Introduction to Computer Game Studies

Undervisningsspråk

English

Krav til forkunnskapar

Bachelor´s degree in information science or media studies or equivalent.

Læringsutbyte

Upon completion of the course the candidate should be able to

• describe and discuss central perspectives, theories and concepts of computer game research
• discuss the role of computer games in a wider social and cultural context
• critically discuss how games can be understood as a medium and how it may be compared to other media, in particular in terms of the role of narrative in games
• critically discuss use of computer games as a tool for education and public debate
• critically analyse and discuss games, game genres and game elements
• tackle basic game design problems and critically evaluate existing game design and suggest new solutions
• critically reflect on the role of games in culture and society

Kontaktinformasjon

advice@info.uib.no

advice@media.uib.no

Undervisningssemester

Spring/ Irregular. The course is offered in spring 2013.

Eksamenssemester

Spring/Irregular

Undervisningsspråk

English

Studienivå

Master level

Krav til studierett

Master in Information Science or Media Studies Other master students may apply for admission.

Mål og innhald

Contemporary computer games are technologically sophisticated and highly complex in terms of how they combine, mix and re-interpret different cultural and media forms. Through presentations and game analysis we will introduce and discuss the dominant generic forms and conventions of popular computer games. There will be a particular emphasis on narrative and the relationship with other

media, especially film, and on the use of computer games as a tool for education and public debate. The students will be introduced to the central perspectives, theories and concepts of computer game research, learn how to analyse and understand games, and also get hands-on experience with some of the core challenges of game design. The course will also address gaming practices in a wider economical, social and cultural context.

The course syllabus will be based on selected literature and games. The selected games will be available in the game analysis seminars, as downloadable demos for PC/MAC, or online. Approximately 200 pages of literature and 1 game is selected by the individual student and approved by the course lecturer.

Læringsutbyte/resultat

Upon completion of the course the candidate should be able to

• describe and discuss central perspectives, theories and concepts of computer game research
• discuss the role of computer games in a wider social and cultural context
• critically discuss how games can be understood as a medium and how it may be compared to other media, in particular in terms of the role of narrative in games
• critically discuss use of computer games as a tool for education and public debate
• critically analyse and discuss games, game genres and game elements
• tackle basic game design problems and critically evaluate existing game design and suggest new solutions
• critically reflect on the role of games in culture and society

Krav til forkunnskapar

Bachelor´s degree in information science or media studies or equivalent.

Undervisning og omfang

The course will be arranged as a combination of lectures that focus on the presentation of theory, and workshops related to game analysis and game design exercises.

Obligatoriske arbeidskrav

Compulsory attendance. Each student must give a 10-minute presentation of a selected game with point of departure in an article/chapter from the reading list, followed by questions and discussion.

Vurderingsformer

The student is evaluated on the basis of a course essay. The topic for the essay is selected from a list of alternatives provided by the lecturer. The essay should be between 5000-7000 words, and is written under supervision.

Karakterskala

The grading system has a descending scale from A to E for passes and F for fail.

Emneevaluering

INFOMEVI345 is evaluated by students every three years, by the Department every year.

Kontaktinformasjon

advice@info.uib.no

advice@media.uib.no