Time Schedule:
Wanda V Gregory
BIS 313
Bothell Campus
Examines a variety of issues involved in understanding different forms of media and their impact on our lives, in contexts spanning from local to global, using a wide range of theoretical, disciplinary, and methodological approaches.
Class description
Online Worlds
Virtual Worlds are an ever-growing presence that is reshaping society and creating a cultural phenomenon bringing the Internet to the forefront of people’s lives. Today we have players spending thousands of dollars on virtual characters and digital items on eBay and sweatshops have been established in developing nations to service this micro-economy. Games have and will continue to become a major part of our culture today and a key component of the ever-growing digital entertainment industry. Drawing on a wide variety of examples and disciplines, this class will look at the video game industry with particular emphasis on game worlds. Topics include: overview of virtual worlds, aesthetics and design, character development, identity, immersion and embodiment, visual design, sociological and psychological dimensions of games, play, and community. We will also look at other types of virtual worlds being developed today for entertainment, education, health and work. The class will be a combination of lecture, guest presentations, case studies, readings, and exploration of online worlds.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
