Computer games form an area of intersection between technology, economy, culture and society. They are not only constantly evolving at a technical level, but also in terms of content. Their narratives and interactive storytelling, their approach to worldbuilding is constantly evolving. This is reflected in both the way games are played (and by whom), but also in the way they are developed and programmed.In this course, we will have a closer look at various games, novels and their worldbuilding in different ways and with three major topics: Detective Stories, Folklore Fantasy and Electric Dreams/Cyberpunk. They all allow for different perspectives on how storytelling and worldbuilding is handled in modern video games and literature. In addition, novels dealing with these topics are also being worked on in order to work out how other media create worlds. This is rounded off with corresponding secondary texts.By the end of the semester, you will be able to conduct independent academic research on a specific, videogame related topic. You will be able to identify artworks as belonging worldbuilding and critically understand the importance of their main features. You will be knowledgeable about the necessities and challenges of heeding this in practical and academic work.

Synchronous online class meetings and block sessions that may take placeoff campus.

The seminar gives students an overview of core works discussing worldbuilding in game studies.

The seminar draws from various artistic and intellectual sources. Most of the texts, mainly in the shape of theoretical secondary reading, are provided on Moodle.Students are expected to buy or otherwise familiarise themselves with the primary works and computer games relevant to their assignments.

The seminar features three central assessments. Students mustdo a presentation and prepare a discussion about the presentationactively participate in the seminarwrite a term paper that critically examines the content of the seminar

Presentation: Students (either alone or in a group, depending on number of participants) must present a game chosen from a canon of specified games. This also contains some Let’s Play-Videos and handling of relevant key texts. It is mandatory to attend the online office hours in advance to discuss the presentation topics. (Worth 25% of the final mark)Discussion: Students prepare several questions that will be discussed in class in context of their presentation (Worth 25% of final mark)Term paper: Students ought to collect their understanding of what defines worldbilding in computer games on a scientifically founded way. This means that this content must be adapted into a term paper, that critically examines the content of the seminar by analyzing a computer game or novel with regard to worldbuilding. Every student has to hand in their own term paper. (Worth 40% of the final mark)Participation: regularly attend the seminar and participate in homework exercises and pop quizzes as demanded. (Worth 10% of the final mark)Detailed assignment instructions are provided during the first seminar week.

All assignments must fulfil minimal standards to be considered for a positive evaluation. They must:Display seminar-appropriate command of EnglishContain formal features as defined by their assignment instructionsReference all their sources correctly.Rely only on academic sources unless warranted by specific research interests.Apply rigorous critical scrutiny to the quality of all of your sources.Use the Chicago Manual of Style Author/Date format for your references.Your lecturer/supervisor may reject your paper if these criteria are not met. Papers subsequently failing even the minimum standard receive a 5/F (fail grade).If an assignment fulfils these minimal standards, then the following factors are considered for grading:Idea (connection to assignment, quality of main idea, reasonability…)Coherency (logic in argument, structure, transition between contents…)References (quality, quantity, and application of sources considered, evidence…)Style (Correct usage of key terminology, fittingly abstract or concrete…)Expression (academic tone, grammar, syntax, spelling…)A severely flawed assignment in one or several of these areas is graded as 5/F (fail grade).Attendance during the first session is mandatory for seminar participation.General remark on our code of conduct and plagiarism policy:Plagiarism and cheating leads to expulsion from class.Do not use AI for your coursework or term paper.Severe violation of the GSE Code of Conduct leads to expulsion from class.