The course will attempt to survey most of the important issues surrounding the creation and experience of virtual environments (VEs). The many reasons and methods for creating virtual spaces will be discussed, as well as their implications. Examples of existing VEs will be shown whenever possible, but students will learn primarily by creating their own.
The class format will take on a variety of styles, as the disparate subjects dictate. Examples will be presented in lectures and demonstrations. Papers and videos will be discussed. Students will present their environments in critique sessions.
Students must demonstrate satisfactory achievement of course objectives through fulfillment of course projects and by contributing to class discussions and critiques.
Course projects will require students to use a wide variety of software and equipment at ACCAD to produce virtual objects and environments. Collaboration between students in the course and other faculty, staff and students at ACCAD is encouraged.