Description
Everything is Computer: the Aesthetics of Simulation & Videogame Cultures
From AI girlfriends to digital Earth twins, simulation technology is evolving at a breakneck pace, rapidly redefining the social, ecological and cultural relationships of our time. This course looks into the eye of the simulated storm as reality unspools from itself, the internet becomes a bot-dwelling graveyard, virtual Earths play out geoengineering protocols, and the language and aesthetics of videogames blur the boundaries between screen-world and world-world. Drawing on science and technology studies, videogames, ecological theory, media theory and internet studies, participants can expect close-reads of emerging theory and simulation classics, analysis of videogames and art made with game engines, and collaborative worldbuilding exercises. Everything is Computer is designed for students interested in our rapidly mutating relationship with simulation tech—how to dissect it, analyze its pervasive influence,