Critical Approaches to Civilization

Undergraduate / Graduate

This course serves as an introduction to historical videogame studies through the franchise of Sid Meier's Civilization. We will play several iterations of the game along with other historical titles like Crusader Kings and Pentiment. Readings will focus on historical game studies and game studies broadly (Chapman, Bogost, etc.), with particular emphasis on the use of systems as historical argument. We will investigate the purpose of history in these titles - its function, its relevance, and its status as historiography. A familiarity with 4X strategy games is recommended though not required.