22 Dec 2009 [ Prev
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4. Course Objectives
This course isn't about learning how to "win" a game, nor is it about programming or design. In fact, according to a recent study in the academic journal Games Studies, "prior videogame experience often interferes with students' abilities to reason critically and analytically about games" (Zagal and Bruckman). Playing a game in order to study it requires a different approach than playing it in order to master it.
Your objectives for this course are to
The Seton Hill University Learning Objectives (found on page 2 of the 2008-1010 course catalog) lists several skills that this course is especially designed to help you develop:
Your objectives for this course are to
- explore definitions of important concepts such as game and fun
- learn about the origins and historical development of video games,
- expose yourself to a broad range of games,
- gain experience recognizing and interpreting basic game elements (goal, risk, fiction, emotional engagement, rules, outcome, values, consequences, close playing, etc.),
- develop an awareness of the complex cultural context within which games exist (children's culture, geek culture, women's issues, political debate, economic and hardware constraints, aesthetic concerns, etc.),
- and ultimately, to articulate the core cultural values represented in a particular game.
- play several games on the syllabus
- study several texts (including fan-made videos, games journalism, and academic research)
- complete quizzes and exercises to ensure that you are keeping up with the readings and to evaluate your progress,
- participate regularly in class web-based discussions, and
- research an academic subject related to games, and present your findings in a creative online presentation (could be a video, website, or just about anything) and an academic paper (6-8 pages).
The Seton Hill University Learning Objectives (found on page 2 of the 2008-1010 course catalog) lists several skills that this course is especially designed to help you develop:
- Use technological skills to access information, organize knowledge, and communicate.
- Express arguments or main points clearly, in written and oral communication.
- Find, evaluate, and apply information.
- Locate and analyze expressive media to gain information or comprehend the significance of an issue or event.
- Assess privilege and oppression from the perspective of culture, race, class, and gender.
