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Media Arts – Programs & Curriculum


  • Web Design & Interactive Media - Bachelor of Fine Arts
    • The program in Web design & interactive media prepares students for careers designing and developing Web sites and interactive/multimedia communication. Design for the World Wide Web and interactive media is a dynamic and rapidly evolving multi-billion dollar industry that includes products running not only on conventional computers but also on devices such as kiosks, museum displays, personal digital assistants, and cell phones. Web design and interactive media are an essential part of businesses worldwide, as well as the education, scientific, and entertainment industries.

      Students begin the program by developing artistic skills in drawing and design, while learning the fundamentals of digital imaging and basic Web technologies. Intermediate courses introduce students to Web standards, scripting, information architecture, interface design concepts, media integration and team-based project skills. Students continue to develop their Web skills, while learning programming and scripting techniques using Flash and JavaScript for design, animation, and data handling. Advanced classes help students develop creative communication strategies, critical thinking, and problem solving skills while maintaining holistic, goal-oriented design and perspective on their projects.

      Throughout the program, students have access to industry-related technology and work with faculty who are experienced professionals in various aspects of the Web design & interactive media field and bring their practical experience and their own projects into the classroom. Throughout the program students learn to give, receive, and respond to critique of their work by industry professionals and faculty, as well as their classmates.

      With my new skills, I can be...
      Interface designer
      Flash designer/developer
      Usability evaluator
      Web developer
      Media integrator
      Digital media producer
      Project coordinator
      Web designer
      Web master

      (entry-level positions)

      Bachelor of Fine Arts
      In advanced courses in the bachelor of fine arts program, students focus on conceptual problem solving, content and usability research, accessibility principles, and design of interactive communication solutions. They expand their understanding of the structure and technologies of Web and interactive media projects, and learn techniques for designing and managing large projects. They develop these projects, often for real clients from the non-profit sector. Finally, students produce their own professional-quality, digital portfolios as interactive media presentations of their work and abilities.

      Students gain professional experience through internships, freelance work, or communityservice projects. In addition, students have opportunities for study abroad. In the summer of 2006, some Atlanta students in Web design & interactive media spent the quarter studying design and new media in Berlin, Germany. Students with a bachelor of fine arts degree are prepared to enter the workforce in such positions as interface designers, Flash designers/ developers, usability evaluators, Web developers, media integrators, creative directors, digital media producers, or project coordinators in fields such as marketing, corporate communications, or advertising. Some graduates start their own companies, and many continue to freelance in the field.
  • Curriculum
    • Total Credit Hours: 192
      12 Quarters
  • Required Courses 
  •  

    • ART111 - Drawing 

      4 credits. This course is an introduction to descriptive drawing of observable subjects using a variety of techniques. Students develop compositional and drawing skills using traditional media while focusing on line, value, texture, form, and space. Perspective and the modeling of forms in light and shade are included.

      Prerequisites: None

    • ART122 - 2D Design 

      4 credits. This introductory design course explores the visual elements of art and the basic principles of design. Students investigate the design process and how the elements of design are used for specific outcomes. This course is taught using a variety of tools, techniques, and media.

      Prerequisites: None

    • ART225 - Visual Form and Content 

      4 credits. This course introduces students to basic methods for creative problem solving, which is fundamental to developing effective form and content. Students solve 2D, 3D, and 4D design problems using creative ideation and visual research tools along with the elements and principles of design. Individual and group projects are assigned in this course using both traditional materials and contemporary media.

      Prerequisites: None

    • COM105 - Public Speaking 

      4 credits. An introduction to the principles of public speaking, this course includes communication theories and skill-building exercises designed to increase effectiveness in speaking in front of an audience. Emphasis on listening and critical thinking skills prepares students for effective discussions, critiques of speeches, and speech preparation and presentation. Three speeches are required, along with written assignments such as speech outlines and critiques of class speeches.

      Prerequisites: None

    • EN101 - English I 

      4 credits. This course emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. Essays include expressive and informative writing, as well as analytical, evaluative, and persuasive writing.

      Prerequisites: None

    • EN102 - English II 

      4 credits. This course introduces students to a variety of literary genres, helps them organize and develop analyses of literature, and furthers their composition skills.

