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Class number:
3379
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Title: Toys, Games, and Rhetoric |
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Department: First Year Sem & Colloq |
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Career: Undergraduate |
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Component: Seminar |
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Session: Regular |
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Instructor's Permission Required: Yes |
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Grading Basis: Graded |
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Units: 1.00 |
| Enrollment limited to 16 |
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Current enrollment: 16 |
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Available seats: 0 |
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Start date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 |
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End date: Wednesday, December 23, 2026 |
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Mode of Instruction: In Person |
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Schedule: TR: 1:30PM-2:45PM, MC - 313 |
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Instructor(s): Marino, Nicholas |
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Prerequisite(s): Only first-year students are eligible to enroll in this class. |
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Distribution Requirement: Meets FirstYr Seminar Requirement |
Course Description:
Toys and games are our first, physical contact with rhetoric– the study and practice of persuasive communication. In a direct, hands-on way, they teach us about how our bodies should look, whose identities are valued, what social behaviors are permissible, and even what realities are imaginable. In this seminar, we employ Design Thinking and Innovation Principles to investigate the sustained impact that toys and games have upon our lives. We start with empathy by designing a collectible toy and an accompanying digital exhibit with a classmate. Then, we explore how empathy and iteration contribute to the creation of innovative gadgets that solve real world problems and afford a toy-like sense of play. Finally, we combine all of these with the principle of prototyping to craft boardgames, which will enhance the Trinity Orientation experience. Throughout these projects, we sharpen multiple methods of research to understand our users and influence their behavior. In addition, we will create a supportive community, where we can experiment with life skills, share our struggles, and celebrate the victories of transitioning to college. |