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The Data Mine - Analyzing Digital Gaming and Culture
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.
Additional information can be found at datamine.purdue.edu.
Eligibility
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Any undergraduate student with an interest in Data Studies and gaming as a source of cultural media
Residential Component
- Students will indicate interest in Learning Communities (LCs) and apply during their housing application process. Students will be informed of the status of their LC application in mid-May.
- Roommate selection will occur after LC decisions have been made. If admitted to an LC, students will need to match with other student(s) admitted to the same LC. If not selected for an LC, the student's original housing preferences will be considered during general housing placement and the student will be able to roommate match with other general housing students.
- The location of LC housing will be determined based on the incoming class size and the needs of the learning community.
- For specific question regarding learning communities, email learningcommunities@purdue.edu.
- If you have questions about housing, contact University Residences (https://www.housing.purdue.edu/) at housing@purdue.edu.
Duration
Full Academic Year
Associated Courses and Information
Fall
- TDM 10100 (1 credit) The Data Mine Seminar l
Spring
- TDM 10200 (1 credit) The Data Mine Seminar ll
- ENGL 33000 (3 credits) Games and Diversity
- ENGL 33200 (3 credits) Games and User Experience (UX)
Additional information can be found at datamine.purdue.edu/english.
Every fee eligible student involved with a learning community (LC) at Purdue will be assessed the $200 LC fee to their university account. These funds support activities and travel, signature LC events, housing assignments and/or course registration and instructor stipends.
Events and Activities Included:
- Weekly dinners with Data Mine LC participants
- Faculty and TA office hours in Hillenbrand
- Seminars by visiting speakers, including practicing data scientists
- Social gatherings with Data Mine LC 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
Information above is subject to change. If you are placed in the LC, the associated courses will be on your schedule prior to you registering for the rest of your courses.
