Chess remains one of the most popular games of strategy ever invented where outcomes are determined solely by human decision and not by chance. Originating in early medieval India, the game eventually spread to the Middle East and then to Europe. While the appearance of the game changed, its basic nature remains unchanged. In this course, students will explore the human and cultural dimensions of the transformations of chess to include issues of gender, social class, politics, religion, military organization, and game theory.
In addition to focusing on multiple cultures, this course is the second in the writing sequence and will emphasize reading, research, and writing skills.