Richard G Baldwin (512) 223-4758, NRG Room 4238, Baldwin@DickBaldwin.com, http://www.austincc.edu/baldwin

GAME 2342 Game Development Using C++

This is the Syllabus for classroom sections and Open Campus (PCM) sections taught by Professor Baldwin.

Syllabus

Spring 2009

Revised 01/20/09

The official web page for this course is http://www.austincc.edu/baldwin/Spring09/Game2342WebPage/GAME2342.htm

Instructor: Richard G. Baldwin
Office Telephone:  512-223-4758
Office:  NRG room 4238
Office Hours: See the OH link next to my name on the ACC Course Schedule Web page.   Other times by appointment. Call the above number or E-mail at any time.

Schedule: See the published schedule for the beginning and ending dates of the semester.

Estimated Lecture Schedule

The following table shows the estimated lecture schedule with respect to the Allegro lessons and the textbook chapters to be covered.  This schedule is subject to change as the semester progresses.  The lecture and the lab are in the same room during the same time period.  Time not spent on lecture will be dedicated to students completing their lab assignments.  The final week will be dedicated to final exams, lab projects, etc.

Week Allegro Lessons Textbook Chapters
1 105, 110, 115 1, 2
2 120 3
3 125 4
4 130 5
5 135 5 cont'd
6 140 6
7 145 6 cont'd
8 150 7
9 155 7 cont'd
10 160 8
11   8 cont'd
12   9
13   9 cont'd
14   10
15   10 cont'd
16    

 

Lab Project Schedule
The lab projects must be completed and demonstrated to Professor Baldwin's satisfaction not later than the end of the class/lab period on the dates given below:

Projects 1, 2, 3, and 4,  March 24, 2008.
Projects 5 and 6, April 28, 2008.
Projects 7 and 8, May 12, 2008.

Exam Schedule
The written exams must be completed not later than the end of the class/lab period on the dates given below:

Exam 1, March 24, 2008.
Exam 2, April 28, 2008.
Exam 3, May 12, 2008.

Work in Progress: This is only the second semester in which the "credit" version of this course has been taught.  Some details of the course are still being worked out.  Check these web pages frequently to view updates as the semester progresses and the details are worked out and published.

Course Description: Skill development in C++ programming for games and simulations. Examines real-world C++ development issues. Utilize standard game libraries; examine interfaces, exceptions, file access, and random numbers; and create basic game or simulation frameworks building upon C++ knowledge.

Prerequisite: COSC 1320 C++ Programming or equivalent coursework or experience.

Schedule of topics for the course:
The topics to be covered in the course can be found here.  The topics also include all ten chapters of the textbook.

Course Text:  See Materials and Facilities below.

Instructional Methodology: The course will have both lab and lecture.

Course Rationale: This course is designed to teach the student how to write, test, and debug graphical features used in game programming with a C++ game library and to incorporate those features into games written in C++.

Requirements: See the Requirements page.

Grade Policy:  Your grade will be based both on concepts and practical application.

Grading Scale: Letter grades will be assigned as follows:
90% - 100% A
80% - 89%  B
70% - 79%  C
60% - 69%  D
 0% - 59%  F

Depending on the final scores of all the students taking the course, it is possible that a curve may be applied to the final grades before they are submitted for recording.

Materials and Facilities

Primary Teaching Vehicles:

C++ textbook:  Beginning C++ through Game Programming, Second Edition,
By Michael Dawson, ISBN-10-1-59863-360-0

Also see the following links at http://www.dickbaldwin.com/toc.htm

Graphics Programming with Allegro and C++
Graphics Programming with Allegro and C++ (Practice Tests)
Graphics Programming with Allegro and C++ (Slides)

Allegro online resources:  In addition, you will probably need to consult a variety of online resources for the Allegro game library, which you can locate using Google.

Downloading Online Material at ACC Labs: Note that although you will be allowed to download these online materials in the ACC labs, you are specifically prohibited from printing them using ACC facilities.

Software: It should not be necessary for you to purchase any software in order to complete this course successfully.  All of the software that you need should either be available in the ACC lab, or is freely available for downloading via the web.

