KIN 343 01: Esports

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KIN 343 - Esports

2023 Spring Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 7413

Course Information

You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.

This syllabus describes the requirements and procedures for KIN 343 Esports. You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced via Blackboard Announcements which will be sent to you UND email or be viewed in announcements section of Blackboard. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class. 

Instructor Information

Dr. Martin Short

Email: martin.short@und.edu

Office: Hyslop 226

2023 Spring Office Hours:
Office Hours: By appointment

Office Phone: 701-777-2992

Typically, the best way to contact me is by email at: martin.short@und.edu. I usually reply to emails within 2 business days. For questions regarding scheduling exams, exam requests, or information on proctoring in the course, contact the Online and Distance Education Office at: UND.Courses@und.edu.

About the Professor

For more about me, please visit my directory page. 

Course Description

Introduction to esports and their place in our modern society. Topics include the history, participants, platforms, and future of esports as a global phenomenon with a consideration of opportunities for involvement.

KIN 343 has no pre-requisites and is a course designed to give you an introduction and overview of relevant topics and issues in Esports. Esports information is presented with emphasis on historic and current perspectives as well as topics of student interest.  

After successfully completing this course, you should be able to: 

  • Demonstrate general knowledge Esports definitions and origins, fans and players, as well as games and genres. 

  • Apply knowledge acquired in class to discuss and debate issues and controversies in the Esports environment. 

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the future of Esports along with career possibilities 

Course Materials

Readings will be provided and assigned as necessary 

Technical Requirements/Assistance

You will use Microsoft Word to complete assignments or submit materials as a PDF or PowerPoint presentation as required. Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. Visit the Office 365 Email webpage for information on your UND email and how to download/install a free version of Microsoft Office. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources. View the basic technical requirements  for every online course.  

Minimum Technical Skills Needed

To succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to: 

  • Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions 

  • Download and open electronic documents

  • Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents 

  • Send, receive, and manage email 

Course Logistics

Access and Log in Information

This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website.

Course Overview and Organization

This course contains several potential topics designed to focus your study of Esports and to assist you in achieving the course learning objectives/outcomes. You will work through a combination of required readings and videos and be tasked with assignments and/or quizzes for each lesson.   

Potential Lesson Topics (based on interest): 

Lesson 1 Introduction   

Lesson 2 What is Esports? 

Lesson 3 Can video games be a sport? 

Lesson 4 Origins of Esports 

Lesson 5 Competition Formats 

Lesson 6 Organization and Administration 

Lesson 7 Esports in High Schools 

Lesson 8 Esports in Secondary Education 

Lesson 9 Esports in the Media 

Lesson 10 Spectator Motivation 

Lesson 11 Esports Consumer Experience 

Lesson 12 Motivations of Esports Players 

Lesson 13 Fighting Games 

Lesson 14 Sports Video Games 

Lesson 15 Racing Games 

Lesson 16 Esports Ethics 

Lesson 17 Law of Esports 

Lesson 18 Legitimation of Esports 

Each lesson contains the following structural elements 

  • Lesson Learning Outcomes/Objectives and To-Do List  

  • Required Reading 

  • Video and Supporting Material 

  • Assessment  

On the left side course menu in Blackboard there is a “Lessons” tab. Inside “Lessons” you will find all the required readings, videos, and assignments/activities for the week. An overview of each week can be found in Blackboard under the Schedule tab. 

Resources 

Many services are available to online students such as writing assistance from the UND Writing Center, free online tutoring from Smarthinking, and more. Visit the Student Resources page for more information. Students also have access to the UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course. 

Course Requirements/Expectations 

  1. The student will review the syllabus and course schedule posted in Blackboard. 

  2. The student will access and follow all course instructions found in the weekly area of the Blackboard course. 

  3. The student will view all online lectures provided in the individual weekly folders. 

  4. The student will complete and submit assignments, exams, quizzes, etc. by the dated noted in Blackboard and on the course schedule. We will use Central Standard Time for due dates and times. 

  5. The student will participate fully and in a timely manner to get the benefit of learning from instructor and/or peers. 

Communication

Announcements 

Announcements will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the class announcements regularly as they will contain important information about class assignments and other class matters. 

Email 

You are encouraged to ask any questions about the course by email. If you need to contact me directly, check the Faculty tab in Blackboard or the syllabus for my contact information. I will respond back to you within 48 hours during the week or weekend. 

Netiquette 

When participating in (an online) class it is important to interact with your peers in an appropriate manner. Always use professional language (no netspeak) in your postings and emails. Please be respectful of your classmates even if you disagree with their ideas. 

For more information, read the Top 12 Be-Attitudes of Netiquette for Academicians. 

Assessment Summary

Assessment & Grading 

This course is made up of a series of assessments which will be graded. You will work on a combination of reflections/assignments, final exam.   

Assessments 

In this course your learning will be assessed in the following ways: Reflections, quizzes, midterm exam, coaching project, and final exam. 

Introduce Yourself (bonus) 

Introduce yourself in the Week 1: Introduce Yourself. Include your name, something about yourself, and a photo. The Introduce Yourself Assignment is due by the end of the first week and worth 5 bonus points. 

Reflections (50%) 

There will be several assignments/reflections in the course regarding your thoughts and evidence on relevant coaching issues/scenarios and what you still have questions about.  

