This course is taught in person and in virtual reality, with the help of Meta Quest 3 VR headsets. (Students without a headset will be provided one by the UCSB library for the duration of the course.) Students will learn about the strange and everyday ways that religion and technology fit together. Religious groups that reject technology, like the Amish, are rare. Evangelical Christians are often among the first to adopt new technologies that can help them preach the gospel. Lesser known religious groups, like Spiritualism, have always integrated technology, and Transhumanist religions try to use technology to transcend mortality and the human form. This class introduces students to these religious movements, and it also considers big questions, such as whether technology has made the end of the world possible or might one day save us all. Course assignments include readings and discussion, as well as exploration and field trips in virtual reality. For the final project, students will create a virtual sacred space that their classmates can visit.
This course offers 10 scholarships of $1,500 to enrolled students, to help offset the cost of unit fees. To apply for a course scholarship, students should follow the steps below. Award decisions will be made on a rolling basis.
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Register for the course in GOLD (FSSP students: program staff will register you in the course upon submission of your course preference form).
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Once registered, prepare a 300-500 word essay explaining why you are interested in the course. You may also share any information about pressing financial need, though this is optional.
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Use your UCSB NetID to log in to the Summer Sessions Course Scholarship submission portal. Complete the simple digital submission form to upload your essay for consideration.