The theme for this year’s experiential learning opportunity is “Archaeologies of Gaming and Electronic Literature.” We will be exploring the stuff of digital media: consoles, computers, software, cables, manuals, keyboards, controllers, and much more. By examining and recording the material histories of video games, text adventures, and electronic literature, students will learn to navigate the complexities of keeping electronic texts readable and playable despite the constant evolution of console and computer technologies. From Oregon Trail and Marble Springs to Never Alone and Assassins Creed, Zork to Kentucky Route Zero— over the course of the semester, students will build online and in-person exhibits highlighting their exploration of MITH’s new and archival holdings in video games and electronic literatures. Students will get hands-on experience with archival materials across the history of computing, which includes working with vintage computers, learning to trace creative influence across games and electronic literatures, and understanding how to articulate both the social and technical dimensions of MITH’s holdings in digital media history.

Interested students should fill out an application ⇢ https://bit.ly/mith-388