Exams (30%) 

The final exam will cover each of the lessons. 

To prepare for the exams make sure to have read all the assigned readings, viewed the lectures, and reviewed the provided study guide. 

Assignments (20%) 

One of the assignments will be to research an Esports team, others may be added as the course progresses. This project will be a loosely defined “paper” that covers the necessary elements outlined in the assignment. 

Grading Breakdown 

Breakdown of Weighted Totals

Reflections - 50%

Assignments - 20%

Final Exam - 30%

Final Grade Scale

A  90% to 100%

B  80% to 89%

C  70% to 79%

D  60% to 69%

F  50% to 59%

Course Evaluation

Around the middle of the semester, we will complete a formative assessment to see how the course is going. Near the end of the semester, you will be asked to complete an online course evaluation form (SELFI). Your feedback on the course is extremely valuable to me. I read my students’ comments carefully and use them to improve the course the next time I teach it. 

  • When the time comes, please let me know which aspects of the course helped you learn—and which aspects might be modified to help future students learn more effectively.  

  • Please note that the course evaluations are anonymous and that I won’t see the results until after the grades for the course are submitted, allowing you to provide honest and constructive feedback.  

  • And if you have feedback to offer before the end of the semester, please let me know. 

Course Policies

Assignment Policy 

Due dates for each assignment or activity will be posted in Blackboard. 

Late Work 

Late assignments will be accepted for 7 days after the due date but will receive a 1-full letter grade reduction in points unless prior arrangements have been made. Ex. An assignment due on September 11th worth 100 points could be turned in as late as September 18th, with a maximum, number of points now possible of 90. (The grade possible has dropped from an A to a B.) 

Instructor Responsibilities and Feedback 

  • The instructor will provide feedback on all assignments and group activities by Wednesday of the following week. 

  • The instructor will be available by appointment to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer advice. 

Class Participation 

Students are required to login regularly to the online class site. Students are also required to participate in all class activities such as the discussion board. 

Incompletes 

It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System webpage. 

University of North Dakota Policies & Resources

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.

As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties for the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter and will have little tolerance and/or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.

Access and Opportunity, Disability Support, & Medical Services

The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with DSS at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email UND.dss@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2664.

COVID-19

UND is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while providing quality learning experiences for our students. COVID-19’s continued presence within our UND community may necessitate changes in classroom management as the academic year progresses. As such, UND asks students and instructors to be flexible when necessary to promote a safe environment for learning. Please do not attend an in-person class or lab if you are feeling ill, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been directed by health professionals to quarantine or isolate. If you are not able to attend class or lab, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and discuss options for making up any missed work in order to ensure your ability to succeed in the course. If you will have an extended absence due to serious illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may request an absence notification through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Similarly, if your instructor is ill they may need to cancel class or temporarily move your course to online delivery to ensure that you are able to complete the course successfully.  Instructors may require students to wear masks in the classroom or in the laboratory as a preventative measure designed to facilitate uninterrupted classroom engagement and to facilitate health and safety in the classroom.   If your instructor does require masks in class or in a laboratory, you are expected to comply with that request.

UND also strongly encourages all members of the University community, including students, to get vaccinated, seek out testing when needed, and model positive behavior both on- and off-campus to foster a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Individuals who would like to discuss disability accommodations regarding masks should contact the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office at 701.777.2664 or UND.dss@UND.edu. Individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact the UND Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at 701.777.4171 or UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu.

Religious Accommodations

UND offers religious accommodations, which are reasonable changes in the academic environment that enable a student to practice or observe a sincerely held religious belief without undue hardship on the University. Examples include time for prayer or the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday. To request an accommodation, complete the student religious accommodation request form. If you have any questions, you may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office.

Pregnancy Accommodations

Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or Academic Affairs to learn about your options. Additional information and services may be found at Pregnancy Resources.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to Donna Smith, Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity & Title IX and Title IX/ADA Coordinator, 102 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 or any other federal agency.

Reporting of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage. You may also contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office if you or a friend has experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or political belief or affiliation.

Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual misconduct or of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class that they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can find information about confidential support services on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage..

UND Cares Program

How to Seek Help When in Distress

We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, however, some students may struggle or have issues that arise. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares Program Webpage.

How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress

The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:

  • Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
  • Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
  • Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
  • Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
  • Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
  • Student is acting out of character or different than usual.
  • Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
  • Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on a normal conversation.
  • Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
  • Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Today, the University of North Dakota rests on the ancestral lands of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate - presently existing as composite parts of the Red Lake, Turtle Mountain, White Earth Bands, and the Dakota Tribes of Minnesota and North Dakota. We acknowledge the people who resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of the Ojibwe and Oyate people permeate this land. As a university community, we will continue to build upon our relations with the First Nations of the State of North Dakota - the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

Additional Resources

It is my goal to foster an environment of mutual respect in which everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing their stories, and learning about potentially heavy or personally relevant material. If, at any point, you feel like the information covered in this class elicits thoughts, feelings, or concerns that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or the UND Counseling Center (701-777-2127).

Further, if you experience extenuating circumstances, sexual violence, identity-based harm, or any other personal crisis during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can provide academic assistance and help you in this course, and put you in contact with the appropriate resources and services (if needed).