Ready Player One; Review Article; Misogyny in Video Games

We will screen the last few minutes of Ready Player One.

After screening the film, please write your review article or create your vlog or podcast reviewing the film.

Extra Credit: Misogyny in Video Games. Please watch the following videos and read the article "Your Princess Is In Another Castle". Use the source material to write a reflective essay/article on your position regarding this important issue about the misogyny of video games & digital media. You may gain even more extra credit if you, like Anita Sarkeesian, film a vlog post or create a Podcast and upload on your blog your own critical review on the topic. [You may work collaboratively on this project!]

Your Princess is in Another Castle (article) - Arthur Chu
Damsel in Distress, Part 1 (video; parts 2 & 3 can be viewed as well...) - Anita Sarkeesian
Women As Reward - Feminist Frequency (video) - Anita Sarkeesian
Not Your Exotic Fantasy - Feminist Frequency (Sexist, Racist Tropes in Video Games, video) - Anita Sarkeesian

If you have time you may move on to work on your homework. Our next unit will involve the music industry.

HOMEWORK: Complete your review of Ready Player One if you did not complete it in class. You may also work on the extra credit assignments if you wish. Read Chapter 4 and answer the questions for MONDAY, Dec. 3.

Ready Player One: Conclusion; Film Review Project

Film: Ready Player One, directed by Steven Spielberg. 

Before we view the film, check out and read information on Steven Spielberg. Also, check out information about the film at IMDB.com (international movie database). You will use this information (I hope) along with the content of the film we watch in class to write or vlog a film review. 

A film review is similar to other kinds of reviews (like a game review). It usually opens with a hook to grab the attention of the reader, followed by a lead-in that identifies the subject matter and creates a thesis: was this film any good?

• a hook or introduction that explains what the film is, who created it or directed it or acted in it, and a summary of the storyline or important themes of the film. 
• an analysis of the parts of the film. Usually, for a film, this includes an judgement about the story, the acting, the special effects, the sound or music, or other technical film details like the editing or the production quality of the film. Each part usually consists of a paragraph.
• a review ends with the writer's opinion about the quality or worth of the film. Is this a film that you enjoyed watching? Why or why not? What is the final conclusion: should someone watch this film?
• sometimes a review ends with similar films to watch; or something wise to consider about the product that a consumer should be aware of. In essence, "why should I see this film?" Other critics may rate the film (thumbs up, thumbs down, 3 out of 10, C+, etc.)

As you watch the film, take notes of key/major topics (see handout). You will use your notes to help you write/film your review.

HOMEWORK: Complete your film review. You may either write a film review or create a vlog (video) reviewing the film and upload it to your blog. Reviews (written or filmed) are due Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Either way, your review (written or filmed) should include all relevant aspects of a film review (see above).

Have a nice Thanksgiving break!

Catch Up; Ready Player One?

Period 7: 

If you did not complete the 3 writing tasks, please complete them in the next 30-35 minutes. Go, go, go! If you did, see below:

Writing Task: 

• On YOUR blog, please write a review of the book Ready Player One. What did you think of it? Consider writing about the writing style, the characters, the plot, the use of 80's nostalgia, the action sequences, the theme (note that one of the main themes is that business/companies ruin or challenge the private player in the "internet". The government's concern over Net Neutrality has also been an important issue.)--or any other evaluation or comment you make from your reading. 

Writing Task (#2): 

• Are Video Games Dangerous?
• Please read and take notes on the following 4 articles (note the authors/arguments offered):
• Shooter Video Games Really Do Rot Your Brain (Mia De Graff; Daily Mail)
• You've Been Lied To--Video Games Will Not Rot Your Brain (Tim Miller)
• How Video Games Affect the Brain (Hannah Nicols)
• Video Games Can Change Your Brain (Science Daily--see bottom of web page for MLA citation)
• In a short article (300-500 words) please present/summarize the information from the articles on the issue and agree with one side as to whether or not video games are dangerous.

