GAMS1501 Game Psychology (5 cr)
Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies
Curriculum periods:
2026-2027, 2027-2028
Description
The psychology of play and games through historical and contemporary research. The course doesn’t focus on videogames alone, but also other areas of play psychology, such as that of animal and child play.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course the student
● knows the basics of play and games psychology
● understands reports of psychological studies
Study materials
Burghardt, G. M. (2005). The genesis of animal play: Testing the limits. MIT press.
Enevold, J., Thorhauge, A. & Gregersen, A., eds. (2018) What’s the Problem in Problem Gaming? Nordicom.
Turkle, S. (1984) The second self: Computers and the human spirit. MIT Press.
Completion methods
Method 1
Evaluation criteria:
Passing the course requires completion of all required assignments and submitting the essay in line with stated learning outcomes. An 80% attendance requirement is applied.
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x
Participation in teaching (5 cr)
Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish