Course Info.
- CRN: 83886
- Format: 100% online
- Courseware: Desire2Learn (D2L)
CMS 4805 Introduction to Game Studies turns on the examination of two concepts: “play,” and “game.” We study the structures and aesthetic pleasures found in things like sports, card and table-top games, and—most importantly—video games.
The course satisfies core elective requirements for CMS majors. Students in other majors (including Film Production) should check with their advisors to confirm that the course fits within their degree program.
Links to other sections of this syllabus can be found in the General Class Policies menu. Additional course materials are accessible to enrolled students through D2L.
The course is scheduled for Fall 2025. This syllabus is not complete; check here frequently to make sure that you have the most current information.
Spoiler warning
Unfortunately, we will not be able to avoid spoilers in our discussions of games, movies, or TV shows.
Cost of required materials
The total cost for all assigned materials for the class will not exceed $40.
Required video games
We will be playing a variety of open-source and free-to-play games, e.g. Passage.
In addition, you are required to play at least 3 hours of each of the following games, capture clips of your play from each, and upload these video clips to YouTube:
All required games will be listed in the D2L Content module for the week in which gameplay is due.
Required reading
No textbook is required this semester. Instead, we will read a variety of PDF and online resources, all linked through the Content panel in D2L.
Required viewing
Students are required to rent assigned films and/or television episodes from providers like Amazon. In addition, multiple YouTube videos will be required. All required videos are listed in each week’s D2L Content module.
Required software, hardware, and technical capabilities
- Webcam and Microphone
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For quizzes and exams, you may be required to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser, which includes video monitoring. If your laptop does not have a built-in webcam, you will need to invest in or borrow one to use with your university-mandated laptop computer. (Wikipedia has a useful entry on webcams.)
Also, you will create video recordings of yourself for assignments and upload these recordings to YouTube. If your laptop, digital camera, or phone does not include these capabilities, you will need both a microphone and webcam to use with your laptop.
- YouTube account
- If you don’t already have a YouTube account, you will need to create one for this class. You do not have to use your real name for the account, and you can set the videos to “Unlisted.”(If designated “Unlisted,” your video may be accessed only by users who have the direct link to it. The video will not appear in your channel or in search results.)
- Game Footage Capture Utility (e.g. OBS for PC)
- Major assignments will require that students record their game footage and upload multiple clips to a personal account on YouTube. Modern game consoles have built-in sharing features that simplify this process. If you are playing on a PC, however, you will need a software tool like the free Open Broadcaster Software, or OBS.
- Lockdown Browser
- You may be required to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser for quizzes and exams. You will download and install this on your laptop from within D2L. Please complete this process by taking the Sample Quiz during the first week of class.
- Web Browser: Firefox or Chrome or Safari
- In this media-rich class, using a modern browser is mandatory. Note that Internet Explorer is not recommended for use with Desire2Learn.
- Microsoft Teams
- Students should download the Teams app to their computer, since the Web-based version doesn’t support screen- and video-sharing the Hub’s Knowledge Base article details the necessary steps.
- PDF Reader (Adobe Reader)
- Students must be able to read PDF files.
- Media Player: VLC or equivalent
- Students must be able to play mp3 and mp4 files. Many software tools will enable this, including VLC, which is available for free download.
- Microsoft Word word processing
- Students must be able to compose and read documents saved in the Microsoft Word “docx” format.
- Clayton State email
- Students must access their CSU email accounts on a regular basis. They must be able to use these accounts to attach and retrieve attached files.
Contact information
My contact information including office hours is collected on separate page.
Violence, vulgarity, and profanity
A note of warning: We are all adults, and we are studying a culture that is often violent, vulgar, and profane. As a result, you may hear or see adult content in the materials assigned for our class. Nothing assigned by me or submitted by other students should exceed the MPAA rating of R. When engaging in class discussions, if you submit material that is Not Safe For Work (NSFW) or other venues and audiences, please note this in your subject line as a convenience to your classmates. Please also be aware that your contributions should conform to the class’s rules regarding Online Etiquette.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
It is my intent that students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity along multiple dimensions, including ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups.
Disability services
Students with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Center, Edgewater Hall, Suite 255; 678-466-5445; disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu
Dr. Steve Spence 