This presentation introduces students to some of the wider issues around virtual worlds: identity, subjectivity, appearance, reality, presence, and the possibilities of mixed reality and augmented reality in the future. It is chock-full of Lori Landay's machinima, and you can see more at http://www.youtube.com/user/ProfLL

1. Appearance & Reality in Virtual WorldsThe Example of Second LifeProf. Lori Landay

2. DEFINITION OF A VIRTUAL WORLD “A synchronous, persistent network of people, represented as avatars, facilitated by networked computers.” Mark Bell, “Toward a Definition of Virtual Worlds”

3. The Future of Art Traditional Art, Digital Art, Virtual Art L1 Aura Loire’s Virtual Art Installation, the Future of Virtual Subjectivity or, From the Gloom Meteor

4. Issues about Appearance & RealityConstructs of RealityAvatars & Identity:is physical appearance reality? Is a virtual world like Wonderland?

6. Virtual Subjectivity:What does it mean to say “I” in a virtual world? A mode of first-person experience in a virtual world that is: 1) founded on a fusion of visual and metaphoric point of view, 2) shaped through "self-design" of the avatar and environment, 3) reinforced and extended through social interaction, 4) known through the avatar body's actions and movements in virtual space and place, and 5) enacted through virtual agency.

12. Conclusions & Questions

13. On Wednesday, we’ll explore some aspects of a virtual worldBefore class, you need to:1. Create an account2. Choose a name for your avatar3. Create the avatar