If you’re looking for a spring course, what about English 294: Introduction to Critical Game Studies? According to the calendar, “This course introduces students to the field of humanities-based game studies. Topics may include the debate between ludological (rules-based) and narratological (story-based) approaches, procedural studies, platform and software studies, gamification, games and adaptation studies, and games as rhetorical objects.” But for a bit more insight, we asked the instructor, Aleksander Franiczek, five questions about this offering.
WIP: What would surprise people about this course?
AF: Students might be surprised to learn the many ways that videogames convey meaning and values through the interactions between player and game.
WIP: Is it true you get to play games? What kind of games?
AF: You sure do! Each lecture features two videogames we’ll discuss through the lens of its topic and readings. They include landmark single-player games with creative and interesting narrative and design elements.
WIP: What makes this course innovative?
AF: The course is innovative for offering students the opportunity to build the digital literacy, critical thinking, and practical skillset of a narrative designer. You won’t only study how existing games offer interesting experiences; you’ll get to apply this knowledge to your own design work.
WIP: What do you think students will like best?
AF: I think students will enjoy getting first-hand design and development experience in the course’s workshops and final project. That, and the opportunity to write critically about the games they find interesting.
WIP: What do you think you’ll like best?
I will enjoy having discussions about the course’s many topics and games with my students and guiding them through the interesting work they come up with throughout the term.
WIP
jharris124
Lady English Professor
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