Media Arts Fundamentals

In this course, students apply the technical skills and theoretical approaches learned in other courses to create media content. Students examine industry-standard media platforms, learning not only their mechanics, but also strategies for identifying and growing audiences. Students identify types of content creators and explore how they establish and sustain success. This course answers the "what" and "why" of media creation while the Digital Tools courses explore the "how".

In this lab-based course, students develop foundational fluency with industry-standard software and hardware tools used in the creation of different types of media. Students are introduced to image editing, video creation and production, motion graphics, and audio recording and editing. The technical skills acquired in this course are applied across many other courses in the Media Arts Fundamental program.

This course introduces students to the field of media, design, and the arts. Students examine the basic concepts of visual literacy needed for the development of work in various digital media. In surveying the history of mass/digital media in the past century, students also learn how various forms of media and messaging contribute to communicating cultural meaning. The course emphasizes critical thinking, media criticism, and analysis.

In this course, learners explore digital imaging and photography techniques (e.g., working with light, learning camera parts and functions, etc.) and elements of composition to support their artistic vision and produce technically sound images. Students learn digital workflow, including image editing and optimization for various purposes and specifications using industry-standard software. In support of communication skills, students will use imagery and text to produce visual narratives that communicate meaning to a target audience.

In this course, students develop and launch a digital portfolio and establish an interactive web presence that demonstrates their skills in the use of digital media tools, communication, and content development. Students explore networks of other creators and possible audiences to determine how their work serves or may be consumed by society at large.

In this lab-based course, students hone their skills in using industry-standard software and hardware tools used in the creation of different types of media. In addition to further developing video, audio, and motion graphics creation and editing competencies, students explore how novel technologies such as AI, AR, and VR can be used and integrated into richer media creation projects. The technical skills acquired in this course provide students with the tools to create a variety of media with creative, artistic, and narrative goals in mind.

In this course, students apply their evolving technical skills and theoretical approaches learned in other courses to create media content. Students create content for a variety of industry-standard media platforms and apply tactics for attracting and building audiences. Students examine strategies for developing content for multiple platforms simultaneously while building on the unique strengths and features of each. Types of content and strategies are matched to both target audience profiles and different media distribution platforms. Students also analyze the successes and challenges faced by diverse content creators.

Students explore careers and industry trends in media arts, the intersection and influences of various forms of media, the role of media influencers, and social media marketing. They will reflect on, and learn to navigate, an evolving media arts landscape. Students will explore innovative practices in media.

In this course, students will create personalized narratives expressed through creative means. They will explore how different narrative forms are created using elements of storytelling across various media. Students will learn how storytelling strategies assist in reaching audiences and contribute to cultural significance.

In this course, learners explore visual media technologies to motion-based (video) content and their application to the practice of Graphic Design. Students learn creative applications of digital imaging and photography and experiment with video capture and production.  Learners explore strategic communication objectives through media story-telling techniques that can be used to develop video content that communicates meaning to a target audience.