Course Description
In Social Media and Games, we will examine games and simulations as systems designed for common use and collaboration, and the ways non-game social media interacts with and promotes digital entertainment. By the end of the semester, we will:
- Use social media to react to, challenge and recontextualize games
- Design and workshop elements of social games
- Analyze and critique existing social games
- Examine the social structures surrounding game spaces and their implications
- Participate in the debates surrounding “gamification” and “gamefulness”
All major projects in this class will be created in the social spaces of our class game, through participation and design of the class game. You are welcome to opt out of the online component if you would prefer your work to remain private: however, you will still be responsible for the same assignments.
Required Texts
- Mariz, Rae. The Unidentified. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2010.
- McGonigal, Jane. Reality is Broken. New York: Penguin Press, 2011.
- Shirky, Clay. Cognitive Surplus: Creativity and Generosity in a Connected Age. New York:Penguin Press, 2010
Grading and Assignments
Social Game Space (50%)
We will be using a social game space for interaction both in and out of class. Every week there will be a mission to complete as well as several alternative and interlinking tasks and questions. You do not have to participate in every discussion, but half your grade is based on continual writing, design tasks, and analysis in response to these prompts.
Your participation in the game will be automatically monitored as you complete missions and interact with other students in discussion forums. Your points on the site can be used as currency: they can be “traded” for certain advantages and missed assignments. However: points do NOT correspond directly to your grade. Both the amount of work and the quality of work will be considered. Progress will be formally evaluated at four checkpoints throughout the semester, and you will receive comments on your work and a current game grade.
Students with high rankings will be eligible for bonus perks throughout the semester, including first choice of meeting and presentation time slots and additional options on game missions.
Reading Quizzes (10%)
Readings are essential in this class, which is highly grounded in theory. There will be quick quizzes administered regularly through the class site.
Midterm Mission (15%)
A timed mission—a combination of analysis and design—will take place the week of the midterm. There will be no in person meeting, but collaboration and discussion on the game site is essential for progress. You will have special bonuses for the midterm depending on the rank you have achieved through your social game participation.
Final Project (25%)
Based on your site participation and your own interests, you can choose one of three challenges for your final project. Final projects must involve building, manipulating, evaluating, interpreting, playing and otherwise prodding at social media networks, games and tools. Individual contracts will be agreed upon between the professor and student for this project.
Late Work
Online work can be completed until a mission deadline is reached. You cannot make up missed work: however, you can supplement your ranking with other game activities that will be taken into consideration during grading. Progress on the midterm mission will be evaluated at the deadline.
The final team project will NOT be accepted late, as this would delay the submission of final grades.
Late Arrivals and Absence
If you miss a scheduled class, you will still be held responsible for the weekly mission and online work. If you are late to class, enter without interrupting. You are responsible for finding out what you have missed from classmates. If you have a documented excuse absence, make it known during office hours or by email.
Classroom Technology Policy
This class meets in a computer lab, but this is not an invitation to use the computers in ways that detract from your learning or the learning of others. Headphones will not be tolerated in class. Personal electronics, such as cell phones and iPods, must be turned off during class time. If you have an exceptional reason for needing a cell phone, such as the impending arrival of an offspring, let me know before class begins.
Incomplete Grades
It is your responsibility to apply for administrative withdrawal or incomplete. If you stop showing up for class you will be graded accordingly: it is your responsibility to keep me informed in the event of an emergency so we can work out accommodations.
Other Resources for Success
The Achievement and Learning Center is a free resource for all UB students and offers support in three ways:
1) A tutor or study facilitator may be available for this course. Visit www.ubalt.edu/tutoring or stop by the Achievement and Learning Center in AC 113 to submit a request.
2) Writing consultants provide feedback on anything you’re writing for UB courses at any point in the writing process. Writing consultants do not proofread papers—they help you learn to proofread your own work. Assistance is available in person, online or by phone. Call 410.837.5383 to set up an appointment or visit www.ubalt.edu/alc to learn more.
3) To gain a competitive edge in the classroom or the workplace, make an appointment with Learning Consultant Cydney Delia. She can help you develop a personalized “master plan” that helps you establish new habits for accomplishing your goals. To schedule an appointment, stop by AC 113, call 410.837.5366 or email cdelia@ubalt.edu.
Academic Integrity
By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in UB’s scholarly community in which everyone’s academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal.
