University of Essex

CE817-7-SP-CO:
Virtual Worlds

The details

Year: 2023/24

Department: Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)

Campus: Colchester Campus

Term: Spring

Level: Postgraduate: Level 7

Status: Current

Start date: Monday 15 January 2024

End date: Friday 22 March 2024

Credits: 15

Last updated: 17 June 2022

Requisites for this module

Pre-requisites: (none)

Co-requisites: CE810

Pre and / or co-requisites: (none)

Prohibited modules: CE317

Key module (requisite for): (none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

Students are not permitted to undertake this module if they have done the equivalent module of CE317 at UG level on a CSEE undergraduate course. This is because it cannot count towards your course credits. Please contact the CSEE School Office for specific advice on your module choices.

This module explores in depth the design of virtual worlds, taking in the motivations of the players and the techniques of the designer. Past, present and future virtual worlds will be discussed along with their design principles and theory. Discussions will include the relationship between real worlds and virtual worlds.

Module aims

The aim of this module is to explore in depth the design of virtual worlds, taking in the motivations of the players and the techniques of the designer.

Module learning outcomes

After completing this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Discuss the past, present and future of virtual worlds.
2. Describe the design principles of virtual worlds.
3. Describe the theory of virtual worlds.
4. Discuss the relationships between virtual worlds and the real world.

Module information

Outline Syllabus

Past and present of virtual worlds
Technical overview
Design - the virtual world
Design - the player character
Player types
The Hero's Journey
The Real and the Virtual
Virtual worlds as art
The future(s) of virtual worlds

Learning and teaching methods

Lectures, Revision classes, Labs/discussion classes 20 hours of lectures, 2 hours of labs and 18 hours of classes

Bibliography

Bartle, R.A. (2004) Designing virtual worlds. Indianapolis: New Riders Pub. Available at: https://mud.co.uk/richard/DesigningVirtualWorlds.pdf.

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam	Description	Coursework weighting
Coursework	Assignment - Hero's Journey	100%
Exam	Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Early Exams
Exam	Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)

Exam format definitions

Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework	Exam
20%	80%

Reassessment

Coursework	Exam
20%	80%

Module supervisor and teaching staff

Supervisor: Dr Richard Bartle, email: rabartle@essex.ac.uk.

Teaching staff: Dr Richard Bartle

Contact details: School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770

Availability

Available to incoming Essex Abroad / Exchange students: Yes

Available to Outside Option: No

Available to Audit: Yes

External examiner

Name: Dr MARJORY CRISTIANY Da COSTA ABREU

Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

Academic role: Senior Lecturer

Resources

Teaching materials: Available via Moodle

Lecture recording: Of 40 hours, 38 (95%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

Further information

Department website: Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)

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Module Directory

CE817-7-SP-CO:Virtual Worlds