CS321 : Extended Reality

Spring 2026

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.

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.

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.

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. 19

No Class

Thur. Jan. 22

Welcome to CS321

"The Ultimate Display"

Assigned Reading:

Bailenson: Ch. 2

Week 2:

Mon. Jan. 26

VR Demo Playground

Assigned Reading:

Riggs pgs. 1 - 56

Thur. Jan. 29

Intro to Unity

Tech Link:

TBA

Assigned Reading:

How To Use VR for Relaxation

Week 3:

Mon. Feb. 2

Intro to 3D for VR

Tech Link:

TBA

Assigned Reading:

Enhancing Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in a Virtual Reality

Thur. Feb. 5

Standard Interaction

Tech Link:

TBA

Assigned Reading:

Storytelling Games for General Anxiety

Week 4:

Mon. Feb. 9

Framing the Experience

Assigned Reading:

Riggs: pgs. 57 - 96

Critical Reflection #1 due on Feb. 13 before class

Thur. Feb. 12

Materials, Audio, Text

Tech Link:

TBA

Week 5:

Tue. Feb. 17

Animation, Modalities, Lighting, and Effects

Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Feb. 19

Part 2 Demo & Creating Meaningful Mechanics

Assigned Reading:

Bailenson: pgs. 76 - 92

Tech Link:

TBA

Week 6:

Mon. Feb. 23

Button Mapping

Assigned Reading:

3D Interfaces: Ch. 7

Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Feb. 26

Instantiation

Assigned Reading:

Riggs: pgs. 98 - 134

Tech Link:

TBA

Week 7:

Mon. Mar. 2

Build and Lab

Tech Link:

TBA

Critical Reflection #2 due on Mar. 6 before class

Thur. Mar. 5

Part 3 Demo

Assigned Reading:

Bailenson: Ch. 10

Week 8:

Mon. Mar. 9

Storyplexing & Ideation

Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Mar. 12

Bring Storyplex Documents to class

Pitch Workshop

Assigned Reading:

TBA

Week 9:

Mon. Mar. 23

Immersive Narrative

Assigned Reading:

TBA

Thur. Mar. 26

Setting up Final Project

Tech Link:

TBA

Week 10:

Mon. Mar. 30

Raycasting

Assigned Reading:

Riggs: pgs. 136 - 182

Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Apr. 2

Grayboxing Due

Greybox Check-in

Assigned Reading:

Bailenson: pgs. 228 - 246

Week 11:

Mon. Apr. 6

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. 9

Selection (Raycast Pt 2)

Tech Link:

TBA

Week 12:

Mon. Apr. 13

Physical Interactivity & Personal UI

Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Apr. 16

Project Check-in & Tech Misc

Tech Link:

TBD

Assigned Reading:

Riggs: pgs. 183 - 210

Week 13:

Mon. Apr. 20

No Class

Enjoy Marathon Monday!

Thur. Apr. 23

Prototype and Feedback

Week 14:

Mon. Apr. 27

Project Check-in & Tech Misc

Tech Link:

TBD

Thurs. Apr. 30

Final Lab

Fri. May 1

Playable Media Open House

Time TBD