2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP5381M Videogames and Society

30 creditsClass Size: 80

Module manager: Dr Benjamin Hirst
Email: b.hirst@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Drawing on a selection of critical literatures from across social science and the humanities, this module explores the medium of videogames and the social contexts in which they are made and played. Over the course of a series of lectures, seminars, film screenings and play sessions, we critically explore how videogames have become mediators in the shaping of identities and the formation of contemporary cultures.

Objectives

The objective of the module is to equip students with a strong grasp of a wide-range of perspectives in the theoretical, historical and empirical study of videogames. Together, we consider how videogames are played and made, and interrogate the social and cultural contexts in which play unfolds. We consider who plays videogames, how videogames have emerged as a popular form of contemporary entertainment, confront the different ways videogames have been interpreted, and explore their entanglements with other aspects of contemporary capitalism, consumer culture and art. In doing so, we aim to instil a critical, scholarly disposition towards the study of videogames.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. possess a grounding in theoretical, historical and empirical studies of videogames

2. evaluate scholarly material on videogames

3. synthesise theories, arguments and evidence to formulate a structured sociological analysis of videogames

Skills learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

1. Apply critical thinking skills to a range of social issues
2. Deploy system thinking skills to a variety of social debates
3. Communicate complex information, including concepts, verbally and in written form
4. Present complex information on social issues verbally
5. Create digital content showcasing social issues using appropriate software package
6. Manage time appropriately to meet targets for completion of presentation
7. Apply critical thinking skills to a range of social issues

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	3	1.00	3.00
seminars	2	2.00	4.00
seminars	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			271.00
Total Contact hours			29.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	100.00
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: 24/07/2024

Disclaimer

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