Teaching Students About Leisure Suit

Leisure Suit is a series of adult-themed video games that were popular in the 1980s and 1990s. The games, which were developed by Sierra On-Line, follow the adventures of a character named Larry Laffer as he tries to find love and romance. While the games are often controversial due to their sexual content and portrayal of women, they are also an important part of video game history. As such, they can be a valuable topic for educators to explore with their students. Here are some tips for teaching students about Leisure Suit:
1. Provide Historical Context
Before diving into the specifics of Leisure Suit, it’s important to provide students with some historical context. Discuss the history of video games and their evolution over time. This can help students understand the significance of Leisure Suit within the larger context of video game history.
2. Consider Age Appropriateness
While Leisure Suit is an important part of video game history, it may not be appropriate for all ages. Consider the maturity level of your students before deciding whether or not to include it in your curriculum.
3. Analyze Its Cultural Impact
Despite its controversial nature, Leisure Suit has had a significant cultural impact on video games and popular culture more broadly. Analyze its impact on the gaming industry and discuss how it has influenced other games and media.
4. Encourage Critical Thinking
When discussing Leisure Suit, encourage your students to think critically about the themes and messages presented in the game. Ask open-ended questions that allow them to explore their own thoughts and feelings about the material.
5. Connect to Contemporary Issues
Finally, encourage your students to make connections between Leisure Suit and contemporary issues such as gender representation in media and sexual consent. This can help them understand how the game’s themes and messages are still relevant today.
By teaching students about Leisure Suit, educators can help them gain a deeper understanding of video game history and the social conditions that have shaped it. While the game may be controversial, it is also an important part of our cultural heritage that should not be ignored.