Visual Media Production and Design (BFA)

Fundamentals of Web Design
Students design, develop, and upload a simple web site using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Web site production concepts such as naming conventions, file organization, and optimization are also covered.

Advanced Web 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.

3D Animation
Students experiment with three-dimensional design, motion, and animation.

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.

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.

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.

Live Production I 
Students develop a comprehensive foundation of live production principles, both from the perspective of production engineers and worship leaders.

Live Production II
Students continue to develop skills in live audio, video, and stage production, building on the skills gained through MUTC 2013 Live Production I.

Studio Recording I
To introduce students to the theories, practices, and tools used in digital audio production. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to operate audio signal equipment technically and creatively, effectively plan, set-up, and engineer recording sessions, select appropriate equipment for a variety of recording standards, use outboard gear practically, and develop auditory facets through critical listening and perceptual engagement.

Studio Recording II or Fundamentals of Web Design

Studio Recording II
This course expands upon the student’s work in the recording industry by introducing the concepts, software, and applications of mixing and mastering. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to create digital mockups of a variety of ensembles; apply mixing and mastering techniques to drums, instruments, and vocals; critically analyze spectral domains; prepare audio for physical and virtual dissemination; and effectively utilize industry-standard software.

Fundamentals of Web Design
Students design, develop, and upload a simple web site using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Web site production concepts such as naming conventions, file organization, and optimization are also covered.

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.

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.

A combination of two courses (6 credits) focused on visual production, graphic design, theatre, live production, writing, or web design (i.e., an COMM, MART, THTR, or MUTC course not already required).

This course is a study in writing story for a variety of print, screen, and web-based mediums, fundamentally equipping the student to communicate abstractly, visually, and directly with people. The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 first 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.

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 second 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.

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.

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.

Under the supervision of a qualified professional, interns gain real-world experience in a media-arts work environment.

Students demonstrate a culmination of skills developed during their studies. Students produce a project with choice of subject and medium which showcases practical skills.

Students are introduced to concepts of visual art and design including storyboarding, visual storytelling, and theoretical principles.

Students explore elements and principles of basic two-dimensional design with an emphasis on composition, color theory, and craftsmanship.

Students explore elements and principles of basic three-dimensional design with an emphasis on spatial organization, color, and planning and craft.

Students explore the development and application of typography for design and layout.

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.

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.

Students continue developing editing skills and are introduced to Photoshop and Aftereffects. Emphasis is placed on deadlines and following industry workflow.

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.

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.

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.