What's included
4 live meetings
8 in-class hoursClass Experience
Has your chance of learning Dungeons and Dragons passed? Think again! This class is for learners who wanted to play when they were younger, but could not find the time. Or perhaps you just want to learn with an older crowd... or just found out about D&D. This class will offer a progression approach to learn the concepts and rules of D&D - perfect for any beginner! Each day greater complexity will be added on previously master material. Materials will be distributed at the end of class for the next day's session to allow students to pre-read the new concepts and develop questions, to be covered in the following class. This will allow a more fluid introduction to the rule sets. A simple story arch will be explored at the end of each day so the students can "experience" how the stacking of concepts defines game play. The free and official D&D Basic Rules will be used as a resource for handouts. Session schedules are outlined below. Session 1: The core concepts of play. Easy statistics and skills. How to determine die rolls. - Students will pick a basic character class for the week's adventure. - Homework: A list of 4-6 simple classic character archetypes will be distributed. Students need to make a few choices for the next day's play session. Session 2: Types of characters: Students will define their play style and character's ancestry. - Students will pick a species template to apply to their character concept. - Students will pick a physical skill for their character from a list that they want to be "good at". - Homework: Students will be asked to add a social or knowledge skill to their character. A list of each will be provided. Session 3: Redefining values: Students will define the mechanics of their character in terms of abilities. - Students will apply numerical values to their 6 statistics. (Using a standard set of numbers - no die rolling for fairness) - They will pick a social or knowledge skill their character excels at. - A general discussion will be held about social interactions in the game of D&D. - Some characters will "haggle" for information with a non-player character local. This information will help them with their final quest. - Some characters will "convince" someone to not help the group. - We will discuss what a saving throw is and implement it in game play. - Homework: Additional information about specialties will be given out to each student based upon their character selection in previous weeks. Session 4: One shot mystery. - Students will apply a more accurate version of their class template to their character. A one shot adventure for their completed characters will be conducted. - Plot: The characters will need to solve a case about robberies in a city. - Students will need wits to figure out the location of the real criminal. - Students will need to pool abilities and resources (teamwork) to deal with the minions of the enemy. - Students will use physical prowess to overcome the powerful enemy. - Wrap-up with left over time: A discussion of greater character development and next steps with future gaming opportunities from any of the wonderful teachers at Outschool.
Learning Goals
Students should come away from this with a positive experience in teamwork, role play and self reliance. I have found that after so many "You cant's" having a good experience can really push someone onto more challenging things.
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need to have the ability to roll dice - virtually or physically. Dice needed include d20, d12, d10, d8, d6, d4. Google now has a nice die roller... https://www.google.com/search?q=dice+roller Handouts will be supplied at or before each session. The ability to print handouts would be helpful but not necessary as the working character sheets will be simple enough to copy.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I'll be teaching various classes about Role Playing. That said I'd like to think I will be doing it from a different perspective. My pre-Covid group was formed from an assortment of people that were told "You can't play" or "You don't know how to play". Both of these statements are a never true. Not only can anyone learn how to play, but I have found that some of the best players are those that experience this kind of negativity. All it takes is some care, patience and understanding of the individuals you are working with.
I have a BFA, and a Master's and Doctorate in Education. I have been teaching for 20+ years at the college and high school level. The content I typically teach is graphic design and social media. But that is not my only role. I am also a faculty representative for the Gaming and E-sports groups on my campus. While I am focused on the social aspect of gaming currently, I may opt to offer Adobe classes in the future.
They asked me to write about values and philosophy... I found there is really only one thing you need to follow to have a very successful class. That is to simply be kind. You never know what a person is going through in regards to the class or their home life, both of which impact a person's ability to learn. So be a good listener, a thoughtful advocate and try to teach with as many options as possible (lecture, visual, handouts, etc.)
Enough of the serious stuff... Something to expect in one of my classes is a bit of humor. So there might dad jokes and puns, but my son has taken a liking. And on occasion, he has bested me in a pun war.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$80
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
120 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
4-6 learners per class