Game On: Game Design and Social Interactions (Honors Course)

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary course that introduces students to principles of gaming which inform a broad spectrum of human behaviors and practices. By uncovering the analogies between games and social interactions and practices, the course provides a conceptual toolkit that can be applied towards navigating our increasingly gamified world.

RATIONALE:

Game analysis provides a powerful lens through which to view a broad range of social interactions and practices. By introducing students to principles of gaming through an interdisciplinary perspective, the course aims to sensitize students to the ways in which gaming intersects with problem solving, strategic negotiations, self-motivated action, and design thinking. The vibrant insights of gaming allow for a novel reading of contemporary practices encountered in business, politics, technological applications, and psychology, thus enabling a more sophisticated understanding today’s social and cultural landscape.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of theoretical concepts related to gaming;
• Show critical awareness of the ubiquitous character of games in politics, business, technological applications, and psychology;
• Apply game design concepts and strategies in daily interactions;
• Examine principles of gaming through critical analysis as well as reflective practical application.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:

• In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Textual analysis, class discussion, workshop-style pair work and group work during class meetings;
• Active student-centered teaching approach in the presentation of course material to engage learners;
• Critical-thinking exercises and learning activities designed to help students acquire confidence and benefit from independent study;
• Student presentations of learning material to encourage involvement in the learning process; Extensive instructor feedback on assignments and activities;
• Individualized assistance during office hours for further discussion of lecture material, additional reading, and assignments;
• Additional print and audiovisual educational material posted on the Blackboard course template.