The syllabus I am very familiar with for the most part. However, the one new thing that Ames has added this year is the different grading system. Although its kind of an experiment, I think it provides the student with this unspoken rule system of a game which is the whole point of the class. The game is how to get points towards your grade. You can take different routes to get the points, whether it be discussion posts, comments on others’ ideas, or even posting your own ideas periodically. This freedom has its pros and cons obviously, but I think it offers a unique experience as a student.
As far as good games, after thinking about the games I enjoy playing I have come to the conclusion that the games all have a couple things in common. They are all simple, easy to learn, use strategy, and gives everyone a fair chance to win. Examples of this are games like War, Uno, Five Crowns, Solitaire, or even a game we played recently called Carcossone (i think thats how you spell it).