Program
Description
The
program is designed for graduate students who wish to further their
creative work in an interactive digital environment. The program provides
diverse multimedia skills enabling each student to explore several disciplines
while working within a chosen area of concentration. Creative collaboration
is encouraged. Multimedia production opportunities are formed by critical
analysis, theory, and history as well as study of legal and ethical
issues relevant to these emerging art forms. This diversified approach
to the study of interactive media arts provides an education that equips
the students with the flexibility necessary to develop their artistry
in the face of rapidly shifting technologies. The 36 credit Master of
Arts degree is available for full and part-time students with course
offerings in the fall and spring semesters. Prospective candidates must
have a BFA or BA degree. Basic knowledge of computers is required. Students
with related professional experience in other areas are welcome to apply.
Graduate assistantships are also available. All courses are 3 credits.
Course
Listings
Course
Descriptions
IMA
501 Overview of Interactive Multimedia Technology
A
course which introduces the student to interactive multimedia technologies,
both standard and newly developed. Technologies and their applications
will be discussed in context of a rigorous intellectual framework, including
media theory and human factors, which will enable the student to develop
skills for evaluating the potential of new multimedia technologies.
back
IMA
503 Multimedia Lab 1
Examination of the principles and issues in design applicable to interactive
media. Visual organization of digital images and motion graphic elements,
typography, storyboarding, flow charting and choices of technological
options will be explored. back
IMA
601 Moving Image in Multimedia
This workshop on film and video production techniques is targeted to
multimedia producers. Specific aesthetic concerns include shot composition
for use on a computer screen and creation of images that will be used
at less than full screen framing. Also covered are television studio
techniques, such as chroma and luminance keys, which assist and expedite
work in computer environments. Students will learn how to incorporate
archival media and stock footage from various sources into their multimedia
projects. Experience will be gained in visual concept development, script
and storyboard creation, camera operation, art direction, lighting sound
and importing images for digital editing. back
IMA
505 Multimedia History, Theory and Criticism
This class will present a historical and critical context within which
field of multimedia and interactivity can be studied. It will move toward
developing ways of analyzing the relationship of new interactive work
to the rich history of multimedia art forms. Subjects to be introduced
will include photography, cinema, radio, television, computers and the
Internet, as well as study of the impact of new technologies on the
field of cultural studies. back
IMA
605 3D Modeling and Imaging
This course examines aspects of 3D design and animation including 3D
model building, scene building, lighting, texture creation and mapping,
as well as animation techniques. Focus will be on the development of
an original personal aesthetic. back
IMA
604 Internet and Web Design
This course will give students advanced knowledge in creating artwork
and communications for viewing in internet browsers. Students will create
their own original artwork and gain knowledge in important aspects of
production of images for displaying in HTML format as well as creating
home pages and setting up internet connections.
IMA
502 Writing, Research and Evaluation for Multimedia
This course will examine the ways in which writers of electronic, often
interactive texts must adapt to computers and allied technologies. It
will also provide students with the special skills needed to write and
think creatively in this demanding environment. In addition, this course
will conduct formative evaluation of message design, and revise presentations
in response to audience feedback. back
IMA
603 Multimedia Lab 2
Advanced multimedia
skills needed to explore, conceptualize and produce interactive multimedia
work will be the focus of this course. Students will work using presentation
graphics software to create any form of interactive presentations. Discussions
and critiques will include the role of each participant, the integrating
of design and computing, and production challenges within a digital
environment. back
IMA
707 Thesis Research
Students will define the objectives of their thesis/final project, as
well as the methodology they plan to utilize. Primary thesis research
will be presented in a creative context (i.e., storyboarding), demonstrating
their understanding of structure, form and the utilization of the tools
necessary for eventual integration directly into their final thesis
project. back
IMA
701 Special Topics in Multimedia
This is an "umbrella" course, which will serve to bring specialized
and innovative topics to students. The course may be taught by outside
experts or regular faculty as appropriate. Cutting edge technologies
and applications will be stressed. The goal is to familiarize students
with new developments and way of thinking in the multimedia field. back
IMA
504 Social Ethical & Legal Contexts of Communications Technologies &
Multimedia
The evolution of electronic communications technologies and their social,
cultural and intellectual impact on individuals and communities. Ethical,
legal, and policy issues related to the development and application
of the new multimedia technologies in todayês complex regulatory environment
will be given particular emphasis, with special attention to copyright
law, intellectual property, privacy, free speech, and indecency. back
IMA
708 Thesis Final Project
A culminating course for all students within the Interactive Multimedia
Arts program. Within the candidate's major area of specialization, students
are expected to successfully present their thesis in the form of an
interactive work, video or film to be shown within an exhibition setting.
back
IMA
702 Advanced Digital Imaging
A workshop in the digital editing of motion pictures and sound. Beginning
with a history of conceptual developments in the theory and practice
of editing, students will proceed to explore and implement editing techniques
through exercises in rhythm, pacing, continuity, montage, psychological
vs. real-time, induced vs. real-movement, cutting dialogue, interview
scenes, splitting tracks, mixing music and effects, dissolves, wipes
and digital transitions. back
IMA
602 Sound in Multimedia
This courses provides a theoretical and conceptual foundation for the
student, while providing a strong hands-on component in which the hardware
and software of sound used in multimedia are explored. Although the
primary tool is the computer, students will work with recording media
such as analog tape, DAT, multi-track recorders and allied equipment.
Sound design software such as SAW Plus and Sound Forge will be used
in conjunction with multimedia software. back