ATLS 4519 / 5519

Introduces students to the massive impact that games and play have had on our modern culture and how we can understand both games and our culture better by observing them through specific lenses.

We often assess games for their ability to entertain, but the impact of games extends far beyond their reach as simple objects of diversion. This class will explore the various ways that games affect culture, and how artists, writers, sociologists, musicians, activists and more have harnessed the power of games to achieve their goals.

Course Objectives

Students who successfully complete this course will:

Critical Thinking & Theory / History:

• Have a greater understanding of the sociological and cultural aspects of games
• Develop academic language to better discuss games
• Continue to learn about the history of games
• Deepen their knowledge of non-traditional games and play communities

Design/Creative:

• Develop games for impacts other than pure entertainment

Technical:

• Become familiar with Interactive Fiction software to develop storytelling possibilities