Walden, A Game: wHERE i lIVED

Explore the woods near the cabin of Henry David Thoreau, seeking traces of the individuals and groups who lived in the area before and during his time there and reflecting on the stories in our histories that are not always told.

  • In this module of Walden, A Game, players are asked to explore the woods near Thoreau’s cabin, seeking the traces of the other individuals and groups who lived in the area before and during Thoreau’s time there. As they explore, students will think critically about the marginalized voices and stories that are left out of histories of this well-known place.

    Players will:

    • Discuss the traces of previous inhabitants of Walden Pond represented by the audiovisuals of the game and by Thoreau in his texts. 

    • Compare and contrast differing perspectives on the history of Walden Pond. 

    • Research stories and traces of peoples who have lived in their own local area. 

    • Analyze whose stories may have been told about a place and whose stories may have been left out. 

  • Watch the trailer here

  • Link to curriculum

    • Gameplay time: 15-30 minutes with four options for related lessons and activities

    • Lesson time: four modular lessons ranging from 20-60 minutes each

  • USC Game Innovation Lab