Course Syllabus

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Syllabus

Prerequisites

  • For BS in Games students you must be in entering your last year in college (meaning you will graduate in the coming spring or summer semester).
  • Non-EAE students require permission of the instructor.
  • For CS students, Computer Science states that you must be within 4 CS classes of finishing your degree.  Note - you will be required to attest to this in a signed form.

Communication

  • Instructors: mailto:teach-capstone@eae.utah.edu
  • There is a capstone at eae dot utah dot edu mailing list that is all of you.  We will populate it once you fill out the homework 1 form.  We will use this email list to contact you about class information.

Hardware/Software Used in the Class

  • Potential computer labs: WEB 130, WEB 210 (Engman lab), the Marriott Library, 16 computers in Building 72 - first floor (EAE Studio) for exclusive CAPSTONE student use.
  • It is highly likely that you will make use of Adobe Photoshop. All of the Adobe products are available to each student for free (see software.utah.edu if you do not already have access).
  • We will use either Unity or Unreal as our game engine.

Textbooks

  • Currently none.

Teams

  • The entire two semesters you will be working in a team.

Workload

  • This is a 3 credit hour class, so we expect at least around 10 hours of work each and every week. Also, showing up for class is REQUIRED as mostly you will be meeting with your team. It is the only guaranteed time that everyone will have when they can meet with your team.  We may take attendance every day.  You will lose points if you are late.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will learn how to pitch a game and to evaluate other pitches. 
  • Students will rapidly create prototypes for video games. 
  • Students will explore the vagaries of working in large interdisciplinary teams (generally ten or more students) to design and create a feature-complete alpha version of a video game. 
  • Students will learn the scrum agile development process and then will apply it in the development of a video game. 
  • Student will be able to evaluate the various facets of a video game. 

Quizzes and Exams

  • We do not plan any quizzes or exams, but reserve the right to add them should we see the necessity.

Grading

  • Sometimes we will have assignments which will be weighted and you will receive a grade for.
  • The rest of the time we will be judging you on completing your weekly work assignments. You will have a task or set of tasks that you must complete in your hours of work during the week. If you don't complete it, then you will receive an F for the week. If you do it, you will receive a C. If you do it well, then you receive a B. If you do it well and you do something extra, or you do an EXCELLENT job, then you receive an A.

Homework Due Time

  • Date and time your contracted work must be completed is specified in each homework. Unless stated otherwise, you MAY NOT turn in homework late.

Release

  • It is our intention that the video games completed in this class will be released to the world.
  • All assets that you use in the game (art, model, music, etc.) must be completely royalty free!!!

Game Type

  • Given the time requirements, we anticipate that we you be building a 2D or a 2.5D game. 3D games are also possible, but you must consider that the time costs in creating 3D assets could dominate the effort.

Copyright Notice

  • This class has an opt-out policy, by virtue of participation, you are granting the instructors and the University of Utah at large permission to use your assignments and work related product for educational, not for profit use.

Student Code

Important Safety Information

  • The University of Utah values the safety of all campus community members. To report suspicious activity or to request a courtesy escort, call campus police at 801-581-COPS (801-585-2677). You will receive important emergency alerts and safety messages regarding campus safety via text message. For more information regarding safety and to view available training resources, including helpful videos, visit https://safeu.utah.edu

Flake Out

  • We plan to carefully monitor all work and anyone that flakes out on their duties will be in danger of failing the class. If you see this happening on your team, please notify the instructors immediately.

Appeals Procedures, Withdrawal Procedures, Repeating Courses, Adding Courses, and Americans with Disabilities Act

  • The information on these topics is college wide and provided here.

Undocumented Student Support

  • Immigration is a complex phenomenon with broad impact—those who are directly affected by it, as well as those who are indirectly affected by their relationships with family members, friends, and loved ones. If your immigration status presents obstacles to engaging in specific activities or fulfilling specific course criteria, confidential arrangements may be requested from the Dream Center. Arrangements with the Dream Center will not jeopardize your student status, your financial aid, or any other part of your residence. The Dream Center offers a wide range of resources to support undocumented students (with and without DACA) as well as students from mixed-status families. To learn more, please contact the Dream Center at 801.213.3697 or visit dream.utah.edu

Course Summary:

Date Details Due