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This course focuses on critical media sociology of immersive social worlds, from digital environments and avatar-based worlds to live action role-play (LARP) and theme parks. It draws on both historical and contemporary cases. We will investigate key issues including communication and community; authorship and co-creativity; embodiment and identity; and ownership, governance, and management. Attention will be given to cultural and socio-technical nature of these environments and their ongoing construction within a broader media system.

The class will center around readings, in-class exercises and conversation, and hands-on engagement with various systems (though we will not be focused on developing any specifically). Active participation is required for successful completion of this course.

There are no pre-requisites, but the class will run seminar-style with limited enrollment.

W 7-10, room 56-169

12 units (HASS-S)