ALW251 - Writing for Games: Designing Quests and Characters
Unit details
| Year: | 2020 unit information |
|---|---|
| Important Update: | Classes and seminars in Trimester 2/Semester 2, 2020 will be online. Physical distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19) will affect delivery of other learning experiences in this unit. Please check your unit sites for announcements and updates one week prior to the start of your trimester or semester. Last updated: 2 June 2020 |
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Nic Velissaris |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
| Scheduled learning activities - campus: | 1 x 2-hour seminar per week |
| Scheduled learning activities - cloud: | Online independent and collaborative learning activities including: 1 x 2-hour seminar per week equivalent |
Content
What is the role of the writer in digital storytelling? In this age of "gamification," what are the new constraints and opportunities presented to writers or storytellers by digital narratives? This unit invites students to explore how gaming culture involves the telling of stories in both ancient and innovative ways. Learning about the narrative pattern of the fantasy quest and the enduring importance of character, students will explore various fantasy games to identify how the quest narrative and characterisation play structural roles. They will also use basic software to design their own quest narrative, working in teams to develop an appreciation of the cross-modal and collaborative practice of games writers. (No coding experience necessary.)
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| These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | |
| ULO1 | Apply knowledge of the role of the writer/story designer in the gaming industry in cross-modal and collaborative activities in a professional context | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO2 | Analyse the quest and character elements in digital games through case studies | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO3 | Use basic text-based narrative design software to construct a collaborative digital narrative that demonstrates knowledge about games narratives and characterisation, and about writing for games in professional contexts | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO4 | Relate constructively and professionally with others while undertaking research and working in a team | GLO2: Communication GLO6: Self-management GLO7: Teamwork |
These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year
Assessment
Trimester 2:| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1- Class Presentation and Case Study | 1200 words or equivalent | 30% | Week 6 |
| Assessment 2 (Group) - Creating a Narrative Game | 2000 words per group member | 50% | Week 11 |
| Assessment 3 (Individual) - Reflective Essay | 800 words or equivalent | 20% | Week 12 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning Resource
The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: ALW251 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
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