2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM2960 Videogames: Identities in Play

20 creditsClass Size: 48

Module manager: Dr Tom Tyler
Email: t.tyler@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Videogames engage and engross us in powerful and captivating ways. At the same time, they present and portray individuals and groups from a variety of perspectives. But how? This module examines the forms of identity and identification that videogames would have us adopt as we play them. What do games seek to persuade us with regard to questions of species, gender, race, labour, and our very sense of self? Who and what are we when we play videogames? No prior experience of playing or writing about videogames is required, but a willingness to do so, and to think about them carefully and critically, is essential.

Objectives

This module explores theories that address both the means by which videogames engage players, and the kinds of identity and identification that they encourage. It takes a critical, reflective approach to videogames, investigating the power they have to shape understandings of individuals, groups, and aspects of the world.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of how videogames have presented particular individuals, groups and aspects of the world;
2. demonstrate understanding of concepts, theories and ideas which address how videogames engage players;
3. discuss the significance of an attitude of critical enquiry toward videogames and their use;
4. demonstrate skills of independent research into and analysis of videogames.

Syllabus

Theories of play; theories of identity and identification; persuasive games; species, race and gender in videogames; games, work and labour; videogames, identity and the other.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	10	1.50	15.00
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			175.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

During the course of this module, students will:
- prepare for lectures by reading set texts (50 hours);
- prepare for workshops by undertaking prescribed tasks and reading supplementary texts (30 hours);
- research and write their assessments (100 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored by means of participation in weekly workshops, including informal presentations, the mid-semester assessment, and (optional) individual tutorials.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 2,700 - 3,300 words	60.00
Reflective log	1 x 1,800 - 2,200 words	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 15/05/2018

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD