ENC 1145, Section 55 & 57It’s Dangerous to Go Alone! Take This: Writing About the

Rhetoric of Videogames

Spring 2014 9:05 AM – 9:55 AM MWF 10:10 AM – 11:00 AM MWF Williams Building 217 Instructor: Jason Custer Email: jc11w@my.fsu.edu Office: Williams 329, Office Hours: Friday 12:00 PM­4:00 PM

*Appointments/Extra Times Available Upon Request*

First Year Composition Mission StatementFirst­Year Composition courses at FSU teach writing as a recursive and frequently collaborative process of invention, drafting, and revising. Writing is both personal and social, and students should learn how to write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Since writing is a process of making meaning as well as communicating, FYC teachers respond to the content of students’ writing as well as to surface errors. Students should expect frequent written and oral response on the content of their writing from both teacher and peers. Classes rely heavily on a workshop format. Instruction emphasizes the connection between writing, reading, and critical thinking; students should give thoughtful, reasoned responses to the readings. Both reading and writing are the subjects of class discussions and workshops, and students are expected to be active participants of the classroom community. Learning from each other will be a large part of the classroom experience.

If you would like further information regarding the First­Year Composition Program, feel free to contact the program director, Dr. Deborah Coxwell­Teague (dteague@fsu.edu).

Course GoalsThis course aims to help you improve your writing skills in all areas: discovering what you have to say, organizing your thoughts for a variety of audiences, and improving fluency and rhetorical sophistication. We will be doing all of this through videogame play both inside and outside the classroom and using this as a catalyst for our writing and research projects. Specifically this course focuses on:

1. Using videogames as a lens to explore argument, composition, and research to encourage curiosity, engagement, creativity, and flexibility.

2. The ability to identify and criticize arguments that exist in digital spaces.3. Experience with, and knowledge of, composing in electronic environments.4. Experience with a range of genres as a reader and creator, in both written and digital forms.5. Exhibition and understanding of research and critical thinking skills in the digital age.6. Encouragement to compose multiple drafts of projects and reflect on the process of writing and

composing in new ways.

General Course Information & Requirements

Required Games, Textbooks, and Materials 1. Papers, Please by Lucas Pope (Available on Windows & Mac)2. Thomas Was Alone by Mike Bithell (Available on PS3, Windows, Mac, and Linux)3. Braid by Number None Games (Available on 360, PS3, Windows, Mac, Linux and OnLive)4. Monaco: What’s Yours Is Mine by Pocketwatch Games (Available on 360, Windows, and

Mac)5. The McGraw­Hill Handbook, FSU edition, by Maimon, Peritz, and Yancey6. A Pocket Folder and Notebook7. About $30 set aside for copying/printing drafts and readings8. Access to a computer with reliable internet and a word processor (Microsoft Word or free

alternatives like Open Office or Google Docs)9. A means for backing up your work (any combination of flash drives, external hard drives,

Google Drive, etc.)

Requirements of CourseAll of the formal written assignments below must be turned in to me in order to pass this course.

Three papers and the final project, edited and polished Three drafts & revisions of the 3 formal projects. 10 informal exploratory blog entries (all must be turned in on time for full credit) Two individual conferences—scheduled by you and me, in lieu of class time, to work

one­on­one on a draft, writing strategy, etc. Thoughtful, active, and responsible participation and citizenship, including discussion,

preparation for class, in­class informal writing.

Computer Access:We will be using computers quite a bit in this class, and you will need to do some of this work outside of class, including playing computer games. Technology is not always reliable, and I understand this. However, it is your responsibility to have a backup plan. If you have an unreliable computer, if your dorm’s internet has a tendency to go out, if you go home for the weekend and don’t have internet or computer access you are responsible for taking the initiative to make other arrangements. There are computer labs on campus, including the FSU Digital Studio, for gameplay. Find them, go to them, use them. While I am willing to accommodate situations with extenuating circumstances, almost all problems can be solved by going to one of the computer labs available on campus.

Paper­by­Paper EvaluationActive participation in class discussion, discussion boards, conferences, workshops, and preparedness in class all factor into how you are evaluated. Drafts will be discussed based on completeness and potential—not mechanical issues. Final papers will be graded on elements such as audience awareness, organization, coherence, supporting evidence, thorough analysis, your writing process and editing. All other written and oral work will be graded on meaning or content and appropriateness to the assignment.

Project 1 (4­6 Pages) 15%Project 2 (8­10 Pages) 25%Project 3 (4­6 Pages) 20%Project 4 (4­6 Pages) 15%Blog Entries 15% Class Participation 10%

While there will be due dates for each of your papers, all grades will be considered “as is” evaluations. You may rewrite ANY of the papers you turn in during this course at any time in order to incorporate your own, your peers, or my revision suggestions or any other techniques we discuss in class. This also presents you with the opportunity to continue revising your pieces throughout the course of the semester, as many times as you wish, to improve your writing. Significant progress may result in raising a grade. Unless otherwise noted, final revisions of any paper will be accepted no later than our final class. All papers and revisions must be submitted to SafeAssign to be considered complete and on time. We will discuss this together in class.

