Design and Media Production Technology, AAS (DAM3) (DAM3)  Degree

Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.

This course focuses on quantitive skills and reasoning in the context of experiences that students will be likely to encounter. The course emphasizes processing information in context from a variety of representations, understanding of both the information and the processing, and understanding which conclusions can be reasonably determined. Students will use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding. Topics covered in this course include: sets and set operations, logic, basic probability, data analysis, linear models, quadratic models, exponential and logarithmic models, geometry, and financial management.

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer and digital terminology, and usage, operating systems, Internet and digital communication, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and presentation applications.

Working with Microsoft Windows provides students with the interface concepts of Microsoft Windows software and the opportunity to develop basic computer skills. Topics include: getting started with Microsoft Windows, managing programs and files with Microsoft Windows, using Microsoft Windows applications, data transfer with Microsoft Windows, printing with Microsoft Windows, and customizing with Microsoft Windows.

Covers the basics of computer terminology, operating systems, and input and output devices, file formatting, file management, and overview of software.

An introduction to 3D Animation software and component visualization. Students will be introduced to software and basic techniques to begin creating models and material for animation projects. Students will also be introduced to basic lighting and animation concepts so that they will be able to develop a complete animation using 3D software at the end of this course.

This course covers the fundamentals of computer geometry by creating the basic elements that make computer models: surfaces, NURBS, polygon, mesh and subdivisions. Students will also be introduced to production techniques that includes preparing reference images for modeling aid, rendering and output of models.

Introduces the students to concepts for creating textures and lighting for 3D computer graphics. Students will explore indepth the various ways to create and apply texture and lighting to the 3D models.

This course introduces fundamental rigging techniques used to prepare a modeled character for animation. The course will focus on the essential tools and techniques, used for body and facial character rigging, skinning, skin weighting, and blend shapes.

This course will focus on tying together all the various stages of production, including concept development, materials creation, rigging and animation, and post-production.

This course focuses on the design challenges associated with the development of symbol systems, logos, environmental graphics and information graphics. Students will use their knowledge of vector and raster applications for further study into the use of typographic treatment and graphic images.

This course is an introduction to graphic design production using page layout software. Students will be introduced to the essential terminology, tools, and stages of workflow in the graphic design process.

Using skills learned in the page layout course, students will design projects relating to the challenges associated with multiple page formats.

Using skills learned in the page layout course, students will design projects for advertising and promotion of products and services.

This course is an in-depth introduction to the graphic prepress production process. Through hands-on projects, the student will expereince challenges involved in successful graphic prepress production.

This course lays the foundation for an in-depth study of web Interface design. Students will be exposed to the basics of design fundamentals, information architecture, interface structure, and graphic element creation. These studies will be used as a basis to develop comprehensive web layouts and navigation systems. Topics include: design elements, project planning, thumbnails and wireframes, web anatomy, sitemap and user-flows, common usability problems, UI libraries and mock-ups.

This course introduces best practices for interaction design and user experience. This course begins with an in-depth study of visual page design and navigation structure and progresses into high-fidelity interface prototyping and user testing. Students will learn to upload working prototypes and replace pages on a server.

In the Introduction to CMS course, the student learns the basics of installing and configuring a Content Management System to easily build blogs and small web sites. Students will perform common tasks using any of the most popular {and free} Content Management Systems.

This course focuses on creating standard-based web interfaces while using the most current version of HTML for content structure and CSS for interface styling. Students will also explore emerging design trends and techniques used for designing modern web based interfaces.

This course introduces how to create and animate motion graphics. Students will learn to create dynamic animated titles and logos, animate raster and vector image file graphics, composite and edit multi-layered special effects using footage, work with shapes and masks, work with 3D elements, apply and animate various effect filters, and analyze and compress digital video for different output specifications. Students will be exposed to compositing concepts, techniques, and terminology used in finalizing a video or animation project.

This course familiarizes the student with traditional animation methodology, use of key poses, breakdowns, and timing charts. These methods are then applied to each of the 12 basic principles of animation. The course also introduces the history of animated film, various techniques used to create animation, and important animated short films.

This course will expose students to advanced techniques used in finalizing a video or animation project using compositing software. The class will reinforce compositing concepts, workflow techniques and terminology that students have learned in previous classes. More advanced tools and techniques will be introduced to focus on overall project workflow.

The student will apply knowledge from the Introduction to Raster Imaging to creating static graphics for broadcast. Emphasis will be placed upon aesthetics and techniques, working with filters, compositing, layering, creating alpha channels, creating mattes, creating titles and effects as well as importing images to the application. The student will also learn how to export multi-layer graphics into applicable animation and editing applications.

