Be polite. Grading: Absence: If you miss one day of school, you have one extra day outside of class time to complete the assignment. You are responsible for finding out what you missed when you are absent. You can access our online class resource, Moodle ( to check what you missed. In addition, make sure you have the telephone number of a least one of your classmates if you need additional help. It is your responsibility to request and make up all missed work. All work must be made up even if you are absent. If you have an extended absence, please see the teacher for details on your makeup work. Cheating: Will Not Be Tolerated! An infraction will result in a zero for the assignment and may result in a failing class grade. Points: Your grade will be determined based upon tests/quizzes, classwork assignments, and projects. Tests and quizzes are given at the end of each lesson. Grading is based on a point scale; the more points accumulated the better the grade. Test Make-up: Tests must be made up within one week. You will not be given class time to makeup tests. All tests must be made up after school. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with me to set a test makeup date. Academic Grading Scale: % A B C D Under 59 F Class Room Standards: NO FOOD OF ANY KIND, DRINKS, OR GUM is allowed in the classroom. In order to keep our computers working properly it is imperative that the computer lab stay clean. Violations of this standard will not be tolerated. NO CELL PHONES! If used and/or seen in class, it will be confiscated and returned only to your parent or guardian. Be in your assigned seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. Keep hands feet, and objects to yourself. Follow the teacher s directions. 2

3 Follow all school rules. Be polite and respectful to others. No profanity, put downs, or other disrespectful behavior will be tolerated. What if I violate these Standards and rules? NO WARNINGS WILL BE GIVEN. This syllabus serves as your personal warning regarding disciplinary action in accordance with acceptable classroom behavior. Offenses are as follows: i. FIRST OFFENSE Lunch detention or afterschool detention will be served depending upon the infraction. ii. SECOND OFFENSE Afterschool detention will be issued. iii. THIRD OFFENSE Referral to assistant principal and parent phone call home. iv. FOURTH OFFENSE To be decided by assistant principal and teacher. Outcomes: All students will be expected to excel and perform to the best of their abilities. Students will be given multiple ways of learning and different activities to accomplish their academic goals. Logical thinking and problem solving skills are essential. Success in this course is based upon a keen attention to detail, the ability to execute given instructions, problem solve, and work independently. Students will have a basic literacy about the theory and practice of video game design and programming. Video game programming is one of the most challenging disciplines in computer science because it attempts to combine, in real time, concepts in: computer graphics, human computer interaction, networking, artificial intelligence, computer aided instruction, computer architecture, and databases. 3

4 ERHS BUSINESS DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT POLICY 1) Under NO circumstances are FOOD, DRINKS, or GUM allowed in the computer lab. 2) Students may NOT attempt to download or install programs on the Business Department computers. 3) Damage or vandalism of Business Department computers will result in referral to the assistant principal and restricted use or complete restriction from the computer for the duration of the semester. 4) Students must inform the teacher immediately if they see any signs of vandalism on their computer upon arrival to class. Students must bring this information to the teacher s attention at the start of class. 5) Students may use the computer for class assignments only. Computer games or paint programs are prohibited during class time unless the teacher gives permission as it pertains to class work. 6) Students may not plug in external devices to computers usb ports for use unrelated to class assignments, i.e. Charge cell phone, charge ipod, etc 7) Students may not make adjustments to the computer or computer peripherals, i.e. change the mouse, keyboard, or monitor for another one. 8) Student must boot, shut down and log off the computer properly. 9) Students must leave their work area clean at the end of the period. 10) Attempting to access non-school related websites (Facebook, Reddit, online games, etc...) will result in restricted use or complete restriction from the computer for the duration the semester. Note to Parents/Guardians I look forward to having your son or daughter in my classroom this semester. These standards are meant to keep the computer lab a safe and effective learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (951) Ext You can also get in touch with me via at acabal@cnusd.k12.ca.us. If your student needs extra help please partner with me so that we can make them successful. Computers/Business Teacher Mr. Alex Cabal 4

5 Please fill out the bottom portion and return by the NEXT scheduled class period! Note: Students will not be allowed to use the computer until this form is returned. I (print your name) have read and understand the course syllabus including details pertaining to; Supplies and Materials, Student Expectations, Grading, Classroom Standards, and Violation of Standards. I have read and understand that any violation of the ERHS Business Department Equipment Policy will result in restricted use or complete restriction from the computers. With an understanding of these guidelines I will abide by them as well as all school rules, and I will work to perform to the best of my abilities on all tasks given during the tenure of time I am in this class. X Student Signature/Date X Parent/Guardian Signature/Date Parent or Guardian Information: Print Parent Name Print Parent Name Address: Home number: Cell number: Work number: Parent 1: Parent 2: Student Information: Student s I live with: both parents mother father guardian What are your plans after graduation? Favorite subjects? Extracurricular activities/hobbies? What gaming consoles do you own? Are you a PC gamer or Console gamer or both? Favorite video games? *Computer Login Information* Username: Password: 5