Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
This course teaches students to how to create virtual and augmented reality experiences. This technique-intensive lab features weekly sequences of in-depth video tutorials covering introductory to advanced techniques for creating art and design projects in advanced, emerging visual technologies.
Course Prerequisites
Graduate standing and Master of Arts in Art and Technology students only.
Course Materials
Physical supplies
- Computer with a microphone
- 3-button mouse
- Sketchbook
Software and online services
- Unity
- Spark AR
- Note: A Facebook login will be required in order to access this software.
- Visual Studio Code
- Glitch account
- Github account
- Discord
- Please sign up for Discord and join our class discord server
- on discord you can
- post help questions and answer questions in the HELP channel
- post anything you are vibing on in the INSPIRATION channel
- share pictures of your pets in the PETS channel (very important)
- on discord you can
- Please sign up for Discord and join our class discord server
Optional
-
- VR Headset - compatible with web and with Unity (not required but nice to have)
- Web Hosting (if you want your projects to be live on the interwebs)
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Spark AR Filters | Create face or object filters | 20% |
| A-Frame AR | Create real-world triggers with animation and 3D elements based on the trigger | 20% |
| A-Frame VR Environment Game | Create a multilevel game focusing on exploring an environment | 20% |
| Unity Warm-Up Project | Complete a mini-project that will introduce you to Unity basics | 20% |
| Unity Physics and Colliders Game | Create a gamified experience in Unity | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grade Scale
Grades are based on an additive scale rather than a punitive scale, which means that each person starts with 0 points and accumulates them as we go through projects.
| Points | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| 68% | F |
Course Components
Spark AR Filters
Spark AR Studio is an augmented reality platform for Mac & Windows that allows you to somewhat easily create AR effects for mobile cameras. Think of it like Photoshop or Sketch, but for AR.
- You will be using Spark AR to create augmented experiences of the body.
- Course Content for this component will be based on critique of this medium, and how artists use it to push back against capitalist structures.
A-Frame
A-Frame is a web framework for building virtual reality experiences. Make WebVR with HTML an Entity-Component system. It works on Vive, Rift, desktop, and mobile platforms.
- You will be using A-Frame to create both AR and VR experiences, as it can do both!
- With A-Frame AR, you will create real-world image triggers and then adding in animation and 3D elements based on the trigger. You will also use A-Frame to create a multilevel game focusing on exploring an environment
Unity
Unity is a 3D/2D game engine and powerful cross-platform IDE for developers. The engine can be used to create 3D 2D games, as well as interactive simulations and other experiences.
- One small and one large project in Unity.
- The first will be a warmup project to expose you to the interface and basic structure of using the Unity engine.
- Then, using Unity physics and colliders, we will create a gamified experience.
Course Policies
Communication
I can be reached through Canvas, on our class Discord, by email, or text (9am - 5pm Central). I will get back to you within 24 hours on M-F. I will not be checking my email or texts over the weekend.
Late Policy
I do accept late work. However, points will taken off for anything submitted after the due date.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Academic Misconduct
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person's unique contributions, background and perspective. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual based on the individual’s race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age (40 or older), sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides. For more information, please contact the Institutional Equity Office.
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.
Students with disabilities must be registered with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Title IX Office at 405-325-2215 (8–5, M–F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office.
Religious Holidays
It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.
Student Grievances
In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.
Copyright Policy
It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or their authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user's access to some or all of the university's computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.
Registration and Withdrawal
If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|