(I'm still working on the syllabus, but here is the description of the course I've been giving out to those who ask.)
The course will ask students to think critically about the culture out of which videogames arose, to read and discuss articles about games and gaming culture, to write several short papers and interact with peers online, and to study a particular game in depth. Among the topics we may discuss are games for children, representations of women in games, experiences of women who design and play games, games for education and training, games of persuasion and protest, games as a storytelling and artistic medium of expression, and, of course, games for fun.
During the first week, we'll examine the history of videogames as a genre, and examine some of the issues that are hot topics among designers and theorists. We'll also talk about some movies that are related to games (I'll have a short list, and I'll ask you to rent and watch at least two during that first week.. Right now, "Tron," "Wargames," "The Matrix," and "Big" are among the movies that come to mind, but I'm open for suggestions).
During the second week, we'll look at some games that have been around long enough that academics and cultural critics have noticed them and written about them.
In the third week, students will propose a research project on a game and/or topic of their choice.
It's not a programming or design course. You won't get points for being able to frag your professor in Half-Life 2. (I'm still stuck in the water maze.) We will write one game review, but the course will ask you to play and write intelligently about some genres of games that may not be your favorite.
The course will ask you to look beyond "How do I win?" and "How cool does it look?"
I'm hoping you will ask (and answer) questions such as, "What does it mean?" and "How does it convey that meaning?"
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