ITGM Thesis Guidelines

Savannah College of Art and Design Interactive Design and Game Development Department Graduate Thesis Guideline 2009-2010

Table of Contents Subject

Page

Statement of Purpose of the M.F.A. Thesis Registration Process Thesis Timelines • Thesis Application Process • Department Review Schedule • Committee Review Schedule Thesis Committee and Selection Process Thesis Components • Written Component • Studio/Visual Component Criteria for Evaluation Document Style • Lecture • Exhibit Additional Departmental Requirements • Thesis Web site • Thesis Signature Page Process • Thesis Submission Process

3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9

Appendices Appendix A – Appendix B – Appendix C – Appendix D – Appendix E – Appendix F – Appendix G – Appendix H – Appendix I –

Roles of Thesis Committee Members Thesis Application Process Archiving Standards for Thesis Sample Thesis Title Page Sample Thesis Signature Page Label Format for Archive CD or DVD Front and Back Cover Format for Archive CD or DVD Label and Cover Guide for DVD Continuous Enrollment and Five-year Completion Limit

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

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ITGM Thesis Guidelines

Statement of the Purpose of the M.F.A. Thesis A graduate student candidate for the Master of Fine Arts degree in Interactive Design and Game Development from The Savannah College of Art and Design will use the thesis as an opportunity to synthesize the knowledge and expertise he or she has acquired throughout the graduate program. Each candidate for a Master of Fine Arts degree in Interactive Design and Game Development must successfully complete a thesis in order to obtain their M.F.A. degree.

In addition to demonstrating the graduate’s knowledge and expertise, the completed thesis should also serve the graduate as a work with potential for presentation at conferences and exhibitions.

Therefore, the student should carefully consider his or her professional interests and future career plans in selecting a subject for the thesis project.

Thesis registration process 1. In graduate studio I course each student determines his or her thesis topic and begins to research, create prototypes and/or mockups, and start his or her thesis website.

2. In graduate studio II course each student further refines his or her thesis topic, continues to research, finishes prototypes/mockups, continues to add to thesis website, and prepares presentation for 45 hour review 3. Each student takes the graduate 45-Hour Review.

4. Upon passing the Review the student begins obtaining the registration forms from MyScad or the graduate student office located in Smithfield Cottage.

5. If the student fails the 45-Hour Review he or she should meet with the ITGM department chair and graduate coordinator to discuss a plan on when to take the next Review. The student should also make the necessary changes suggested by the Review committee before the next Review. Reviews are conducted once every quarter except summer.

6. The student begins selecting thesis committee members. The student should meet with his or her members in order to further refine the thesis statement, abstract, written description of the visual component and create a detailed Committee Review schedule of completion for his or her thesis.

The student will submit to graduate office for final approval the registration form signed by all the advisors, the abstract, detailed description of the visual component, and the committee Review schedule that outlines the date of completion.

After the student has passed the Review and registered for the ITGM thesis course, the remaining thesis work must be done under the supervision of all the advisors and must not exceed a period of five years from the time of the student’s first graduate term.

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Thesis Timelines Thesis application process Once the student has successfully passed the 45-Hour Review, he or she is allowed to begin the process of selecting a thesis committee and registering for the thesis course. In order to register for the thesis course the student will need to obtain signatures on the required form from each of the student’s chosen committee members, as well as the department chair.

Each student will need to attach a copy of the abstract, a detailed description of the visual component, and the names and signatures of the selected committee members and a detailed schedule of dates of completion to the application form. See the timeline example below.

