Virtual Reality

Majors & Minors

Courses

VIRT 100: Introduction to Virtual Reality

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

This course will explore and experiment with multiple types of virtual reality tools and techniques. Students will be exposed to the different forms that the medium can currently take, and experience content with a range of delivery mechanisms. The goal of the course will be to make a series of small, very simple test experiences that give the student the understanding of what is currently possible, as well as grasping best practices that are unique to the medium.

Prerequisites

None. 

VIRT 200: Immersive Media Design I

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

An introduction to the tools and methods used in immersive media and virtual reality. Explores principles of the creation of virtual spaces. Introduction to basic processes for creating synthetic objects using 3D software and placing them into a virtual space using game engine technology.

Prerequisites

VIRT 100, MEDA 123C or 123D, or with instructor approval.

VIRT 201: Immersive Media Design II

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

A continuation of VIRT 200 Immersive Media Design I. Continued study of principles and techniques of the creation of virtual spaces. Introduction to basic processes for utilizing sound. Introduction to the creation of basic interfaces.

Prerequisites

VIRT 100, MEDA 123C or 123D, or with instructor approval.

VIRT 210: Visual Scripting

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Introduction to visual programming. Artists will develop fundamental object-oriented programming techniques and develop the ability to create interactive behavior using graphical nodes instead of typing code. Topics include interpolated animation, basic vector mathematics, and interface design.

Prerequisites

VIRT 100, MEDA 123C or 123D, or with instructor approval.

VIRT 211: 3D Technical Art

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Artists will be introduced to scripting in Python using an integrated development environment focusing on programming tools for an industry-standard animation software package. Students will continue to master creating interactive behavior using graphical nodes. Topics include procedural generation, advanced material creation and particle effects.

Prerequisites

VIRT 100 or GAME 240, MEDA 123C or 123D, or with instructor approval.  

VIRT 220: Concept Development for Virtual Worlds

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Exploration of the generation and refinement of solid concepts for virtual reality experiences. Ideas will be explored for potential use in areas of entertainment, education, training, film, tourism, healthcare, advertising, medical, forensics, visualization, and architecture.

Prerequisites

VIRT 100, MEDA 123C or 123D, or with instructor approval.

VIRT 226: UX for XR Design

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Design user-friendly interfaces and user-experiences for Extended Reality (XR), for use in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). XR and spatial computing is changing the way we interact with technology and presents unique design challenges and opportunities. Learn to create interfaces that work well in 3D spaces, to guide users' attention and interactions. Develop awareness and proficiency in creating 3D interfaces, guiding user attention, and integrating sound, movement, and engagement for accessible and intuitive experiences.

Prerequisites

none

VIRT 240: Topics in XR (Extended Reality) Development

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Explore emerging trends and technologies in the field of extended reality (XR) in this Special Topics course offered by the Virtual Reality Development Department. The course content is determined each semester to align with current industry developments and enhance the existing curriculum. Open to all Ringling College students, this course aims to foster a diverse and inclusive academic environment. This course is repeatable under different topics.

Prerequisites

None

VIRT 300: Immersive Media Design III

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

A continuation of VIRT 201 Immersive Media Design II. Advanced study of principles and techniques of the creation of virtual spaces.

Prerequisites

(VIRT 220, VIRT 201, VIRT 211) or (GAME 222, GAME 228, GAME 240) or with instructor approval. 

VIRT 301: Immersive Media Design IV

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

A continuation of VIRT 300 Immersive Media Design III. Advanced study of principles and techniques of the creation of virtual spaces. Creation of proof of concept assets for projects to be produced in senior year.

Prerequisites

VIRT 100, MEDA 123C or 123D, or with instructor approval.

VIRT 310: Programming for Immersive Media

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

Artists will continue their study of programming with written code and graphical nodes to create complex interactive behavior in a real-time engine. Topics include C-family programming languages, basic shader creation, and simulation.

Prerequisites

(VIRT 220, VIRT 201, VIRT 211) or (GAME 222, GAME 228, GAME 240) or with instructor approval.

VIRT 320: Iterative Design

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
3

An introduction to solution-focused approaches to problem solving. Learn to utilize the high-level iterative design process common to all VR development.

Prerequisites

(VIRT 220, VIRT 201, VIRT 211) or (GAME 222, GAME 228, GAME 240) or with instructor approval.

VIRT 401: VR Capstone Project IB

Department
Credits 3
Studio Hours
6
Lecture Hours 0
Minimum Study Hours
6

Continuation of VIRT 400 VR Capstone Project 1A. Advanced concepts in design and production of computer-generated assets for the immersive environments with a focus on 3D modeling, set dressing, material definition and textures, and lighting. Continued production of VR prototype demonstrating creativity, ability to work collaboratively, and knowledge of sophisticated production techniques for real-time graphics rendering. Note: failure to successfully complete VIRT 401 VR Capstone Project 1B will require student to repeat VIRT 400 and VIRT 401.