CORE COURSES:

INTEGRATED MEDIA ARTS 1
This studio course is an introduction to the basics of digital image production and manipulation with computer applications within the studio arts. It provides the conceptual foundation for further study in the Integrated Media Arts major. Projects include working with digital imaging techniques; web art experimentation; translation and representation of data; concepts of equivalency; programming concepts and language; and interactivity.

PROGRAMMING FOR ARTISTS
Programming for Artists is a studio course that introduces students to the use of computer programming as an artistic practice. Students will learn computer software/hardware development techniques that function as, or support visual art projects. In addition, students will study and discuss current trends in artistic discourse surrounding art and technology. The course lays the groundwork for the Computing Arts track in the Integrated Media Arts major and is a continuation of programming practice introduced in Integrated Media Arts 1.

INTRODUCTION TO THE ANIMATED IMAGE
This studio course is an introduction to the various historical and contemporary modes of animation production; flip books/mutoscopes, stop motion, 3D rendering, computer programming and interactivity. Students will engage in drawing, camera work, scanning, and programming as a means of generating imagery. Ideas of intermittency, image transformation, spatial illusion, rendering, narrative structure, and time manipulation will be the areas of conceptual focus. This is a media production class that will include readings of texts and screenings of works pertinent to the discipline and physical construction of mechanical animation machines for display.

INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO
Introduction to Video is a studio course that provides primary experience in video production and editing, with elemental experience in lighting, audio recording and editing. Students will be introduced to the non-commercial application of moving image production within the context of fine arts and its relationship to film and commercial media. Concepts explored in this course are the relationship between image, sound and text; the examination of time through linear/non-linear narrative and looping structures; and syntactical strategies of developing meaning. The course provides the foundation for further study in the Video Art track of the Integrated Media Arts major.

VISUAL CULTURE
Visual Culture is a studio/seminar in which we will use theories and practices of the 20th and 21st century to examine the visual world around us. Since the “visual” has become our contemporary language, (magazines, TV, snapshots, Instagram, Photoshop, Facebook, YouTube, internet, advertising, design,…), the course will track various trends in art and the social sciences, that have been used to describe or explain how we see, look, construct and understand images (from Renaissance perspective, to Freudian Psychology, to Phenomenology, to Semiotics, to Modernism/Postmodernism and beyond). The class will focus on looking at images and media through the lens of these trends in order to gain perspective on viewing and making significant art works and the ability to engage in critical dialogue about them. Readings, viewing, screenings and discussion will result in research projects, writing and presentations.

SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECT
This course provides the capstone experience for the Integrated Media Arts major in the Video Art, Computing Arts or Animation Arts tracks. Students propose a semester-long, 3 credit independent project that demonstrates their proficiency in the major at an advanced level. The project is proposed the semester prior to their final semester in the program to be approved by their advisor. The proposal includes a narrative description, conceptual focus, significance to the field, timeline, and budget with supporting visual material and plans for research. Students are encouraged to seek acceptance into the University Scholar Program for additional credit, financial support and prestige, additional consultation with University faculty outside the department, as well as seeking collaborative project opportunities with other graduating seniors at the University.

OTHER COURSES IN THE PROGRAM:

INTERMEDIATE VIDEO
This studio course is the second in the Video Art track sequence and builds on the production techniques established in Introduction to Video.  Using both portable and studio production techniques, students will further develop their skills in videography, sound, lighting and editing. Projects will range from fictional and non-fictional narrative experiments, to multi-channel media installations to, producing live in-studio events (musical, theatrical and performance) and on-location production.

VIDEO POST-PRODUCTION
This studio course is the third in the Video Art track sequence and focuses on advanced post-production techniques. Using various techniques (such as green-screen, motion graphics, matting and compositing) students will create projects that use the inter-relationship of sound, image, text and graphics to explore biography, editorial content, abstraction and fictional narrative.

EXPERIMENTAL ANIMATION
This studio course explores the integration of animation techniques through compositing in post-production. Stop motion, drawing, appropriation, collage, motion graphics, data visualization, programming and 3d rendering are used in combination to create unique works addressing thematic topics of memory, biography, history and identity. Final works will take various presentation modes based on individual interests and aesthetics as single channel videos, installations/projections, and/or live performances or web art. Collaborations are encouraged within the class and college as well as with the Hartt School Composition, Dance and Theater Departments. This course builds on the skill set acquired in the Introduction to the Animated Image course that is a prerequisite.

ADVANCED ANIMATION
This studio course is designed as an intensive development of the individual student’s approach and stylistic application of animation techniques previously established in Introduction to the Animated Image and Experimental Animation courses.  Projects will be developed based on the participant’s group interests and individual goals to advance their content area and techniques. Exposure to 3D animation tools and video compositing techniques will be the technical focus of the class.

COMPUTING AND SHAPING SPACE
This studio course focuses on the use of two-dimensional abstraction of objects in space through perspectival rendering within the fine arts context, using actual and virtual techniques. Exercises and projects will be developed using elemental perspective drawing with translation into isometric, 3D CAD renderings and introducing 3D scanning techniques. The purpose of the course is to provide the student with the basic skills to create credible CAD renderings and animations for the practical application of demonstrating project proposals for exhibitions, installations, theatrical set and product/object designs or for documentation of the same.

DIGITAL FABRICATION
This introductory course will address the fundamentals of computer-aided drawing/machining (CAD/CAM) in the creation of three-dimensional artwork. The potential of rapid prototyping (3D printing and basic CNC machining) will also be explored.

INTERACTIVE PROJECTS
This studio course explores the viewer/user interface as it applies to “performativity”; the relationship between the user/performer, hardware and software, and the use environment. Screen-based applications, installations and live public events will be explored within the context of the arts. Students will develop projects geared toward implementing user/viewer engagement using a variety of interactive tools including programming, custom circuit building and media-based hardware and software. Participants are encouraged to seek collaboration with others to develop projects outside their traditional studio practice to gain insight into production strategies from differing points of view. Interactive Projects builds on the programming skill set acquired in Programming for Artists, which is a prerequisite.

SOUND ART
Sound Art is a studio/seminar course designed to provide students with the fundamental tools, contextual understanding, and instructional support for the creation of sound based art-works. Subtopics include installation, new media, "sounding" sculpture, site-specific and environment art, circuit bending, and performance art. Course time will be divided between contemporary history/context discussion and presentations, workshops, and critiques, culminating in sound based art works by the student individually and in groups.