Geekology 101: Exploring Geek Culture Interim 2018

Dr. Tracie Ivy ivytm@wofford.edu

203K Milliken telephone ext: 5020

Prof. Steve Zides zidessb@wofford.edu 124A Milliken telephone ext: 4613

Most of us have to suppress the geekier aspects of our personalities to fit within the mainstream culture. But what if there was a magical geek sanctuary where you could let loose and celebrate all the cool geekisms that make you unique? This interim project aims to be that place by engaging students in a plethora of geeky readings, films, discussions, games and activities. The course will be loosely based on four geeky themes: Games (I need more mana), Science Fiction (I’m the Doctor), Fantasy (my precious.. my precious), and Japanese Anime (to obtain something, something of equal value must be lost). If your dice have more than six sides; if you find yourself lost without your sonic screwdriver; if your car has a bumper sticker that reads “My other car is a Firebolt.”, then this interim project might be for you. Webpage: http://webs.wofford.edu/zidessb/GeekInterim/Geekology101.htm Readings:

Before our first class, Read article on Defining Geek Culture Read material regarding D & D or Magic the

Gathering Links and files are on course Moodle

Project Policies

Assessment

The following will be required to receive a grade of Satisfactory:

Satisfactorily complete 7 Journal entries

Earn a 70% or above on your Geekout presentation

Earn a 70% or above on reading quizzes

To receive Honors: Satisfactorily complete all journal

entries Earn a 90% or above on your Geekout

presentation Earn a 90% or above on reading

quizzes

Enthusiastically contribute to the success of the interim by helping other students, maintaining a positive and engaged attitude…basically, show us that the interim is way better with you than without you.

Attendance Attendance is mandatory. Students with 2 or more unexcused absences will receive a grade of Unsatisfactory. Excused absences will be given when proper documentation is provided (e.g. doctor’s note, etc.).

Participation Your participation is key to making this interim work! Students who do not come to class prepared and/or do not participate in class activities and discussions will receive a grade of Unsatisfactory.

Professionalism Policy Please arrive on time for all class meetings. Students who habitually disturb the class by talking, arriving late, etc., and have been warned will receive a grade of Unsatisfactory in the course. Mobile phones, tablets, iPods, etc. must be silenced and put away during all classroom activities. Those not heeding this rule will be asked to leave the classroom immediately so as to not disrupt the learning environment. This will count as an unexcused absence.

Academic Conduct Policy As they are completely antithetical to the ethics and goals of higher education, cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication will be addressed to the fullest extent allowed by the guidelines set forth by the College (See Student Handbook). If you wouldn’t tell us that you did it, you probably shouldn’t be doing it. When in doubt, please ask.

Geekology 101 January TENTATIVE Schedule

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1 2 3 4 Game Week 5 Game Week

Intro. to Geek Culture Geek Gaming

Geek Gaming

8 Game Week 9 Game Week 10 Game Week 11 Sci-Fi Week 12 Sci-Fi Week

Geek Gaming Geek Gaming Movie Feature: Geekout #2 Field Trip!

Geekout #1 Jumanji

15 Sci Fi Week 16 Sci Fi Week 17 Sci Fi Week 18 Fantasy Week 19 Fantasy Week

Geekout #3 Movie Feature: Geekout #4 Field Trip!

The Last Jedi

22 Fantasy Week 23 Fantasy Week 24 Fantasy Week 25 Anime/Manga Week 26 Anime/Manga Week

Geekout #5 Fantasy Art day Movie Feature: Geekout #6 Field Trip!

Neverending story

27 Anime/Mangaa Week 28 Anime/Manga Week 29 Last Day Celebration

Geekout #7