Videogame Theories

Cod y Modiwl: FM38420
Teitl y Modiwl: Videogame Theories
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2027/2028
Semester: Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Piotr Woycicki
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Roderick Munday; Dr Piotr Woycicki

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Written Essay: 2000 Words	50%
Asesiad Semester	Critical auto-ethnographical account: of gameplay 2000 Words	50%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Written Essay: 2000 Words	50%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Critical auto-ethnographical account: of gameplay 2000 Words	50%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

Demonstrate an analytical understanding of a range of theories, methodologies and video game case studies.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the cultural, social and political aspects of contemporary video games and their historical contexts.
Apply an understanding of analytical methodologies to the study of videogames including auto-ethnographical approaches.
Make links between classic and contemporary game theory.

Disgrifiad cryno

This module will critically examine the relationship between contemporary videogames and their cultural, social, political and historical context. Students will be introduced to the medium and culture of contemporary videogames through a series of lectures and workshop/seminar sessions. Students will be introduced to key theoretical texts and research questions pertaining to this newly emerging field of research and develop a critical vocabulary through which they will examine videogames. Students will encounter key research tools and methodologies which will help them to examine videogames, such as games theory, intermedial theory, content analysis, semiotic analysis, discourse analysis and auto-ethnographical methodologies. Every student will also be expected to apply these insights to a case study of a contemporary video game as part of their ‘Critical auto-ethnographical account of gameplay’ assignment.

Cynnwys

There will be teaching on suggested topics as follows:

Theories, games and play
Narrative and ludology
Game genres
Games, politics and society
The medium of videogaming
Gender and Games
Violence and Games
Alone together: the case of MMORGs
Pervasive games and mixed reality performances
Educational games

(This is an indicative list)

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	The ability to communicate ideas effectively is developed in the seminars and assessed directly through Assessment 1 and 2.
Datblygu personol a chynllunio gyrfa	Transferable skills (managing personal workloads and meeting deadlines, designing and realizing research project) are developed through the completion of assessment tasks. Career awareness does not of itself constitute an assessed element of this module.
Datrys Problemau	Analytical problem solving, outcome recognition and the identification of appropriate strategies and procedures are encouraged across the duration of the module.
Gwaith Tim	Effective group work through negotiating ideas and opinions is addressed through the seminars. Seminar discussions demand the application of skills necessary to conduct collaborative activity.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	Self-regulation, motivation and time-management skills are developed through the module and are demanded for the successful completion of its assignments.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	See QAA Communication, Media, Film & Cultural Studies’ QAA benchmarking statement (2008): The following subject specific skills are developed and partly assessed. Students will demonstrate an ability to:• engage critically with major thinkers, debates and intellectual paradigms within the field and put them to productive use • understand forms of communication, media and culture as they have emerged historically and appreciate the processes through which they have come into being, with reference to social, cultural and technological change • examine such forms critically with appropriate reference to the social and cultural contexts and diversity of contemporary society, and have an understanding of how different social groups variously make use of, and engage with, forms of communication, media and culture • analyse closely, interpret and show the exercise of critical judgement in the understanding and, as appropriate, evaluation of these forms
Sgiliau ymchwil	Appropriate personal research and the development of effective personal research practices are directly assessed through Assessments 1 and 2.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	The ability to utilize information technology both in the research for and delivery of written assignments.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 6