Virtual Reality Storytelling

1 Course Unit

What does it mean to compose for an open world, in 3 dimensions, where the audience can move with 6 degrees of freedom? How does embodiment in a 360 degree space change the experience of the audience? What control does the director maintain when the user chooses their own immersive adventure? In this course, we will explore the past, present, and future of immersive narrative through a variety of media, including fictional texts, dystopian television shows, and Virtual Reality films. Using the critical theory of media scholars from diverse backgrounds, students will critique VR applications as models to inform their own iterative design process. Students will prototype their own VR narrative films with the tools available through the library makerspaces and media lab. No experience with film or emerging technology necessary. Spring, odd numbered years only 1 Course Unit