GAM 377: Game Engine Programming II
Name:
André
Berthiaume
Preferred Contact:
Berthiaume@cs.depaul.edu
Use the
following only for chat/text when you need a quick help
This class is a continuation of GAM 374. Students develop more complex systems for their 3D game engines: improved collision systems, terrain generation, and particle systems. Other advanced engine services are discussed and students are expected to research and implement one such system: sounds management, lighting system, tiered/broad phase collision system, advanced camera manipulation, etc. PREREQUISITE(S): GAM 374
None required. However we assume that student will reference books and notes from prior classes (Particularly GAM 372, GAM 374, and GAM 325) and many other books will be recommended as reference based on specific topics covered.
This class will be conducted as a mixture of standard lectures, class discussions and code reviews. The emphasis will be on discussions on the status of individual projects. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the progress of their project and how best to tackle the various problems they encounter with the planning and programming elements. Lectures will be given on relevant topics as they are needed.
If you are enrolled in a flex section for this class, you may attend each class meeting in person, synchronously via Zoom, or asynchronously, and may change your mode of attendance at any time throughout the quarter. For proctored exam, you will have the same options as you would in an online asynchronous section – i.e., you may take the exam in class (if space permits) or arrange for a proctored exam within the instructor's specified exam period. In both cases, it is your responsibility to register for the exam in advance through the course D2L site or MyCDM when the instructor informs you that exam registration is available.
The class work will consist regular progress report and final delivery of your 3D game engine and other material. The final grade will be computed as follow:
Please note that all submissions are expected to compile and exectue properly. Any submisison that fails to compile or won't execute or crashes repeatedly and/or consistently will be graded as a 0. If this occurs on the final submission, you will receive an F for the class.
Also note that all student works are subject to be showcased, reviewed and/or critiqued in class at any time. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a collegial and professional manner at all times.
The final score will be
converted to letters based on the following schedule:
Note: this scale may be adjusted based on
overall class performance.
Percentage Grade | Letter Grade |
>= 93 | A |
>= 90 | A- |
>= 87 | B+ |
>= 83 | B |
>= 80 | B- |
>= 77 | C+ |
>= 73 | C |
>= 70 | C- |
>= 67 | D+ |
>= 63 | D |
>= 60 | D- |
< 60 | F |
Changes to Syllabus
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change
occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements
in D2L and sent via email.
Respect for Diversity and Inclusion at DePaul University as aligned with our
Vincentian Values
At DePaul, our mission calls us to explore “what must be done” in order to respect the inherent dignity and identity of each human person. We value diversity because it is part of our history, our traditions and our future. We see diversity as an asset and a strength that adds to the richness of classroom learning. In my course, I strive to include diverse authors, perspectives and teaching pedagogies. I also encourage open dialogue and spaces for students to express their unique identities and perspectives. I am open to having difficult conversations and I will strive to create an inclusive classroom that values all perspectives. If at any time, the classroom experience does not live up to this expectation, please feel free to contact me via email or during office hours.
Online Course Evaluations
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Please see https://resources.depaul.edu/teaching-commons/teaching/Pages/online-teaching-evaluations.aspx for additional information.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. All
students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy
which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly
sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course
(including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing
unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post
and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating
under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic
Integrity.
More information can be found at
https://resources.depaul.edu/teaching-commons/teaching/academic-integrity/Pages/default.aspx.
Posting work on online sites, such as CourseHero
All students are expected to abide by the University’s Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
Academic Policies
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at: http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx
Incomplete Grades
An incomplete grade is a special, temporary grade that may be assigned by an instructor when unforeseeable circumstances prevent a student from completing course requirements by the end of the term and when otherwise the student had a record of satisfactory progress in the course. All incomplete requests must be approved by the instructor of the course and a CDM Associate Dean. Only exceptional cases will receive such approval. Information about the Incomplete Grades policy can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/Grading-Policies.aspx
Preferred Name & Gender Pronouns
Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender, gender variance, and nationalities. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the quarter so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. Please also note that students may choose to identify within the University community with a preferred first name that differs from their legal name and may also update their gender. The preferred first name will appear in University related systems and documents except where the use of the legal name is necessitated or required by University business or legal need. For more information and instructions on how to do so, please see the Student Preferred Name and Gender Policy at http://policies.depaul.edu/policy/policy.aspx?pid=332
Students with Disabilities
Students seeking disability-related accommodations are required to register with DePaul’s Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) enabling them to access accommodations and support services to assist with their success. There are two office locations:
Students who register with the Center for Students with Disabilities are also
invited to contact Dr. Gregory Moorhead, Director of the Center, privately to
discuss how he may assist in facilitating the accommodations to be used in a
course. This is best done early in the term. The conversation will remain
confidential to the extent possible.
Please see
https://offices.depaul.edu/student-affairs/about/departments/Pages/csd.aspx
for Services and Contact Information.
Additional Policies
Class Discussion:
Student participation in class discussions will be measured in two ways.
First, students are highly encouraged to ask questions and offer
comments relevant to the day’s topic.
Secondly, students will be called upon by the instructor to offer comments
related to the reading assignments.
Students must keep up with the reading, assignment and project to
participate in class discussion.
Attitude: A
professional and academic attitude is expected throughout this course.
Measurable examples of non-academic or unprofessional attitude
include but are not limited to: talking to others when the instructor is
speaking, mocking another’s opinion, cell phones ringing, emailing, texting
or using the internet whether on a phone or computer.
If any issues arise a student may be asked to leave the classroom.
The professor will work with the Dean of Students Office to navigate
such student issues.