HIST338J

From *Crusader Kings* to *Skyrim*, the medieval is a core element of modern gaming. Students will not only study the medieval history behind their favorite games, but also how medieval imagery and storylines can be used to send modern messages. We'll look at games that take place at a specific moment in history (*Assassin's Creed, Kingdom Come: Deliverance*), games where you get to control the course of history (*Crusader Kings, Total War, Civilization*) and even games that take place in entirely fantastical worlds (*The Legend of Zelda, Dragon Quest, Baldur's Gate III*). Students will explore how games can be tools for understanding the past and how they can also spread misrepresentation, misunderstanding, and stereotypes.