Section Four: Weeks 12-16
Section One: The Evolution of Simulated Realities
In this section, we will begin our journey into virtual worlds by looking at how and why humans have represented and simulated reality, from early stereoscopes to modern virtual reality. We will also examine the creation of abstract models of reality, focusing on their evolution in video games, design, scientific modeling, and generative artificial intelligence.January 15
Introduction to the class. We’ll go over the syllabus, course objectives, and expectations. We'll also introduce ourselves, get to know each other, and explore the course topic broadly.January 22
From Stereoscopes to VR: We will look at the history of visual and immersive technologies with a focus on the hardware used to generate representations of the physical world.Readings:
Introduction + Chapters 1-3. Bolter, Jay David, Maria Engberg, and Blair MacIntyre. Reality media: Augmented and virtual reality. MIT Press, 2021.
Assignments:
Short reading response due January 21, 5pm.
Interactive Session:
Students will engage with a variety of prominent VR experiences that feature significant simulations of the real world, such as Google Earth and VRChat.
January 29
From Text-based adventure games to MMORPs: We will delve into the development of simulations in video games with a focus on world-building and interactive storytelling.Readings:
Chapters 1-4. Barton, M., & Stacks, S. Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games. 2008
Assignments:
Short reading response due January 28, 5pm.
Interactive Session:
Students will play with a host of old video games, from 1970s text-based adventure games to 1990s graphic adventure games.
Additional Tasks:
In-class time to begin brainstorming group projects. Students will divide up into two teams. Students who are interested in modeling a project in XR will take “Track 1: Virtual Worlds.” Students who are more interested in creating an AI-driven, artificial environment or persona will take “Track 2: Artificial Entities Online.” Students in each track will either choose directly from a list of suggested projects, formulate a modified project from the list, or devise a wholly original project. During this session, students will consult with the professor and Ahmanson Lab staff skilled in XR and AI in order to scope a project that it can be feasibly delivered in fourteen weeks (with support from Lab staff) and develop a timetable and design document.
February 5
From Reality to Models: We will explore the advancements of complex computer simulations with a focus on modeling in science, engineering, architecture, and design.Readings:
Chapters 1-4. Turkle, Sherry. “Simulation and Its Discontents.” MIT Press, 2009.
Assignments:
Short reading response due February 4, 5pm.
February 12
From Theory to Models. We will examine ideas behind Dataism, and the "end of theory," exploring how the rise of big data and generative AI, particularly Large Language Models and General World Models, represent a shift from deep theoretical understanding of natural and social phenomena to simply simulating and predicting the world with sufficient accuracy.Readings:
Anderson, Chris. "The end of theory: The data deluge makes the scientific method obsolete." Wired Magazine 16.7 (2008): 16-07.
Chomsky, Noam, Ian Roberts, and Jeffrey Watumull. "Noam chomsky: The false promise of chatgpt." The New York Times 8 (2023).
Assignments:
Long reading response addressing Section 1 due February 11, 5pm.
Additional Tasks:
In-class time for design and development of group projects in coordination with the professor and dedicated Ahmanson Lab staff.