Course Work
Intro to Game Studies
SOCI1125
Course Description:
An introduction to the study of games, gaming, and game culture. This course will
provide an overview and application of the perspectives, concepts, and methods of the diverse field of game studies (also called 'ludology') to provide students with a critical appreciation for games and associated phenomena. Topics will include defining games, the role of play and games in society, history of games, games in popular culture, gamer communities, experiencing games, social problems associated with gaming, and emergent trends in gaming and game communities.
Reflection:
This course offered a broad exploration of the world of games and gaming culture, providing me with a deeper understanding of their social, historical, and cultural significance. I gained insight into how games influence society, both in terms of shaping popular culture and creating unique, vibrant communities. We examined the different ways games are defined and explored their effects on social dynamics, highlighting both the challenges and positive aspects they present. The course also covered emerging trends within gaming, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry and the communities that surround it. I found it particularly interesting to discuss the social issues tied to gaming, such as addiction and stereotypes, while also considering the opportunities games provide for learning and social interaction. This class has helped me develop a critical framework for understanding games, and I now feel better equipped to approach the gaming industry with a well-rounded perspective.
Esports Basics
SMGT2240
Course Description:
This course explores how the esports industry started and has grown over the past 40 years. The class will explore whether esports is truly a sport, all the various stakeholders and their roles, the ethical issues associated with esports, the future of esports, and careers in esports. This is the introductory course designed to provide a general overview of the industry for both gamers and those unfamiliar with the industry. Students will plan and execute an esports tournament.
Reflection:
This course provided a solid foundation in understanding the esports industry, tracing its growth from its early beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon. I examined whether esports can truly be considered a sport and delved into the key players involved, such as athletes, organizations, sponsors, and media outlets. The course also addressed important ethical concerns within esports, including fairness, player welfare, and commercial pressures. I gained valuable insights into the industry’s future trajectory and discovered various career paths available within this rapidly expanding field. One of the highlights of the course was the opportunity to plan and run an esports tournament, which gave me practical experience in event coordination and management. Overall, this course equipped me with a deeper understanding of the esports ecosystem and the skills needed to contribute to its continued development.
Creating Punk Video Games
MUSR2205
Course Description:
As video game creation becomes more accessible, people without programming experience can now create their own interactive experiences—digital games that prioritize artistic expression over commercial success. In this class, students explore this emerging art form of “punk games” by creating their own original digital games and examining existing repertoire and writings in this new media. The class will culminate in a public gallery of students’ games at the end of the semester.
Reflection:
This course gave me hands-on experience in the emerging field of indie game development, where artistic expression takes center stage over commercial success. I had the opportunity to create my own original digital game, which allowed me to explore game design from a creative perspective, focusing on innovation and storytelling. Through this process, I learned how to bring an idea to life while working within the constraints of available tools and resources, making the experience both challenging and rewarding. The course also provided insight into the world of "punk games," examining existing works and writings that push the boundaries of traditional game design. I found it fascinating to see how indie developers use games as a medium for personal expression and commentary. The final project, a public gallery of our games, was a highlight, as it showcased our unique creations and provided valuable feedback from peers and instructors. Overall, this course has enhanced my appreciation for indie game development and deepened my understanding of the intersection between art and interactive media.
Social Challenges/Controversies in Gaming
SOCI2210
Course Description:
This class provides an in-depth examination of the problematic side of games, gaming, and gaming culture as well as possible solutions to those problems. Students will explore the causes and consequences of important issues of social concern as they relate to gaming contexts. Topics will include social bias, prejudice and discrimination, hate speech and harassment, interpersonal conflict between gamers, toxicity in gaming communities, misrepresentation and stereotyping, and human aggression.
Reflection:
This course provided an in-depth look at the challenges within gaming culture and the broader industry, equipping me with a deeper understanding of the social issues that impact players, developers, and communities. I explored topics such as bias, discrimination, harassment, and toxicity in gaming spaces, analyzing their root causes and long-term effects. Through case studies and discussions, I gained insight into how gaming communities develop, why conflicts arise, and what strategies can be implemented to create more inclusive environments. Examining the role of misrepresentation and stereotyping in games reinforced the importance of ethical design and storytelling in game development. I also studied the psychological and social factors behind human aggression in gaming, learning how game mechanics and community moderation can influence player behavior. This course challenged me to think critically about the responsibilities of industry professionals in fostering positive change. With this knowledge, I am better prepared to contribute to a gaming industry that prioritizes inclusivity, fairness, and responsible community management.
Governance & Regulatory Environment of Esports & Gaming
ECON3312
Course Description:
This course prepares students to understand the need for esports and gaming institutional mechanisms, such as policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as governance organizations. Students will become familiar with the mission, structure, and function of firms and private and public governing organizations as well as the legal challenges and opportunities associated with esports and the gaming industry. Students will also explore and become familiar with certain topics and issues related to ethics and integrity, intellectual property, privacy and personally identifiable information, public health, and taxation. By the end of the course, students should be able to evaluate critical issues related to esports and gaming, including whether standards and other governance mechanisms should be implemented, and the implications associated with such governance mechanisms, as well as intellectual property matters.
Reflection:
Throughout this course, I gained valuable insights into content regulation, intellectual property, and esports integrity—key areas that shape the gaming industry. I developed a deeper understanding of rating systems and their impact beyond age restrictions, as well as the legal complexities of intellectual property disputes through case study analyses like Sega vs. Accolade. Exploring data security and privacy laws reinforced the importance of protecting personal and corporate information in an industry driven by digital interactions. A highlight of my experience was learning about fair play and anti-cheating measures from a guest speaker with a criminal justice background, which connected with my own studies and career interests. I also participated in a player contract simulation, which, while informative, could have benefited from a more high-stakes, real-world approach to negotiations. This course strengthened my ability to analyze industry regulations, ethical considerations, and business strategies, all of which are crucial in esports management and gaming law. With this knowledge, I am better prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of esports and contribute to its continued growth and integrity.
Narrative Structure in Games
ENGL2250
Course Description:
A foundational course in the narrative methods and storytelling aspects of games. This course will introduce students to literary, rhetorical, and narrative theories that help us to understand games as story-driven media. Particular attention will be given to the ways that games both overlap and diverge from storytelling methods in other print and visual media. Students will study the narrative aspects of many different types of games and apply what they have learned to create their own narrative game.
Reflection:
This course provided a deep dive into the narrative methods and storytelling techniques used in video games, helping me understand how games function as a unique form of storytelling. I explored literary, rhetorical, and narrative theories that broadened my understanding of how stories are conveyed through interactive media. The course highlighted both the similarities and differences between game narratives and storytelling in traditional print and visual media, showing how games can offer more immersive and dynamic experiences. I analyzed the narrative structure of various games, learning how different genres and formats approach storytelling in creative ways. The hands-on application of this knowledge in creating my own narrative game was particularly rewarding, as it allowed me to experiment with narrative design and player agency. This course not only expanded my understanding of game narratives but also equipped me with the tools to craft compelling stories within interactive media.