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 in artistic expression, and visual communication,
• demonstrate knowledge and skills in production of 2D-graphic elements,
• demonstrate how to create a holistic, intended aesthetic as a dramatic component in a game experience, and
• display knowledge and skills in artistic creation and disposition of 2D-graphic expressive components.

Content

The course commences with an advanced outline of visual communication theory and expression. Thereafter visual narrative is discussed. The theoretical knowledge is applied through artistic production of visual targets, design matrix and visual scripts from a narrative and game play perspective, based on function and intended aesthetic in relation to the desired aesthetic entirety of the game experience.

Instruction

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, compiled as a style-guide for the case study with motivations of the intended aesthetic in a PM. 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.

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

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.

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

Other directives

The course replaces/overlaps 5SD053 2D Computer Graphics: Theory and Application III