CW Videogame Literature
California School of the Arts - 9th to 12th Grade
Course Description:
What would a videogame be without storytelling? Over the course of the semester, we will explore videogames as a different, more interactive medium for storytelling. The goal will be to define Videogame Literature, explore how story and gameplay intertwine, and understand how it works as a genre.
Class Expectations:
Students will respect one another in the class. Please show up on time for synchronous classes – five minutes late will be considered tardy. Videos are required (except for those on the exempt list), but you can participate either through a mic or via the chat option.
Late/Missing Work Policy: Late/Missing work will be accepted throughout the semester. For activities and assignments, any late work will be given half credit after the initial due date. For any major assignments, grades will go down one point for each week it is late.
Grading Categories & Percentages:
Synchronous Participation: 25% of the grade
During Synchronous classes, participation will be measured by a combination of in-class activities, full-class and small group discussions, and engagement with the material. Video will be required for participation credit (except for those who are exempt). Participation could come through the form of discussion through the mic or chat options.
Writing Activities: 25% of the grade
Over the course of the semester, we will be discussing a lot of ideas and concepts in class. To connect with the material, you will be asked to engage with a writing assignment posted through Schoology. Whether this activity is done during class, or whether you are asked to complete over the course of the week, you will be graded on the completion and engagement with the prompt.
Videogame Lit Exploration: 25% of the grade
The goal of this semester is to be able to study a videogame as a piece of literature. For this assignment, you will choose a videogame and explore the storytelling and themes within the game of choice (the one rule is it cannot be a videogame I present through the semester). This will come in the form of either an essay or, because of the interactive nature of videogames, an interactive presentation. The creation of this will be discussed over the course of the semester. It will be due on Thursday, March 25th before 11:59 pm.
Videogame Creation: 25% of the grade
During the semester, the class will break off into small groups (of three or four students) and create your own videogame through Google Slides. The assignment will be broken down into parts: the idea, the story, the creation and completion of the game. You will be allotted time throughout the semester to complete it, culminating in the completion and playthrough on Monday, May 3rd by class time.
CSArts-SGV Grading Scale:
Score
Level
Description
5
Mastery
Proves an understanding and use of the material beyond the page.
4
Proficiency
Demonstrates a full understanding of the material and fully utilize the information productively.
3
Developing
Displays a strong understanding of the material and able to utilize it in a productive way.
2
Beginning
Starting to make connections and utilize the material.
1
Emerging
Little connection was made with the material.
0
No Evidence of Mastery
Zero work and no connection was made with the material.
All Conservatory Assignments are submitted on Schoology
What would a videogame be without storytelling? Over the course of the semester, we will explore videogames as a different, more interactive medium for storytelling. The goal will be to define Videogame Literature, explore how story and gameplay intertwine, and understand how it works as a genre.
Class Expectations:
Students will respect one another in the class. Please show up on time for synchronous classes – five minutes late will be considered tardy. Videos are required (except for those on the exempt list), but you can participate either through a mic or via the chat option.
Late/Missing Work Policy: Late/Missing work will be accepted throughout the semester. For activities and assignments, any late work will be given half credit after the initial due date. For any major assignments, grades will go down one point for each week it is late.
Grading Categories & Percentages:
Synchronous Participation: 25% of the grade
During Synchronous classes, participation will be measured by a combination of in-class activities, full-class and small group discussions, and engagement with the material. Video will be required for participation credit (except for those who are exempt). Participation could come through the form of discussion through the mic or chat options.
Writing Activities: 25% of the grade
Over the course of the semester, we will be discussing a lot of ideas and concepts in class. To connect with the material, you will be asked to engage with a writing assignment posted through Schoology. Whether this activity is done during class, or whether you are asked to complete over the course of the week, you will be graded on the completion and engagement with the prompt.
Videogame Lit Exploration: 25% of the grade
The goal of this semester is to be able to study a videogame as a piece of literature. For this assignment, you will choose a videogame and explore the storytelling and themes within the game of choice (the one rule is it cannot be a videogame I present through the semester). This will come in the form of either an essay or, because of the interactive nature of videogames, an interactive presentation. The creation of this will be discussed over the course of the semester. It will be due on Thursday, March 25th before 11:59 pm.
Videogame Creation: 25% of the grade
During the semester, the class will break off into small groups (of three or four students) and create your own videogame through Google Slides. The assignment will be broken down into parts: the idea, the story, the creation and completion of the game. You will be allotted time throughout the semester to complete it, culminating in the completion and playthrough on Monday, May 3rd by class time.
CSArts-SGV Grading Scale:
Score
Level
Description
5
Mastery
Proves an understanding and use of the material beyond the page.
4
Proficiency
Demonstrates a full understanding of the material and fully utilize the information productively.
3
Developing
Displays a strong understanding of the material and able to utilize it in a productive way.
2
Beginning
Starting to make connections and utilize the material.
1
Emerging
Little connection was made with the material.
0
No Evidence of Mastery
Zero work and no connection was made with the material.
All Conservatory Assignments are submitted on Schoology