Douglas H
- Research Program Mentor
MA at University of Arizona
Expertise
Literature, Poetry, Game Studies, Psychology, Philosophy (especially existentialism), Critical/Cultural Theory, and Arts
Bio
Hello! I'm Doug, a recent MA recipient who specializes in English Literature. Much of my personal research sits at the intersection of literature and philosophy. My work emphasizes understanding how individuals find/create meaning (existentialism) through various points in intellectual and world history, and how we express those meanings through writing, film, arts, etc. I have taught numerous courses at the college level that develop fundamental skills in research and writing in order to set students up for success in their respective fields of study. I have also worked in a writing center, helping students develop their writing and research in one-on-one settings. Beyond my passion for literature and philosophy, I also love cycling, running, video-games, and writing poetry/fiction! I like to dabble in esoteric practices like Tarot and Astrology as a way of decompressing from the stress of intellectual rigorous work. I currently live with my partner and big fluffy cat, Albert (named after Albert Camus) in Davis, California!Project ideas
Finding Meaning In Game: How Video-Games Use Literature and Philosophy to Create Meaningful Experiences
In this project, a student focuses on a popular video-game and explores how the game's setting, story, characters, and maybe even mechanics are influenced by works in Literature and Philosophy. The student's research would focus on drawing parallels between the game a specific literary/philosophical works and also explores how the presentation of those ideas in the context of the game deviate or align with the original work. A particularly ambitious student might also work on developing a thesis addressing why these texts serve as inspirations for the game or even how the game's use of specific themes and ideas can help illuminate social, political, or economic problems in the present.