Description

This class will expose you to a spectrum of puzzle styles and mechanics, and it will give you the tools for crafting your own. Your output will mostly be puzzles that can be presented on paper, in audio or video format, or via web browser. The class will focus heavily on the practice of puzzle-solving and on iterative puzzle development.

Expectations, puzzle-wise

• Solve all the puzzles you’re assigned. If that means asking for hints until you get it, do that.
• Shift your day-to-day perception so that you’re constantly on the lookout for how the words and things around you can be turned into a puzzle.
• Be willing to playtest and offer helpful critique to your classmates.
• If you’re not getting it, ask.
• Plagiarism is not tolerated. But, as with all art, there is a blurry line between inspiration and thievery. A puzzle mechanic may be stolen; the entire puzzle must not be. If you are unsure whether something constitutes plagiarism, contact me in advance. Academic dishonesty is a very serious offense — even if it is unintentional. The penalty for plagiarism might include both failure on the assignment and failure of this course. Please review the University of Chicago’s official policy.

Expectations, other-wise

• Attendance is required for this course. Students absent for more than one class risk lowering their participation grade; students with more than three unexcused absences will be given a final grade of incomplete or fail. If you're going to be late or absent, notify Mr. Weisz beforehand.
• Preparation. Do the reading and take the puzzle solving seriously.
• Distractions. If you're someone tempted to check in with social media, email, and other sites during class, you should stick to pen and paper for note-taking.
• Late Submissions and Extensions. If any assignment is late, surpassing the deadline, it will immediately drop half a grade (e.g. from a B to B-). The grade will continue to drop at a comparable increment every 24 hours thereafter. I do grant extensions (especially in cases of major life events or emergencies) but you should talk to me about this possibility well in advance of the deadline.
• Student Disability Services. I am committed to meeting the needs of all students. To arrange class-related accommodations, please see Student Disability Services prior to scheduling a meeting with us.

Grade breakdown

There are a total of 1000 available points over the course of the class. They break down as follows:

• 200 points for Attendance, Preparation, Discussion, and Participation in Exercises
  • 10 points each for submitting questions for our guests
  • The remaining amount for class participation
• 100 points for puzzle solving homework
  • 10-20 points per solving assignment
• 700 points for puzzle creation work:
  • 200 points for final project (tabletop puzzle game)
  • 160 points for mid-term project (printed puzzle set)
  • 110 points for walkaround adventure
  • 10-50 points each for remaining assignments

How I’ll grade puzzles