Queerness and Games is an advanced seminar introducing students to the intersection of LGBTQ issues, queer theory, and video games, a growing area of interest for scholars, game developers, critics, and artists. Texts may range from foundational works by Mattie Brice, Bo Ruberg, and micha cárdenas, to new developments in queer and trans* game theory and practice from Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Ryan Rose Aceae, and the Soft Chaos collective. Both an overview of a field in formation and an invitation to participate in the creation of this new area of critical theory and practice, this course asks students to familiarize themselves with games, books, and articles in the field, and to engage critically through game design and scholarly writing. Familiarity with queer theory, and previous game design experience, will be valuable but are not required.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand and participate in the creation of a field around the questions of LGBTQ+ issues, queer theory, video game design, and video game criticism
- Write about queerness and/or transness in video games
- Design simple video games with tools like Twine, Bitsy, and Ren'Py
- Create a space to present and share queer games work for an interested audience
Delivery Method: Hybrid
Prerequisites: Please provide a paragraph describing how this course will build upon your earlier studies and advance your plan, including any specific skills and experiences you would particularly like to contribute to or build upon in the course (ex. writing, art, music, coding, organizing events). Please email your paragraph to Thomas Leddy-Cecere (thomasleddycecere@bennington.edu) to be considered for registration.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M 1:40PM - 5:20PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 16
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: All courses , Hybrid , Media Studies
Tags: media studies