This course will provide design techniques and strategies for authoring DVDs. Students will create interactive navigational interfaces for their own projects. Students will "author" a DVD by crating buttons, interactive links, and slideshows.

The course will introduce students to intermediate and advanced techniques for post-production audio for film and video using specialized software such as Adobe Audition or Pro-Tools. Students will learn the concept of sound design and use techniques such as rerecording dialogue and creating Foley to enrich the sound of finished projects. Students will also learn mixing techniques to ensure that all elements are audible final projects.

The course will introduce students to color balancing and grading techniques.

The course will teach students techniques in compositing video with visual effects which includes incorporating 3D elements and pre-keyed footage, applying digital lighting and shading techniques, and applying 3rd party plugins with the goal of creating realistic-looking visual effects.

In this course students will work closely with the instructor to develop complex, portfolio quality work that reflects his or her skill set in one or more of the Design and Media areas of specialization. Depending on complexity, the instructor may ask students to create a single or multiple projects.

Introduces student to an overview of photography. Students will be introduced to parts of a camera, photography processes and lighting setup, and will complete various projects using a camera.

Students will produce photographs using a variety of commercial lighting techniques and common studio setups, and compositing practices. Students will be required to produce a portfolio of their photography in a variety of formats.

The student will refine imaging skills and apply concepts in advanced techniques of raster imaging.

Provides instruction in the techniques of portrait photography. The students will be able to perform creative use of lighting, including available and studio lighting. Introduces techniques in posing portrait subjects, critical positioning of lighting, and techniques used in the field. Students develop skills for critical evaluation of a portrait photograph. Topics include: tools for indoor and outdoor photography, posing individuals and groups, manipulating natural light and flash, critique and portfolio building.

Students continue the study of Photography through technical skills and theory. Topics include exposure control, advanced lighting techniques, and portfolio building. This class emphasizes creative skills, practical exercises and photography projects.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the principles and theories of photojournalism. It concentrates on the principles of personal and social documentary photography. It is also designed to increase understanding of photography as a communication tool and to train the student to translate ideas and information into photographic form.

In this course students will work closely with the instructor to develop complex, portfolio quality work that reflects his or her skill set in one or more of the Design and Media areas of specialization. Depending on complexity, the instructor may ask students to create a single or multiple projects.

This course will expose students to advanced techniques in digital cinematography and production audio. Students will gain hands on experience in camera operation, shot composition, camera movement, lighting, and production sound.

This course will take students through the entire process of creating a narrative short film, with particular emphasis on skills that are specific to fictional, scripted material.

This course will take students through the entire process of creating a documentary short film, with particular emphasis on skills that are specific to unscripted or partially scripted, non-fiction material.

An introduction to the fundamentals of television production. Students will be introduced to the process of television production, technical aspects of video signals, video cameras, video processing, television lighting, audio related to television production, producing, directing, editing, video recording and playback operation. Students will participate in studio production including producing and directing projects. Production theory, terminology, and production techniques are also introduced, with an emphasis on the function and operation of equipment to achieve basic broadcast production skills.

This course is an introduction to basic video editing techniques used in digital video production with non-linear video editing software. The student will learn to perform basic editing functions and include the acquisition and management, shot sequencing, finishing and output.

This course is an introduction to the creative and technical aspects of video production. Students will learn the basic terminology and techniques of video production through analysis of produced video works as well as hands-on experience. Students will be introduced to basic digital video production including: pre-production and planning, camera operation and framing, lighting, sound, and post-production with basic editing.

This course applies the concepts and practices of field video production. The class will be introduced to portable video equipment, and field production practices and techniques including Electronic News Gathering {ENG} and Electronic Field Production {EFP}. The student will produce several projects executing all aspects of production including conceiving, writing, producing, shooting and editing resulting in final broadcast-ready products.

This course focuses on lighting techniques for television production and on the tools of lighting for television and film. The student will learn about lighting and grip equipment and techniques for their use in the audio and field. The course will consist of extensive demonstration, lab and project work.

Students will be introduced to writing formats for news, promotion, press releases, commercial television and radio productions and dramatic screenplays. Emphasis will be placed on correct writing styles and conceptualization for each application. Students will adapt an existing work to create an original script for the screen.

This is an advanced production course. The individual student will complete a long form production, which will include conceiving, writing, and pre/pro/post producing the project. Evaluation criteria include organization, visual storytelling, lighting, audio, editing and graphics.