Program Overview
Students learn to create 360-degree video and VR experiences that recreate historical events, equipping them for careers in immersive history development, interpretation, education, and research. The program emphasizes hands-on workshops, collaborative projects, and real-world applications.
Program Outline
This unique program aims to equip students with the skills to research, interpret, and recreate historical events using 360-degree video and virtual reality (VR) experiences.
Objectives:
- Provide students with a fundamental understanding of immersive technology.
- Enable students to produce applications that recreate historical events in 360-degree video and VR experiences.
- Develop students' ability to work with experienced developers in creating VR and AR experiences.
- Equip students with the skills to conduct original research in history and apply historical methods in scripting for immersive technology experiences.
Program Description:
This certificate program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of immersive technology and its application in the field of history. Students will learn about the theoretical and practical aspects of IT, including AR/VR hardware and software, virtual world design, and video production techniques. Additionally, they will receive in-depth training in historical research methods and interpretation, enabling them to create accurate and engaging historical experiences for diverse audiences.
Outline:
- Required Courses:
- ARVR 105: Introduction to Immersive Technologies
- ARVR 230: Video Production in 360
- ARVR 290: AR/VR Lab (taken concurrently with a History elective)
- History Electives:
- HIST 303: American Colonial History
- HIST 304: Middle Period America
- HIST 308: Civil War in Memory & Popular Culture
- HIST 341: Introduction to Public History
- HIST 350: Virginia History
- HIST 395: Topics in History
- HIST 309: Interpreting Civil War Sites
Assessment:
The program employs diverse assessment methods to evaluate students' knowledge and skills. These methods may include:
- Coursework: assignments, presentations, project work
- Exams: mid-term and final assessments
- Portfolio: showcasing students' best work in immersive technology and historical research
- Participation: active engagement in class discussions and activities
Teaching:
The program features a unique approach to teaching, combining traditional classroom instruction with hands-on workshops and collaborative project work. Students will benefit from:
- Small class sizes: allowing for personalized attention and individualized feedback
- Engaged professors: experts in their respective fields, passionate about history and immersive technology
- Guest speakers: industry professionals and VR/AR developers sharing real-world insights
- Collaborative learning: through group projects and peer-to-peer feedback
Careers:
The certificate opens up a range of exciting career opportunities in the burgeoning field of immersive history. Graduates can pursue careers as:
- Immersive History Developers: creating VR/AR experiences for museums, historical sites, and educational institutions
- VR/AR Educators: developing and implementing immersive learning experiences in schools and universities
- Researchers: investigating the potential of immersive technology for historical research and interpretation
Other:
- The program collaborates with the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL), a student-driven production company specializing in creating VR/AR experiences.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in real-world projects, such as the VR recreation of the 1787 Constitutional Convention and the virtual depiction of John Brown's historic trial.
