Spring 2018 - SA 360 J100
Special Topics in Sociology and Anthropology (SA) (4)
Class Number: 9135
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
Surrey
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Instructor:
Bascom Guffin
mguffin@sfu.ca
Office Hours: Thursdays 12:30-13:30 or by appointment
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Prerequisites:
SA 101 or 150 or 201W.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A seminar exploring a topic not regularly offered by the department.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course will examine the increasingly important role of video games in social and cultural life and discourse, and will consider how games might be mobilized to enhance understanding of the human condition and the world around us. Topics will include the anthropology of how games get made; social interactions in video games; race, gender, and sexual identity in video gaming; and how the structure and content of video games can be used to express and interpret anthropological and sociological ideas and stories in unique ways. You will read and view critical and ethnographic pieces on video games, gaming, and game creation; play and analyze selected games; and create a game design proposal as part of a team. This will be a work-heavy course and you will be expected to keep up with course requirements every week.
Grading
- Class participation and attendance 15%
- Weekly reading encapsulation and application 15%
- Technical project - Small Game Scene 5%
- Statement of Principles 5%
- Initial proposal presentation 10%
- Final game proposal 25%
- Team assessments 10%
- Critical reflection on process 15%
NOTES:
Assignments and Evaluation
Grades in this class will be based on a percentage scale. Reading Encapsulations will not be accepted after 1:30 p.m. the Wednesday before class; late submissions for all other assignments will result in a grade reduction of 5 percentage points per day, unless you present documentation for a medical reason or other significant emergency. With the exception of Reading Encapsulations, you must complete all graded assignments in this course or you will receive a final grade of N.
Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct Policy
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic dishonesty and misconduct procedures (S10.01– S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Required Games
- 1979 Revolution: Black Friday
- Broken Age
- Kisima Ingitchuna (Never Alone)
- That Dragon Cancer
- This War of Mine
REQUIRED READING:
All required readings and videos are available through Canvas, the SFU Library, or online.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS