Course Calendar
Transformative Game Design 2: Course Schedule
- For detailed requirements for assignments, see the Schedule & Instructions link.
- All assignments are due the end class on the day assigned, i.e. Mondays at 11:59pm in your time zone. When possible, please post the night before to make sure your peers have time to comment upon your posts.
- Discussions and Journals marked as Optional for Pass with Distinction are recommended to skip if you want to go for a Pass instead of a Pass with Distinction. You will still be required to examine the homework materials leading up to those assignments.
Week 1 – Unit 1
Monday
Introducing Yourself and Choosing Playtest Groups
Activities:
- Choose a playtest group based on times available under groups. You can choose the same group as last time or join a different one. Please organize in groups of 4.
- Post an introduction to your small group.
- Organize a playtest session with your group.
- Complete Orientation Quiz by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Choose (1) of the following:
- Watch Sarah Lynne Bowman’s “Transformative Role-playing Games: Implementation Basics” (1 hr 12 min); or
- Read Bowman’s “Chapter 1” in Implementing Transformative Game Design (pp. 27-54).
Wednesday
Basics of Scaling and Implementing Transformative RPGs
Activities:
- Complete Discussion 1: Basics of Scaling and Implementing Transformative RPGs by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Read Brind et al.’s “Chapter 3” of Implementing until the end of section “3.2 ii: Run-time roles” (pp. 116-120).
- Read Bowman et al.’s “Chapter 4” of Implementing until the end of section “4.2 Inclusive facilitation” (pp. 191-207). Choose one (1) video to watch from the Art of the Table list under the Overview for Unit 1.
- Optional: Read section 4.6 of Implementing until the end of “b) Interaction with the game’s environment, narrative, and challenges” (193-197, 4 pages)
- Optional: Read one (1) article from the Recommended Readings list in the Overview for Unit 1.
Friday
Facilitating Role-playing Games
Activities:
- Complete Discussion 2: Facilitating Role-playing Games by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Browse the scenarios provided in the Overview. You do not need to read them in detail; familiarize yourself with the main concepts to discuss with your group.
- Choose three (3) scenarios you are interested in facilitating for your group, ranking them in order of your preference.
- Prepare for Playtest 1: Session 0, in which you will establish which games each group member will run in the future (with no duplicates).
- In Session 0, you will use the Consent in Gaming Worksheet (Reynolds and Germain 2019) for each game to establish boundaries and calibration for play.
Week 2 – Units 1, 2 & 3
Monday – Units 1 & 2
Playtest 1: Session 0
Activities:
- Complete Playtest 1: Session 0 by 11:59pm in your time zone.
- Plan Playtest 2: Implementation of a Game for Transformative Impacts.
Homework:
- Read Bowman et al.’s “Chapter 2” in Implementing starting at section “2.3 Hacking existing games for transformative purposes” (pp. 59-115).
Wednesday – Units 2 & 3
Wednesday:
Implementing Transformative Leisure Role-playing Games
Activities:
- Complete Discussion 3: Implementing Applied Role-playing Games by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Choose one (1) video to watch under the Therapeutic Facilitation category.
Friday – Unit 3
Implementing Therapeutic Role-playing Games
Activities:
- Complete Discussion 4: Implementing Therapeutic Role-playing Games by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Read Bowman et al.’s “Chapter 4” of Implementing, sections 4.3-4.5 until the end of Section 4.5 “d) Train the trainer” (pp. 207-234).
- Optional: Read one (1) article from the Recommended Readings under each of the following categories for a total of three (3) articles: Bleed, Post-game Emotional Reactions, and Deroling.
Week 3 – Units 2, 3, 4 & 5
Monday – Units 2 & 3
Facilitating Transformative Role-playing Games and You
Activities:
- Complete Reflection Journal 1: Facilitating Transformative Role-playing Games and You by 11:59pm in your time zones.
- Read Instructions for Major Assignment 1: Scaling Game Design Document and Implementation Plan.
Homework:
- Choose one (1) item from one (1) different creator from two (2) of these separate categories under Recommended Reading for a total of two (2) items: Youth Work; Primary and Secondary Schools; Higher Education; Business; Military; or Activism and Politics.
- Optional: Kateryna Romanenko’s “Facilitation of Educational RPGs.”
- Optional: Watch Angie Bandhoesingh’s “Roleplaying with Kids” from (30:10-55:08, 25 min).
- Work on Major Assignment 1: Scaling Game Design Document and Implementation Plan.
