180.827 (21S) Media Convergence in Videogames: Cross-Media Content

Sommersemester 2021

Registration deadline has expired.

First course session
05.03.2021 09:00 - 14:00 online meeting Off Campus
... no further dates known

Overview

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be necessary to make changes to courses and examinations at short notice (e.g. cancellation of attendance-based courses and switching to online examinations).

For further information regarding teaching on campus, please visit: https://www.aau.at/en/corona.
Lecturer
Course title german Media Convergence in Videogames: Cross-Media Content
Type Lecture - Course (continuous assessment course )
Course model Online course
Hours per Week 2.0
ECTS credits 4.0
Registrations 21 (30 max.)
Organisational unit
Language of instruction English
possible language(s) of the assessment English
Course begins on 05.03.2021
eLearning Go to Moodle course

Time and place

Please note that the currently displayed dates may be subject to change due to COVID-19 measures.
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Course Information

Intended learning outcomes

By way of hands-on lecture inputs, student group analyses as well as self-directed studying, students will practice and thus acquire critical/cultural thinking skills that will help them develop both a critical and a practical understanding and appreciation of video games and its various facets in relation to other media (within the context of MCM).

Teaching methodology including the use of eLearning tools

lecture inputs; practical exercises; collective analyses of selected games in relation to other media and MCM-related content/observations; discussions; critical analyses; active participation; quiz; player’s diary.

Course content

Videogames seem to be particularly well-suited for transmedia presentations as they have become prevalent outlets in transmedia discourses, which incorporate various different media to tell their stories or create unique universes. In addition, videogames are a multi-facetted medium, crossing media boundaries by incorporating various elements, techniques, and methods of communication from other media to engage players.

This course introduces students to videogames and its various design elements, qualities, structures, and composition, as well as their place in an ever-growing and complex media landscape. Students will gain insights into strategies for analysis of key elements, such as examining game concepts and worlds, storytelling, character and user interface design, core mechanics and balance, as well as how the medium is related to other media texts, particularly in transmedia environments. In addition, we will discuss major game genres, identify specific design patterns, and clarify unique creative challenges, as well as investigate bidirectional influences on culture in general, and different media in particular.

 Students will be made familiar with relevant theory and terminology which, at the end of the course, they will be able to apply in their own analyses. In addition, they will be able to demonstrate their understanding of video games as a medium in relation to other media, and its undeniable impact on technology, communication, society, and global economy.

Prior knowledge expected

No prior knowledge required.

Literature

Reading and other study materials will be provided in digital form. There is no need to buy any additional materials. 

Examination information

Im Fall von online durchgeführten Prüfungen sind die Standards zu beachten, die die technischen Geräte der Studierenden erfüllen müssen, um an diesen Prüfungen teilnehmen zu können.

Examination methodology

The final grade is an aggregate of continuous assessment throughout the semester, a mid-term quiz (online), a written player’s diary, and a short critical analysis paper at the end of the course.

Examination topic(s)

1) active participation in class and at home

Keep up to date with the required readingand other course-related material, do any additional research if necessary, think critically, and participate in group discussions and analyses

2) mid-term quiz (online - moodle) 

Online moodle quiz covering questions from the course material. 

3) player’s diary (written assignment) 

Students will write a player’s diary recording their experiences playing a videogame between session 2 and 6. Further details to be discussed in class and on moodle. 

4) critical analysis (written assignment)

Students will write  a short critical analysis of a videogame of their choice, with special focus on cross-media content. Further details to be discussed in class and on moodle. 


Assessment criteria / Standards of assessment for examinations

30% active participation 

20% mid-term quiz 

20% player’s diary 

30% critical analysis

Grading scheme

Grade / Grade grading scheme

Position in the curriculum

  • Master's degree programme Media and Convergence Management (SKZ: 150, Version: 13W.2)
    • Subject: Electives I - Media and Communication (MC) (Compulsory elective)
      • Special Topics in Media and Convergence Management I ( 2.0h VK / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 180.827 Media Convergence in Videogames: Cross-Media Content (2.0h VC / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Master's degree programme Media, Communications & Culture (SKZ: 841, Version: 20W.1)
    • Subject: Media and Convergence Management (Compulsory elective)
      • 8.2 Special Topics in Media and Convergence Management I ODER Cross Media Management ( 0.0h VC / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 180.827 Media Convergence in Videogames: Cross-Media Content (2.0h VC / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 1., 2., 3. Semester empfohlen

Equivalent courses for counting the examination attempts

Sommersemester 2024
  • 180.827 VC Visual Reporting (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Wintersemester 2023/24
  • 180.827 VC Travel Journalism (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Sommersemester 2023
  • 180.827 VC Cross-Media Games Marketing (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Sommersemester 2022
  • 180.827 VC Cross-Media Games Marketing (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Sommersemester 2020
  • 180.827 VC Robotic Journalism (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Wintersemester 2017/18
  • 180.827 VC "Hate Speech" (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Sommersemester 2017
  • 180.827 VC "Hate Speech" (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)