Case Studies

From HNRS353

Contents 1 Videogames in Critical Contexts Case Studies 2 Case Studies 3 Procedural Information 3.1 What goes into a case study? 3.2 Each sub-page should include the following: 3.3 Suggestions 3.4 Possible Sources

Videogames in Critical Contexts Case Studies

HNRS 353 is required capstone course for all Honors Program students at George Mason University, taught under the broad heading "Technology in the Contemporary World." This section of HNRS 353 is devoted to videogame studies, and students range from hardcore gamers to neo-Luddites. The 28 students in the class were given total control over the class wiki, and through online discussions, conversations in class, and a few nudges from the professor, the wiki emerged as place where students would collaborate upon several "case studies" on videogames and society. The final case studies grew from students' tentative discussions in January and February about what a class wiki might achieve, to more focused group discussions later in the semester, to the case studies presented here. The final key component is an individually-written reflective essay about the total experience.

Case Studies

1. Technological Infrastructure
2. Violence in Videogames
3. Compelling Games- Multiplayer
4. Compelling Games- Single Player
5. Videogame Cultures
6. Games and Gender
   

Procedural Information

What goes into a case study?

1. An explanation of the issue and what is at stake and for whom
   
2. Links to individually written sub-pages, each one taking a different angle or position regarding the issue
   
3. A majority opinion about the issue, which takes into account the findings on the sub-pages
   
4. A dissenting or minority opinion about the issue, if there is one.
   

Each sub-page should include the following:

1. Explanations of two sources that have informed your opinion about the issue (provide a citation of each source, using standard APA guidelines, and a link to the source if possible): a story in the popular press or media and a more research-based take on the issue
2. Conclusions drawn from these sources about the issue

Suggestions

• Start with a narrow focus and work your way outward

Possible Sources

• Game Studies, an online scholarly journal devoted to the study of videogames
• Games and Culture, another e-journal that looks at videogames and their broader social context
• Gamasutra, a blog favored by videogame designers, often has insightful behind-the-scenes articles