April 16, 2008

Lecture: Science (cont'd) and Simulation

Key concepts: trends in scientific and medical information, copyright, infrastructure for scientific information (all cont'd from last lecture), simulation (defined), simulation as a research method, realism in simulations
Examples: The mystery of the Anasazi, Civilization IV

Textbook: 1984 -- part one, sections 5-8

Read the PART ONE, SECTIONS 5-8 of Orwell, George. 1984.

Assignment: BLOG POST: Civilization Lab #3 (game designer)

The game Civilization IV simulates imaginary societies. For this blog post, imagine that YOU are the game designer. Your job is to change the simulation so that it reflects course material.

Part I. Continue to play the game Civilization IV, and concentrate on exploring features or strategies that you did not consider in the last two weeks.

Part II. Identify a class concept, reading or lecture material that is not simulated, or that is simulated badly by the game. This could be something that was left out, or something that is included but doesn't fit the readings or lectures very well. Just like last week, you may not write about game features you have already discussed in any blog post. State what material you will simulate (e.g., "cultural imperialism").

Part III. Explain how you would change the simulation to reflect the course material. For example, you could propose to add a new piece, building, or wonder to the game or modify the game's rules in any way. IMPORTANT: Changing the way the game LOOKS does NOT address this assignment. Making the game "more realistic" does NOT address this assignment -- instead state exactly what you would change. Explain your changes in enough detail that the reader can tell how your changes would work and how they fit the course material.

Include at least one screen shot, diagram, or illustration to show what you mean. Quote and refer to a class reading if it is relevant to your choice of topic. You may find that quoting the reading on simulation is helpful also.(*)

Post an answer of at least 300 words to your blog. DEADLINE: 11 a.m. -- one hour before class begins.

(*) -- Originally assigned 4/9:

Salen, K. & Zimmerman, E. (2004). "Games as the Play of Simulation." From: K. Salen & E. Zimmerman, Rules of Play. MIT Press. Read pp. 421-458 EXCEPT: pp. 427-439 are optional. Password Protected Online Full-Text (PDF -- large file! ~3MB) [Get Password Help]

Announcement: A link to the extra credit survey is now on the Civ IV Page