Digital Media Minor

A study of the basic principles and elements of two and three dimensional form and composition. Alternate discussions and projects designed to acquaint the student with materials and techniques in the plastic arts. Three double periods. (Offered every semester.)

This course will introduce students to computers and programming. It will begin with a study of computer hardware and software relationships, and a review of common operating systems in use today, with a detailed review of microcomputer operating systems. Then programming language construction and principles will be covered, culminating in problem solving and algorithm development in a high level computing language with several programming projects. (Offered spring semester.)

This course explores digital media as an experimental cultural practice, with an emphasis on critical approaches to art and technology. Experiments in digital imaging, digital audio, digital video, and multi-media authoring will be conducted. Students will produce independent digital media production projects, individually and in groups. Course meetings include seminar-style discussion of reading and other materials, critiques of student work, tech workshops, production studios (session in which we brainstorm, research ideas, and work on projects), and screenings. (Offered every semester.)

This course provides a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of studio recording and sound reinforcement. (Offered fall semester.) Course Fee $50

Students will work with traditional 35 mm and digital cameras and scanners to produce photographic images that can be improved, manipulated, altered, and printed from the computer. They will learn to control camera settings, adjust imagery using sophisticated photo manipulation software, and explore the variety of digitally based, photograph quality printing. Students will experiment with the fundamentals of photography while developing a portfolio of creative photography. Meets the general education creative and performing arts requirement. (Offered fall semester.)

This course reviews the overview of the technical and aesthetic issues relevant to the design profession. Studio work and research will be assigned. Specific focus on problems in visual organization, typography, and design theory as an expressive design element will be studied. Course content will concentrate on fostering creative thinking along with prescribed techniques and media. Three double or two triple periods. Cross listed with ARTD 230. Prerequisite: ARTD 111. (Offered fall semester.)

Students will work with traditional 35 mm and digital cameras and scanners to produce photographic images that can be improved, manipulated, altered, and printed from the computer. They will learn to control camera settings, adjust imagery using sophisticated photo manipulation software, and explore the variety of digitally based, photograph quality printing. Students will experiment with the fundamentals of photography while developing a portfolio of creative photography. Meets the general education creative and performing arts requirement. (Offered fall semester.)

This course will provide the student with a hands-on experience in utilizing digital media, the internet, and social networking. Each student will utilize video equipment and the internet to promote a group of people (maybe a team, a club, a cause, etc.). A prime goal of this experience will be to create a community following. Blogs, fan pages, text messaging and video sharing services will be utilized. This course can be taken two times for credit. Prerequisite: DMDA120.

This course reviews the overview of the technical and aesthetic issues relevant to the design profession. Studio work and research will be assigned. Specific focus on problems in visual organization, typography, and design theory as an expressive design element will be studied. Course content will concentrate on fostering creative thinking along with prescribed techniques and media. Three double or two triple periods. Cross listed with ARTD 230. Prerequisite: ARTD 111. (Offered fall semester.)

Instruction on the primary components of web design including: information architecture, usability, web technologies, and visual communication. Special attention is given to design, content creation, website development, and project management. Prerequisite: ARTD 111 and DMDA 120. (Offered fall semester.)

Students will work to master the ability to shoot, capture, and edit digital video. They will create mattes and other types of still digital pictures. They will prepare media in various types of formats and for various types of output. A major project will be to produce a short clip video which will integrate various software applications. Prerequisite: ARTD 241. (Offered spring semester.)

This course will provide the student with a hands-on experience in utilizing digital media, the internet, and social networking. Each student will utilize video equipment and the internet to promote a group of people (maybe a team, a club, a cause, etc.). A prime goal of this experience will be to create a community following. Blogs, fan pages, text messaging and video sharing services will be utilized. This course can be taken two times for credit. Prerequisite: DMDA120.

Through lecturers, demonstrations, research and studio work, this course encourages an in-depth study of the business aspects of the design profession. Common professional design problems are emphasized. Cross listed with ARTD 330. Prerequisite: DMDA 230. (Offered spring semester of even calendar years.)

This course explores the methods and objectives of motion and time based graphics. Emphasis is on visual design of commercial, educational, or narrative multimedia electronics presentations. Prerequisite: DMDA 230 (Offered fall semesters.)

Advanced instruction and assigned studio work in one or more topics within the design field including but not limited to: information design, design methodology, advertising design, image design, typography, user centered design, electronic imaging, graphic design history, communication theory, design for social issues, and/or package design. Cross listed with ARTD 365. Prerequisite: DMDA 230. (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years.)

This course will give the student a chance to demonstrate talent in the area of digital content. Each portfolio will include interactive design (including visual, navigation, and information design), creative arts, and various projects with technical merit. The student will demonstrate the level of expertise that has been gained from Digital Media courses, such as Graphic Design, Web Design, Computer Programming, Digital Video, Digital Photography, Digital Multimedia, and Studio Recording. This portfolio is intended to prepare students for entry into the job market or graduate school. (Offered every semester.)

Continue in learning of standard pre-production, production, and post-production practices for shooting digital video projects. Students will learn more about shooting in a variety of lighting and acoustic situations and will explore more advanced editing techniques. Concentration will be in two areas: documentary and narrative/drama. Also, students will explore the role of video in contemporary culture, especially as it relates to traditional film history. (offered as independent study)

A capstone course for all digital media majors, involving independent and group work in selected areas, guest speakers, research projects, and discussion as an essential learning activity. Topics will include digital manipulation ethics, digital sharing ethics, God & technology, and development of a career and lifestyle based on a technological society. A trip to the Annual Chicago International Film festival in October is an integral part of this course. Meets the general education upper division writing intensive requirement.

This course focuses on the signal flow, microphone techniques, foundational and in-depth information of Pro Tools and studio recording techniques. It is based primarily on a "hands-on" approach offering substantial studio time for group and individual projects. Prerequisite: MUSG226. (Offered every semester.) Course Fee: $50