Digital Media Studies, Cinema Emphasis (DGMCN.BA)

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Communication Arts

The cinema emphasis is designed to help students develop storytelling skills through advanced training in film directing, image creation, sound design and post-production. The courses lay the groundwork for future professional and academic pursuits.

Degree Checklist

For a check list of all the courses required for this degree program and a suggested four-year sequence of study, please click on the link below.

General Education Requirements-Total Hours: 53-59

Click here for the General Education Core requirements

This program requires six hours of foreign language at the intermediate level.

Specialty Area Requirements

Common Core

DIGM 200 - Introduction to Digital Media Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to the history, structure and practices of digital media. Discussion topics include commercial, legal, ethical, and social aspects of film, television and radio, the recording industry, the internet and other facets of present day media operations.

Prerequisites

None

DIGM 210 - Single Camera Applications and Aesthetics I Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to the basic principles and terminology associated with visual production in the modem digital environment. The course is first in a two course sequence that combines lectures and demonstrations with laboratory experience to cover the technical and creative aspects of digital media production. Perspectives on visual communication provide a theoretical foundation for practical consideration of equipment usage, story creation, production and editing. 

Prerequisites

DIGM 200 or COMM-200 or ARTS-200

DIGM 495 - Christianity and Media Credit Hours: 3

This capstone course is designed to provide Digital Media Studies majors with opportunities to study, discuss, defend and integrate a Christ-centered worldview. The course entails a comprehensive analysis of fundamentalist and evangelical Christianity's appropriation of media in a comparative context, giving attention to similarities and differences in various religious traditions. Students will examine how to integrate their faith into their careers and give practical responses to cultural and historical shifts in worldviews.

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200, and THEO-230 or THEO-231, and Senior Status.

Cinema Emphasis

CINE 310 - Writing for Film and Television Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to the conventions of film and television writing formats. The course covers the fundamentals of screen storytelling, acquaints students with the nuances of particular formats, and explores excellence in each through analysis of texts and practical application.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110

DIGM 281 - Audio Production Credit Hours: 3

A course designed to teach the student basic broadcast audio production skills, practices and equipment use. Emphasis is placed on digital production as is used in broadcast and converged media environments. 

Prerequisites

CINE-200 or DIGM-200

CINE 320 - Film Producing and Management Credit Hours: 3

A detailed survey of the issues and tasks of producing motion pictures, preparing the student with the skills necessary to produce and manage motion picture projects.

Prerequisites

CINE-200

CINE 322 - Cinematography Credit Hours: 3

This course presents an intermediate study of the processes of modern motion picture cinematography where students become proficient in the art of communicating through lighting, framing, and camerawork.

Prerequisites

CINE-202

CINE 201 - Motion Picture Editing Credit Hours: 3

An in-depth study of the processes of motion picture editing, focusing on theory and practice. Computer-assisted instruction. Must be taken concurrently with CINE-200.

DIGM 381 - Advanced Audio Production Credit Hours: 3

A course designed to build upon the student's knowledge of audio production skills, practices and equipment. Focus will be on advanced production, editing and content in a digital environment. 

Prerequisites

DIGM 281

CINE 321 - Directing for Film and Television Credit Hours: 3

The course is an in-depth study of the artistic duties of directing for the screen that includes scene analysis, visual design, and working with actors.

Prerequisites

CINE-200, CINE-201

CINE 350 - The Film Short Credit Hours: 3

This course covers all aspects of creating an original visual narrative. Students drive ideas through every stage of the process-from conceptualization through the finishing touches of postproduction.  Proficiency in technical elements (production lighting, sound, editing) are necessary for the course, as it focuses on the aesthetic application of those skills.

Prerequisites

CINE-321

COMM 250 - Basic Digital Photography Credit Hours: 3

An introductory class in the basics of digital photography.  Emphasis will be given to the technical and aesthetics of the art of photography and visual communication.   Basic PhotoShop will be used for post processing of digital images. 

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200 or ARTS-200

CINE 340 - Film Theory and Criticism Credit Hours: 3

This course covers multiple aspects of contemporary film analysis and criticism. Current and historic films are examined from technical, artistic and moral/ethical perspectives. Students will receive a thorough introduction to tools and methods required for in-depth critique and appreciation of film.

