CIS 48 - Intro to Game Programming
Instructor: Staff
Email Instructor
Course Description
Want to Play? You have played plenty of games. Now it is time to create your own! You are interested in programming games, but you don't know where to begin. This course covers the basics of game programming with an emphasis on hands-on development of games using a Rapid Application Development prototyping tool such as Dark Basic or BlitzPlus. These tools, based on the Basic language, feature powerful graphics engines, and make it possible to demonstrate high-level subjects using a minimum amount of code. This first programming course provides experience and skills writing every element of your first video game, from graphics and animation to sound and music. Programming experience is not required to get started. Although this course has a programming focus, other topics briefly covered will include the history of computer/video game technology, game genres and design principles, and the social impact of games.
To take this class, you must have daily access to a computer with an Internet connection, an email account, and experience using a web browser (Internet Explorer preferred). You will also need to update your email address in CLASS-Web when you register.
Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.
This class begins Aug 20 and ends Dec 23.
On-Campus Meetings
Students will meet on campus Thursdays from 7-8:50 PM in Room 2416. They will be required to complete the remainder of the course online. You can attend an OPTIONAL, on-campus orientation to Online Learning on either Aug. 13 from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 2420, Aug. 14 from 1-2:30 p.m. in Room 2420, and Aug. 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 2420. Learn more about these orientations, which are NOT course-specific.
How This Class Operates
The online learning activities and face-to-face instruction will complement each other in this class. As a result, this combination will maximize your learning while providing you with time flexibility.
Succeeding Online
Students who succeed in the online portion of hybrid courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation and can't use a computer too well, you should probably consider enrolling in a completely face-to-face course instead.
Also, don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery partly changes.
LPC offers a tutorial called "Succeeding in an online course" that will not only tell you if you are a good fit for online learning, but it also offers many strategies -- among other pertinent information -- that will help you succeed online. Though the title of the tutorial says "online course", all of it is applicable to the online portion of hybrid courses. Please complete the tutorial.
Blackboard
This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the Blackboard Login Procedures page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.