SOCI 1125 - Introduction to Game Studies

An introduction to the study of games, gaming, game culture, and play behavior. This course provides an overview and application of the perspectives, concepts, and methods of the diverse field of game studies (also called 'ludology') from social and psychological perspectives. It provides students with the tools to appreciate games and associated phenomena critically. Topics include defining games, significance of play and games in culture, evolutionary interpretations of play behavior, social factors in the history of games, games in popular culture, social psychology of role-playing, and the interface of games with individual nostalgia. 3 credits.