JMU X-Labs hosts a variety of classes about the Esports industry. Each semester, the course content can vary from tournament execution, broadcasting, marketing, esports business, kinesiology in esports, and more!
Spring 2023
Innovating Esports at JMU
M/W 5:00-6:15pm | Lakeview Hall 1165
View Course Details
WRTC 328
Understanding Esports for Professional Writers
SRM 490
Special Studies in Sport and Recreation Management
CISE 480
Sociotechnical Applications of Esports
By Instructor Permission Only
Course Details
Innovating Esports at JMU
Spring 2023
This interdisciplinary, project- and team-based JMU X-Labs course will investigate how esports can be effectively incorporated into college life. Students will explore topics such as the design and implementation of college eSports events, recruiting and supporting college teams, and developing an esports curriculum to support teaching and learning opportunities.
WRTC 328: Understanding Esports for Professional Writers
WRTC students taking this course will explore esports from a variety of rhetorical perspectives, practice writing skills for different professional audiences, develop their online communication skills on several digital platforms, strengthen their skills in teamwork, and learn to use design and innovation methodologies in the service of complex projects. This course will be of particular interest to those in gaming, sports, event management, and the academic exploration of video games; no prior gaming experience is necessary.
Instructor: Dr. Seán McCarthy – mccartsr@jmu.edu
Course: WRTC 328 Practicum (3 credits)
By Instructor Permission Only
SRM 490: Special Studies in Sport and Recreation Management
Esports: A multidisciplinary course offered in conjunction with JMU X-Labs. The class focuses on applying project management to the creation and development of e-sport classes and tournaments and explores the economic impact of this multi-million dollar enterprise.
Crosslisted with HM 298-0004.
Prerequisite: SRM major or permission of the director
Non-SRM majors should contact Dr. Hallmon at hallmoax@jmu.edu
CISE 480: Sociotechnical Applications of Esports
Explore esports as a potential way to learn and collaborate in college! Develop your hands-on development capabilities, strengthen your teamwork skills, and learn and apply industry-ready design and innovation methodologies. No prior gaming experience necessary.
Instructor: Raafat Zaini – zainirm@jmu.edu
Contact Professor Raafat Zaini for more information
Intro to the Esports Industry
Fall 2022
SCOM 313-003: Special Topics in Communication Studies
Students study the rising popularity of the Esports industry with groups of students in Sport & Recreation Management (SRM). Class projects will include background research of Esports-related organizations and sponsorships and creating strategic communication planning for the organizations.
HM 298: Esports and Tournament Execution
The class focuses on applying project management to the creation and development of Esports classes and tournaments, and explores the economic impact of this multi-million dollar enterprise.
Prerequisite: HM major or permission of the director. Non-Hospitality Management majors should contact Reg Foucar-Szocki at foucarrf@jmu.edu
SRM 490: Esports and Tournament Execution. Taught by Dr. Augustus Hallmon.
A multidisciplinary course offered in conjunction with JMU X-Labs. The class focuses on applying project management to the creation and development of Esports classes and tournaments, and explores the economic impact of this multi-million dollar enterprise. Crosslisted with HM 298-0004.
Prerequisite: SRM major or permission of the director
Non-SRM majors should contact Dr. Hallmon at hallmoax@jmu.edu
