UNIV 104DEvolution of Video Games

Catalog

EVOLUTION OF VIDEO GAMES - - - The UNIV 101 & UNIV 104 courses offer a blended course format which includes two primary components, one focusing on the academic topic, taught by a faculty member with the second component devoted to new student transition topics, taught by a professional staff partner instructor. This freshmen seminar course will explore an intriguing intellectual topic, help freshmen hone critical thinking and writing skills, and assist students in making a successful transition to university life. - - - From its emergence in the mid-20th century to now, the video game industry has grown astronomically. Driven by the success of major video game titles, console sales, mobile gaming, and the rise of esports, the industry looks vastly different today than it did only a few decades ago. This course will examine the growth and evolution of video games as an industry, exploring defining moments and case studies across time and space. We will also focus on issues and controversies the industry has faced, including discrimination and 'toxic' online culture, labor and workplace concerns, and continued market consolidation and the rise of micro-transactions. The course will be taught with a combination of short lectures, student-led discussions, and data analysis tutorials using Tableau. NOTE: All UNIV 101 and UNIV 104 courses are restricted to students in their FIRST SEMESTER at the University. Students MAY NOT register for more than one UNIV 101 or UNIV 104 course.