The graduate thesis procedure used by the ITGM department is as follows: Departmental review schedule Timeline example 30 Weeks Before Final Quarter:

• Student passes Review for Candidacy (45 hour) • Student recruits thesis committee members • Student registers for thesis

20 Weeks Before Final Quarter:

• Student provides completed thesis application to Graduate Studies office

10 Weeks Before Final Quarter:

• Student work-in-progress is approved by thesis committee

5 Weeks Before Final Quarter:

• Student work-in-progress is approved by thesis committee • Student schedules presentation with committee

2 Weeks Before Final Quarter:

• Student delivers copies to the committee

1 Week Before Final Quarter:

• Student presents to the committee

Within 1 Year After Final Quarter

• Student exhibits the studio/visual component • Student obtains committee signatures • Student submits final copies to library**

** While a student has five years from the first day of enrollment as a graduate student to finish his or her thesis, each ITGM student is encouraged not to exceed a period of one year between the thesis registration date and the presentation date.

(Refer to Appendix I, page 18 for deadline extension information)

Committee review schedule The Committee Review schedule is to be determined by the Review committee and should take into account the departmental Review schedule outlined above as well as due dates specific to the thesis. This should be created by the student and approved by thesis chair. The purpose of the committee Review schedule is to keep each student on schedule for an appropriate date of completion and graduation.

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Thesis Committee and Selection Process The Thesis Committee consists of three (3) faculty members: a committee chair, from the ITGM department with a terminal degree or equivalent justification and adequate knowledge of the topic to advise and oversee the production of the thesis; a topic consultant, who should have knowledge of the subject to read the thesis primarily for content; and an editor, who may be any faculty at the College with a terminal degree. Topic consultants outside of the college community may participate with the approval of the school dean only if they have a relevant terminal degree.

The student must list the three members of his or her thesis committee and obtain all necessary signatures. Please refer to Appendix A, page 10 for details about the role of each committee member. When working on deadlines for submitting forms, it is a good idea to allow one week for each signature required. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all appropriate signatures are gathered on the correct forms accordingly and submitted prior to established deadlines. Once the student decides on a topic, he or she should meet with the graduate coordinator of the ITGM department who will assist the student with selection of a thesis committee. The student is responsible for contacting committee members and for following the Committee review schedule. Students should work closely with their thesis committee, especially the committee chair and topic consultant to achieve the appropriate level of guidance through the process.

Thesis Components An interactive design or game development thesis consists of two components: a written component presenting the student’s complete investigation and conclusions on the subject, and a studio/visual component produced by the student for the thesis project. The two components should be developed concurrently, should support each other, and must be delivered together upon completion.

Written component •

The order of the written component must be as follows: title page, approval page, acknowledgement page, table of contents, tables/figures, abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, summary, recommendations, and bibliography.

•

A thesis document will be developed to present the student’s assertion or hypothesis on a specific subject, and to articulate the student’s investigation and conclusions on that subject. The written component should be developed concurrently with the body of work and should support it with findings drawn from a variety of sources by the student for the project. It should be 31-42 pages in overall length and should be segmented according to customary standards (See table: Page Count, page 6). Supporting visuals presented along with the analysis and writing should be given a figure number, and referred to by that number in the text.

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Page Count 1 2 3 4 5 6

Signature page Title page Abstract Acknowledgement page (optional) Table of contents List of tables and figures (usual, but optional)

7 8 9

Introduction Body Conclusion

10 11

Appendix Bibliography

Page Range 1 1 1 1 1-2 1 Subtotal 6-7 1-3 20-25 2-3 Subtotal 29-38 1-2 1-2 Total 31-42

The written component of the thesis should be organized as follows: 1. Signature Page. (See Appendix E, page 14) 2. Title Page. (See Appendix D, page 13) 3. Abstract. One page of 150 words or less discussing the thesis with an overview of the research and a summary of the conclusions.

4. Acknowledgements. Optional 5. Table of Contents. Thesis should be broken down into chapters and sub chapters. Page numbers should be included.

6. List and tables and figures. This is optional; however, they must meet MLA standards.

7. Introduction. 2 or 3 pages long, this section should discuss the topic and purpose of the paper and lead to the thesis statement.