Writing Task (#3): 

• Choose 1 review of a video game from the website: Metacritic. [choose a game review, click on it, then click "Read Full Review" to read the actual review.]
• Notice how the review was written: 
• a hook or introduction that explains what the game is, who created it or published it, and a summary of the storyline or object of the game. 
• an analysis of the parts of the game. Usually, for a game, this includes an judgement about the story, the actual game play, the video graphics, the sound, or other technical details. Each part usually consists of a paragraph.
• a review ends with the writer's opinion about the quality or worth of the game. Is this a game that you would enjoy? Why or why not? What is the final conclusion: should someone buy and play this game?
• sometimes a review ends with similar games to buy or play; or something wise to consider about the product that a consumer should be aware of.
• Then: choose a video game to review (see below for some sample ideas)
• Review the game. [If you can't play it--or did not play the game, make sure you indicate this in your review...]
• In the COMMENT section of this blog, please post your short review. Try to hit some of the bullet points regarding what is included in a game review. 

Finally, with time remaining (or as information for your consideration) take a look at these videos/links:

Crash Course:

The Video Game Crash of 1983

Nintendo and the New Standard for Video Games

Playstation & Immersive Video Games

Video Game Museum:

• Space Invaders (1978) and play the game here (you need flash)
• Pac Man (1980) and play the game here (you need flash)
• Donkey Kong (1981) and play the game here (you need flash)
• Joust (1982) and play the game here (you need flash)
• Pole Position (1982) and play a similar-style game here (you need flash)
• Super Mario Brothers (1985) and play the game here (hit X to jump; arrow keys to move)
• Street Fighter (1987) & Mortal Combat (1992)
• Other classic 80's games

Period 8: Film: Ready Player One, directed by Steven Spielberg. 

Before we view the film, check out and read information on Steven Spielberg. Also, check out information about the film at IMDB.com (international movie database). You will use this information (I hope) along with the content of the film we watch in class to write or vlog a film review. 

A film review is similar to other kinds of reviews (like a game review). It usually opens with a hook to grab the attention of the reader, followed by a lead-in that identifies the subject matter and creates a thesis: was this film any good?

• a hook or introduction that explains what the film is, who created it or directed it or acted in it, and a summary of the storyline or important themes of the film. 
• an analysis of the parts of the film. Usually, for a film, this includes an judgement about the story, the acting, the special effects, the sound or music, or other technical film details like the editing or the production quality of the film. Each part usually consists of a paragraph.
• a review ends with the writer's opinion about the quality or worth of the film. Is this a film that you enjoyed watching? Why or why not? What is the final conclusion: should someone watch this film?
• sometimes a review ends with similar films to watch; or something wise to consider about the product that a consumer should be aware of. In essence, "why should I see this film?" Other critics may rate the film (thumbs up, thumbs down, 3 out of 10, C+, etc.)

As you watch the film, take notes of key/major topics (see handout). You will use your notes to help you write/film your review.

HOMEWORK: None.

Digital Video Games: Flashback to the 80's; Are Video Games Dangerous? Article; Video Game Review

Please turn in your interactive fiction project to our Google classroom. Also due:  the ?'s and article on Video Games & you should have read the sample chapters from the novel Ready Player One.

For advanced students looking for extra credit for MP2:

• You may like to create a platform video game. Check out:
• Gamefroot
• Flowlab
• Sploder (you would need to pay for this program--but it might be fun for you!)
• Extra credit if you complete a game and share it with the class.

Writing Task: 

• On YOUR blog, please write a review of the book Ready Player One. What did you think of it? Consider writing about the writing style, the characters, the plot, the use of 80's nostalgia, the action sequences, the theme (note that one of the main themes is that business/companies ruin or challenge the private player in the "internet". The government's concern over Net Neutrality has also been an important issue.)--or any other evaluation or comment you make from your reading. 

Writing Task (#2): 

• Are Video Games Dangerous?
• Please read and take notes on the following 4 articles (note the authors/arguments offered):
• Shooter Video Games Really Do Rot Your Brain (Mia De Graff; Daily Mail)
• You've Been Lied To--Video Games Will Not Rot Your Brain (Tim Miller)
• How Video Games Affect the Brain (Hannah Nicols)
• Video Games Can Change Your Brain (Science Daily--see bottom of web page for MLA citation)
• In a short article (300-500 words) please present/summarize the information from the articles on the issue and agree with one side as to whether or not video games are dangerous.

