Syllabus
Art Institute of Seattle
Course Syllabus
Summer 2009
GAD226: INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING
Thursday: 8:00am-Noon
Course Description: Storytelling for games and interactive media operates under a different set of rules than the traditional narrative used for film. Combining traditional storytelling with new technologies creates a storytelling medium where the audience becomes an active participant. This course explores the nuances of creating storylines forgames and creating emotional impact. Students will explore both the fundamentals of classic storytelling and game structure.
Course Length: 11 weeks
Contact Hours: 44 hours
Course Competencies:
At the conclusion of this course the student should be able to...
Create a game concept, back story, character biographies, concept bible, and script.
• Identify and create assets that provide the building blocks for an effective script.
• Create and identify character types, such as protagonist and antagonist.
• Create presentation quality work for evaluation.
• Create concept bible that contains all research and assets derived in the process of creating an effective script.
Demonstrate proficiency in written communication.
• Create an industry standard script.
• Perform proof-reading to ensure proper grammar, usage, and spelling.
Evaluate creative elements.
• Differentiate between linear narrative and interactive storytelling.
• Identify various archetypes within a script.
• Analyze the effectiveness of a narrative that includes introduction, conflict and resolution.
Course Prerequisites: None
"It is AIS's policy not to discriminate on the basis of disability in its educational programs. If you have a disability-related need for adjustments or other accommodations in this class, contact the Disability Services Department at 206-448-0900 Ext 2308."
Textbooks: Character Development and Storytelling for Games
by Lee Sheldon
ISBN: 9781592003532
Instructor: Steve Rhoades
Phone: (206) 239-2432
Email: srhoades at aii.edu
Course Website: http://www.platypotamus.com/academia/gad226
Expanded Course Description: In this class, we will focus completely on narrative. We will analyze existing narratives, and we will discuss (and solve?) problems fundamental to creating stories, particularly those stories in which the user is a participant rather than simply a consumer.
Grading: Reprinted from the school catalog for your convenience:
| 96-100 A | 76-79 C+ |
| 92-95 A- | 72-75 C |
| 88-91 B+ | 68-71 C- |
| 84-87 B | 64-67 D+ |
| 80-83 B- | 60-63 D |
| < 60 F |
A grade of "A" represents superior work that goes above and beyond the requirements of the course. "A" work shows creativity and insight.
A grade of "B" represents good, solid work with clear improvement over the duration of the course. "B" work meets all course requirements.
A grade of "C" represents work that meets course requirements, but fails to demonstrate significant improvement. "C" work is considered average.
A grade of "D" represents work that in one or more ways fails to meet the requirements of the course, but meets the basic competencies required and is reasonable enough to pass.
A grade of "F" represents general failure to meet the requirements and competencies of the course.
Lectures: Lectures and their discussions are meant to review materials you have already read (see the reading assignments), to introduce new or related material, and/or to help you with areas in which you're having difficulty. You will be expected to be prepared. Please do not be afraid to ask questions. Considering that we are focusing on interactive storytelling, expect interactive lectures.
Paper Guidelines: Success in your career will depend greatly on your written and oral communication skills. I will not accept handwritten work. All artwork submitted should be scanned, printed, and labeled. Do not submit original work to me. Put your name (and the names of the members of your group, if applicable) on everything you submit. Work must be submitted printed and stapled! Spelling and grammar count--each error costs you a point!
Participation: Students are expected to be not only physically present in class, but also mentally present. During lectures and discussions, students will be expected to be a part of the discussions, by actively listening and (when applicable) contributing to the discussion. During class work time, students are expected to be working on the assignments for this class. I reserve the right to wake you in an unpleasant way should you choose to fall asleep. You have been warned.
Professionalism: As the Art Institute exists to prepare its students for work in a professional setting, students will be expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. This includes (but is not limited to) being present in class for every session, and alerting me in advance when you will be late or absent. It includes acting in a professional manner with regard to classroom rules. It includes getting your work turned in professionally and on time. Essentially: you will be held to high standards similar to those that exist in today's business environment.
