All reading materials: Time and Change 1. TimeChange_ReadMe (Requirements of Assignment) 2. Everyone Reads 1) Dystopian Video Games and Human Nature _ Scholarly Gamers 2) Engaging Apolitical Adolescen
Time and Change Module Instructions and Diary Questions Introduction The theme of time allows us to understand the cause and effect relationship between events, while keeping in mind the social context in which these events occurred. The contents of this module focus on examining historical and fictional institutions and both the intended and unintended consequences of their functions. While the games in this module have several defining characteristics, they are all laden with story rich backgrounds that emphasize the progress of their respective characters and societies. Game Choices (choose one) Bioshock is i nspired by the dystopian literature of the 20 th century, it depicts consequences of an attempted utopia. However, these consequences are ofte n shown through an accelerated return to the problems the utopia had set on overcoming. Throughout the series, the player is required to deal with the aftermath as well as the responsible individuals as they deal with the consequences of their actions. Rec ommended for students with at least some experience with gaming. Parts of the game can become intense and difficult to pass without some prior knowledge of first -person shooter games. The C ave is a visually light -hearted puzzle platformer with a series o f incredibly dark subplots. While each of the seven characters has distinct story lines, each hold valuable insights into various topics such as changing preferences, consequences, and struggle for status. Recommended for: This is a good choice for student s with limited video game experience but a propensity for solving puzzles. Very little startup cost is required, as versions exist for mobile devices as well as major console and computer operating systems. Fallout 4 illustrates post -apocalyptic scenario s nested in relevant social context. Spanning the series is the powerful statement: “war never changes.” Throughout the games, developers craft a world that combines aspects from both past and future civilizations, emphasizing the progress of society as we ll as the consequences of a lack of foresight. Recommended for more experienced gamers interested in the social implications of war and survival Readings All students should read the 3 PDFs in the “Everyone Reads” content folder for Time and Change . These are named: Dystopian Video Games…, Engaging Apolitical Adolescents, The identity paradox… In addition to these, you should also read the content included in the “X Gamers Read” folder , where “X” is the name of the game you decide to play from your menu of options. For example, if you pick Bioshock , then you should do the three readings in that folder. There are two readings for Fallout 4. For gamers of The Cave, there are no additional readings, but you need to watch “ Something Ricked This Way Comes” from Rick and Morty, Season1, Episode 9 (available on Hulu or Amazon). Reading Diary Questions Your reading diary questions will depend upon which game you decide to play. Bioshock Gamers Bioshock is the ultimate ‘what if’ that fans of dystopian authors such as Ayn Rand had been waiting for. However, instead of projecting the future, Bioshock has projected the future of the proposed correction: the city of Rapture. On the o ther end of the spectrum, ‘Harrison Bergeron’ offers an insight into a possible outcome of current (or 1961) society. In this diary submission, please complete the following: (1) Take your experiences roaming the ruins of Rapture ( and don’t forget the audio d iaries !) and compare and contrast what you observe with the world of ‘Harrison Bergeron.’ Specifically consider how the development of the society of Rapture parallels and differs from the government’s restrictions in ‘Harrison Bergeron.’ (50 points) (2) Discuss the similarities /differences in the stability of the society, the people you encounter , and any other themes that may stretch between the two works. One example may be the level of technological development in each work (you can use this one, but make sure to include others as well!). (45 points) (3) As part of your reflection, consider a scen ario where Rapture is governed in a way that limits ADAM users similarly to the legal restrictions on Harrison Bergeron. Might this society look like? Do you think the events of ‘Harrison Bergeron’ in such a society would have occurred sooner than they di d, later, or never? (45 points) Make sure to reference the assigned readings and game in crafting your response. The Cave Gamers Personal preferences are always changing, and in some cases change only after we experience the consequences of our actions. In this diary submission, please complete the following: (1) Compare and contrast the characters’ stories and outcomes in the Cave with Mr. Needful’s business in the Rick and Morty episode ‘Something Ricked This Way Comes’. As you do this, make sure to discu ss the intended and unintended consequences of each character’s pursuit in relation to the cave’s/Mr. Needful’s goals. (50 points) (2) Explain the connections between specific characters (More than one!) in Rick and Morty with the members of the Cave. These s hould be somewhat meaningful, such as a similar backstory or a shared life -long goal. Explain how these shared identities helped or hindered their personal development . (45 points) (3) Finally, identify at least one character from both Rick and Morty and the Cave that learned some meaningful lesson on the path to their end goal. What was this lesson ? Would this lesson be as meaningful if it were delivered in a less harsh manner ? In other words, did the lesson need to be this harsh in order to make the lesson ‘ stick’? (45 points) Make sure to reference the assigned readings when crafting your response, especially those that relate to personal identity within the gaming world. Please remember that gamers are expected to play through all 7 characters, which requires playing the game 3 separate times. Fallout 4 Gamers The short story ‘There Will Come Soft Rains’ (as well as the poem by the same name) and the Fallout franchise are so interconnected that Fallout’s developers have scattered references to the poem, story, and Ray Bradbur y throughout the games (Skeptical? Google it). While the scope of this course doesn’t allow for the time to fully emerge into the network of quest lines that Fallout 4 has to offer, use this diary entry to compare and contrast the infrastructure that you e ncounter during your gameplay. For your diary, address the following questions: (1) What do the buildings in Fallout 4 and ‘There Will Come Soft Rains’ tell us about society prior to nuclear fallout and the development of society? Make sure to explain the architecture and scenery described in both, as well as what narrative these descriptions tell.(45 points) (2) Next, compare your analysis with current civilization, given the 50 -70 year gap between today and the settings of these works. Specifically, how would these scenarios be different if they occurred today ? (50 points) (3) Finally, in the context of both the game and short story, do you agree with the statemen t “War Never Changes?” Exp lain your point using evidence from the readings as well as real - world examples. (45 points) Make sure to refer to the readings when crafting your response and making your arguments. Please also note that your level of detail will reflect the amount of ga meplay you have attained.
