Digital Media Arts Program: Class Descriptions
ARTS 187 Introduction to Photography
Hands-on course introducing students to the basics of black and white darkroom photography, as well as digital color photography.
ARTS 130 Introduction to Electronic Art
Introduction to the computer as a medium and fine art tool. Course will explore history, theory, and contemporary art issues associated with computer-based art practice, as well as introduce students to basic tools and technologies.
ARTS 231 Video Art I
An investigation of video as a medium within a fine art context. Course will explore history, theory, and contemporary art issues associated with video art practice as well as develop student’s mastery of technical skills.
ARTS 289 Digital Imaging Techniques
Techniques and aesthetics of digital imaging using a variety of software and hardware.
ARTH 210 History of Photography
A survey tracing the historical and cultural impact of photography, including artistic, scientific, documentary, commercial, and vernacular images.
DMA 100 Digital Foundations
An investigation into to the utilization of the software programs that ship in the Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium. Course will explore the main use of each program, how the programs work together formaximum usability and practical applications, as well as the history, theory, and contemporary design and multi-media issues as a contemporary designer and production artist.
DMA 270 Special Projects: Capstone & Portfolio
Final semester, hands-on course where students will concentrate on a specific portfolio project. Students will create graduate with a reel highlighting the student’s best work, as well as an accompanying web page to self-promote and further either career or educational opportunities. Collaboration as a team member will be required as all student’s will have varying strengths in different fields.
GAME 100 Intro to Game Development
Introductory game development concepts and techniques. Topics common to all game development: history of modern games, player considerations, game elements, storytelling and narrative, character development, gameplay experience, levels, interface design, audio, strategy, and project management.
GAME 150 Game Project I
Create computer games utilizing a variety of game development tools including 2D graphics, 3D modeling, music and sound effects. Tasks include: game setup, development studio, manipulating graphic images, character design, creating sounds/music, pictures and animation. Hands on experience in 3D animation software and motion capture technology will result in a basic character/concept animation reel.
IT 205 Web Design Methodology
Students will create and manage websites using Adobe Dreamweaver and CSS standards. This course focuses on theory, design, and web construction, along with information architecture and file management concepts. Contemporary open-source, online website creation tools and content managing systems (CMS) will also be introduced. Students will be prepared to take the Adobe Dreamweaver Adobe Certified Associate Exam (ACA) upon completion of this course.
IT 270 Graphics & 2D Animation
This course introduces students to the concepts, tools, techniques, and practical applications of 2D graphics and animation. Techniques and aesthetics of design fundamentals, color theory, and contemporary graphic issues will be explored. Students will be prepared to take the Adobe Illustrator & Flash Adobe Certified Associate Exams (ACA) upon completion of this course.
IT 293 Blogging as a Tool in Career and Educations
This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental working knowledge of the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of blogging and how to join the media outlets in our Web 2.0 bubble to further career and education. Students will investigate many aspects of blogging using various tools that will be the platforms for further discussing various topics of interest - education in a social media world, the state of the digital communication networks, social networking, RSS feeds, social bookmarking, photo sharing, video sharing, security and, most notably, how to contribute your own content freely yet cautiously.
IT 293 Web 2.0 - Online Tools for Student Success
Web 2.0 is a TERM (not actual software). It describes the way people now use the Internet, most notably, collaboration and interactivity among users. It includes many new technologies compared to standard web page posting. Students will investigate blogs, wikis, photosharing, social networking, RSS Feeds, social bookmarking, video sharing and, most notabley, free open-source software. All of these tools will aid the student in participating in any future classes, better preparing the student for further study in online environment and higher education in general.
IT 293 Documentary Filmmaking
This course will introduce students to the history and theory of documentary cinema. Through the semester, students will review and analyze the evolution of the documentary film genre and the varieties of approaches used by filmmakers through film viewings and critical writings. This course will provide students with a solid historical and theoretical foundation in documentary filmmaking and prepare them for other film and art courses offered on campus.
IT 293 Stop-Motion Animation
This course focuses on theory, design, and construction of stop-motion animation techniques using various software and hardware. The class will work as a group creating an 8-week long full production within a professional context. It should be great fun!
MA 110 Introduction to Mass Communication
Study of the development of mass media with emphasis on television in the areas of programming, policy, regulations, economics, and technology. Examination of the social, cultural, and political impact of the mass media on contemporary society.
MA 111 Technical Introduction to Video Production
For the student who has no practical knowledge of video technology. Students learn about the camera and lens, sound recording, lighting, editing, and other elements of production.
MA 210 Intro to Film
Analysis of film as a unique art, and a survey of main trends in film history. Screenings and critical study of major films.
OBT 260 Publication Design
This course focuses on theory, design, and construction of print and web-based publications, including brochures, newsletters, business card and letterhead packages, magazines and “zines”, blogs, and more. Students will be prepared to take the Adobe InDesign Adobe Certified Assocaite Exam (ACA) upon completion of this course.