Course Breakdown:
| Analysis Papers | 30% (15% each) |
| Final Project | 30% |
| Misc Assignments | 10% |
| Attendance/Participation | 10% |
| Professionalism | 10% |
Housekeeping Items:
NOTE: Please understand that every instructor has different and unique policies governing their classroom environment. As such, "I was allowed to do this in some other class" is not a valid excuse.
- NO EATING OR DRINKING IN THE CLASSROOMS AND LABS! Anyone caught in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the classroom.
- Class time - is designated to set direction, to allow for discussion and demonstration of new concepts and techniques, and to give critiques and feedback on work done to date. It is not expected that students will complete assigned projects during class hours. For this class you should anticipate spending a minimum of 4 hours per week outside of class completing assignments. If you plan to work at school please check class and lab schedules for available space. Students are responsible for submitting all work on the syllabus regardless of whether they are reminded in class or not. Reading the syllabus is the student's responsibility
- Absenteeism - According to school policy, you WILL be withdrawn from the school if you are absent 21 CONSECUTIVE calendar days. As so much of this class focuses on group work, it would be unfair to groupmembers for a student to miss an excessive amount of class. Therefore, you will fail this class if you are absent two or more days over the course of the term. Students are expected to contact me in advance when they will be missing class.
- Tardiness - Tardiness (of any amount of time) is not tolerated and affects the attendance portion of a student's grade. Students are expected to contact me in advance when they will be late to class (or leaving early). Failure to do so will impact the professionalism portion of a student's grade.
- Testing Policy - This class, as a project class, features no tests. You're welcome.
- Late Work - There's no such thing as late work.
- Cheating and Plagiarism - NOT ALLOWED and will result in an F. There is no flexibility here.
- Etiquette - Please be mindful of your peers in class and be respectful of others at all times. This includes raising your hands in class and keeping your cell phones and beepers on vibrate or silent mode. Please return phone calls on break and outside the building to be respectful of others working.
- OLS - All students are required to maintain an active OnLine Services account. Student email, grade reports, unofficial schedules, unofficial transcripts and other necessary services can only be accessed through OLS, not through the registrar.
- Student IDs - Students are required to wear their Ai Student Identification Badge visibly on their person at all times while on the school premises. Students without IDs will not be admitted to class.
- Contacting the Instructor - You can use email, voicemail or set up an appointment to contact your instructor. If the instructor doesn't respond to your messages within 24 hours, please assume that they didn't get the message and try again.
- Students must have an official schedule to sit in class. Instructor will take first day attendance ONLY when the official schedule has been presented.
- Required textbooks must be obtained by the second class meeting. Textbooks for your class are available from the bookstore. If a textbook is delayed, alternate instructions for obtaining your textbook will be provided.
- Dress Code - Students must abide by the dress code as defined in the catalog.
- Children - No children are allowed in class or on campus at any time.
Weekly Outline:
Week 1: Introduction, Definition of a Story.
Choose games/books for analysis projects.
Nanofiction. Story through art.
Week 2: Basic Storytelling.
Shakespeare, Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung.
Read Chapter 1-2
Week 3: Protagonists and Antagonists
Epistemology and the PC
Read Chapter 3
Week 4: Game Analysis Project Due
Supporting cast. Characters in Games
Read Chapter 4 - 6
Week 5: Setting
Getting Beyond When and Where.
Read Chapter 6
Week 6: Pitch Final Project
Begin Discussion of Storytelling itself
Read Chapters 7-8
Week 7: Storytelling for Games
Read Chapter 9-10
Week 8: Book Analysis Project Due
Microstorytelling, Quests, Journals, Dialogues, and in-game text
Read Chapters 18-19
Week 9:
Fixing Story Problems
Read Chapters 11-12
Week 10:
Alternate Storytelling Techniques
Read Chapters 13-14
Week 11: Presentations
Final Project Due
Schedule subject to change according to classroom needs.