Prerequisites

DIGM-200, OR COMM-200, OR CINE-200, CINE-201, CINE-202

COMM 410 - Media Law Credit Hours: 3

Examination of the legal and ethical aspects of publishing and broadcasting, with emphasis on freedom of the press, the right to know, copyright, libel, privacy, and obscenity.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 or DIGM 200

DIGM 415 - Early American Film History Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the early years of film (1890-1939) production in Hollywood and the United States. Key films significant in the progression of the film industry from silent pictures and the studio system through the advent of talkies and into the pre-war era are studied. Key documentaries will also be analyzed.  Focus will include individual filmmakers that influenced the early development of the industry.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110

DIGM 416 - Mid-Century American Film History: 1940-1959 Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the middle century of film (1940-1959) production in Hollywood. Topics covered include a detailed study of films that are significant in the progression of the industry from World War II and post-War eras through the early years of the Cold War and the rise of television. The course will focus on the significant films and filmmakers that influenced the further development of the film industry as an idealistic portrayal of American culture.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110

CINE 330 - U.S. Film History 1960-1979 Credit Hours: 3

This course examines later middle 20th century film (1960-1979) production in Hollywood and the United States. The course will study films that are significant in the progression of the industry through the Cold War, the counterculture movement, and the introduction of blockbusters. The course will focus on the significant films and filmmakers that influenced the further development of the film industry through a tumultuous time in American history and culture.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110

CINE 331 - History of Animated Film Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the art of animation for motion pictures from 1890 to today.  The course will study films that are historically significant in the progression of technology and techniques of animation.

Prerequisites

ENGL-110

COMM 270 - Web Page Design Credit Hours: 3

An introductory course in graphic and web page design and development. This course introduces computer software for creating interactive web pages and web sites, featuring color schemes and basic design principles.

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200 or ARTS-200

COMM 271 - Advanced Web Page Design Credit Hours: 3

This is an advanced course in graphic and web development that will introduce the student to programming in web development as well as special techniques to show creativity. The course emphasizes new techniques and the practical aspects of web development versus the theories of designing. The course offers a thorough introduction to advanced software used in the web development industry.

Prerequisites

COMM-270

COMM 332 - Advanced Digital Photography Credit Hours: 3

This class is designed to further the photography student's knowledge of the medium of digital photography in relation to the making of images and contemporary art as well as the manipulation of images through Photoshop.

Prerequisites

COMM 250

COMM 422 - Communication in Society Credit Hours: 3

Explores the theoretical and practical aspects of human communication and mass communication within culture. Both critical and institutional approaches will be studied. Specific areas will include the critical functions of language, relationship between interpersonal communication and the media, media values, and mediated reality within societies in both developed and underdeveloped countries.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 or DIGM 200

DIGM 245 - Motion Media Design Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to Motion Media Design. Students will learn the concepts and skills used in the creation of motion graphics, dynamic typography and special effects. The course will focus on the use of Adobe After Effects.

Prerequisites

COMM-200, or DIGM-200, or ARTS-200.

DIGM 246 - Advanced Motion Media Design Credit Hours: 3

This course builds upon concepts, techniques, and theory introduced in DIGM-245.  Students will advance in the practice of visual problem solving, use of After Effects, and progress into visual special effects.  Students will learn to integrate camera-generated media with virtual assets to create a cohesive visual composite.

Prerequisites

DIGM-245

DIGM 470 - Applied Media Credit Hours: 3

This course gives advanced students additional production experience in specific facets of digital media.

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200

DIGM 491, 492, 493 - Contemporary Topics in Digital Media Studies Credit Hours: 1

Courses presenting various topics of contemporary interest. Topics will change each semester. Repeatable for credit as long as the topic is different with each enrollment.

Prerequisites

DIGM 200

DIGM 492 - Contemporary Topics in Digital Media Studies Credit Hours: 2

A course presenting various topics of contemporary interest. Topics will change each semester.

Prerequisites

DIGM 200

DIGM 493 - Contemporary Topics in Digital Media Studies Credit Hours: 3

A course presenting various topics of contemporary interest. Topics will change each semester.

Prerequisites

DIGM 200

Specialty Area Subtotal Hours: 54

Electives-Total Hours:7-13

Total Hours in Program: 120