Detailed Course Information

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COMM 261 - INTRO TO VIDEO GAME STUDIES
(Formerly COMM361) This course is an examination of the history, culture and structure of modern video and computer gaming from Spacewarl to present time. Video games are an important part of contemporary culture - video games sales rival if not exceed receipts from Hollywood films - yet little attention has been paid to their critical analysis. In this course, we will develop a vocabulary to discuss and analyze the component of gaming from visuals, music and procedural narrative. We will draw concepts and tools from film, literary and feminist discourses and examine the relationship between changes in technology and the structure of games themselves. Students will play, read about and write about games. Access to a computer which can play games is required. Among the questions we will consider are: Are video games art? How do video games tell stories? Why is gaming culture so predominantly male and sexist’? How do cultural forces shape video games, and do games shape culture? ls there space for small, independent game studios? Do games relate to other arts? This course is writing intensive. Students will be expected to spend time outside of class playing games. 0.000 TO 4.000 Credit hours 0.000 TO 4.000 Lecture hours Levels: Undergraduate Schedule Types: Hybrid, Lecture, Lecture/Online, Online Course Communications Department Course Attributes: Gen Ed 2018, Gen Ed 18-Culture & Creativity Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Undergraduate Prerequisites: FOR COMM 261 General Requirements: ( Course or Test: CRWT 102 Minimum Grade of D May not be taken concurrently. )

COMM 261 - INTRO TO VIDEO GAME STUDIES

(Formerly COMM361) This course is an examination of the history, culture and structure of modern video and computer gaming from Spacewarl to present time. Video games are an important part of contemporary culture - video games sales rival if not exceed receipts from Hollywood films - yet little attention has been paid to their critical analysis. In this course, we will develop a vocabulary to discuss and analyze the component of gaming from visuals, music and procedural narrative. We will draw concepts and tools from film, literary and feminist discourses and examine the relationship between changes in technology and the structure of games themselves. Students will play, read about and write about games. Access to a computer which can play games is required. Among the questions we will consider are: Are video games art? How do video games tell stories? Why is gaming culture so predominantly male and sexist’? How do cultural forces shape video games, and do games shape culture? ls there space for small, independent game studios? Do games relate to other arts? This course is writing intensive. Students will be expected to spend time outside of class playing games.
0.000 TO 4.000 Credit hours
0.000 TO 4.000 Lecture hours

Levels: Undergraduate
Schedule Types: Hybrid, Lecture, Lecture/Online, Online Course

Communications Department

Course Attributes:
Gen Ed 2018, Gen Ed 18-Culture & Creativity

Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels:
Undergraduate

Prerequisites:
FOR COMM 261

General Requirements:
( Course or Test: CRWT 102
Minimum Grade of D
May not be taken concurrently. )

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Detailed Course Information

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