Course Description:

The last couple decades have been a true Renaissance in board game design. The Monopolies and Lifes of yore are still around (and quite popular), but there is a whole ocean of fascinating games with innovative mechanics and unique themes. This course would be a brief introduction to modern board gaming, with three goals: to learn the rules of and play a few games, to discuss strategy and tactics within those games to play them well, and to learn board game genres and terminology as a whole. The focus will be on critical thinking and evaluating the “big picture,” discussing the hows and whys of decision making.

Students will learn how to recognize and capitalize on opportunities while avoiding pitfalls. Proposed games would include a subset the following (determined by time and student interest): Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride: Europe, Pandemic, Lords of Waterdeep, Suburbia, and Star Realms.