Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/interactive-media-gaming
In today’s digital age, video games have become a key part of our cultural narrative, merging storytelling with interactive experiences. For both newcomers curious about gaming and seasoned players keen on delving deeper into their passion, the Coursera course ‘Online Games: Literature, New Media, and Narrative’ presents a compelling exploration.
This course is structured as a university-level English literature class, inviting participants to examine the transformative power of stories across different media. Central to the course is a detailed analysis of The Lord of the Rings, encompassing its novels, film adaptations, and the immersive MMO, The Lord of the Rings Online. It provides a unique opportunity to study how established narratives adapt and evolve through the lens of gaming.
The syllabus is thoughtfully organized, beginning with the historical context and theory behind massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). Students explore key concepts like ‘remediation’—how stories are reshaped when they transition across forms—and engage with significant readings, such as Jesper Juul’s Half-Real: Video Games between Real Rules and Fictional Worlds.
One standout week includes a comparative analysis of scenes from Tolkien’s novel and Peter Jackson’s film, alongside their representation in The Lord of the Rings Online. This approach cultivates a rich understanding of how narrative elements like quests and character development operate across different artistic platforms.
Another engaging segment focuses on Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene. Participants witness the art of remediation as students create their own version of this classic story in a video game format, highlighting the innovative potential of modern storytelling.
The final weeks thoughtfully address the narrative structure of beginnings, middles, and endings. The course culminates where traditional narratives and gaming experiences intersect, exploring the challenge of creating engaging end-game content for advanced players in MMOs, all while reflecting on Tolkien’s masterful conclusions.
Overall, ‘Online Games: Literature, New Media, and Narrative’ on Coursera is a must-take course for anyone eager to appreciate the artistry behind games and the narratives they convey. It blends academic rigor with interactive entertainment, offering students valuable insights into the convergence of literature and gaming.
Enhance your understanding of narratives in the digital age—enroll in this course to embark on an exciting journey through literature and new media!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/interactive-media-gaming