“Haptic” is a word that refers to the sense of touch, derived from a Greek root meaning to grasp, perceive, or fasten. Haptic technologies and haptic aesthetics may communicate through, or mediate this tactile sense between people. We often think of touch as doing things with our hands, but touch affects all parts of the body, playing a role in smell (particles entering the nose), sound (as vibration or a wave), taste (of the tongue touching), and even vision (through synesthesia or haptic visuality). With social interactions becoming increasingly digital, many of us may feel “touch starved,” looking to mediated forms of intimacy and community. How can haptic technologies, haptic aesthetics, and uses of these in video games, virtual reality, digital-physical art installations, and even early moving pictures, communicate the many different aspects of tactility at a distance? How can we communicate felt experiences as forms of unique knowledge? Drawing from video game studies, humor and gimmicks, and feminist film theory, this course takes an interdisciplinary approach to questions of haptic mediation. Students will complete three packets of deliverables toward a single unified interactive design using haptic and feeling aesthetics, and present this work in a collaborative final showcase. The final aim of the course is an exhibition of experimental student work presented either virtually or in person, and documented online. No previous media studies or game design experience will be necessary.
hapticmedia.png- Professor: Teddy Pozo
In the summer of 2020, following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police, massive demonstrations took place around the nation, demanding an end to police violence and systemic racism. During that moment, many said it was finally time to “reimagine public safety” – a wide-ranging term that encompassed perspectives as wide-ranging as police abolition and more robust community policing. It coincided with the rise of a new wave of progressive prosecutors determined to end the “carceral state” and promote “restorative justice.”
In the three short years since, cities that promised reimagined public safety have experienced what Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrice Cullours refers to as “The Great Regression,” a pro-police, pro-law and order backlash that has seen an increase in police budgets and the targeting of progressive prosecutors. How did this happen? What forces shape these policy discussions and political decisions? What is the future of public safety and criminal justice in urban centers? This course will examine those questions, with an emphasis on Los Angeles, with frequent guest lecturers, including policymakers, police officials and prosecutors, activists and community organizers. We will examine recent policy debates and discuss how they are being shaped, asking several key questions: What are the challenges to and opportunities for making change? Who has the power? Who is telling the story?
The format of our classroom will include short lectures, class discussions, and guest speakers.
In the three short years since, cities that promised reimagined public safety have experienced what Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrice Cullours refers to as “The Great Regression,” a pro-police, pro-law and order backlash that has seen an increase in police budgets and the targeting of progressive prosecutors. How did this happen? What forces shape these policy discussions and political decisions? What is the future of public safety and criminal justice in urban centers? This course will examine those questions, with an emphasis on Los Angeles, with frequent guest lecturers, including policymakers, police officials and prosecutors, activists and community organizers. We will examine recent policy debates and discuss how they are being shaped, asking several key questions: What are the challenges to and opportunities for making change? Who has the power? Who is telling the story?
The format of our classroom will include short lectures, class discussions, and guest speakers.
- Professor: Michael Bonin
- Professor: Kirk Bentzen
- Professor: Jesse Fischer
- Professor: Kimberly Diaz