Video games gaining legitimacy in academia?

[ubikuberalles]

Colleges are offering courses in video games:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0829/p01s04-ussc.html?learningNav

Dad I'm going to major in video games!

[Dire 51]

Not everyone buys the idea. Adding video games to the curriculum is merely pandering to students and will lead to an "intellectual devolution," says Edward Smith, director of American Studies at American University.

"It's just another concession to the customer," he says. "Kids have grown up playing Nintendo. They don't read because they don't know how to read - they don't cultivate the imagination.... They need to be put through the intellectual rigors of a traditional format for education. Video games are just an easy way to avoid it."

Hmmm... I've been playing video games since I was 5, and for the majority of my life I've been reading far above the level I should be. I've got a pretty good imagination too. I'd love to give this guy a piece of my mind.

[Kroogah]

"Intellectual devolution". Wow, he soundz smarrrt. What was that guy's major? Elitism?

Yeah, um....I'm one of those "kids that grew up playing Nintendo" and I also have been reading far above the level I should be. I've been reading at "College Level" since 6th grade or so. And I also read books to my preschool class.

I guess it's just too bad I lack teh intellectual rigorz0r.

[davidbrit2]

I've been reading since I was about 2 or 3. And I taught myself just so I could read my Atari manuals. So I guess that kind of shoots holes in his theory.

[RetroYoungen]

I'd just like to add to the number of early and advanced readers. I was able to read at a high school level (don't know for sure about a college level) since I was around 6th grade as well, and I learned just because it was interesting. Though it did help me navigate menus better, and it showed me a plethora of new and interesting worlds. Now I'm even interested in writing papers in my English classes, ironically right now I'm writing about growing up with gaming. Sounds like that guy just doesn't know what he's talking about...

This guy should be smacked up his head with the Pheonix Guide. (plug plug)

[Jorpho]

Well, video game design courses I can understand. There would surely be much rigorous programming involved; otherwise, the graduates probably would have a hard time getting hired.

But really, some of this stuff...


At a video-game study room not far from Dr. Gee's office, students play and analyze the appeal and design of games such as "Grand Theft Auto" and "Everquest."

Yes, it is true that all kinds of colleges offer nutty courses in things like graffiti and Star Trek and Oprah. (Sometimes such offerings seem more like Acclaim-style publicity stunts.) But I daresay something like this just cheapens the achievements of those who complete a more challenging program in which video games happen to be involved.
________
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[lendelin]

That's great, finally colleges react to an economic demand and see a way to get more revenues; slowly, very slowly dumb stereotypes might be overcome as well. As long as these courses are taken seriously, consist of serious academic cahllenge and requirements, and and are not taken as an easy way out, it's great.

Stereotypes about illiteracy and games: You wouldn't believe what I heard in the last 15 years when I told colleagues that I love videogames. They just can't cope with the fact that someone knows history, politics, is otherwise pretty much well educated, and loves games!!! My funniest quote from a woman at a party: "But...you have a PHD and teach, and you know so much about art, how can you play these games?" It's sad and funny because it's true. :)