Module manager: Helen Thornham
Email: H.Thornham@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Videogames engage players in a variety of ways. At the same time, they provide particular representions of different individuals and groups. But how? This module examines the forms of identity and identification that videogames would have us adopt as we play them. Of what do games seek to persuade us with regard to questions of species, ability, gender, labour, and our very sense of self? Who and what are we when we play videogames? No prior experience of playing or writing about videogames is required, but a willingness to do so, and to think about them carefully and critically, is essential.
This module explores theories that address both the means by which videogames engage players, and the kinds of identity and identification that they encourage. It takes a critical, reflective approach to videogames, investigating the power they have to shape understandings of individuals, groups, and aspects of the world.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge of how videogames have presented particular
individuals, groups and aspects of the world;
2. demonstrate understanding of concepts, theories and ideas which address
how videogames engage players;
3. demonstrate an attitude of critical enquiry toward videogames and their
use;
4. demonstrate skills of independent research into and analysis of
videogames.
Understandings of games and gamers; theories of identity and identification;
the rhetorical potential of videogames; critical perspectives on the different
roles that players are invited, encouraged or required to adopt.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Practical | 1 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 167.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
During the course of this module, students will:
• prepare for seminars by reading supplementary texts and undertaking prescribed tasks (40 hours);
• research and write their assessments (132.5 hours).
Student progress is monitored by means of participation in weekly seminars, a mid-semester written assessment, and optional individual tutorials.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Source Analysis | 1 x 1,800 - 2,200 words | 40 |
| Essay | 1 x 2,700 - 3,300 words | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 02/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team