JAN 304-01 - The Case for Literary Merit in Video Games

Level:  300-level

Course Times:  6:00pm - 8:40pm

Course Materials Fee:  $50

Please note this course cannot be repeated.

Instructor(s):  Erin-Clare FitzPatrick   

Email:  clare.fitzpatrick88@gmail.com

Video games have evolved from simple arcade distractions into a complex and immersive storytelling medium. Once dismissed as entertainment, games now rival literature and film in their ability to craft compelling narratives, explore deep themes, and engage audiences on an emotional level. This course examines video games as a form of literature, analyzing how they use storytelling, character development, and world-building to create meaning.

Through a combination of gameplay, literary analysis, and seminar-style discussions, we will explore how video games tackle universal themes such as morality, loss, identity, and free will. We will also examine the evolution of storytelling in games, from classic linear narratives to interactive and emergent experiences. By comparing video games to traditional literature, we will challenge preconceived notions about what defines a “literary” work and explore how the gaming industry continues to push the boundaries of narrative design.

In addition to discussing mainstream titles, we will focus on independent and underrepresented voices in gaming, highlighting stories told through diverse perspectives. Students will engage in critical discussions, analyze how different mechanics shape narrative, and develop their own arguments about the place of video games in literary discourse. Ultimately, this course aims to equip students with the tools to critically assess video games not just as entertainment, but as an evolving and influential storytelling medium.

Prerequisites & Notes
SEM 250 or SEM 327

Please Note:  This course cannot be repeated. If you took JAN 120 in 2025, you are ineligible for enrollment and will be removed from the course.

Credits: 3