What This Document Is
This is an official academic course outline for ITP 380: Introduction to Game Programming, offered at the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering. It serves as a comprehensive overview of the course, detailing its objectives, required knowledge, and logistical information for students enrolled in the Fall 2011 semester. It’s designed to set clear expectations for the course and provide a roadmap for success.
Why This Document Matters
This outline is essential for any student considering enrolling in ITP 380, or for those already registered who want a clear understanding of the course structure. It’s particularly valuable during the course selection process, allowing prospective students to assess if their existing skillset and interests align with the course’s focus. Current students can refer to it throughout the semester to stay informed about grading policies, project expectations, and important dates. Understanding the prerequisites and course objectives beforehand can significantly improve a student’s performance.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document provides a high-level overview and does *not* contain the actual programming lessons, code examples, or detailed solutions to assignments. It won’t teach you how to code a game, but rather outlines *what* skills and knowledge the course aims to impart. It also doesn’t include the specific weekly lecture schedules or the detailed content of lab assignments. The document reflects the course structure as it was planned for Fall 2011, and some details may have been updated in subsequent offerings.
What This Document Provides
* A clear statement of the course’s learning objectives.
* A list of prerequisite courses and recommended background knowledge.
* Information regarding instructor contact details and office hours.
* An overview of the course structure, including the balance between lectures and lab work.
* Details on the required textbooks for the course.
* A breakdown of the grading components and associated weights.
* Policies regarding exam make-up work and late project submissions.
* Information about available resources, such as open lab access.
* The university’s academic integrity policies.