      Prerequisites: EN101

    • GD121 - Design Elements 

      4 credits. An introduction for the non-major, this course examines the fundamentals of typography and layout for publication and Web design. Students explore the practical application of these skills by using industry-relevant software packages. This course does not count for credit for graphic design students.

      Prerequisites: None

    • GD214 - Computer Illustration 

      4 credits. This course explores the methods and techniques of computer generated and/or manipulated images as solutions to illustration projects. Object-oriented graphics and paint system programs are used.

      Prerequisites: ART111

    • HA215 - Art History I: Art Of The Ancient World 

      4 credits. This course is a general history survey focusing on the aesthetic movements of major civilizations from approximately 25,000 B.C.E. to 330 C.E. Using an interdisciplinary format, the course explores the aesthetic perceptions and the arts of such cultures as the Paleolithic, Egyptian, Near Eastern, Greek, Roman, ancient eastern, and African. The integration of art with the socioeconomic, political, and philosophical currents of each era is examined as well.

      Prerequisites: EN101

    • HA216 - Art History II: Art Of The Medieval And Renaissance Worlds 

      4 credits. A general art history survey, this course focuses on major artistic movements throughout the world from the Byzantine Empire through the Renaissance to the baroque period, approximately 300 to 1600 C.E. Using an interdisciplinary format, the course explores the aesthetic perceptions and the arts of the eastern and western worlds, including Byzantine, Islamic, medieval, Renaissance (Italian and Northern), and ancient American. The integration of art with the socioeconomic, political, and philosophical currents of each era is examined as well.

      Prerequisites: HA215

    • HA217 - Art History III: Art Of The Modern World  

      4 credits. This course is a general art history survey focusing on major artistic movements throughout the world from the Baroque through the modern era, approximately 1600 to 1945 C.E. Using an interdisciplinary format, the course explores the aesthetic perceptions and the arts of the eastern and western worlds, including the baroque, neoclassic, and romantic eras, as well as early modern art of Europe, the United States, Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Oceania. The integration of art with the socioeconomic, political, and philosophical currents of each era are examined as well.

      Prerequisites: HA216

    • HA301 - Contemporary Art 

      4 credits. A survey of avant-garde activities in the visual arts (abstract expressionism, pop art, neo-Dada, Europe’s new realism, op, minimalism, conceptual art, performance art, new expressionism, graffiti, abstract art, etc.), and how they expressed the contemporary socioeconomic, political, philosophical, and technological realities. This course also treats the development of post-modernism and the critical literature surrounding it.

      Prerequisites: None

    • HU305 - Critical Thinking 

      4 credits. This course explores the nature of effective thinking. Topics include meaning and analysis, language and thought, understanding and communication, reason and feeling, and the personaland objective perspectives. Consideration is given to the significance of the principles of logical validity, the role of care and empathy, and the nature and importance of creativity in thinking and problem solving processes.

      Prerequisites: EN102

    • IMD100 - Fundamentals Of Interactive Design 

      4 credits. This course introduces the history, terms, and technologies of the interactive design field. Students explore roles in the interactive media industry, significant organizations, and trends. They design, develop, and upload a simple Web site using basic XHTML and CSS constructs. Basic Web site production stages and issues, such as naming conventions and file organization, are also covered.

      Prerequisites: None

    • IMD110 - Interactive Design Concepts 

      4 credits. This course identifies the components of the design process and explores efficient production methods, emphasizing design solutions appropriate to a targeted market. The course also stresses the process of screen design development from wireframes to comprehensives, layout and digital techniques, and the use of a grid system for multi-component screen layouts. Students employ Web Standards-compliant XHTML and CSS to implement the design concepts.

      Prerequisites: IMD100

    • IMD130 - Interactive Experience Design 

      4 credits. Students learn the tools and techniques needed to create rich interactive interfaces and experiences. Topics covered include: interface design patterns, multi-dimensional information design, animation for interfaces, visual design for the screen, and programming rich interactions.

      Prerequisites: None

    • IMD200 - Information Architecture 

      4 credits. This course introduces students to the concepts and processes of developing interactive projects that address user needs. Students research users, goals, competition, and content, and develop the navigation structure, process flow, and labeling systems that best address these needs. They prepare and present a professional information architecture proposal.

