In this course we examine the use of intelligent systems to control interaction within virtual worlds, focusing on the computational modeling of narrative as a primary organizing principle for that interaction. Class format is a combination of seminar and lecture, drawing from texts at the intersections of artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, multi-agent systems, computational linguistics, user interface design, narrative and film theory and sociology.

The focus of the course is cross-disciplinary, and it often attracts students with interests both inside and outside of computer science. While the emphasis in the course will be on theoretical aspects of intelligent interaction and will focus on computational techniques from artificial intelligence, the course benefits strongly from the participation of students from related fields. The assignments are designed to help engage students from other disciplines and their enrollment in the course is encouraged.

Pre-requisites Graduate standing in Computer Science or consent of instructor.

The course is taught by Dr. R. Michael Young.

Links to the current semester's syllabus:  Section 001 (in class)  | Section 601 (distance ed)

Course time and location, Fall 2008

Office hours for Fall 2009