Have you ever thought about what exactly makes a game leave that lasting impression on you? Maybe you’ve noticed that games can sometimes alter the way you think about the world you live in. In this course, we’ll examine some of the psychological mechanisms underlying your favorite games and the impact games can have on society. A taste of some of the topics: |Games and prosocial behavior |Game mechanics and their underlying psychology |Toxicity versus altruism in game communities |Gamer identity and sense of community |Real morality and guilt |Freedom of choice and exploration |Personal investment in a digital world Some potential games for discussion: Undertale, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros., League of Legends, Pokemon, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and more!

Tired after your other classes? Come chill and learn the basics of modular origami. Open to all levels of experience!