Irvine Film and Game Contrast Paper

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Write two prompt:

1. Watch the film Hidden figures (2017). Write a reflection comparing and contrasting the film to The Imitation Game (2015), which we watched in week 2 as part of our discussion on “Histories and Counter-Histories of Computing.” Perform your comparison by picking one scene from each film and analyzing them side-by-side, explaining how these scenes exemplify the similar and/or different approaches the films take to telling a “counter-history” of computing. Pay particular attention to details: How are the scenes shot? What kind of imagery, sound, lighting, etc. do they use to communicate their particular perspectives to viewers? Remember, there is no one right answer. You will need to use critical thinking skills and your own analytical interpretation of the films.

The Imitation Game (2015) link: https://www.ifun.tv/play?id=mUKCVfs1mzF

Hidden figures (2017). link: https://www.ifun.tv/play?id=lvtezApRsB1

Requirement: more about the film technique not only summary the story, must to pick up one specific scene from each movie (minimum 500 words)

2. Play a video game from Itch.io. Write an analysis of the game drawing from 2 texts that we have read for our course. This analysis should include: a brief description of the game (no more than 100 words), an explanation of how the game either illustrates or productively challenges ideas presented in the readings, and your thoughts on what new perspectives we gain by analyzing the game alongside these texts. Pay particular attention to detail. When referencing the texts, use specific quotes. When referencing the game, talk about specific mechanics, images, controls, etc. Remember, the goal is not simply to agree with the readings, but to use critical thinking skills to apply what you’ve read in original ways.

How to select a game: Itch.io is a distribution platform for independent video games. Many of them are smaller and quirkier than big, mainstream video games. There are thousands to choose from; pick one that interests you and seems like it will tie to the topics we’ve discussed in our class. Many games on Itch.io are “pay what you want,” which means you can choose to download them for free. (If you’re able to do so, it’s always best to pay creators for their work.) If you do not have the right kind of computer or internet access for downloading a game file, many games are marked “play in browser.” These do not require a download. Some games on Itch.io are very short. Please pick a game that takes at least 10 – 15 minutes to play. If the game is less than thirty minutes long, please play it more than once.

A few recommended games if you’re not sure where to start:

– requirement: This analysis should include: a brief description of the game (no more than 100 words), an explanation of how the game either illustrates or productively challenges ideas presented in the readings, and your thoughts on what new perspectives we gain by analyzing the game alongside these texts. Pay particular attention to detail. When referencing the texts, use specific quotes. When referencing the game, talk about specific mechanics, images, controls,(minimum 500 words)