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Media Arts
Program Overview
The Media Arts degree equips students to use production arts principles with a focus on visual media content creation. Students select a concentration of focus and are prepared for strategic positions in entertainment, news and information, communication, and media arts production.
Every undergraduate student pursuing a four-year degree at Johnson earns a double major – a major in Bible and Theology and a major of their choice, like Media Arts. Click here to learn more about the Bible and Theology major.
Concentrations
In addition to the core classes in the Media Arts major, you will have the opportunity to choose a concentration and take the following classes.
Animation and Design
Fundamentals of Web Design
Students develop a website as they learn how the Internet works and how to use common software tools to develop electronic ministry resources. They explore how to use the Internet for information consuming, sharing, and publication, while creating hypertext documents using HTML language.
Advanced Website Design
A project-oriented course where students use a range of tools to develop solutions for the web and interactive media, including HTML, CSS, Java, Actionscript, and various versions of C.
2D Animation
Students are introduced to the history, technology, and business of animation, including techniques, workflow, conceptual development, storyboarding, 2D animation, stop motion, motion graphics, and 3D animation.
3D Animation
Students experiment with three-dimensional design, motion, and animation.
Integrated Animation
Students complete a self-directed study using a combination of animation techniques. Possible focuses include character animation, motion graphics, or information video. Students will create a finished animated piece based on research interests.
Portfolio III
Students create a substantial body of work in their chosen Visual Media Production and Design discipline (Video, Graphic Design, Animation, Writing) with supporting elements from the adjacent disciplines. This is designed as the third course in a 3-course sequence for portfolio production. The end goal of the three courses is a completed portfolio. A system of feedback and analysis at checkpoints will be used throughout.
Graphic Design
Drawing and Ideation
Students are introduced to concepts of visual art and design, including storyboarding, visual storytelling, and theoretical principles.
Graphic Design I
Students explore elements and principles of basic two-dimensional design with an emphasis on composition, color theory, and craftsmanship.
Graphic Design II
Students explore elements and principles of basic three-dimensional design with an emphasis on spatial organization, color, and planning and craft.
Typography
Students explore the development and application of typography for design and layout.
Graphic Design III
Students use the principles of 2D design, color and type elements as they relate to design for printed objects and showcasing of those products through photography and video. Students will fuse photography with design products to display successful presentations of package design products.
Portfolio III
Students create a substantial body of work in their chosen Visual Media Production and Design discipline (Video, Graphic Design, Animation, Writing) with supporting elements from the adjacent disciplines. This is designed as the third course in a 3-course sequence for portfolio production. The end goal of the three courses is a completed portfolio. A system of feedback and analysis at checkpoints will be used throughout.
Media Writing and Design
Reporting for Mass Media
Students develop skills for clear and concise communication to mass audiences in a variety of written formats. Emphases include writing for print and electronic media, gathering accurate information, presenting a clear written message, and basic style for professional media writing. Students submit work to an online publication.
Introduction to Public Relations
Students are introduced to the profession of public relations and strategic communication. Students demonstrate writing ability, examine strategies for publicity campaigns, and study the history and foundations of the field.
Introduction to Video Production
This course examines the components of audio, video, and still images for the purpose of media production. Students explore the equipment used to produce content.
Video Editing & Enhancement
Students continue developing editing skills and are introduced to Photoshop and Aftereffects. Emphasis is placed on deadlines and following industry workflow.
2D Animation
Students develop concepts related to pre-production for interactive media, live action, and animation, as well as skills relevant to design of characters and objects. Students use timeline animation in the development of motion graphics, interactive interfaces and basic character animation.
Video Production
Introduction to Video Production
This course examines the components of audio, video, and still images for the purpose of media production. Students explore the equipment used to produce content.
Video Editing & Enhancement
Students continue developing editing skills and are introduced to Photoshop and Aftereffects. Emphasis is placed on deadlines and following industry workflow.
Video Production II
This course analyzes the components of audio, video, and still images for the purpose of media production. Students apply production techniques used to produce interactive media content.
Video Editing & Enhancement II
This is a project-oriented course where students organize and construct media components using creative production techniques centered around concepts such as color grading, compositing 2D and 3D elements into shot footage, and motion tracking. Students develop visual language skills by exploring motion media editing theory as well as execution.
Portfolio III
Students create a substantial body of work in their chosen Visual Media Production and Design discipline (Video, Graphic Design, Animation, Writing) with supporting elements from the adjacent disciplines. This is designed as the third course in a 3-course sequence for portfolio production. The end goal of the three courses is a completed portfolio. A system of feedback and analysis at checkpoints will be used throughout.
Sound Design and Audio Postproduction
Students develop skills related to capturing, creating and manipulating sonic materials for film and video. Students explore techniques for developing and presenting audio materials for a variety of narrative situations.
Core Classes
Scripting
This course is a study in writing story for a variety of print, screen, and web-based mediums, fundamentally equipping the student to communicate with people abstractly, visually, and directly. Instructor will explore this idea and many others related to the act of creation as a reflection of the divine, and therefore one of many things we are called to do.
Society & Media
Students are introduced to mass communication and explore its culture-shaping power, contemporary issues, and media’s impact on society. Students evaluate media economics, forms, history, ethics, careers, legal issues, societal issues, and religious issues.
History of Media Arts
Students explore the history of media arts through the early 1960s. Students examine the connections between economics, industrial history, and social and political systems. Students also examine the media from an artistic, rhetorical, and critical lens.
Arts Entrepreneurship
Students gain insight into structures, management, processes, and the economics of and issues surrounding Media and the Arts. An emphasis is placed on financial stability and profitability in a changing media market.
Digital Arts Forum
Note: (.25 credit, taken 8 times)
Students engage in a community forum dedicated to the exploration of the digital arts and technology. Students will receive critiques on their technical and creative works, participate in group discussions, engage with guest presentations, and explore related fields such as grant writing, entrepreneurship, and career development.
Internship
Under the supervision of a qualified professional, interns gain real-world experience in a media-arts work environment.
Integrated Project
Students demonstrate a culmination of skills developed during their studies. Students produce a project with choice of subject and medium which showcases practical skills.
Careers
There are many careers available for students who graduate with a media arts degree! Here are just a few for you to explore.
- News Producer/Editor
- Content Writer/Manager
- Copywriter
- Social Media Editor
- Reporter
- Public Relations Associate
- Marketing Communications Coordinator
- Graphic Designer
- Video Producer
- Web Designer