Miscellaneous Information

Course Objectives/ Learning Outcomes: To learn to write, test, and debug game programs using C++. In addition, the student will either be introduced to, or will use the following concepts, which are important workforce activities:

Transfers:  Although it is technically possible for a student to transfer from one section to another section of the same course, this process has caused many problems in the past, and is not allowed unless the reasons for the transfer are compelling.  Students desiring to transfer between CIS/CSC courses must first obtain permission from an Assistant Dean for CIS/CSC who will initiate the paperwork.  (Note, however, that I will allow you to informally transfer between my in-class section and my distance-learning section of the same course at any time during the semester in those semesters where both are available.)

Scans Competencies:   The following is a summary of the Scans Competencies attributable to this course with the following scale:

1 – Concept
2 – Application
3 – Advanced

Competencies not covered by this course are not listed.

C1 Time:  Selects goal-relevant activities, ranks them, allocates time, and prepares and follows schedules.

2
C5 Acquires and evaluates information.

2
C6 Organizes and maintains information.

2
C7 Interprets and communicates information.

2
C8 Uses computers to process information.

2
C15 Understands Systems:  Knows how social, organizational, and technological systems work and operates effectively with them.

2
C16 Monitors and Corrects Performance:  Distinguishes trends, predicts impacts on system operations, diagnoses systems performance, and corrects malfunctions.

2
C18 Selects Technology:  Chooses procedures, tools, or equipment, including computers and related technologies.

2
C19 Applies Technology to Task:  Understands overall intent and proper procedures for setup and operation of equipment.

2
F1 Reading:  Locates, understands, and interprets written information in prose and in documents such as manuals, graphs, and schedules.

2
F3 Arithmetic:  Performs basic computations; uses basic numerical concepts such as whole numbers, etc.

2
F4 Mathematics:  Approaches practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques.

2
F5 Listening:  Receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages and other cues.

2
F8 Decision Making:  Specifies goals and constraints, generates alternatives, considers risks, and evaluates and chooses best alternative.

1
F9 Problem Solving:  Recognizes problems and devises and implements plan of action.

2
F10 Seeing Things in the Mind’s Eye:  Organizes and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects, and other information.

2
F11 Knowing How to Learn:  Uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills.

1
F12 Reasoning:  Discovers a rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more objects and applies it when solving a problem.

2
F13 Responsibility:  Exerts a high level of effort and perseveres towards goal attainment.

2

Incomplete: Here is the official information that I have received regarding Incomplete grades:

A student may receive a temporary grade of "I" (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL the following conditions are satisfied:

  1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.
  2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.
  3. The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.
  4. To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

To give you an idea of the gravity of the situation, I don't recall ever having given a student a temporary grade of "I" during my entire teaching career at ACC.

Freedom of  Expression Policy:  It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Academic Integrity: A student is expected to complete his or her own projects and tests.  Students are responsible for observing the policy on academic integrity described in the Current ACC Student Handbook.

“Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their own thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework”. 

The penalty accessed for violations will be in accordance with the current ACC Student Handbook policy. See http://www.austincc.edu/  for more information.

Attendance Policy:  The official college policy states that students are expected to attend classes and will be held responsible for all material covered in class. Regular attendance helps ensure satisfactory progress towards completion of the course.

(Students enrolled in Open Campus classes are not expected to attend class.  Prof. Baldwin does not call the roll and does not maintain an official record of attendance.)

Withdrawal Policy:  It is the student's responsibility to complete a Withdrawal Form in the Admissions Office if they wish to withdraw from this class. The instructor may withdraw students from this class if their absences exceed 10% of the total number of class meetings. The last date to withdraw for this semester is provided in the ACC Academic calendar for the semester in which the student is enrolled. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to withdraw the students from their class even though the instructor has the prerogative to do so under the above listed circumstances.

A grade of "W" will be automatically assigned if the student initiates a withdrawal through the Admissions and Records office, in accordance with the requirements of that office.  If the student fails to complete the work and also fails to properly withdraw, a grade of A, B, C, D, or F will be assigned in accordance with the work that was completed.

ALERT:  New state law for new students.  No more than six course withdrawals throughout your undergraduate education, regardless of how many colleges you attend.  Apparently, students who entered college before fall 2007 are not affected.  Ask a counselor for details.

Students with Disabilities Policy:  “Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to make this request three weeks before the start of the semester. (Refer to the Current ACC Student Handbook)”

Testing Center Policy (Open Campus Sections Only):  Visit the ACC web site at http://www.austincc.edu/. Select Search, and then search for the keywords testing center.

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File: GAME2342Syl.htm