**REMINDER: ALL FORMAL PAPERS AND DRAFTS MUST BE COMPLETED AND TURNED IN TO EARN A PASSING GRADE IN THIS COURSE**

The BlogBlog entries will deal with reading assignments, assigned papers, or class discussion. All entries must be posted to your blog before 8PM on the days they are due (some dates may vary). This is a space for you to think things through and challenge yourself and your ideas (both in class and beyond). We might share entries in class occasionally, so be sure to write things you are comfortable discussing. Remember: Blog entries count as 15% of your grade and are all­or­nothing grades. To get credit, entries must be 200 to 300 words. Each missed blog is 1.5 points off your final grade—that adds up fast. A small percentage of those points can be made up by completing missed/late blog entries and responding to your peers’ blogs and a thoughtful final reflection in your final blog entry.

Drafts, Revisions, and Final PapersYou’ll need to submit/bring digital copies and/or make copies of your drafts, revisions, and final papers before you come to class. The number of drafts needed will be provided to you prior to each workshop. I require that all drafts and revisions be typed (MLA format, 1­inch margins) and submitted before the end of the semester. You have access to a number of computer labs around campus, so if you don’t have your own computer or printer, take advantage of one of FSU’s. All your written work must have proper MLA formatting. You will be responsible for printing your papers for this class and for workshops. You will generally be choosing your own topics for the papers in this class (after the first week). Your writing for this class is nearly always public writing in the sense that others will read and comment on it—keep this in mind when choosing a topic to write on.

Late WorkFor First Year Composition, university policy mandates that all work must be turned in to earn a passing grade. In accordance with this, late work will be accepted. Papers turned in after the assigned due date will lose half a letter grade per calendar day (Example: If you turn in your paper a day late, the highest possible grade you can earn will be an A­; two days late: B+; three days: B; etc). If your circumstances

are extenuating, you must talk to me BEFORE the day the paper is due to make alternative arrangements, which I am completely flexible in making. Furthermore, entries posted late to the blog will not receive credit—blog sites add timestamps to all blog entries and comments, so if you don't post when you're supposed to, I'll see it. Do your work and do it on time to avoid these penalties.

Rules, Regulations & Other PoliciesAttendanceThe First­Year Composition program maintains a strict attendance policy to which this course adheres: an excess of six absences in our class is grounds for failure. You should always inform me, ahead of time when possible, about why you miss class so we can make arrangements for missed work (if possible). You get 6 no­questions­asked absences in my course—there are no such things as “excused absences.” So, save your absences for when you get sick or for family emergencies (and both could happen at any point this semester). Late Policy: Being more than 5 minutes late 3 times counts as an absence. Additionally, being 20+ minutes late once counts as an absence. Conferences: Conferences means canceling class, so missing a scheduled conference with me counts as two absences as well.

First­Year Composition Course Drop PolicyThis course is NOT eligible to be dropped in accordance with the “Drop Policy” adopted by the Faculty Senate in Spring 2004. The Undergraduate Studies Dean will not consider drop requests for a First­Year Composition course unless there are extraordinary and extenuating circumstances utterly beyond the student’s control (e.g. death of a parent or sibling, illness requiring hospitalization, etc.). The Faculty Senate specifically eliminated First­Year Composition courses from the University Drop Policy because of the overriding requirement that First­Year Composition be completed during students’ initial FSU enrollment.

Civility I refuse to tolerate disruptive language or behavior. Disruptive language includes, but is not limited to, violent and/or belligerent and/or insulting remarks, including sexist, racist, homophobic or anti­ethnic slurs, bigotry, offensive slang, and disparaging commentary—in spoken, written or digital forms. If you think something might be inappropriate for my classroom, it is. While I do not disagree that you each have a right to your own opinions, inflammatory language founded in ignorance or hate is unacceptable in the classroom, blog posts, or any digital component of this course and will be dealt with immediately.

Disruptive behavior includes the use of cell phones (more on this in a moment) or any other form of electronic communication during the class session (e­mail, web­browsing). Disruptive behavior also includes whispering or talking when another member of the class is speaking or engaged in relevant conversation (and remember here that I am a member of this class as well). This classroom functions on the premise of respect, and you will be asked to leave the classroom if you violate this policy.

Cell Phones: SILENCE YOUR PHONES. If I see your phone out, it will result in an immediate and sharp loss of

Participation points. If your phone goes off in class, the same is true. You can use the bathroom whenever you like, and can check your phone or use it then, but not in my classroom. And yes, I can see your phone behind your laptop, at your side, and any other move you think is slick. You’ll silently have your final grade penalized, and I won’t say a word unless you’re distracting me or others. Just..... don’t.

