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Electronic gaming is pervasive, but not the only locus of interactive environments. In this course we will analyze not only popular games but the wilder reaches of interactive installations and virtual reality constructed by artists and researchers. We will discuss the interdisciplinary nature of a media which depends on art, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, interface design, human-computer interaction, psychology, narrative, networking and technical innovation. We will ask why interactive experiences are popular, and try to understand the social and cultural implications of this new media. Games studied will include, Black and White, Seaman and Deus Ex. Artists/researchers studied will include Brenda Laurel, Char Davies and Jeffrey Shaw.

Time, Location, Teachers
M-W 1:00 - 2:50, room CAF 232, Josephine Anstey, Shawn Rider
jranstey/srrider @buffalo.edu

Disabilities: If you have a disability (physical, learning or psychological) which may make it difficult for you to carry out the course work as outlined, and/or requires accomodations such as recruiting note takers, readers, or extended time on exams and assignments, please contact the Office of Disability Services, 25 Capen Hall, 645 2608, and also your instructor during the first two weeks of class. ODS will provide you with information and will review appropriate arrangements for reasonable accomodations.

Plagiarism is literary theft and a betrayal of trust. The term is derived from the Latin word for kidnapper and refers to the act of signing one's own name to words, phrases, or ideas which are the literary property of another. Plagiarism comes in many forms, all to be avoided: outright copying, or paraphrase, or a mosaic or disguised use of words and phrases from an unacknowledged source. To avoid plagiarism, make it your habit to put quotation marks around words or phrases, or to isolate and indent longer passages, that you are using from someone else's writing. And be sure to cite the source, in a footnote or endnote, or within parentheses in the text. The penalties for plagiarism can be severe: from an F for the particular assignment, to an F for the course, to referral of the case to the Dean of Undegraduate Education for administrative judgement. If you are unsure about how to use and document sources, please consult your instructor.

WAEPONS AS PROPS: If you are planning a student production which involves using any prop which could be interpreted to be a weapon [toy gun, BB gun, knife, etc.] And you are planning to shoot on the UB campus or any other public place, you must obtain written permission from Campus Security or the equivalent authority before you shoot. If you do not you will face serious problems including possible expulsion from the university.

Interactive Environments in Art and Entertainment - Fall 2003