History 290V - History and Video Games

The course examines video games as vehicles for representing the past, distinct from traditional formats such as books, articles, and film. It explores the historical development of digital games and gives students the tools needed to critically analyze them. The course will not just focus on in-game worlds, but will also examine the broader socio-economic, political, and cultural context in which the games are developed and played. Assignments include an exam, online discussion through Perusall, detailed game play logs and a final project.