8. Body. The thesis structure should reflect the design process and be organized as follows: a. Research. An overview of the project or subject matter b. Problem Statement or Opportunity Statement c. Approach, or methodology used d. Definition of key terms e. Elements of the problem. The hypothesis (questions); the questions should interpret the issue involved. This section should be specific and to the point, using appropriate graphical elements to illustrate the problem and possible solutions. f. Formal research and conclusions – what was investigated and what was learned.

The focus should be on the user with appropriate and multiple validations. g. Design criteria, based upon the findings (synthesis) from the research. h. Conceptualization. Scenarios, tentative solutions, formulation of proposed solutions (opportunities) i. Development. Sketches, study models, mock-ups, and prototypes should be used to develop an idea towards the best possible solution. j. Design execution. The conclusion of the project should feature a final design prototype with supporting diagrams, drawings and illustrations.

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9. Conclusions. A detailed summary, including both the strengths and weaknesses of the design, should conclude with recommendations for future steps and the need for additional research and exploration.

10. Appendix 11. Bibliography/Works Cited. Citations must include all possible reliable sources including books, magazines, expert opinion, journals, the Internet, etc. The Interactive Design and Game Development Department recognizes the value and importance of the Internet as a credible research tool. However, a student should not use the Internet for more than 50% of works cited in the document. All citation must follow MLA style. (Refer to Appendix J, page 19, for the Archiving Standards for Thesis) Studio/visual Component • A presentation is required before a student can obtain the final signatures from his or her committee members. The presentation can take one of two forms - a formal lecture or an exhibit. Based on the thesis, the appropriate presentation type will be determined by the student and the student’s thesis committee. The presentation must be scheduled at a time that all the committee members can attend. The student will need to meet with his or her committee members to determine an appropriate time and location.

• The actual form of the visual component will be determined by the student and the thesis committee based on the student’s work from studio II course. Typical examples of the visual components are interactive work, images, videos, game boards, game environments, game characters, or any combination.

Criteria for Evaluation Thesis • The thesis abstract explicitly identifies the purpose of the thesis as an assertion or hypothesis which takes a position on a particular issue, and is subsequently investigated, analyzed, and concluded.

Substance and Content • The author takes a fresh and profound approach to a subject of consequence.

• The subject is relevant to the student’s career direction and the ITGM professions.

• The studio/visual component and the written component are closely coordinated.

Research and Investigation • The research demonstrates thorough investigation and the use of diverse resources.

• Methodology is used appropriately and is described sufficiently.

• Conclusions and highlights are presented clearly and effectively.

Creative Execution of the Studio/Visual Component • The Visual Component reflects the insights and principles established in the written component.

• The Visual Component follows the creative strategy and meets the objectives stated in the brief.

• The Visual Component is original and creative - it is based on a distinct original idea or concept.

• The Visual Component is integrated - all of the elements are coordinated and support each other.

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Expression in the Written Component • The written report uses clear language, phrasing and tonality appropriate to the subject.

• Topics and ideas are arranged in a logical order and are presented with headings and subheadings to assist the reader in understanding the author’s assertions.

• The paper is free of grammatical and typographic problems.

• The author correctly utilizes the MLA writing style throughout.

Use of Supporting Materials • Citations and illustrations support the thesis in a cohesive manner.

• Information taken from outside sources is seamlessly incorporated into the thesis and is credited and cited according to the MLA style.

• Supporting visuals are appropriate in content and quantity.

Craftsmanship and Professionalism • All elements of the thesis, including both the studio/visual component and the written component, are correct, complete, and executed with neatness and precision.

• The entire final thesis and its presentation demonstrate a professional attitude and an appropriate standard of craftsmanship.

Document Style The MLA style is the required format for citations in the thesis document. It is imperative that proper credit be given to the original author, artist or creator of the work cited. In order to fully acknowledge how information was attained in fulfilling the requirements of the design process, all work used in the creation of the document should be cited, even if it appears to be in the public domain. The MLA format follows the author-page method of citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear in the works cited list. A student should purchase the MLA style manual.

