MONT 105S Computer Science of Graphics and Games

    College of the Holy Cross, Spring 2009

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    Assignment 9

    Due: Friday, February 20, in class


    Writing/Discussion topic: Avatars and Social Life

    Read the following article:

    Taylor, T.L. (2002) Living Digitally: Embodiment in Virtual Worlds, From R, Schroeder (Ed.) "The social life of avatars: Presence and interaction in shared virtual environments." London: Springer-Verlag.

    Note: We will return to this article when we discuss the common reading, "Truth and Beauty: A friendship," by Ann Patchett. So please read it carefully.

    Answer the following questions. Write at least 1/2 page, typed and double spaced, for each question. Support your arguments with references to the reading. (You may also use sources other than the reading, as long as you cite them properly).

    a) Give a reasoned argument that supports the contention that use of avatars in a digital environment can generate satisfying social interactions. Avatars can express aspects of our true selves.

    b) Give a reasoned argument that use of avatars in a digital environment is too limiting to generate a satisfying social interaction. Avatars cannot express aspects of our true selves.

    (Note: You will likely agree more with one of the above two arguments, but I want you to try to understand both points of view).


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    Constance Royden--croyden@mathcs.holycross.edu
    MONT 105S, Graphics and Games
    Date Created: January 26, 2008
    Last Modified: February 9, 2009
    Page Expires: January 13, 2010