Course syllabus
This course considers video games as forms of media, experience and interaction, as sites of aesthetic innovation and as tools for persuasion and resistance. A major component of the contemporary media landscape, games produce distinctive social, cultural, political and personal effects. In addition to games themselves, this course also explores the role of players and communities, as well as debates surrounding notions of identity, gender, immersion and control.
In this course, you will be encouraged to link your own experiences with video games to both academic and popular debates, and situate video games in a critical and theoretical context. The course is designed not only for those experienced with video games, but also for those who wish to explore this growing field of new media studies.
Accessible games - a list of free/cheap and easily accessed games that should run on almost any system
Lectures: Wednesday, 14:00-16:00, Engineering 439
Course Convenor: Dr Allan Cameron | allan.cameron@auckland.ac.nz | Office hrs: Thursday 1-2, Social Sciences Bldg, Room 535
GTA: Ben Hall | bhal932@aucklanduni.ac.nz | Office hrs: Thursday 12-1, Social Sciences Bldg, Room 528
Tuakana mentor: Kaitiaki Rodger krdo200@aucklanduni.ac.nz
Class reps: Sunny Liu (MEDIA 212) zliu823@aucklanduni.ac.nz | Eleanor Ark (MEDIA 328) eark511@aucklanduni.ac.nz
Outcomes
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- outline the distinctive features of the video game as a medium
- analyse the formal and structural workings of individual video games
- demonstrate your understanding of key theoretical debates regarding the form, function and significance of video games
- articulate a critical understanding of video game players, audiences and communities
Delivery format
- 1 x 2hr lecture
- 1 x 1hr tutorial (tutorials start in Week 2)
Assessment
- Blog posts (20%)
- Research essay (30%)
- Exam (40%)
- Tutorial participation (10%)
Course summary:
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