There is no predefined length for the document as long as all the criteria outlined in this description are fully addressed. However, an acceptable limit should be less than 100 pages.

Students are encouraged to consult with the Writing Center. A student may also want to register for the LIBA 700 thesis writing course.

Lecture A lecture of no less than 15 minutes must be given by the student. The lecture must display the work produced by the student from the visual component. The lecture should then finish with a question and answer period. The presentation must be open to the public.

Exhibit An exhibit must meet all the requirements set by the SCAD exhibition standards. The exhibit must display only the work from the visual component of the thesis; include an artist statement, a thesis abstract, and a copy of the thesis paper. The exhibit must have an opening night.

It is the student’s responsibility to inform the student body, faculty, staff, and the public of the presentation. The student will need to create and handout promotional material for his or her lecture or exhibit. The student should document the lecture/exhibit via photography or video photography and include such documentation in the thesis submission.

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Additional Departmental Thesis Requirements Thesis Web site In addition to meeting all the requirements outlined by the student handbook, the ITGM department guidelines outlined in this document, and suggestions from the thesis committee, the student must also maintain a thesis Web site that documents the written and visual aspects of the thesis through to completion. The student’s thesis Web-site should contain a description of the student’s process, the thesis abstract, the thesis paper in HTML and PDF formats, samples of work, including but not limited to images, videos, interactive pieces or prototypes, mockups, contact information and reference. The Web site serves as a way of documenting the student’s progress and process, and will be used for department archival purposes upon successful completion and the thesis.

Thesis signature page process Once a student has met all of the outlined due dates submitted with the thesis application, has given a formal presentation or exhibit of the visual component, and has been given approval from each of the committee members, then he or she may obtain the final signatures from each of the committee members - editor, topic consultant, and finally the committee chair. The student must provide a minimum of three copies of the signature page for the members to sign. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all of the final signatures once the committee chairs have given final approval.

Thesis submission process Once all the requirements have been satisfied according to the standards outlined in the ITGM graduate thesis guidelines, the college’s student handbook, and by the thesis committee, the student may then submit the final copy to the library for archival purposes. The student is also required to submit a soft copy of the thesis in .PDF form, a DVD of the information on his or her thesis Web site, and the final signature page on DVD to the graduate coordinator for departmental archival purposes.

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Appendix A Roles of Committee Members Thesis Committee Chair The thesis committee chair serves as the student’s primary thesis adviser and is responsible for supervising and approving the written and visual components to ensure they form an integrated whole; works closely with the candidate on the visual component of thesis and its presentation; and provides the student with supervision, advice and criticism from start to finish. The thesis committee chair aids the student in the formation of ideas in the studio project and written document, working with drafts of the thesis paper until it is ready for the editor to address issues of clarity, style, grammar, citation and documentation. In addition, the thesis committee chair provides oversight of the thesis experience; approves the other committee members and may require alternate members in place of those initially proposed; reviews the student’s feasibility plan and timeline schedule and advises student regarding adjustments; and ensures that the student understands all expectations.

While the student is ultimately responsible for the thesis project, the committee chair should monitor the student’s progress toward thesis completion at all times. The committee chair assigns the grade for thesis and is responsible for ascertaining that all requirements are met before the final grade is reported. The thesis committee chair provides final review before acceptance of the thesis and may require the student to make modifications before providing a signature of acceptance. If any part of the thesis is unfinished at the end of the quarter in which the thesis was registered, no grade is assigned at that time. The final thesis grade is not assigned until the thesis committee chair confirms that the written portion of the thesis has been received and accepted for archiving by the thesis coordinator in the library and that the presentation of the thesis project has occurred. If questions remain regarding the format or presentation of the document or accompanying materials after submission to the SCAD Library, the thesis is returned to the department chair and the student is contacted by the thesis committee chair for resolution and resubmission.