Wednesday – Unit 3
Implementing Educational Role-playing Games
Activities:
- Complete Discussion 5: Implementing Educational Role-playing Games by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Work on Major Assignment 1: Scaling Game Design Document and Implementation Plan.
- Schedule an appointment at the Language Workshop if you need extra assistance with your writing.
- Optional: Read the selection from Nicola Whitton on Assessment.
- Optional: Watch Josefin Westborg’s “Assessment.”
Friday – Units 4 & 5
Implementation and Play Experience
Activities:
- Complete Playtest 2: Implementation of a Game for Transformative Impacts.
- Plan Playtest 3: Implementation of a Game for Transformative Impacts if needed.
Homework:
- Read Hugaas et al.’s “Chapter 7” of Implementing (pp. 391-438).
- Optional: Watch Josefin Westborg’s “Implementation for Education.”
- Optional: Read Katrin Geneuss’ “The Use of the Role-playing Technique STARS in Formal Didactic Contexts.”
- Work on Major Assignment 1: Scaling Game Design Document and Implementation Plan.
Week 4 – Unit 5
Monday – Unit 5
Researching During Implementation and Play
Activities:
- Complete Discussion 6: Researching During Implementation and Play by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Choose one (1) article to examine from the Recommended readings in the Effects Studies category.
- Optional: Watch Sarah Lynne Bowman’s “Researching Analog Role-playing Games: Difficulties and Approaches.”
- Optional: Read Annika Waern’s “How to Gather Feedback from Players.”
- Optional: Read one or more articles under the category Research Approaches under Recommended Materials.
- Work on Major Assignment 1: Scaling Game Design Document and Implementation Plan.
Wednesday – Unit 5
Analyzing Effects Studies
Activities:
- Complete Discussion 7: Analyzing Effects Studies by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Read two (2) sections of your choice and their associated subsections from Brind et al.’s “Chapter 3” of Implementing.
- Read Mike Pohjola’s “Dragonbane Memories.”
- Optional: Watch Josefin Westborg’s video on “Game Design: Implementation.”
- Optional: Watch Alessandro Giovannucci’s section of “Larp and Community: Between Design and Ethnography” (33:37-58:51).
- Work on Major Assignment 1: Scaling Game Design Document and Implementation Plan.
Content Advisory on “Dragonbane Memories”: Statutory rape, sexual abuse, organizer negligence, manipulation. If you need an alternative assignment, please let the instructors know.
Friday – Unit 5
Implementation Cautionary Tales
Activities:
- Optional for Pass with Distinction: Complete Discussion 8: Implementation Cautionary Tales by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Work on Major Assignment 1: Scaling Game Design Document and Implementation Plan.
Week 5 – Units 5 & 6
Monday – Unit 5
Writing Day
Activities:
- Complete your appointment at the Language Workshop if you need extra assistance with your writing.
Homework:
- Work on Major Assignment 1: Scaling Game Design Document and Implementation Plan.
Wednesday – Unit 5
Scaling Transformative Game Design
Activities:
- Complete Submission of Major Assignment 1: Scaling Game Design Document and Implementation Plan by 11:59pm in your time zone.
- Read Instructions for Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design.
Homework:
- Review Brind et al.’s “Chapter 3” of Implementing until the end of section “3.2 ii: Run-time roles” (pp. 116-120).
- Optional: Read the rest of Chapter 3 of Implementing.
- Prepare your facilitation for Playtest 3 if applicable.
- Work on Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design.
- Make an appointment at the Language Workshop if you need extra assistance with your writing.
Friday – Units 5 & 6
Implementation Team Feedback Brainstorm
Activities:
- Complete Discussion 9: Implementation Team Feedback Brainstorm by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Prepare your facilitation for Playtest 3 if applicable.
- Work on Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design.
Week 6 – Units 6 & 7
Monday – Unit 6
More Implementation and Play Experience
Activities:
- Complete Playtest 3: Implementing a Game for Transformative Impacts if applicable.
Homework:
- Read Bowman et al.’s “Chapter 6” of Implementing until the end of “6.2 f) Alibi as a gateway and hindrance” (pp. 308-322).
- Optional: Read two (2) articles from the Motivation section of the Recommended Materials.
- Work on Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design.
- Schedule an appointment at the Language Workshop if you need extra assistance with your writing.
Wednesday – Unit 6
Player Immersion and Motivation
Activities:
- Submit Discussion 10: Player Immersion and Motivation by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Read Bowman et al.’s “Chapter 6” of Implementing sections 6.3-6.4 until the end of the section “e) Meditation and mindfulness” (pp. 322-340).
