Game Studies (12126.1)
Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
---|---|---|
View teaching periods | On-campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Arts And Design |
Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
School Of Design And The Built Environment | Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit | Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 2 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. Identify and review the history of console, arcade and computer games and how they impact on our society and aspects where society has influenced computer games;
2. Identify and interpret key concepts of games through the review and analysis of established games literature;
3. Analyse and engage with the games industry identifying its dialogue, context and culture;
4. Scrutinize and communicate the nuances of video games and the gaming industry from a journalistic perspective; and
5. Employ written and oral communication skills in a professional and academic context.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - use Indigenous histories and traditional ecological knowledge to develop and augment understanding of their discipline
Prerequisites
None.Corequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
None.Assumed knowledge
None.Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 03 February 2025 | On-campus | Dr Joel Bennett |
Required texts
This unit will provide a range of required texts and readings during its delivery. However, a selection of recommended texts is listed below:
- DeMaria, Rusel, and Johnny L. Wilson. High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2004.
- Dietz, Tracy L. An examination of violence and gender role portrayals in video games:
- Implications for gender socialization and aggressive behavior. Sex roles 38, no. 5-6 (1998): 425-442.
- Harris, Blake J., and Seth Rogen. Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle That Defined a Generation.
- Lule, Jack. Understanding Media and Culture: An Introduction to Mass Communication. Edition, 2014.
- Michael, David. Serious Games Games That Educate, Train and Inform. Boston, Mass.: Thomson Course Technology, 2006.
- Novak, Jeannie. Game Development Essentials: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Clifton Park, N.Y.: Delmar, 2012.
- Novak, Jeannie, and Michael E. Moore. Game Development Essentials: Game Industry Career Guide. Clifton Park, N.Y.: Delmar Learning; 2009
Please Note: These recommended texts are just for consideration and do not have to be purchased.
Submission of assessment items
Extensions & Late submissions
Artificial intelligence
Students are not permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in assessments for this unit.
GenAI may only be used in authorised ways when completing assessments at UC. This means that GenAI can only be used for an assessment when:
- the Unit Convener has authorised GenAI use for that assessment
- the student uses GenAI in the way that the assessment instructions allow
- the student fully acknowledges their use of GenAI, with proper citations, references and a GenAI Acknowledgement Statement in line with the assessment instructions.
Where the assessment instructions do not specifically state that GenAI may be used and how, then its use is not permitted for that assessment. Students must still provide the required GenAI Acknowledgement Statement to indicate whether GenAI has or has not been used in the preparation of the assessment. If unsure, students should seek advice from the Unit Convener.
The GenAI for Students. Library Guide provides further information, including how to reference GenAI.
Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.
Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.
UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).
UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.
Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.
Participation requirements
Participation in higher education is a key factor in your academic success. Engaging actively in both the in-person and online learning activities not only deepens your understanding of the subject matter but also equips you to produce stronger, more insightful assessments. Whether through asking questions, contributing to discussions, or completing online modules, your involvement directly influences how well you grasp the material and apply it in your coursework.
Participation isn't just a formality; it's an investment in your education and future achievements, shaping both your academic performance and long-term success.
Required IT skills
Students require general computing skills in applications such as word, PowerPoint, and basic internet search capability.
Work placement, internships or practicums
Not Applicable