      Prerequisites: IMD110

    • IMD215 - Web Page Layout And Design 

      4 credits. Students continue to develop interface design skills using advanced Web page layout techniques and existing Web standards. The course emphasizes setting the stage for integrating interface design with programming concepts. Students use XHTML, CSS and basic JavaScript to develop Web interfaces.

      Prerequisites: IMD110

    • IMD220 - User-Centered Interface Design 

      4 credits. Students learn basic design skills including typography, grid layout systems, and color strategies and apply them to the design of usable Web sites that serve the needs of a client and their users. They consider business goals, target audience, information architecture, media, usability, and delivery platform when designing projects.

      Prerequisites: IMD200

    • IMD230 - Programming Concepts 

      4 credits. This course is about taking creative control of the computer. Beginning with the fundamentals of programming and progressing along a track that focuses on user interaction, real-time animation, and programmatic creation, students learn to use the computer as a computational medium capable of realizing such original creations as interactive art, playful Web sites, and video games. This is the first step toward creating these types of highly interactive experiences.

      Prerequisites: None

    • IMD240 - Audio For Interactive Media 

      4 credits. This course helps students understand the role of audio in an interactive environment. They learn the concepts and technology for digitization, optimization, and integration of audio on the Web.

      Prerequisites: IMD130

    • IMD300 - Interactive Motion Graphics 

      4 credits. In this course, students explore the concepts, technologies, and application of motion graphics in developing a rich media communication solution.

      Prerequisites: None

    • IMD315 - Designing Interactive Interfaces 

      4 credits. Students refine their interactive design skills with emphasis on programming the functionality of Web interfaces. Concepts covered include: introductory programming skills, best practices for programming with existing Web standards, and using existing code libraries and frameworks for developing engaging user interfaces.

      Prerequisites: IMD215

    • IMD320 - Production Team 

      4 credits. This course focuses on the interactive design project management process, stressing the development of the project team as key to successfully achieving project goals. Students examine the main elements required in efficient planning and execution of an interactive project and study issues of copyright and intellectual property as they relate to project implementation. They participate in a team on a realistic, client-based project.

      Prerequisites: IMD220

    • IMD330 - Developing Rich-Media Applications 

      4 credits. Students combine experience design concepts with advanced programming solutions. Emphasis is placed on learning object-oriented approaches to developing dynamic and reusable rich media modules. Rich media are combined with dynamic data applications to create compelling communication vehicles for advertisement, entertainment, and business solutions.

      Prerequisites: IMD230

    • IMD340 - Video For Interactive Media 

      4 credits. Students develop an understanding of desktop video production, post-production, and delivery concepts in context of the Internet. Topics covered include: streaming, bandwidth, compression, file formats, and frame rates.

      Prerequisites: IMD130

    • IMD360 - Non-Linear Narrative 

      4 credits. Students conceptualize and develop a storyline for a non-linear narrative and develop a storyboard. They integrate interactive experiences within this narrative to create an immersive user experience. The course emphasizes selection and use of appropriate media, development tools and techniques to create integrated interactive experiences.

      Prerequisites: IMD330, IMD340

    • IMD405 - Marketing Basics 

      4 credits. Students explore search engine optimization methods (SEO), digital and analog marketing strategies to drive traffic to a Web site, traffic analysis, listing services, search integration into a site, and theory surrounding search behavior. Students investigate the relationships between usability, accessibility, information architecture, marketing, and findability, and implement strategies for creating findable content.

      Prerequisites: IMD320

    • IMD410 - Dynamic Web Applications 

      4 credits. Students apply user-centered design principles, database structures, and server-side scripting to design and develop content for server-based dynamic delivery. The course emphasizes design issues relating to the display of dynamic content on the screen and how that content is updated as well as delivered from databases.

      Prerequisites: IMD315

    • IMD420 - Advanced Interface Design 

      4 credits. Students review interface design concepts and best practices for interactive communication. Emphasis is placed on developing and presenting an experimental interactive project. They explore varied interface design approaches and develop a clearly stated design approach for their project. Students learn to critically evaluate contemporary interactive design in terms of effectively crafting an intended user experience, and the appropriate use of technology toward those ends.

