Video Games History Class Goes Global

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Tore Olsson’s popular and award-winning class “Red Dead America: Exploring America’s Violent Past Through the Hit Video Games” has reached beyond the classroom. The American Historical Review (AHR) has published a major feature on the class as an example of creative and innovative history teaching. Olsson’s class uses the popular video game Red Dead Redemption 2 to teach students about American history, culture, and politics. The game is set in the American West in the late 1800s, and it allows students to explore a variety of historical events and settings. Olsson’s class has been praised for its creativity and its ability to engage students in the learning process.

Video Games in the History Classroom: Bridging the Gap

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Published on: November 27, 2007 Description: Bjaw Bjaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BjawBjawProductions A project we did for Mr. Wenstrand's History class.

Evolution of Video Games (History Class Timeline Project, Wenstrand)

In the realm of education, we often seek innovative approaches to engage students and foster a deeper understanding of complex subjects. One such approach that has gained traction in recent years is the integration of video games into the classroom. Video games, with their immersive narratives, interactive gameplay, and captivating visuals, possess the potential to transform learning into an engaging and enjoyable experience.

“Red Dead America”: A History Class with a Video Game Twist

Tore Olsson, an associate professor of history at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, took this concept to new heights with his groundbreaking course, “Red Dead America: Exploring America’s Violent Past Through the Hit Video Game.” This unique class utilized the popular video game “Red Dead Redemption II” as a springboard to explore the intricacies of American history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

“Red Dead Redemption II”: A Gateway to American History

“Red Dead Redemption II” is a Western action-adventure game set in a fictionalized version of the American frontier in the 1890s. The game boasts a rich and detailed world, populated by diverse characters and teeming with historical references. Olsson recognized the game’s potential as a teaching tool, seeing it as a gateway to exploring the complex social, political, and economic issues that shaped America during that era.

Course Structure: Blending Fiction and Historical Reality

Olsson’s class was meticulously designed to intertwine the fictional narrative of “Red Dead Redemption II” with the historical realities of the American past. Students were tasked with playing the game, analyzing its depiction of historical events, and engaging in discussions and written assignments that delved deeper into the historical context.

Through assigned readings, documentaries, and primary sources, students gained a comprehensive understanding of the historical backdrop of the game, including the westward expansion, the rise of industrialization, and the struggles of marginalized communities.

Beyond the Classroom: Recognition and Wider Impact

The success of Olsson’s “Red Dead America” class reverberated beyond the confines of UT Knoxville. The American Historical Review (AHR), a prestigious academic journal, published a major feature on the class, highlighting its innovative approach to history teaching. This recognition brought national attention to Olsson’s work and inspired other educators to explore the potential of video games as educational tools.

The Book: Expanding the Conversation on Video Games and History

Olsson’s passion for this unique teaching method led him to author a book titled “Red Dead’s History: A Video Game, An Obsession, and America’s Violent Past.” This book delves into the historical accuracy of the game, examines the real-world violence and political turbulence of the era, and explores the broader implications for understanding contemporary American culture.

Conclusion: The Future of Video Games in History Education

Tore Olsson’s “Red Dead America” class stands as a testament to the transformative power of video games in education. By harnessing the engaging nature of interactive media, Olsson created a learning environment that sparked students’ curiosity, fostered critical thinking, and deepened their understanding of American history.

As technology continues to evolve and video games become increasingly sophisticated, we can expect to see more educators embrace their potential as educational tools. By bridging the gap between entertainment and learning, we can create a new generation of students who are passionate about history and eager to explore the complexities of the past.

FAQ’s

1. What is the “Red Dead America” Experiment?

The “Red Dead America” Experiment is a groundbreaking course created by Tore Olsson, an associate professor of history at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The course utilizes the popular video game “Red Dead Redemption II” as a springboard to explore the complexities of American history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

2. Why “Red Dead Redemption II”?

3. How was the course structured?

The course was designed to intertwine the fictional narrative of “Red Dead Redemption II” with the historical realities of the American past. Students were tasked with playing the game, analyzing its depiction of historical events, and engaging in discussions and written assignments that delved deeper into the historical context.

4. What was the impact of the “Red Dead America” class?

5. What is the future of video games in education?

Links to additional Resources:

1. www.historians.org 2. www.history.org 3. www.smithsonianmag.com.