How do we play at stories? How do we use stories to play? This course investigates the relationship between narrative and play, in games and in literature. We explore the media histories, design theories, and many technologies of interactive experiences, focusing on where literary and narrative arts intersect with interactive media and game design. When we consider video games, apps, interactive films, websites, avant-garde writing, children's literature, and more... how have games/books changed the possibilities of narrative as it is read, written, or played?
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeDouglass is passionate about what he teaches, so much so that he tends to ramble. The lectures were pretty boring, but the novels you'll read are somewhat enticing. Three assignments that get progressively more time-consuming/difficult. There's a MPC Final with a notecard as a cheat sheet. You can get by in this class with low effort tbh.
Went to lecture and took notes but didn't read any of the course material except when necessary for assignments and was able to get by fine. If you pay attention and put solid effort into the assignments (3 major assignments), you can do well but it can get stressful in the moment. Final also isn't difficult.
I took this class as a mandatory course as a second year. The material felt quite confusing and as an English major, unnecessarily dense. But, I passed the course with a B, the projects/essays were simple. Prof Douglass cares deeply about what he teaches.
Class is relatively simple, graded on 2 straightforward assignments, a final essay + final multi-choice exam that's very easy with flashcard of notes. Tends to go on tangents and many are very bored during lecture, but attendance is mandatory through simple check-in quizzes. He's nice and passionate about subject, but very exhausting in lecture.
Second class I took with him. Took advantage of his office hours, yet he fell through in crucial ways. Easy A if you're willing to put in the work and be interested in the subject matter.
interesting topics covered...accessible when convenient to him, tends to go off on tangents during lecture...