Virtual reality and American culture to be discussed at Vassar, April 18

Virtual reality and its effects on American culture will be the subject of a lecture by Temple University professor Miles Orvell in room 203 of Taylor Hall at Vassar College on Thursday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. The lecture is titled, "What if the Sims move next door? The Virtual Reality of American Culture."

The lecture, sponsored by the Media Cloisters, is free and open to the public.

Orvell will discuss ways in which virtual reality has altered our perception and experience of the world. He will examine whether it is solely a new technical innovation or whether its roots actually extend to other elements of popular culture.

Orvell is a professor of English and American studies at Temple University in Philadelphia. One of his primary interests is visual culture and its relationship to literature. His book "The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940″ (University of North Carolina Press) was co-winner of the 1990 American Studies Association's John Hope Franklin Publication Prize. Orvell is a senior advisory editor of the Journal of Modern Literature.

For more information, contact Media Cloisters at (845) 437-7279. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings in the Office of Campus Activities at (845) 437-5370, as far in advance as possible, to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations for the event.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential, liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Thursday, April 18th, 2002.