About the Analyzing Digital Gaming and Culture Cohort

This is an introduction to the field of game studies, and to games as narrative and cultural media. We will look at the stories games tell; the way their narrative elements or plot devices intersect with the culture around the games and gaming itself; and how all these things come together to affect game design, meaning, and play.

Along the way, we will discuss things like literature, gaming manuals, narrative theory, and more, in order to explore and critique analog and digital games. Obviously, you will be required to play games in this class. You do not have to be a “gamer,” of course, but you will need to be open to games of various kinds.

Eligibility

Any undergraduate student with an interest in data studies and gaming as a source of cultural media (first-year students and continuing students are both welcome)

Residential Component

• New Incoming Students: Living in Data Mine residential space is required unless you are in the Honors College or have other special accommodations needed.
• The Housing Reapplication process – Residents can opt into the Housing Reapplication Lottery from October 14 at 8:30 a.m. EDT to October 22 at 5 p.m. EDT in the Housing Portal.
• Your roommate (in most cases) will be a member of The Data Mine.
• If you want to live on campus, it is necessary to complete a housing contract. (Completing a housing contract is a separate process from applying for a learning community.)

Duration

Fall and spring semesters

Required classes

If you are accepted into The Data Mine – Analyzing Digital Gaming and Culture cohort, you will need to register for the following courses:

Fall

• ENGL 28000 (3 credits; CRN 16018) Games, Narrative, Culture
• TDM 10100, 20100, 30100, 40100 (1 credit; 5 sections available) The Data Mine I, III, V, or VII

Spring

• ENGL 33000 (3 credits) Games And Diversity OR ENGL 33200 (3 credits) Games And User Experience (UX)
• TDM 10200, 20200, 30200, 40200 (1 credit; 5 sections available) The Data Mine II, IV, VI, or VIII

Events and Activities

• Weekly dinners with Data Mine participants
• Faculty and TA office hours onsite in Hillenbrand
• Seminars by visiting speakers, including practicing data scientists
• Social gatherings with Data Mine members
• Meals with campus and community leaders
• Game / recreation nights
• Career and graduate school panels
• Hackathons / data competitions
• Professional development activities
• Tour of Purdue’s computational facilities