180.823 (21W) Computer Games

Wintersemester 2021/22

Registration deadline has expired.

First course session
12.10.2021 14:00 - 17:00 Online 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 Computer Games
Type Lecture - Course (continuous assessment course )
Course model Blended learning course
Online proportion 50%
Hours per Week 2.0
ECTS credits 4.0
Registrations 54 (30 max.)
Organisational unit
Language of instruction English
Course begins on 12.10.2021
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

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the critical reflection of computer games. 

Students will gain an overview of the more social science based games literature and topics.

They will also reflect on their own experiences when playing games - it is not necessary to have previous computer games experience.

Skills and knowledge imparted are also useful for computer games development and for games and entertainment /social media management.

Teaching methodology including the use of eLearning tools

Online lectures and discussions. 

Various eLearning tools for group work and exchange will be used. 

Introductory event and final block session are planned on site.

Course content

  • A brief history of computer games
  • Computer games 101 (types, users, communities, platforms)
  • Representation, avatars
  • Incentive mechanisms
  • Social media and games
  • Hopes and fears: addiction, (self-)healing, educational games
  • Data and surveillance
  • Hands on – play and reflect on your own gameplay

Prior knowledge expected

Interest in computer games. No specific knowledge or experiences necessary.

Literature

Vorderer, P., & Klimmt, C. (Eds.). (2021). The Oxford handbook of entertainment theory. Oxford University Press, USA.

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.

Modified examination information (exceptional COVID-19 provisions)

No changes due to covid.

Examination methodology

  • short summaries of papers
  • short pieces of reflection on own game play
  • Contribution to discussion in the sessions
  • Written open-book exam

Examination topic(s)

Things learned during the course.

Assessment criteria / Standards of assessment for examinations

The final grade is composed of:

* 50% produced content & participation in discussions

* 50% final exam

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 - Multimedia Systems (MS) (Compulsory elective)
      • Games Development ( 2.0h VK / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 180.823 Computer Games (2.0h VC / 4.0 ECTS)
  • Master's degree programme Visual Culture (SKZ: 655, Version: 18W.2)
    • Subject: Cultural Studies und Visuelle Medien (Compulsory elective)
      • 12 Cultural Studies und Visuelle Medien ( 0.0h VO, SE, PM, VC, PS, KS, UE / 12.0 ECTS)
        • 180.823 Computer Games (2.0h VC / 6.0 ECTS)
  • Master's degree programme Game Studies and Engineering (SKZ: 992, Version: 17W.2)
    • Subject: Gebundenes Wahlfach (19W) (Compulsory elective)
      • 4.1 Human Centered Computing II ( 0.0h VC / 4.0 ECTS)
        • 180.823 Computer Games (2.0h VC / 4.0 ECTS)
          Absolvierung im 1., 2., 3. Semester empfohlen

Equivalent courses for counting the examination attempts

Wintersemester 2023/24
  • 180.823 VC Computer Games (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Wintersemester 2022/23
  • 180.823 VC Computer Games (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Wintersemester 2020/21
  • 180.823 VC Games Development (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Wintersemester 2019/20
  • 180.823 VC Games Development (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Wintersemester 2018/19
  • 180.823 VC Games Development (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Wintersemester 2017/18
  • 180.823 VC Games Development (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Wintersemester 2016/17
  • 180.823 VC Games Development (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Wintersemester 2015/16
  • 180.823 VC Games Development (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)
Wintersemester 2014/15
  • 180.823 VK Games Development (2.0h / 4.0ECTS)