game1 crime
Crime Module Instructions and Diary Questions
Introduction Criminal activity, while taboo in society, is often celebrated in pop culture. Take your place on either side of the criminal/law enforcement divide in this module with some of the most immersive crime experiences available on console. Choose among a diverse selection of games ranging from fantasy- world crime families to modern day gang violence that challenge gamers with moral dilemmas and tactical decision-making. Assigned Readings “Does Crime Pay?” (17 pages) “Why Do Normal People Commit Crimes?” (2 pages) “Community Variation in Crime Clearance” (5 pages) “Exposure of Violent Video Games to Children and Public Policy Implications” (5 pages) “Do Games Like 'Grand Theft Auto V' Cause Real-World Violence?” (3 pages) “Marketing and Policy Considerations for Violent Video Games” (4 pages) “Grand Theft Auto V and the Culture of Violence Against Women” (1 page) “Anyone claiming Grand Theft Auto 5 is just violence for violence's sake hasn't played it” (2 pages) “High Art/Low Life: The Art of Playing "Grand Theft Auto"” (8 pages) “Red Dead Redemption 2: calls to ban violence against women in games are too simplistic” (2 pages) Game Options (Choose 1) Grand Theft Auto V Play Time: 20-hour minimum Price: $10-$20, depending on console (Amazon) Summary: One of the most comprehensive and detailed gaming worlds, GTA V spans a massive island with distinct regional variation. The island of Los Santos offers gamers a view of crime on all levels, ranging from petty theft to massive bank heists and organized crime, both rural and urban. This game is recommended for gamers of any skill level that prefer deep storylines and rich visual and audible detail. Note: this game contains several violent and criminal themes which some might find disturbing. LA Noire Play Time: 20 hours Price: $10-$20, depending on console (Amazon) Summary: Patrol the streets of post-war Los Angeles, working your way up and down the ladder of law enforcement while walking a fine line of right and wrong. Serving as a detective across departments of traffic, homicide, vice, and arson, play as a “straight-arrow” cop in a world of corruption. This game is recommended for those with less interest in their games being “action packed,” and would be an exceptionally perfect fit for lovers of the Nancy Drew video game series.
Skyrim (Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood Questlines) Play Time: 20-25 hours total (Requires game start-up time) Price: $10-$40, depending on console (Amazon) Summary: Explore one of the most expansive maps in video games, complete with a fantastic background of history, culture, and politics. In the selected quest lines for this module, take on the role of an expert thief and deadly assassin in the context of organized crime, completing quests that have a goal larger than yourself. This is recommended for gamers that have some background in gaming, as some quests can be difficult to pass. Reading Diary Questions Play through the main storyline of the game you have selected and complete all readings assigned for this module. When completed, answer the following questions with approximately 2 pages each, double spaced. The best responses will go into detail about their in-game experiences and will reference multiple readings. Keeping notes while playing and reading is highly encouraged. 1) Discuss the most important moral dilemma faced by protagonist in the game you have chosen to
play. Make sure to explain the immediate outcome as well as any alternative options you, as the gamer, were offered. Next, discuss the long-term outcomes of your decision and how they impacted the remainder of the game.
2) Using the framework in the article “Why We Love True Crime,” explain the allure of criminal
activity as a form of artwork from the context of the game you selected. Do you think that violent crime-based video games alter our perception of crime in the real world?
3) The assigned readings offered diverging opinions on the merits of violent and crime-based video
games. Using your in-game experiences and relying on the notes you kept during gameplay, take a stance on the issue. Your response should provide support for arguments from the readings on your side and directly respond to any opposing arguments presented in the readings.