Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/interactive-media-gaming
In recent years, the boundaries between various forms of storytelling have become increasingly blurred, making the exploration of narrative through different media an exciting journey. Coursera’s course, ‘Online Games: Literature, New Media, and Narrative,’ dives deep into this intersection, focusing on the fascinating realm of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) through the lens of literature and narrative.
**Course Overview**
This course is tailored for anyone from curious newcomers to seasoned gamers who seek a deeper understanding of their beloved medium. At its core, the course examines how stories from literature and film transform when they are integrated into the world of online gaming, using ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy as a primary example. This rich multi-dimensional analysis of remediation—the process through which familiar stories change shape—offers participants a chance to see how narrative adapts across different platforms.
**Syllabus Insights**
The syllabus is thoughtfully designed to cover a wide range of topics, ensuring participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the course material.
1. **Game on! The History and Theory of MMOs** – The course starts by grounding students in gaming culture and introduces the theory behind games using Turbine’s ‘The Lord of the Rings Online.’
2. **LOTRO and Tolkien** – Participants explore storytelling modes and the significance of quests in both literature and games.
3. **Romance and Realism** – A captivating comparative analysis of Tolkien’s work and different adaptations, encouraging deeper literary analysis.
4. **Space and Time in Three Media** – This week examines how concepts of space and time influence storytelling in games, films, and literature.
5. **Pwning Spenser’s Faerie Queene** – Artists and students remix classic literature, showcasing the evolving nature of stories as they transition into game formats.
6. **The Holy Grail: A Good End Game** – This final module thoughtfully considers narrative closure, offering closure to participants as they reflect on what it means to ‘complete’ a story in games.
Through engaging readings and interactive discussions, participants will deepen their appreciation for both the gaming medium and the literary works that inspire them. Discussion prompts encourage critical thinking and communal exploration of these themes, making for a rich learning experience.
**Recommendation**
For anyone looking to expand their understanding of gaming alongside an appreciation for literature, I highly recommend ‘Online Games: Literature, New Media, and Narrative.’ This course not only enriches your knowledge of storytelling but also invites critical reflections on how technology and media shape our narratives. Whether you’re a literary aficionado, a gamer, or someone intrigued by the intersection of both, this course provides valuable insights that you won’t want to miss.
By the end of the course, you’ll emerge with a nuanced understanding of narrative’s evolution as it travels between mediums—an essential perspective for anyone passionate about storytelling in the modern age.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/interactive-media-gaming