Writing Task (#3): 

• Choose 1 review of a video game from the website: Metacritic. [choose a game review, click on it, then click "Read Full Review" to read the actual review.]
• Notice how the review was written: 
• a hook or introduction that explains what the game is, who created it or published it, and a summary of the storyline or object of the game. 
• an analysis of the parts of the game. Usually, for a game, this includes an judgement about the story, the actual game play, the video graphics, the sound, or other technical details. Each part usually consists of a paragraph.
• a review ends with the writer's opinion about the quality or worth of the game. Is this a game that you would enjoy? Why or why not? What is the final conclusion: should someone buy and play this game?
• sometimes a review ends with similar games to buy or play; or something wise to consider about the product that a consumer should be aware of.
• Then: choose a video game to review (see below for some sample ideas)
• Review the game. [If you can't play it--or did not play the game, make sure you indicate this in your review...]
• In the COMMENT section of this blog, please post your short review. Try to hit some of the bullet points regarding what is included in a game review. 

Finally, with time remaining (or as information for your consideration) take a look at these videos/links:

Crash Course:

The Video Game Crash of 1983

Nintendo and the New Standard for Video Games

Playstation & Immersive Video Games

Video Game Museum:

• Space Invaders (1978) and play the game here (you need flash)
• Pac Man (1980) and play the game here (you need flash)
• Donkey Kong (1981) and play the game here (you need flash)
• Joust (1982) and play the game here (you need flash)
• Pole Position (1982) and play a similar-style game here (you need flash)
• Super Mario Brothers (1985) and play the game here (hit X to jump; arrow keys to move)
• Street Fighter (1987) & Mortal Combat (1992)
• Other classic 80's games

HOMEWORK: Complete the 3 writing tasks described above. If you haven't had a chance to play a video game, do so. If you didn't watch the Crash Course videos, please do that as well. 

Interactive Fiction Project: Day 5

Please continue to work on your interactive fiction projects. See previous posts and handouts for details. When you complete your interactive fiction game story, please send me the file in Google Classroom. Ask Valerie how she did it, if you have trouble.

For advanced students looking for extra credit for MP2:

• If you finish your interactive fiction project (make sure you've proofread and played your game! Catch any errors!), you may like to create a platform video game.  Check out:
• Gamefroot
• Flowlab
• Sploder (you would need to pay for this program--but it might be fun for you!)
• Extra credit if you complete a game and share it with the class.

If you have completed everything, work on your homework:

HOMEWORK: If you did not finish your interactive fiction, please do so. We will be moving on to our next project Wednesday. Complete the ?'s and article on Video Games & read the sample chapters from the novel Ready Player One for Wednesday of next week: Nov. 14.

Interactive Fiction Project (Twine): Day 4; Extra Credit Opportunity; Ready Player One

Today, please continue to work on your interactive fiction projects. See previous posts and handouts for details.

For advanced students looking for extra credit for MP2:

• If you finish your interactive fiction project (make sure you've proofread and played your game! Catch any errors!), you may like to create a platform video game.  Check out:
• Gamefroot
• Flowlab
• Sploder (you would need to pay for this program--but it might be fun for you!)
• Extra credit if you complete a game and share it with the class.

If you have completed everything, work on your homework:

HOMEWORK: Complete the ?'s and article on Video Games & read the sample chapters from the novel Ready Player One for Wednesday of next week: Nov. 14.

Interactive Fiction Project (Twine): Day 3

Please continue to work on your interactive fiction projects.

Watch the video for tips on how to make your writing come alive!

How to write fight or action scenes

Get the idea?

TWINE: You should learn a little about how to use TWINE (the program we will be using for this project). You can get help at this link: Twine - Help (or check your handout).

The hardest part (apart from organizing, planning, and writing your story) is learning the software. You can choose either twine or quest software. Both are linked below. Instructions are found online or as copied handouts given to you in class.

Click on the link to get started using the program:

• Twine 

Use the ONLINE option.

Once you're ready start writing your beginning. It's a good idea to make sure your reader has enough information about their character, setting, and situation before introducing your first choice.

WRITING: work on writing your text-based adventure game. Remember that you are writing in 2nd Person POV (so use the pronoun 'you') for full effect.

Remember to hit the ARCHIVE button when using Twine so you don't lose your writing progress!

HOMEWORK: None.