By The Keystone Newspaper KU students are embarking on a unique academic adventure through GEG 25: Geofiction and Role-Playing, a course that merges traditional geographic concepts with interactive storytelling.
By Katelynn Humbles
Students at KU are exploring geography in an unexpected way this semester through GEOG 25: Geofiction and Role-Playing, a course that blends physical and cultural geography with storytelling and game design.
Led by Dr. Michael Davis, the class invites students to create fictional worlds using real-world geographic principles. From map-making to crafting economic systems and belief structures, students apply foundational concepts to imagined civilizations, transforming traditional geography into an immersive experience.
Credit: Photography by Katelynn Humbles
The course includes analysis of geography in media and literature, with case studies such as the “BioShock” video game series. Students explore how landscapes influence narrative design and reflect social and cultural structures.
“It’s an interesting take on a normal geography class,” said David Hunsicker, a junior secondary education history major. “I’m writing a lesson plan incorporating role-playing—I never thought of it before this class.”
Credit: Photography by Katelynn Humbles
Originally offered as a special topics course, this semester marks the first time Geofiction and Role-Playing appears on the official course roster. The class has drawn international attention, with a student from the University of Colombia expressing interest in developing a similar program.
GEOG 25 will be available again in Fall 2027.