Course Title:  Boardgames 101:  Monopoly

Prerequisite:   none

Credits:  4

A monopoly is defined as a persistent market situation where there is only one provider of a kind of product or service. Sound like fun? Parker Brothers thought so. That’s why in 1935 they bought the copyright of one of the world’s best selling board games, Monopoly. Players compete to acquire wealth through stylized economic activity including purchasing, renting and trading real estate. History of the game dates back to 1904 when "The Landlord’s Game" was patented. This game was introduced more for social education than entertainment. Lizzie Magie, inventor, developed the game to demonstrate how rental properties enrich property owners and impoverish tenants. Over the years the game took on new graphics and illustrations and would eventually be patented by Charles Darrow in the late 1920’s as "Monopoly." Today the game takes on several variations and themes. Cities have derived their own "Monopoly" that corresponds with their own town. Star Wars, Disney, and even Nascar have jumped on the Monopoly board.

Through this course, the student will learn tips and tricks to the game, the history behind it and how the game can be compared to real life business.

Required Reading Materials include:

Alan Axelrod published this book in 2002. He takes the game of monopoly and analyzes it as a business man, throws in some comic relief and ends of with quite and exciting read. If you’ve ever played the game, you’ll find it hard not to be intrigued by some, if not all, of Axelrod’s theories. He markets the book as a sort of guide to entrepreneurship but really can appeal to anyone who likes the game. Strategy, suggestions and quotes (from business elites) keep your interest throughout the book. So, if the student wants an easy read that is somewhat stimulating (to those business-inclined), try this book on for size.

This is a small and simple read. Maxine Brady details in 144 pages her strategies and tactics for the game of Monopoly. The book’s four sections are entitled: Monopolia Curiosa; Understanding the Rules; Strategy and Tactics; and The Epilogue: How to deal with Tantrums. Short and Sweet.

The third and fourth required readings are authored by the same man, Philip E. Orbanes.

The later could be compared to the previously referenced book; "The Monopoly Book…" except this feature comes straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, Mr. Monopoly. Mr. Monopoly (the little man with the top hat and cane) shares secrets and trivia with the student in this book. Things like, "Which Property on your Monopoly Board is misspelled?" Intriguing to say the least.

The former, "The Game Makers: The Story of Parker Brothers, from Tiddily Winks to Trivial Pursuit" allows the student to divulge more into the history of Parker Brothers, the company. Orbanes does a great job at describing the development and growth of this famous family business.