Proposal by Ken Chitwood, U of Florida.

Augmented Reality Criticisms (ARCs) present a compelling opportunity for scholars in the humanities to harness mobile computing technology, specifically Augmented Reality (AR) apps, to create and circulate public discourse and critique. This proposal seeks to discuss the why, what, and how of ARCs. Pointedly, it will include how overlaying physical objects or locations with digital content available through mobile device applications can encourage positive political and cultural exchange on specific social issues. The “Religion@UF” project will be offered as an example to explore ARCs. Created in collaboration between the UF Religion & English Departments, the “Relgion@UF” ARC is a mobile AR application that reveals the hidden religious history in and around the University of Florida campus through exploration of some of its physical locations and sites of interest. Once completed, users will be able to look at specific buildings and signs through their phone or tablet camera and view multimedia overlays informing them of the religious history related to different locations around campus. For instance, users will be able to view the engravings located on Heavener Hall and receive information about this ongoing religious controversy.