T580 INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING AND COMPUTER GAMES
Fall 2009
Instructor :: Professor Andrew Bucksbarg
Meeting Times :: Tuesday/Thursday 5:45PM-07:00PM
Office Hours :: Tuesdays 11AM-12PM, Wednesdays 3PM-4PM and by appointment, RTV #318
Room :: TV 169
E-mail :: abucksba(at)indiana(dot)edu
Description ::
1) ENGAGING, IMMERSIVE and DEEP
The study of the remediation of the mechanics story, storytelling/narrative and dramatic structure in interactive media and computer games.
2) IDEA PLAY/CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION
This seminar will focus on the remediation of narrative and dramatic structure of story throughout different types of media work. We will also read and discuss texts in order to get an understanding of narrative and dramatic concepts with a focus on interactive media, such as games, social media, virtual worlds, film, installations, amusement park rides, documentary, theme parties, systems designs, websites, mobile media, etc. You will brain/bodystorm our own original ideas for the above, based on your interests. We will critique these ideas. We will collaborate in crazy game exercises. We will think about media production not only in terms of art, entertainments and commerce, but we will focus on work that supports, cognitive, physical, emotional and social health and sustainable/permadesign.
Process and Idea Play ::
The philosophy of the seminar is an open laboratory/workshop environment. Each week we will engage in the following: read/discuss, present/critique ideas, present/critique relevant or interesting work, perform/play games and exercises.
We will have a discussion lead and an game/exercise lead.
- Bring in a list of 3-5 interactive projects or game ideas for discussion each week.
- Complete and bring the reading for each seminar and be ready to talk it out. If you are the reading lead. Prepare to facilitate the reading in whatever manner illuminates the piece the best.
- If you are the game/exercise lead, bring a game or exercise from the readings prepared to unleash upon us all. You are the guru.
Please note we are very lucky to have a very diverse group with many interests in the design and production of media work. You should feel comfortable with your ideas, but as a designer you must be willing to shape them, or sometimes even let them go.
Required ::
100% attendance (documented cases/emergencies, etc. will be excused)
100% participation (discussion, feedback, work, support, criticism, etc.)
100% support for seminar fellows (in a diverse group with diverse expertise)
85-100% grade (at least a "B")
Books
***A Dictionary of Narratology (Revised Edition) (Paperback)
by Gerald Prince
University of Nebraska Press; Revised edition (December 1, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0803287763
ISBN-13: 978-0803287761
***Theatre of the Oppressed by Augusto Boal
Theatre Communications Group (January 1, 1993)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0930452496
ISBN-13: 978-0930452490
***Games for Actors and Non-Actors 2nd Edition (Paperback)
by Augusto Boal
Routledge; 2 edition (October 25, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0415267080
ISBN-13: 978-0415267083
***A Book of Surrealist Games (Paperback)
by Alastair Brotchie (Author), Mel Gooding (Author)
Shambhala (July 4, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1570620849
ISBN-13: 978-1570620843
Work, Evaluation and Grading ::
A VERY important part of how you will be evaluated is how you engage in class work and discussion. You should come prepared to talk AND facilitate and support discussion and idea work, as well as interact with others in the seminar in a constructive manner. If you are not participating is this fashion or you will surely fail. : (
Emphasis for proposals will be on ORIGINALITY of concept, planning and organization, quality of work, attention to detail, adherence to specifications of form, coherence of design, people centered and context aware design, and the thoughtful use of concepts introduced in seminar and in readings. The structure of the proposal should adhere to standard production form or common practice in that area.
Design Proposal I (30%)
This can be a treatment, game design doc., design brief, etc.
Final Design Proposal II and demo/mock-up/etc. (40%)
This can be a treatment, game design doc., design brief, etc. The mock-up can be on paper, programmed, made or cardboard, etc.
Participation (30%)
This is based on attendance and leading/participation in discussions, leading exercises and games, group work, presentations, brain/bodystorm ideas and other idea work, pitches, etc. I will help by taking attendance.
Disclaimers ::
Please be punctual and courteous.
Please let me know if you have a conference presentation, panel talk, IU or career related event to attend ahead of time.
IU policy for religious holidays- http://www.indiana.edu/~deanfac/download/rel_obs.html#holreq
As members of the class organism, we abide by the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct. Please refer to this site for any questions you may have- http://dsa.indiana.edu/Code/index.html
I am available to meet with you to discuss course work, policies or other questions and concerns you may have during office hours and by appointment.
