Essay at 2500 Words (Learning outcomes 1, 2 & 3)

This module introduces you to the theoretical origins of game studies as well as to sociological theories, perspectives and evidence regarding modern computer games and their players.

You will be familiarised with classic and contemporary theories and recent research in the rapidly developing field of games studies, particularly surrounding cultures and the types of people that play games and how they identify.

The different theories and concepts will also be approached by analysing different aspects of the social gaming world which, depending on currency, staff availability and student responses may include topics such as player studies; close analysis of gameplay; virtual worlds; serious/persuasive games; identity; game cultures.

2 hour Workshop

The library and e-brary
Blackboard
Lecture and seminar rooms with Powerpoint presentation and DVD playback facilities
Seminar rooms suitable for group work
PCs with student access to email, internet and word-processing

Egenfeldt-Nielsen, Simon et al (2008) Understanding video games: The essential introduction, New York: Routledge.
Fromme, Johannes et al eds. (2012) Computer games and new media cultures: A handbook of digital games studies, Dordrecht: Springer.
Mäyrä, Frans (2008) An introduction to game studies: Games in culture, London: SAGE.
Salen, Katie and Eric Zimmerman (2005) The Game Design Reader: A Rules of Play Anthology, Cambridge: MIT University Press.
Wolf, Mark and Bernard Perron (2014) The Routledge companion to video game studies, New York: Routledge.

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF KEY THEORETICAL CONCEPTS IN SOCIOLOGICAL ISSUES SURROUNDING GAMES STUDIES.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. DEVELOP LINES OF ARGUMENT SURROUNDING KEY ISSUES IN GAMES STUDIES AND CULTURES.
[Learning]

3. WRITE COHERENTLY AND FOLLOWING NORMAL ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS ABOUT IDEAS, THEORIES AND PARTICULAR CASES.
[Communication]