      Prerequisites: IMD360

    • IMD440 - Interactive Message Design 

      4 credits. Students focus on the components of an interactive message, exploring the integration of media elements in composing an effective message.

      Prerequisites: IMD330, IMD360

    • IMD445 - Usability Evaluation And Accessibility 

      4 credits. This course introduces students to concepts and techniques in usability evaluation. Through theories presented in the course, students learn ways to research, design, implement, and analyze interactive projects from the perspective of usability. Students also examine the concept and methods of accessibility for digitally delivered interactive projects. They identify methods of creating accessible, standards-compliant interactive projects.

      Prerequisites: IMD320

    • IMD450 - History Of Communication Media 

      4 credits. A survey of major events and developments in the history of media-based communication is the focus of this course. The course explores the relationship between technology and media development and explores the impact motion media and mass communication have on society and the economy. Students explore the evolution and future trends of interactive media.

      Prerequisites: IMD320

    • IMD465 - Senior Project Design 

      4 credits. Students in this course work on an advanced interactive media project. They submit a proposal and concept prototype for the project. The course emphasizes content, design, and technology research, formal written communication, quality, independent critical analysis, presentation, and defense of design and communication solutions.

      Prerequisites: IMD405

    • IMD470 - Special Topics 

      4 credits. In this seminar-style course, students examine contemporary issues and trends in the field of new media design. They conduct independent research and make a professional presentation of their findings to a group of critical listeners.

      Prerequisites: IMD320

    • IMD480 - Portfolio Preparation And Professional Development 

      4 credits. Students identify projects and get them ready for inclusion in the portfolio. The review process involves examining design and technology decisions and being able to justify them. Students explore the job market and the trends in the field of interactive media. The students review the terminology, processes, roles, technologies, and players in the field. Finally, the students present their projects in order to get approval to be admitted to the portfolio class. The requirements include a resumé, business card, cover letter for a job application and a short list of jobs.

      Prerequisites: IMD465

    • IMD485 - Senior Project Production 

      4 credits. This course is a continuation of IMD 465. Students prepare, present, and defend a project suitable for professional use. The course emphasizes production values, technical sophistication, quality assurance, evaluation of the effectiveness of the product, conceptual thinking, critical analysis, written communication, and presentation skills.

      Prerequisites: IMD465

    • IMD490 - Senior Portfolio 

      4 credits. Students produce a comprehensive online portfolio site, a compilation of project documentation, resumé, and business card in a unified packaged presentation. Students appear for a comprehensive oral defense on the portfolio as well as industry concepts, methods, and technologies. This course must be taken in the final quarter of the bachelor’s program.

      Prerequisites: IMD480

    • MT112 - College Geometry 

      4 credits. This course introduces students to such topics as measurements, lines, angles, polygons, congruence,similarity, areas,circles, algebraic approaches to geometry, and an introduction to coordinate geometry.

      Prerequisites: None

    • MT113 - Ideas Of Mathematics 

      4 credits. An introduction to some of the major themes and ideas in mathematics, including methods used in their applications, the course includes such topics as concepts of geometry set theory, algebra, statistics, and consumer mathematics.

      Prerequisites: None

    • MT115 - Applied Mathematics 

      4 credits. Students in this course learn the math concepts related to creating simple scripts and implementing advanced 3D rigging concepts. They also explore logical approaches to problem solving, learn how to break down complex goals into approachable parts, and see how mathematics can apply to real-world problems. Upon completion students understand and are able to use algebraic functions, variables, and unit conversion (length and time) geometry; working with angles, degrees, and circle formulas, trigonometry; sin/cos/tan and Pythagorean theorem, collision detection, and math-based problem-solving/logic-problems.

      Prerequisites: None

    • P104 - Digital Photographic Production 

      4 credits. In this introduction to electronic photoediting, students become acquainted with the concepts, hardware, and software related to digital image acquisition, manipulation, and output, including scanning, masking, layering, and retouching.

      Prerequisites: None

    • PS101 - Introduction To Psychology 

      4 credits. Students are introduced to the biological bases of human behavior, consciousness, perception, learning, motivation, and emotion. The development of the human person over the life span is viewed from the perspective of personality, adjustment, psychological disorder, therapy, health, and social interaction.

      Prerequisites: EN101

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