Email and the Class Website: Check your email daily. No excuses for missed emails I send to you or the class—you should be checking your email daily for all of your classes. Now you have a reason to do exactly that. Similarly, keep an eye on the class website and Twitter account for timely updates on what you need to know.

Reading Writing Center (RWC)The Reading/Writing Center, located in Williams 222­C, is devoted to individualized instruction in reading and writing. Part of the English Department, the RWC serves Florida State University students at all levels and from all majors. Its clients include a cross­section of the campus: first­year students writing for composition class, upper­level students writing term papers, seniors composing letters of applications for jobs and graduate schools, graduate students working on theses and dissertations, multilingual students mastering English, and a variety of others. The RWC serves mostly walk­in tutoring appointments; however, it also offers three different courses for credit that specifically target reading, undergraduate­level writing, and graduate­level writing.

The tutors in the RWC, all graduate students in English with training and experience in teaching composition, use a process­centered approach to help students at any stage of writing: from generating ideas, to drafting, organizing, and revising. While the RWC does not provide editing or proofreading services, its tutors can help writers build their own editing and proofreading strategies. Our approach to tutoring is to help students grow as writers, readers, and critical thinkers by developing strategies for writing in a variety of situations. During the fall and spring semesters, the RWC is open Monday through Thursday from 10 ­ 6 and Friday from 10 ­2. Hours of operation vary in summer. Visit the RWC site or call 644­6495 for information.

Strozier Satellite LocationThe Strozier location serves students where it’s most convenient for them and alongside the research and advising services the library offers. Only walk­in appointments are available at this RWC location, on a first­come first­served basis, but students can sign up in advance the day of an appointment at the tutoring area. Hours vary, but are updated on both the RWC website and the Strozier Library website at the start of each semester.

Digital StudioThe Digital Studio provides support to students working individually or in groups on a variety of digital projects, such as designing a website, developing an electronic portfolio for a class, creating a blog, selecting images for a visual essay, adding voiceover to a presentation, or writing a script for a podcast. Tutors who staff the Digital Studio can help students brainstorm essay ideas, provide feedback on the content and design of a digital project, or facilitate collaboration for group projects and presentations. Students can use the Digital Studio to work on their own to complete class assignments or to improve overall capabilities in digital communication without a tutoring appointment if a work station is available.

However, tutor availability and workspace are limited so appointments are recommended. To make an appointment email us at fsudigitalstudio@gmail.com or visit the Digital Studio in Williams 222­B. Hours vary by semester and are updated at website.

PlagiarismPlagiarism is grounds for suspension from the university as well as for failure in this course. It will not be tolerated. Any instance of plagiarism must be reported to the Director of First­Year Composition and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Plagiarism is a counterproductive, non­writing behavior that is unacceptable in a course intended to aid the growth of individual writers. Plagiarism is included among the violations defined in the Academic Honor Code, section b), paragraph 2, as follows: “Regarding academic assignments, violations of the Academic Honor Code shall include representing another’s work or any part thereof, be it published or unpublished, as one’s own.” A plagiarism education assignment that further explains this issue will be administered during the second week of class. Each student will be responsible for completing assignments and asking questions regarding parts they do not fully understand.

Gordon RuleTo fulfill FSU’s Gordon Rule “W” Designation (writing) credit, the student must earn a “C­” or better in the course, and in order to receive a “C­” or better, the student must earn at least a “C­” on the required writing assignments for the course. If the student does not earn a “C­” or better on the required writing assignments for the course, the student will not earn an overall grade of “C­” or better in the course, no matter how well the student performs in the remaining portion of the course. The University stipulates that students must write 7,000 words in ENC 1101 and 1102 (at least 3,500 words per course).

ADAStudents with disabilities needing academic accommodations should in the first week of class 1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) and 2) bring a letter to the instructor from SDRC indicating the need for academic accommodations. This and all other class materials are available in alternative format upon request.

Week­By­Week Plans for ENC 1145— Spring 2014 “It’s Dangerous to Go Alone: Take This! Writing About the Rhetoric of Videogames”

Week 1

Monday, January 6th Introductions Go over course website. Course Powerpoint. Go over syllabus.

Wednesday, January 8th Introduce Blogs. Set up blogs in­class. In­class writing.

Friday, January 10th Introduce Project 1. Plagiarism Prezi. Plagiarism Gaming exercise!

Homework Due Monday: Read at least 2 former student examples.

Week 2

Monday, January 13th Genre in Writing and Games Discussion

Collaborative Document: What Is a Genre? Examples of Game Genres. Examples of Writing Genres. How do we know what a genre is?

