- PHIL281 Art and Philosophy in Second Life and Other Virtual Worlds
- Course Description
- Virtual reality is more than a science fiction theme. It is now actually with us in the form of such multi-user online virtual worlds as Second Life, Blue Mars, VastPark, OpenSim, and World of Warcraft, collectively involving more than 12 million people. Among the wide variety of participants virtual worlds attract are artists, musicians, writers, and philosophers. In this course we will explore the philosophical issues raised by virtual worlds, including the question of the relation between reality and simulation, by examining and reflecting philosophically on the unique forms of artistic expression now being developed within them. Students in this course will have the opportunity to work with and interview virtual artists on the Caerleon sims in Second Life who are using the visual, musical, and literary arts to explore the essential dimensions of virtual reality. Students who are interested will also have the opportunity to participate in a real life exhibition of such work in April at the Harbor Gallery at UMass Boston.
- Course Video
- Video Introduction
- Academic Information
- Credits: 3
- Schedule & Fee
- Dates: Feb 1 - May 7
Class #: 24172
Course Fee: $960
Lab Fee: $0
Total Course Fee: $960 - Instructor
- Gary Zabel
- Wimba Requirement
- UMB online courses use Wimba classroom (a live discussion tool) at least twice during the semester. Information about Horizon Wimba can be found at www.dlvpc.umb.edu/wimbasupport.htm. Your course instructor will inform you about dates and times of course meetings in Wimba Classroom.