Global Objectives: The Playable Media and Game Studies Stream (PMGS) focuses on the critical study of computer games and playable media in order to develop the Competencies required for creative, conceptual, and critical roles in the computer games and playable media sector. Students will gain an understanding of computer games as art, as media, and as sociocultural phenomena. Courses in this stream encourage looking beyond formulaic entertainment games into new and innovative uses of computer games and consider also the design and history of computer games. The stream will provide a solid foundation for further studies (MFA, MPhil, PhD) in the area of computer games and playable media.
Courses offered in this stream will vary from year to year, based on faculty, demand and the schools other offering. Please see the list of stream offerings included in the City U School of creative media “Taught Postgraduate Catalogue” found also on the website http://www.cityu.edu.hk/pg/201617/catalogue/catalogue_TP.htm?page=TP/TP_course_SM.htm
(Example for reference use only, please see individual course descriptions for details)
SM6323 - Critical Ludology: Games, Playability and New Media Art Course
aims: The study of games is a new and rapidly expanding field of academic research, which is closely connected to the rapid development of computer games as a cutting-edge art form. This course introduces students to the basic theoretical questions and vocabulary concerning games and play, and their application into analytic, critical and creative purposes. Rather than focusing exclusively on digital games, a broad spectrum of contemporary and historical game/play activities will be discussed. Special attention will be paid to the medium-specific qualities in certain forms of play. The theoretical insights will be applied into game analysis, criticism, modification, and design exercises. Through these exercises the course explores questions related to the role of games/play in new media art, the representational potential of games, and the use of games in critical discourses and interventionist practices.
Course Intended Learning Outcomes
Name of exam | Playable Media & Game Studies Stream |
Type of exam | Written and oral exam
Participation in in-class discussions: 15%
Presentations: 25% Written reactions to readings: 10% Final project: 50% |
ECTS | 5 |
Assessment | Passed/Not Passed |
Type of grading | Internal examination |
Criteria of assessment | The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures |
Danish title | Playable Media & Game Studies Stream |
Module code | KAMAC201517 |
Module type | Course |
Duration | 1 semester |
Semester | Autumn
This module is offered only as a part of the ERASMUS MUNDUS Master of Excellence: Media Arts Cultures City University of Hong Kong 3rd semester |
ECTS | 5 |
Language of instruction | English |
Location of the lecture | Other location |
Responsible for the module |
Study Board | Study Board of Communication and Digital Media |
Department | Department of Communication and Psychology |
Faculty | The Faculty of Humanities |