IT 398/599 Topics in Global IT
Computer Gaming and Animation in Japan
Nov 28 (Fri) - Dec 11 (Thu), 2008

Quarter: Fall 2008/2009 Noriko Tomuro PhD Associate Professor tomuro@cs.depaul.edu Office: CDM 648 Tel: (312) 362-5218

Course home page: http://facweb.cs.depaul.edu/noriko/JapanTrip08/

Summary of the course

This program offers students a unique opportunity to learn/observe first-hand the practices of Japanese game and animation development.  A 2-week trip to Tokyo and Kyoto takes students to visit several gaming and animation companies in Japan.  Through touring the studios and meeting with the developers and managers, students will learn the characteristics and practices of Japanese gaming and animation industries.  Throughout the trip, students learn about the culture of Japan and how it is reflected in Japanese computer/video games and animation films.

Textbooks and reading list

There are no required textbooks for this course.  Suggested reading materials will be announced later.

Prerequisites

At least one course on gaming or animation. Recommended course are GAM 206 (History of Games), ANI 206 (History of Animation) and GAM/IT 228 (Ethics in Computer Games and Cinema).

Course Structure

• You are prepared, having actively participated in the pre-trip activities;
• You engage in  lively exchanges with the on-site hosts-presenters; and
• You reflect on, analyze and critique the whole experience.

• The student conducted exemplary research during the pre-trip phase, reflected in the quality of the presentation and the pre-trip paper.
• The student was always on time for scheduled activities during the trip.
• The student always conducted her/himself with respect for the other members of the group, the instructors, the hosts and the presenters.
• The student always participated in discussions, in class and on-site, offering personal insights, useful observations and poignant questions which enhanced the quality of the corporate contact.
• The student brought original insight to the post-trip discussion.
• The student always assumed an active and productive role during group work, facilitating the flow of communication.

Grading

Active participation	20%
Pre-trip research paper	30%
Pre-trip pre-visit questions	10%
Trip journal web site	10%
Post-trip paper/project	30%

Late assignments will not be accepted.

Tentative Schedule of the Trip Activities

School Policies

Academic Integrity Policy
This course will be subject to the academic integrity policy passed by faculty. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/

Plagiarism
The university and school policy on plagiarism can be summarized as follows: Students in this course should be aware of the strong sanctions that can be imposed against someone guilty of plagiarism. If proven, a charge of plagiarism could result in an automatic F in the course and possible expulsion. The strongest of sanctions will be imposed on anyone who submits as his/her own work any assignment which has been prepared by someone else. If you have any questions or doubts about what plagiarism entails or how to properly acknowledge source materials be sure to consult the instructor.