Gaming the Past

Catalog description

Most historians recognize the value of exploring popular conceptions of history in film and literature. This course applies the same principle to historical representations in video games--a growing industry that rivals the revenues of other media and includes millions of players worldwide. How do game designers construct historical narratives? What are some common conceptions (and misconceptions) present in these games? How different might they look if historians created them? No prerequisites. (Offered as needed.)