University of Connecticut, Center for Continuing Studies - Professional Studies-Living Epic:Power of Video Games in Culture

Cutting-edge Online Non-credit Course

This course is led by Dr. Roger Travis, University of Connecticut, who seeks, through the Video Games and Human Values Initiative, to bring together scholars and students in the humanities, the social sciences, education, computer science, and business to consider the place and extraordinary potential of video games in our culture. You, your staff, or your team will gain insight into the newly discovered benefits of the gaming culture and its impact on today’s youth. "To have begun is to have done half the task; dare to be wise." (Horace)

Hone Your Understanding of Epic Storytelling

The most important aspects of video games are as old as the Iliad and the Odyssey, and just as potentially beneficial to society. Video gamers reawaken the ancient epic tradition of the Homeric bards, and learn about such essential cultural values as the nature of virtue, just as the ancient Greeks learned from their epics.

Teachers and Parents Can Attend

Learn how gaming can be an effective method of teaching and understanding your children. This course offers 1.5 CEUs.

What People Are Saying

"Everything was so well presented and thoughtful. Professor Travis was brilliant in his presentation, planning and execution."

"I liked the video lectures because I could go back and rewatch them when I was unsure of an idea or if I forgot something. It made notetaking much more efficient. I could also watch them anytime I had an opportunity."

"It brought a new perspective for learning about the significance of video games."

"What I like best? - the fact that I could complete it here in Australia. All links worked really well and the readings and viewings were interesting."

"Would I advise others to take this course? - Already have!"

Registration Information

Dates: To Be Announced
Duration: 3 weeks
Format: Asynchronous Online
Audience: Teachers, counselors, parents, advanced high school students, and undergraduate students
Cost: $200
More Information: Call 860-486-3231 or email us at cpdinfo@uconn.edu

Course Format

The entire course is offered online on the HuskyCT platform.
The following texts are recommended for full appreciation of the course:

The Odyssey of Homer (Perennial Classics) by Homer; Richard Lattimore, Translator
Publisher : Harper Perennial (June 1, 1999)
ISBN-13 : 978-0060931957

The Iliad of Homer by Homer; Richard Lattimore, Translator
Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (June 1, 1961)
ISBN-13: 978-0226469409

The Singer of Tales by Albert B. Lord, Stephen Mitchell (Editor), Gregory Nagy, (Editor)
Publisher: Harvard University Press; 2nd edition (May 5, 2000)
ISBN-13: 978-0674002838

The Best of the Achaeans: Concepts of the Hero in Archaic Greek Poetry by Professor Gregory Nagy
Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; Revised edition (October 1, 1998)
ISBN-13: 978-0801860157
HuskyCT is available 24/7 to accommodate the busy schedules of working adults.
The course is asynchronous, which means you can log on and work at your own pace at any hour of the day.
Approximately five (5) hours per week should be dedicated to the course.
Students receive a grade of Complete or Incomplete based on submission of completed assignments and active participation in online discussion postings.

Information

UConn is an approved provider of CT State Department of Education CEUs.
Connecticut teachers may be eligible to receive 1.5 CEUs upon completion of the course.
Teachers from other states may be eligible for 15 Contact Hours.
Certificates are mailed to successful participants.