DIGITAL GAME DESIGN
Bachelor	TR-NQF-HE: Level 6	QF-EHEA: First Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code	Course Name	Semester	Theoretical	Practical	Credit	ECTS
GAD4012	Games and Philosophy	Spring	3	0	3	5

This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction:	English
Type of course:	Departmental Elective
Course Level:	Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery:	Face to face
Course Coordinator :	Assoc. Prof. GÜVEN ÇATAK
Course Lecturer(s):	Instructor ERTUĞRUL SÜNGÜ
Course Objectives:	This course aims to focus on how to meld Philosophy with the Game World. While doing this, students will learn how to look at game world through Philosophical thought and how to criticize games in a Philosophical way. Also, they will understand the surtext of the material and at the same time will ask more critical questions. Students of this class will have a chance to discuss games from a philosophical perspective.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to;
1. Students will be familiar with analytic way of thinking
2. Students will be familiar with critical approach to the games
3. Students will be familiar with improved Philosophical thoughts and be able to make Philosophical reading
4. Students learn and understand different philosophy and game studies theories

Course Content

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	Introduction
2)	Approaching to Philosophy	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
3)	Approaching to Video Games	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
4)	Game Culture and Philosophy	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
5)	Between Play and Design	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
6)	Moral Philosophy and Games	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
7)	Ethics and Politics	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
8)	Midterm
9)	Power Relationships in Video Games	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
10)	Deconstruction of Video Games	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
11)	Différance at Play. Representation in Video Games	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
12)	A Theory of Puppetry for the Gaming Experience	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
13)	Presence Theory: Being “In the Game”	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture
14)	Virtual Worlds: Identity and Community in MMORPG Games	Student Presentation & Professor Lecture

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:

References:

- Jon Cogburn & Mark Silcon. Philosophy Through Video Games. Routledge, 2009.
- C. Thi Nguyen. Philosophy of Games. Philosophy Compass, Volume 12, Issue 8. Agust, 2017.
- Miguel Sicart. The Ethics of Computer Games. MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts. London, England: 2009.
- Rachel Kowert & Thorsten Quandt (Eds.) The Video Game Debate. Unravelling the Physical, Social, and Psychological Effects of Digital Games. Routladge, 2016.
- Jordan Erica Webber & Daniel Griliopoulos. Ten Things Video Games can Teach Us. About Life, Philosophy and Everything. Robinson, 2017.
- Graeme Kirkpatrick. Aesthetic Theory and The Video Game. Manchester University Press; 1 edition, 2011.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Presentation	1	% 30
Midterms	1	% 30
Final	1	% 40
Total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 40
Total		% 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities	Number of Activities	Duration (Hours)	Workload
Course Hours	14	3	42
Presentations / Seminar	12	1	12
Midterms	1	2	2
Paper Submission	2	3	6
Final	1	3	3
Total Workload			65

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Low	3 Average	4 High	5 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	Comprehend the conceptual importance of the game in the field of communication, ability to implement the player centered application to provide design.
2)	Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from various perspectives.
3)	Analyze the key elements that make up specific game genres, forms of interactions, mode of narratives and understand how they are employed effectively to create a successful game.
4)	Understand game design theories and methods as well as implement them during game development; to make enjoyable, attractive, instructional and immersive according to the target audience.
5)	Understand the technology and computational principles involved in developing games and master the use of game engines.
6)	Understand the process of creation and use of 2D and 3D assets and animation for video games.
7)	Understand and master the theories and methodologies of understanding and measuring player experience and utilize them during game development process.
8)	Comprehend and master how ideas, concepts and topics are conveyed via games followed by the utilization of these aspects during the development process.
9)	Manage the game design and development process employing complete documentation; following the full game production pipeline via documentation.
10)	Understand and employ the structure and work modes of game development teams; comprehend the responsibilities of team members and collaborations between them while utilizing this knowledge in practice.
11)	Understand the process of game publishing within industry standards besides development and utilize this knowledge practice.
12)	Pitching a video game to developers, publishers, and players; mastering the art of effectively communicating and marketing the features and commercial potential of new ideas, concepts or games.