Thesis Topic Consultant A topic consultant who is knowledgeable in the particular discipline provides additional insights to the student throughout the thesis process. The topic consultant may offer advice on the feasibility plan and selection of thesis topic in support of studio work; support the draft-writing process; provide guidance in the identification of research sites, texts or source material; advise regarding discipline-specific facts and conventions; aid in research methods; provide critical feedback on the studio work; guide selection of illustrations for inclusion in the thesis document; and serve in other support capacities.

Thesis Editor The minimum requirement for the editor position is a terminal master’s degree or doctorate. An editor for the written component or research paper addresses issues of clarity, grammar, style, citation and documentation once the student’s ideas are manifest in the thesis document. The editor does not typically provide feedback about content; expectations regarding this should be discussed in advance as a factor in the formation and approval of the committee.

Writing Center consultants may assist graduate thesis students with specific questions that address grammatical, organizational or documentation issues recognized by thesis committee members.

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Appendix B Thesis Application Process Prerequisites for Thesis Application: 1. Student must have first passed the Review for Candidacy.

2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 overall, and in their graduate course of study.

3. If applicable, the student must have taken and passed all required conditional courses with a grade of “B” or better, and passed the Conditional Review.

4. Completed thesis application should be delivered to the graduate adviser prior to the start of the quarter in which the thesis is registered.

5. Thesis application includes an abstract generally no more than 150 words and a feasibility plan defining the primary resources available for the work with a timeline for completion.

6. Student must have a one page description of his or her visual.

Application Process: 1. Procure “Thesis Application” form.

2. Complete the form with signatures from each of the thesis committee members.

3. Have the chair of the department sign the form.

4. Applications for thesis are to be delivered to the student’s graduate advisor prior to the start of the quarter in which the thesis is registered (before drop/add week).

5. An e-mail will be sent to the student by graduate advising to acknowledge receipt of the application form.

6. Graduate studies will send application to the registrar who will register the student for the thesis course.

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Appendix C Archiving Standards for Theses 1. Paper Quality: Student must present final original thesis research papers and written statements on at least 20-lb bond paper of at least 25% cotton rag (heavier bond requires a slightly wider left margin).

2. Style: Student must comply with the most recent edition of a standard, generally accepted style manual for formatting. Student should ask their department if a specific manual is preferred.

3. Font: Student must use a font of 10 or 12 points. If there is any question about the suitability of a font or a font size, the writer must consult with the thesis committee chair.

4. Spacing: Student must double-space the written component of his or her thesis.

5. Margins: Margins must be 1” at top, right, and bottom, and 1½” on left side.

6. Print Quality: Thesis research papers and written statements must be prepared on a letter-quality or laser printer.

7. Blank Pages: An unnumbered blank page should be placed at the beginning and end of the thesis document and materials.

8. Signature Page: Student must follow the initial blank page with a signature page of the style and format illustrated in Student Handbook. This page includes a signature line for each committee member, with the committee member’s name, title, thesis committee role and date underneath.

The signature page is unnumbered. Original dated signatures are required.

9. Title Page: Student must follow the signature page with a title page of the style and format illustrated in the Student Handbook. The title page is unnumbered.

10. Thesis Abstract: Student must follow the title page with the thesis abstract. An abstract is a brief synopsis of the paper, summarizing its methodology and sources. The abstract should be 150 words or less. The abstract should comply with the standards of paper, font, style, margins, and print quality mentioned above. The abstract is placed after the title pages; it should be paginated and included in the Table of Contents. An unpaginated version of the abstract should also be submitted along with the complete thesis.