Gameplay. Play Super Mario Crossover. Return to Discussion.

Thoughts on Super Mario Crossover? Characters: they represent different genres. Each character brings in mechanics from other genres of games. What happens when you bring in these other mechanics into the world of the

Mushroom Kingdom? Discuss connections to projects you’ve read for homework for today.

Homework Due Wednesday: Read: Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts” (PDF available on course website). Read: Richard Straub’s “Responding, Really Responding to Other Students’ Writing”

(PDF available on course website).

Wednesday, January 15th Creating an Interesting Introduction Exercise. Creating a Compelling Conclusion Exercise. Discuss readings.

Shitty First Drafts. Responding, Really Responding to Other Students’ Writing.

Homework Due Friday: Bring in “Shitty First Draft” of Project 1 I recommend having at least 750 words written. Also, be prepared to work on your project and peer feedback following your workshop

time if it ends early. Early workshop completion does not mean leaving early for the day!

Friday, January 17th Workshop Draft 1 Project 1. Work on project revisions.

Week 3

Monday, January 20th NO CLASS: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Wednesday, January 22nd Creating an Avatar with Photoshop Tutorial.

Homework Due Friday: Bring in second draft of Project 1. Bring in image for peer feedback. I recommend making sure you have a concrete beginning, middle, and end for your

written component. Also, again, be prepared to work on your project and peer feedback following your

workshop.

Friday, January 24th In­class visual workshop. Adding details exercise (if time).

Week 4

Monday, January 27th Grammar Remediation exercise. Editing Focused activities.

Wednesday, January 29th Frost/Snow Day! University Closed.

Friday, January 31st Workshop Draft 3 Project 1.

Week 5

Monday, February 3rd Project 1 Due. Process Memo. Introduce Project 2.

Homework Due Wednesday: Read Ian Bogost’s “The Rhetoric of Videogames”

Wednesday, February 5th

Formal Introduction to Procedurality. Begin Procedural Gaming Activity in Class.

Friday, February 7th Presentations in Class by First Year Outreach. Continuing Procedural Gaming in Class.

Week 6

Monday, February 10th Papers, Please collaborative presentation design.

Wednesday, February 12th Papers, Please collaborative presentations completed. Presentations performed for class.

Friday, February 14th Work on Proposals In­Class.

Monday­Friday— February 17­21 No Class! Conferences held in my office.

Week 8

Monday, February 24th Meet in Strozier for library research presentation.

Homework due Wednesday, February 26th Bring in your McGraw­Hill Handbooks for our activities on formatting/citations. Bring in resources you would like to work on citations for.

Wednesday, February 26th In­class research (if no time on Monday to do so).

Discussion of revision requirements for Project 1/going forward. Citation/MLA formatting Remediation.

Homework due Friday, February 28th Post your draft to your group’s Google Drive folder!

Friday, February 28th Workshop 1 (“Second Draft” of Project 2).

Week 9

Monday, March 3rd Paper Deconstruction exercise. In­class blog post on findings from Paper Deconstruction.

Wednesday, March 5th Workshop Draft 3 of Project 2. Process Memo.

Friday, March 7th Project 2 Tentatively Due. Process Memo.

Week 10 No Class! Spring Break!

Week 11

Monday, March 17th Project 2 Officially Due. Introduce Project 3. Introduce Jesse Schell’s Elemental Tetrad.

Wednesday, March 19th

Presentation on and discussion of Jesse Schell’s Elemental Tetrad for Game Design.

Friday, March 21st Class cancelled (CCCC 2014)

Week 12

Monday, March 24th Play Braid in­class. Discuss Braid through Tetrad. In­class tutorial on AXMA.

Wednesday, March 26th Play Thomas Was Alone in­class. Discuss Thomas Was Alone through Tetrad. In­class tutorial on Photoshop for creating advertisements.

Friday, March 28th Play Little Inferno in­class. Discuss Little Inferno through Tetrad. Workshop 1: Individual Game Concepts Defined Through the Tetrad.

Week 13

Monday­Friday— March 31­April 4 No Class. Conferences for Project 3 Games.

Week 14

Monday, April 7th Game alphas due in class. Alpha testing in­class.

Wednesday, April 9th Assessing game advertisements for intended audiences in print and video.

Friday, April 11th Game Beta Drafts due in class. Continued Beta Testing in­class.

Week 15

Monday, April 14th Project 3 officially due. Play Monaco in class.

Wednesday, April 16th Play Monaco in class. Begin procedural documentation in class.

Friday, April 18th Play Monaco in class. Develop procedural documentation in class. Test procedural documentation.

Week 16

Monday, April 21st Play Monaco in class. Test procedural documentation.

Wednesday, April 23rd Play Monaco in class. Finish procedural documentation in class.

Friday, April 25th Project 4 Due. All revisions due. Final Course Evaluations.