General provisions

The course is part of the minor field of study Expression in Convergent Media.

The course is a freestanding course and elective course in the Bachelor's programmes Game Design and Graphics, 180 Credits.

Entry requirements

30 credits in Game Design and/or Expression and 7.5 credits Expression and 2D Graphics for Games 2, (5SD511) or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

The overall aim of the course is to provide students with an advanced artistic and technical competence in 2D-graphics for digital games.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate advanced theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in expression and visual communication, and in its application in 2D-digital games,
• demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in composition and linear perspective as well as how these are applied to enhance a game experience,
• demonstrate knowledge and skill in production of 2D-graphic elements such as textures and sprites as well as the application of these in game engines,
• demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in artistic expression by the means of line, shape, volume, colour, and light applied to level design in relation to intended aesthetic aspects of the game experience,
• display advanced knowledge and skill in character design, as well as the character’s role as dramatic expressive component in the game experience, and
• display knowledge and skills in artistic creation and disposition of various 2D-graphic expressive components, which combined with game design can result in a uniform experience and entirety which is both more than, and different from, the total of its components.

Content

The course commences with an advanced outline of visual communication theory and expression. Thereafter visual narrative is discussed. The theoretical knowledge is then applied in an artistic production of character design with human and anthropomorphic characters from a narrative technique perspective, based on function and intended aesthetic in relation to the desired aesthetic entirety of the game experience.

Instruction

This course combines classroom activities and individual study. Classroom activities focus on the theoretical, artistic and technical aspects of the course in the form of lectures, seminars and workshops.

Assessment

The course uses either Pass with distinction, Pass, or Fail for grading. Examination is in the form of written and expressive assignments throughout the course. Grading is based on the degree to which the submissions demonstrate an understanding and application of the theoretical, technical and artistic content of the course as specified in the course goals and requirements for each assignment.

To achieve the overall grade of Pass with distinction, a Pass with distinction grade is required for the majority of the submissions as well the final assignment.

Plagiarism and Cheating

Uppsala University has a strict attitude towards cheating and plagiarism and disciplinary measures will be taken against students who are suspected of involvement in any kind of cheating/plagiarism. The disciplinary measures take the form of a warning and suspension for a limited period.

NB: Only a completed course may be counted towards a degree

Other directives

The Course replace/overlap (5SD053) 2D Computer Graphics: Theory and Application III