Students visit the University of Michigan Library’s Computer and Video Game Archive (CVGA) to learn about their extensive collection of video games, including medieval-themed games, as well as play and experience the new Assassin’s Creed: Mirage game in groups.

The new Assassin’s Creed: Mirage game is set in the ninth-century medieval Baghdad. Students will find information about the history of Baghdad under the Abbasid dynasty (people, daily life, and built environment), the caliphal period, medieval Islamic art (objects, architecture, and monuments), and history in the game. The session will be followed by Dr. Glaire Anderson‘s guest lecture the following week. Dr. Anderson is a historian of art and architecture with expertise in medieval Islamic (or Islamicate) societies. She is also one of the consultants for the new Assassin’s Creed: Mirage game.

Students are expected to a video game review of Assassin’s Creed: Mirage; a short essay (3–4 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12pt) based on the guest lecture, their personal and group examination of the game at the Computer and Video Game Archive (CVGA) visit, weekly readings, and in-class discussions. This short paper assignment is due no later than noon (12:00 pm) on Friday in Week 11.