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Kursusbeskrivelse
Kursusnavn (dansk):Gameworlds as Fields for Expression 
Kursusnavn (engelsk):Gameworlds as Fields for Expression 
Semester:Efterår 2009 
Udbydes under:cand.it., medieteknologi og spil (mtg) 
Omfang i ECTS:7,50 
Kursussprog:Engelsk 
Kursushjemmeside:http://www.itu.dk/people/alec/home.html 
Min. antal deltagere:0 
Forventet antal deltagere:0 
Maks. antal deltagere:45 
Formelle forudsætninger:This is a course with a practical project, so basic knowledge of a 3D package is advised (3D Studio Max). Basic knowledge of a game editor also a plus (Far Cry's "Sandbox").

However it is not necessary to possess 3d skills because, as we will see in the course, there are plenty of other techniques (paper prototypes, Lego bricks, clay, paper mache, metal wireframes, architectural visualisation techniques, etc.)


 
Læringsmål:In this course the students will be made aware of the tools and techniques used by level designers to shape spaces that fit rational, emotional and behavioural profile of different types of players. The main theme of the course will be the connection between spatial-aesthetic elements and the effect that they have on the players’ psyche.

How to design spaces for interaction tailored around different motivations, goals and make-belief systems.


 
Fagligt indhold:In this course the students will be learning and experimenting with how spaces, shapes and colours can engender, foster and support different moods.

We'll be exploring visual and cultural archetypes, digging into comics, movie sets and cartoons to distillate what makes people tick in certain ways. We'll be looking both into the past and the present of the ancient art of profiling people.

First we will dabble into different psychological personality theories (MBTI, BIG 5, etc.). Then we'll look at how ancient traditions such as the Kabala, the Tarots and the Zodiac dealt (and still deal) with the ever-changing yet consistent variety of human types.

The crowning of this voyage of discovery will be the creation of a limited environment apt to accommodate both the expression of a selected personality type with preferential sets of emotions and moods, and the dissemination of gameplay gestalts, mechanics and affordances for interaction.

 
Læringsaktiviteter:14 ugers undervisning bestående af forelæsninger og øvelser

Please note that this course starts late in the term - first lecture is to take place on September 23nd. If you have any questions about the content or the purpose of course, please contact Head of the MTG Study Programme Miguel Sicart miguel@itu.dk.

The project will run from the 23rd of September to the 11th of December 2009. We will meet every Wednesday from 11 to 16 (with a break for lunch) and every Friday from 9 to 15 for the first six weeks. Afterwards we will engage in supervised project work. Independent work will become prominent with weekly meetings to evaluate the work in progress. Students are expected to work both individually and in groups, with an evaluation carried out on the work done.

We will kick-start the course on Wednesday the 23rd of September at 10 am in room. (logistic details to be filled)
Due to the late start of the course, students are expected to have read the following literature by the course's start:
- McCloud, S.: Understanding Comics, Harper paperbacks, 1994
- Lynch, K.: The Image of the City, MIT Press, 1960
- Nitsche, M.: Video Game Spaces, MIT Press, 2009


Teacher:
Alessandro Canossa,
Denmark School of Design - aca@dkds.dk
IO Interactive - alessandroc@ioi.dk  

Eksamensform og -beskrivelse:X. experimental examination form (7-scale; external exam), 7-trins-skala, Ekstern censur

The final work for the project will consist of a written report and a visual prototype of the environment. According to the proficiency of the students with the tools recommended the visualization can be presented as a paper prototype, a 3D scene or a working level authored in the game editor.
 

Litteratur udover forskningsartikler:An extensive book collection will be made available to students at the beginning of the course, nevertheless two books are considered compulsory:
Mccloud, S. “Understanding Comics”
Lynch, K. “The image of the city”

Not compulsory but recommended:
Mastering Unreal Technology: Art of level design
(http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Unreal-Technology-Level-Design/dp/0672326922)
3DS Max 2009 Bible
http://www.amazon.com/3ds-2009-Bible-Kelly-Murdock/dp/0470381302/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
 
 
Afholdelse (tid og sted)
Kurset afholdes på følgende tid og sted:
UgedagTidspunktForelæsning/ØvelserStedLokale
Onsdag 09.00-12.00 Forelæsning ITU 4A16
Fredag 09.00-12.00 Forelæsning ITU 2A20
Fredag 13.00-15.00 Forelæsning ITU 2A20

Eksamen afholdes på følgende tid og sted:
EksamensdatoTidspunktEksamenstypeStedLokale
2009-12-16 Før kl. 15.00 Skriftlige arbejder ITU Eksamenskontoret (2E)
2010-01-25 Tidspunkt oplyses senere Mundtlig eksamen ITU 4A22