IMC 2020: Sessions

Session 152: Playing the Middle Ages, I: Teaching with Games

Monday 6 July 2020, 11.15-12.45

Sponsor:	The Public Medievalist / Centre for Medieval & Renaissance Research, University of Winchester
Organiser:	Robert Houghton, Department of History, University of Winchester
Moderator/Chair:	Robert Houghton, Department of History, University of Winchester
Paper 152-a	Gameplay Data Mining of an Open World Viking Age Learning Game (Language: English) Lauri Marti Kemppinen, Department of Teacher Education University of Turku Kim Krappala, Department of Archaeology University of Turku Index terms: Computing in Medieval Studies, Medievalism and Antiquarianism, Teaching the Middle Ages, Technology
Paper 152-b	Simulated History as Life's Teacher (Language: English) Ludvig Sjunnesson, School of Culture & Education Södertörn University Stockholm Index terms: Computing in Medieval Studies, Medievalism and Antiquarianism, Teaching the Middle Ages, Technology
Paper 152-c	'Akritas': Playing at Byzantine Borders (Language: English) Anna Sotiropoulou, Department of Informatics, Ionian University Index terms: Byzantine Studies, Computing in Medieval Studies, Medievalism and Antiquarianism, Teaching the Middle Ages
Paper 152-d	Hoard Haul: Teaching Beowulf Using a Card Game (Language: English) Jeannette Loakman, School of Communications Media Arts & Design Centennial College Ontario Index terms: Language and Literature - Old English, Manuscripts and Palaeography, Performance Arts - General, Teaching the Middle Ages
Abstract	Claims to historical authority, authenticity and accuracy are central to the success of a diverse range of games set within the medieval period or which draw upon medieval elements. Grounding a medieval or fantasy game in a recognisably historical environment may promote player immersion and enjoyment. However, these appeals are often used to excuse the creation of exclusionary, misogynist, or racist spaces. Further, there is a strong argument to be made that accuracy can sometimes undermine play. These papers consider various approaches to historical authority, authenticity, and accuracy across different genres of game.