Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour; outside study, 11 hours. Introduction to critical issues in the culture and history of games. Consideration of games and game culture in relation to contemporary social issues such as economics and class, environment, violence, gender identity, and cross-cultural representation. Weekly focus on a different subject or topic related to games and games culture, combining reading, lecture, discussion, game examples, and opportunities for hands-on gameplay. P/NP or letter grading.