UGS 302: History and Impact of Electronic Entertainment
Paper Number #1
First submission due in class on Friday, September 2^nd
Final submission due in class on Wednesday, September 14^th

Assignment: This is a personal reflection. There is no research required, but you may cite sources or references in the paper if you like.

In the opening chapters of Masters of Doom the author, David Kushner introduces readers to the two Johns: John Carmack and John Romero. Integral to their background is their love of video games. Their passion for video games led them both into trouble, but also led them to opportunities.  In your paper, describe to me, one way video games or another form of electronic entertainment (Facebook,  Skype, smart-phone, etc.) have helped you AND one way they have caused you some problem or harm. Be specific! I am looking for details of events in your life, not just general ideas. The audience for this paper, is me, your instructor for this course.

Requirements and Formatting: You will turn in a 2 - 3 page paper, double-spaced. Set the margins (top, bottom, left, and right) to one inch each. The font must be 12-point Times Roman. Based on these requirements your paper should be between 700 and 1100 words. Your submission must be single sided using black ink on white paper.

The paper must be your own work. Do not plagiarize or lift material from someone else.

Grading: This assignment is worth 10% of your total class grade. Each half (initial and final submission) is worth 5% of your final class grade. I will use the provided rubric to grade your paper.

 Advice: "... writing is rewriting." - E. B. White.

This is a two-part assignment. I will take your first submission, review it, and return it with suggestions. You will then turn in a final draft. Even though you are turning in a rough draft, please don't let it be your first draft. I expect you to edit and rewrite the first submission on your own before turning it in on Friday, September 2^nd.

Recall, I am asking you to describe both a positive and negative experience you have had with video games or other form of electronic entertainment. Be as specific as possible. Papers of the form, I spend too much time on games (or Facebook)...and it causes he to do poorly in life / school / relationships.  will not earn you a good grade. Write something more specific and insightful than that. Tell me about yourself.

Read this page with more advice and tips on how to structure your paper.

Questions: If you have questions please email me at scottm@cs.utexas.edu or visit me during my office hours, MW 3:00 - 4:30, F 9:15 - 10:45 in the 5^th floor Painter Hall computer lab. You can also visit the peer mentor for our course, Jimmy Beach. His help hours are Monday and Wednesday, 10 - 11 am in the Life Sciences Library, just outside our classroom.