Overview:

Wiseman and Burch will conduct a provocative seminar on the connection between gaming and social hierarchies among middle and high school boys. Wiseman will analyze group dynamics, the different roles that are embodied in those groups, and how these roles manifest when they play games. Wiseman and Burch will also discuss how the games young people choose to play have an effect, not only on their social status amongst their peers, but their social competence in moments of conflict. The presenters see this seminar as the beginning of a critical conversation that brings new insights into the social dynamics of gaming as it pertains to the development of social competency and "ethical/moral" courage in moments of conflict. A possible outcome of this seminar would be creating a new strategy for constructive and engaged discussion to address issues of aggression, racism, sexism and homophobia within games.