CS321 : Extended Reality

Spring 2025
Instructor: Jordan Tynes

jtynes@wellesley.edu

Welcome to CS 321

Each type of engagement is described directly below. Details about each day will be updated frequently.

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    In-Person Meetings:
    Please note annoucements regarding meeting location, as it will alternate between two locations. Please show up a few minutes prior to the start of class (see note about grading/evaluation) and be ready to engage in discussion. Reading and viewing materials may will be linked from the schedule below.
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    Unity Projects:
    You will learn to use various aspects of the Unity Game Engine throughout the term. Technical instruction will be provided during class and, unless otherwise noted, this portion of the course will be recorded and shared for your reference. Attendance is still required so you may fully leverage lab resources.
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    Critical Analysis:

    You will be required to assess various virtual reality experiences and apply concepts learned through lecture, discussion, writing, and readings to build upon our collective understanding of immersive technologies.

    You will be required to present your research during class and by completing Critical Reflections.

Schedule:

Subject to Changes!

Week 1:

Mon. Jan. 20
No Class
Thur. Jan. 23
Welcome to CS321
"The Ultimate Display"
Assigned Reading:

Bailenson: Ch. 2

Week 2:

Mon. Jan. 27
VR Demo Playground
Assigned Reading:

Riggs pgs. 1 - 56

Thur. Jan. 30
Intro to Unity
Tech Link:

Intro to Unity for VR

Week 3:

Mon. Feb. 3
Intro to Probuilder and 3D
Tech Link:

Intro to Probuilder and 3D

Thur. Feb. 6
Standard Interaction
Tech Link:

Breakable Chair Demo

Week 4:

Mon. Feb. 10
Part 1 Demo & Framing the Experience
Assigned Reading:

Riggs: pgs. 57 - 96

Critical Reflection #1 due on Feb. 13 before class
Thur. Feb. 13
Materials, Audio, Text
Tech Link:

Trash Can

Week 5:

Tue. Feb. 18
Animation, Modalities
Tech Link:

Door Demo

Thur. Feb. 20
Part 2 Demo & Creating Meaningful Mechanics
Assigned Reading:

Bailenson: pgs. 76 - 92

Tech Link:

TBA

Week 6:

Mon. Feb. 24
Button Mapping
Assigned Reading:

3D Interfaces: Ch. 7

Tech Link:

Anim Events and Button Mapping

Thur. Feb. 27
Sensation of Presence
Assigned Reading:

Riggs: pgs. 98 - 134

Week 7:

Mon. Mar. 3
Instantiation
Tech Link:

Instantiation

Critical Reflection #2 due on Mar. 6 before class
Thur. Mar. 6
Lighting & Effects
Tech Link:

Terrain Details, Character Animations, Physics Materials

Week 8:

Mon. Mar. 10
Build & Final Lab
Tech Link:

Dynamic UI and Project Build

Thur. Mar. 13
Part 3 Demo
Assigned Reading:

Bailenson: Ch. 10

Week 9:

Mon. Mar. 24
Storyplexing and Ideation
Assigned Reading:

Landscapes of Games as Ideology, pages 141 - 147 (introduction)

Thur. Mar. 27
Bring Storyplex Documents to class
Immersive Narrative

Week 10:

Mon. Mar. 31
Raycasting
Assigned Reading:

Riggs: pgs. 136 - 182

Tech Link:
TBA
Thur. Apr. 3
Grayboxing Due
Greybox Check-in
Assigned Reading:

Bailenson: pgs. 228 - 246

Week 11:

Mon. Apr. 7
The Storyplexing Mindset:
Tools for Development & Integrating Accessible Design
Assigned Reading:

Bailenson: pgs. 92 - 107

Critical Reflection #3 due on Apr. 10 before class
Thur. Apr. 10
Selection (Raycast Pt 2)
Tech Link:
TBA

Week 12:

Mon. Apr. 14
Physical Interactivity & Personal UI
Tech Link:
TBA
Thur. Apr. 17
Tech Misc
Tech Link:

TBD

Assigned Reading:

Riggs: pgs. 183 - 210

Week 13:

Mon. Apr. 21
No Class

Enjoy Marathon Monday!

Thur. Apr. 24
Prototype and Feedback

Week 14:

Mon. Apr. 28
Final Lab
Thurs. May. 1
Final Demos
Fri. May 2
Playable Media Open House

Time TBD