11. Digital Copy of Thesis: Student must submit an exact electronic copy of his or her thesis (title page, a signed signature page, text, illustrations, and thesis project) in PDF on CD at the time he or she submits the hard copy. The jewel case should duplicate information from the title page, and include the words “Electronic Copy.” Another copy on CD of the digital thesis project should also be submitted with the hard (paper) copy of the thesis. Should the hard copy be found to need adjustments both it and the CDs will be returned for corrections until the copy is verified and approved for binding. The electronic copy and the hard copy must match exactly.

12. Library Forms: One form completed and signed by the submitting student is required. A Bindery Fee of $12.00 is required by cash or check at the time of submission.

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Appendix D Sample of Thesis Title Page 1.5” from left edge

center at 4.5” from left edge of page

1” from right edge

Thesis Title (Centered on Page)

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the Interactive Design and Game Development Department in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts Savannah College of Art and Design

By

Full Name of the Author

Savannah, Georgia Month and Year*

1” from bottom of page

*Month and year refer to the date the degree is to be awarded, not the date of thesis submission.

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Appendix E Sample of Thesis Signature Page 1.5” from left edge

center at 4.5” from left edge of page

1” from right edge

Accepted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Fine Arts at The Savannah College of Art and Design

_______________________________________________________________________________/__/__ (type name) Date (type title) Committee Chair _______________________________________________________________________________/__/__ (type name) Date (type title) Topic Consultant _______________________________________________________________________________/__/__ (type name) Date (type title) Editor 1” from bottom of page

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Appendix F Label format for Archive CD or DVD

CD folders or DVD chapters should be labeled to clearly indicate digital paper, title of visual component in support of thesis, title of thesis, optional support work such as designs, sketches, turnarounds or storyboards.

Title of Visual Component in support of thesis Title of Thesis

DISK 1 of ?

CD or DVD

In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design by Your Name City, State, Month, Year

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Appendix G Front and back cover format for Archive CD or DVD

Contents of CD folders or DVD chapters should be listed to indicate digital paper, title of visual component in support of thesis, thesis title, and optional support work such as designs, sketches, turnarounds or storyboards.

Thesis Title MFA ITGM Thesis – Your Name – Month, Year

CD or DVD of studio work in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design by Your Name

City, State, Month, Year

Front The back can be of any layout but the type should be in the same font and size (10pt Times New Roman).

Contents of folders or chapters should be listed Thesis title should be included with synopsis or visual component description and technique description.

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Appendix H Label and Cover Guide for DVD

Label and cover should be of the student’s design but should contain the following information: • • • • • •

Thesis title Project description and/or abstract Student’s name Year of production Mono or stereo audio Contact details – phone number – email address – website

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Appendix I Continuous Enrollment and Five-Year Completion Limit Continuous Enrollment Graduate students following the 2008-2009 catalog and later must follow this policy.

Graduate students must maintain continuous enrollment until completion of all degree requirements, including final project, thesis or student teaching. Continuous enrollment is defined as registering for a minimum of one course toward the satisfaction of degree requirements in at least two terms per academic year until the degree is attained or until the student withdraws by written notification to the office of the registrar.

Students Required to Take Thesis Graduate students following the 2008-2009 catalog and later must follow this policy.

Students who have not completed their thesis by the end of the quarter that they registered it, receive a grade of incomplete. Students who have completed all other requirements for the degree except thesis must then register for Thesis 799 Continuing Thesis. Once a student is eligible to enroll in Thesis 799, he or she must register for the class each quarter (up to the five-year degree completion limit) until all degree requirements are met. Students enrolled in Thesis 799 maintain their official student ID card, and all rights and privileges afforded enrolled students, such as access to facilities and use of equipment and library resources.

Five-year Completion Limit Graduate students have five years from the start of their first graduate quarter to complete all program requirements, including final project, thesis and student teaching. If, for any reason, the student does not complete the program within the five-year period, the student must petition an academic review committee for additional time and to request continuation under a current program of study. The review committee determines if additional time should be granted. The committee reserves the right to require the student to take additional graduate classes to meet current graduate program requirements.

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