FHN3011 Gaming and Participatory Simulation for Research and Design 10.0 credits
The use of gaming as a method in research and design is rapidly growing as a succesful answer to the need for methods that incorporate multistakeholder perspectives with multi-disciplinarity and multi-scale problems. Within this course, we discuss and synthesize on the body of literature from the first wave of soft systems methodology in the early 1970's until the new wave of the last decennium. Both digital and analogue approaches are discussed. As part of the course, doctoral students will make a playable prototype of a gaming simulation.
Information for research students about course offerings
The course is planned for P4 and P5 2023.
Contact the examiner / course coordinator for information.
Content and learning outcomes
Course disposition
The course includes a range of seminar lectures and experience sharing. Furthermore there is literature study of a selection of papers, and the assignment to write a synthesis of this. All sessions incorporate mixed learning methods, including lectures, discussion and exercise.
During the course, students will develop a prototype game in groups, which will be presented at the end of the course.
Course contents
- Different between gamification, gaming simulation and entertainment games
- Different between gaming simulation for education, design, policy making and hypothesis testing
- Limitations of gaming simulations and their validity requirements
- The constituent parts of a gaming simulation
- Analysis of data from game sessions for research purposes
Intended learning outcomes
After completion of the course the doctoral student should have the knowledge and ability to
- assess what problems can be approached with a gaming simulation
- understand the process of conducting game-sessions, the different stages in game sessions, roles of facilitators, players and note-takers in game sessions
- draft the design specifications of a gaming simulation
- be a contributing member in a game design team
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Eligible for studies at the third-cycle level and proven experience in modelling, simulation or gaming, for instance from a previous course or practical experience.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
The course is given every year in combination with gaming summer schools
Literature
n/a
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- DEL2 - Participation, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- INLA - Hand in exercise 1, 3.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- INLB - Hand in exercise 2, 3.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Written essay on gaming simulation approach relevant for own Doctoral studies, and successful completion of game design exercise.
Other requirements for final grade
Pass / Fail Evaluation of all reflections handed in.
Pass / Fail evaluation of presentation of own game
Attendence of all lectures
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.