Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes - Game Design (Session 1)

The goal of the course is to gain a basic working knowledge of programming through applications in video game design. We will learn how computers think, how to emulate this style of thinking, and how to apply this understanding to basic coding using Python, one of the best supported and completely open sourceprogramming languages. The first part of the course will introduce students to the basics of coding how computers think, variables, types, and control structures. The second part will introduce functions/methods and classes as we explore more complex programming design through an introduction to object oriented programming and UI/UX. The final part of the course will emphasize student projects, with further work on UI/UX Design principles and implementation of these principles using Pygame. In the final days, we will present our games and finish by exploring the tools for more complex game design beyond this course. Application process includes: preliminary application, online application, written responses, work samples (if applicable), teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, transcript, $50 application fee. Need-based financial aid is available with the completion of an additional financial aid application.