180.827 (21S) Media Convergence in Videogames: Cross-Media Content
Overview
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- 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
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
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 schemePosition 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)
-
Special Topics in Media and Convergence Management I (
2.0h VK / 4.0 ECTS)
-
Subject: Electives I - Media and Communication (MC)
(Compulsory elective)
- 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
-
8.2 Special Topics in Media and Convergence Management I ODER Cross Media Management (
0.0h VC / 4.0 ECTS)
-
Subject: Media and Convergence Management
(Compulsory elective)
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)