- Optional: Choose one (1) item to examine under the Identity, Players, and Characters section of the Recommended Materials.
- Work on Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design.
Friday – Units 6 & 7
Identity, Spiritual Development, and You
Activities:
- Complete Reflection Journal 2: Identity, Spiritual Development, and You by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Read Bowman et al.’s “Chapter 6” of Implementing sections 6.5-6.6 until the end of “c) Transforming sociopolitical dynamics” (pp. 340-346).
- Choose one (1) item to examine under the Role-playing and Relationships section of the Recommended Materials.
- Optional: Read Josephine Baird, Sarah Lynne Bowman, and Kjell Hedgard Hugaas’ “Liminal Intimacy: Role-playing Games as Catalysts for Interpersonal Growth and Relating.”
- Work on Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design.
Week 7 – Unit 7
Monday – Unit 7
Interpersonal and Social Transformation, Play, and You
Activities:
- Complete Reflection Journal 3: Interpersonal and Social Transformation, Play, and You by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Make an appointment at the Language Workshop if you need extra assistance with your writing.
- Work on Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design.
Wednesday – Unit 7
Writing Day
Activities:
- Complete your appointment at the Language Workshop if you need extra assistance with your writing.
Homework:
- Work on Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design.
Friday – Unit 7
Implementing Transformative Game Design
Activities:
- Submit First Complete Draft of Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design by 11:59pm in your time zone.
- Read Peer Review Instructions for Major Assignment 2.
- Send First Complete Draft of Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design to your peers in your group by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Read Bowman et al.’s “Chapter 6” of Implementation sections 6.7-6.17 (pp. 346-373).
- Optional: Choose one (1) item to examine from each of the following categories from the Recommended Materials for a total of two (2) items: Player Skills, Play as Labor, and Steering for Growth.
- Revise Major Assignment 2 based on peer and instructor feedback when available.
- Work on Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design.
Week 8 – Units 7 & 8
Monday – Unit 7
Player Skills
Activities:
- Complete Discussion 11: Player Skills by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Choose two (2) items to examine from two (2) different creators about two (2) different games from the Recommended Materials for this Unit.
- Work on Peer Reviews for Major Assignment 2, sending your feedback as soon as it is ready.
- Revise Major Assignment 2 based on peer and instructor feedback when available.
Wednesday – Unit 8
Learning from Play Experiences
Activities:
- Optional for Pass with Distinction: Complete Discussion 12: Learning from Play Experiences by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Work on Peer Reviews for Major Assignment 2, sending your feedback as soon as it is ready.
- Revise Major Assignment 2 based on peer and instructor feedback.
Friday – Unit 8
Play Experiences and You
Activities:
- Complete Reflection Journal 4: Play Experiences and You by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Work on Peer Reviews for Major Assignment 2, sending your feedback as soon as it is ready.
Week 9 – Units 8, 9 & 10
Monday – Units 8 & 9
Peer Reviews
Activities:
- Send 1-3 Peer Reviews: Major Assignment 2 to your peers if you have not already.
Homework:
- Choose one (1) of the following:
- Watch Taisto Suominen’s “Game Technologies in Larp and Tabletop RPGs” (28:00-49:44); or
- Choose three (3) technologies in Taisto Suominen’s Erasmus+ EDGE Tech Toolkit (pp. 6-41). Reading about the other technologies is optional.
- Revise Major Assignment 2 based on peer and instructor feedback.
Wednesday – Units 9 & 10
Implementing RPGs with Advanced Technologies
Activities:
- Optional for Pass with Distinction: Complete Discussion 13: Implementing RPGs with Advanced Technologies by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Revise Major Assignment 2 based on peer and instructor feedback.
Friday – Unit 10
Writing Day
Activities:
- Complete your appointment at the Language Workshop if you need extra assistance with your writing.
- Revise Major Assignment 2 based on peer and instructor feedback.
Week 10 – Unit 10
Monday – Unit 10
Implementing Transformative Game Design and You
Activities:
- Complete Reflection Journal 5: Implementing Transformative Game Design and You by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Homework:
- Revise Major Assignment 2 based on peer and instructor feedback.
Wednesday – Unit 10
Writing Day
Activities:
- Complete your appointment at the Language Workshop if you need extra assistance with your writing.
- Revise Major Assignment 2 based on peer and instructor feedback
Friday – Unit 10
Implementing Transformative Game Design
Activities:
- Submit Major Assignment 2: Implementing Transformative Game Design by 11:59pm in your time zone.
Course schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor(s). Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.