Theory Quest

Correctly match the film description with film theory that can be best used to analyze it!

Theory Quest consists of 7 Film Theory Tokens, each featuring a prominent film theory, and 21 Plot Summary cards, each describing a film synopsis along with the film name and release year.

Designed to be played collaboratively, game setup involves laying out the Theory Tokens spaced apart on a play surface and dealing 2 Plot Summary cards per player. Each player then takes turns to EITHER place one card from their hand under the matching Theory Token
OR discard one card from to the discard pile
THEN draw another card from the deck, so each player always has two cards in hand

If game cards run out, players can reshuffle and use discarded cards. Turns continue till all cards are matched with a Theory Token (3 plot summary cards per Theory Token).

Theory Quest was developed and play tested in an introductory film studies course at UNC Asheville, a small public liberal arts university in North Carolina. The game is designed to help players understand the definitions and uses of film theories through an active learning exercise. Students who play tested the game reviewed the game positively! They found it fun and engaging, while also creating a challenge to help them understand these concepts at a deeper level.

Theory Quest was created & designed by Dr. Angel Kaur, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at UNC Asheville. Dr. Kaur has published and presented on game-based learning in the undergraduate classroom.