Each week we will look at video games from a different methodological perspective, including production studies, game theory, aesthetics, narrative studies, affect theory, and ethnography. Each session of this course lasts for 4 hours, of which roughly 2 hours will be dedicated to theory-based lectures. The remaining 2 hours are reserved for a Game Lab, which consists of structured analytical exercises. In these Lab sessions, students work in groups to apply the learned theories to video games of their choice. After successful completion of this Open UvA-college, you will be able to understand the peculiarities of video games and video game culture.

Lecturer

Day, time, location and costs

• 14 February - 21 March 2025
• Friday 13:00-17:00
• Oudemanhuispoort, D0.09
• Costs: € 210 (AUV-members € 189)

Important to know

• The registration deadline for this OUC is 23 January 2025.
• For the current study schedule, please consult the UvA timetable website.
• Since this is an introductory course, you are not expected to have lots of experience with video games. You are however expected to be willing to engage with games, to play and study them in scholarly manner.
• You can only audit an OUC, which means that you may only attend lectures and cannot attend seminars, take part in the examination, or obtain ECTS credits.

Public programme Humanities

This Open UvA Course is part of the Faculty of Humanities' public programme. Beside Open UvA Courses, the public programme also comprises special lectures and series of courses. The public programme is intended for alumni, employees looking for extra training, and all others who are interested in art, culture, philosophy, language and literature, history and religion.