The Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media (IFDM) program focuses on digital media in a broad interdisciplinary context. Students, whose goal is to become an artist, writer, gamer, entrepreneur, engineer, critical thinker, scientist, film and video maker, animator, storyteller, designer, computer scientist or educator using or developing the tools of digital media, will find a path in this program. Sony Imageworks named the University of New Mexico as a partner in its Imageworks Professional Academic Excellence (IPAX) Program because of the interdisciplinary breadth and its focus on critical, creative, technical and collaborative learning reflected in the curriculum. The IFDM program is possible through the collaboration of the College of Fine Arts, the School of Engineering, the Anderson Schools of Management, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the participation of the School of Architecture and Planning, the School of Law and the College of Education. Students in the program may pursue their interests in one of four different colleges within the University:
Courses
IFDM 105L.
Introduction to Film and Digital Media [Inter and New Media Studies I].
(3)
The history of methods and practices of art, science and technology in the development of new media, with surveys from a historical perspective. Studies the practices, careers and disciplines involved with film and digital media.
IFDM 205L.
Studio I: Activating Digital Space.
(3)
This studio course explores critical, technical and creative elements of digital space. By translating the process of seeing and conceptualizing into visual forms, students use technical knowledge to conceptualize, create and collaborate on projects.
Prerequisite: CS 152L.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 210.
Introduction to Modeling and Postproduction.
(3)
An introduction to computer graphics and animation that mixes theory and application using a standard animation software package to teach the use of the tool and to demonstrate key concepts. Involves collaborative projects.
Prerequisite: 205L.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 250.
Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Study in topics related to digital media.
IFDM 300.
Critical Intermediations.
(3)
Examines new media technologies from a transdisciplinary perspective by exploring how the use of new media is affecting academic practice across disciplines. Proposes the development of a critical analytical framework for approaching new media.
Prerequisite: 210.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 310.
Studio II: Writing Digital Narrative.
(3)
The goal of this course is to offer students an overview of issues on writing for digital media; its objective is to create successful, media-savvy writers, who work across digital platforms.
Prerequisite: 300.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 311.
Fundamentals of Music Technology.
(2-3)
(Also offered as MUS 311 / 511)
A hands-on introduction to various computer applications useful to musicians in all areas of specialization. Various computer programs aiding in music notation, arranging and MIDI composition will be presented and explored.
IFDM 400.
Ethics, Science and Technology.
(3)
Ethical issues arising from the impact of science and technology on the personal, social and political dimensions of culture or what happens and who takes responsibility when the genie is out of the bottle?
Prerequisite: 310.
Corequisite: 450.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 410.
The Business and Law of Film and New Media.
(3)
This course will introduce students to the business and legal aspects of creating a new digital media venture including: concept formation; marketing; budget development; finding financing; forming a company; hiring and managing employees; and sales.
Prerequisite: 400.
Corequisite: 451.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 412.
Fundamentals of Audio Technology.
(2-3)
(Also offered as MUS 412 / 512)
Audio editing and equipment and basics of recordings through lab experiences and creative projects. Includes fundamentals of the physics of sound and analysis.
IFDM 450.
IFDM Capstone I Senior Projects Course.
(4)
Students are required to form interdisciplinary collaborative teams that will develop and plan project ideas.
Prerequisite: 310.
Corequisite: 400.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 451.
IFDM Capstone II Senior Projects Course.
(4)
Collaborative teams execute projects and give open demonstration of the results.
Prerequisite: 450.
Corequisite: 410.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 491.
Topics in Film and Digital Media.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
This course allows permanent or visiting faculty to develop a course based on a topic related to digital media, and may include courses in career development for media industries.
IFDM 492.
IFDM Internship.
(1-12 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Real-world experience for IFDM students to build digital media skills in the context of the organization's products or services. IFDM internships are arranged with IFDM faculty council members and IFDM instructors.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 105L and CS 152L; minimum overall grade-point-average of 2.5; and at least 9 hours in IFDM, with at least one IFDM 300-level course.
Restriction: permission of IFDM faculty council member.
IFDM 497.
Independent Study in Film and Digital Media.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
This course allows IFDM student to study individually, under direction of IFDM instructor. Study area to be approved by instructor, and be related to film and digital media.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 499.
Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media Honors.
(3 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
The purpose is to expand and strengthen knowledge through intense focus, to correlate it in related fields, and to bring students under closer guidance of, and acquaintance with faculty and instructors in their field.
Restriction: permission of department.
