230382 Theory of Play: From Games in Literature to Literary Gaming (S) (SoSe 2016)

This theory-based course looks at games and their evolution as a key element of child socialization and adult entertainment, and as a driver behind creativity, production, and consumption. Introducing the class to ‘ludology’—the study of games and gaming—we learn various theories of free, competitive, and rule-based play and entertainment. Further, we chart out the characteristics of play as a complex human activity as reflected in works of literature. In the second half of the semester, we move on to examine game encyclopaedias, children’s diaries, movies, and games in literature, to finally focus on the complex examples of video- and computer-games as well as digital ‘literary games’ in the 21st century. Note that the course traces the historical trajectory of games and gaming, with primary focus on the U.S. entertainment industry, and as such is embedded in a historical framework.