This class will be taking an analytical lens to one of the most influential and wide spread trading card games of all time. We will be looking at Magic: the Gathering from both a historical perspective, where we will look at the lifespan of the game and the cultural events that surround it, and a design perspective, where we look at what tools are used in making the game and what lessons we can learn from it. We will tackle topics such as the Satanic Panic of the 90’s and the history of banned cards. By the end of the class you will be well versed in the history and creation of Magic: the Gathering and will be able to critically analyze game design choices in card games. This class is geared towards people relatively new to Magic: the Gathering and card games as a whole, but all levels of experience are welcome to learn! You will learn from weekly lectures which will focus on a general topic of MTG, weekly assigned readings, and exploratory homework assignments. Lecture will be held at Evans 334 from 4-6 PM on Mondays, and will consist of a presented lecture followed by a free play period where you can have firsthand experience with the game.