James D. Stone, Chairperson
Department of Cinematic Arts
CERIA, Room 370
MSC04 2570
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
(505) 277-6262, FAX (505) 277-6314
Associate Professors
Susan Dever, Ph.D., Stanford University
Nina Fonoroff, M.F.A., San Francisco Art Institute
Deborah Fort, M.F.A., San Francisco Art Institute
James D. Stone, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
The Department of Cinematic Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Media Arts, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media, and an undergraduate minor in Media Arts.
Students pursuing the B.A. in Media Arts make movies. Simultaneously, they study the work of accomplished filmmakers and examine the most significant moments in cinema history. Alfred Hitchcock, the French New Wave, film comedy, science fiction, film noir, and German Expressionism are among the topics they explore through their writing and art making.
The Media Arts curriculum offers a broad foundation in visual culture, emphasizing the aesthetic achievements and cultural contexts of the movies students make and discuss. Transdisciplinary in nature, Media Arts offerings resonate with current practices in history, cultural studies, literary theory, visual and performing arts studies, anthropology, psychology, sociology, political theory, women and gender studies, and science studies. Through these lenses, the department encourages analysis and thoughtful representation of the way race and ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, and other elements of our identities intersect in film and video.
The B.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media (IFDM) offers students the necessary critical, creative, and technical skills to apply digital technologies in innovative and productive ways. Moviemaking is a key component of the degree but, because IFDM recognizes the evolution of cohesive collaboration among the worlds of art, science, and technology, students are also introduced to other approaches to image making, such as computer animation, VFX, and game design. The B.F.A. augments training in digital media with courses in business and the ethical implications of image making. Students are required to take a number of production courses outside IFDM, thereby gaining expertise in media arts, arts leadership and business, and experimental arts and technology while exposing students to a number of interdisciplinary perspectives.
Department fees support film and video rentals and purchases in history and criticism courses, plus the purchase, maintenance, and replacement of equipment used in the film and video production courses.
Courses
NONE 105L.
Introduction to Digital Media.
(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.
NONE 201.
Introduction to Game Development.
(3)
Fundamentals of game engine architecture, programming of game design concepts and game mechanics, business and career pathways for game development, and how to use industry development tools.
Prerequisite: CS 105L.
NONE 202.
Introduction to Animation.
(3)
Practice the principals of animation as defined by Disney master animators. Learn the process, pipeline, tools, and workflow of CG Character Animation.
NONE 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.
NONE 210.
Introduction to Modeling and Animation [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: 241L.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
NONE 241L.
Introduction to Directing for Film and Video.
(3)
Students in this introductory class will explore the processes and concerns of the narrative fiction film and video director through the analysis of film and video, and short hands on exercises.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NONE 250.
Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Study in topics related to digital media.
NONE 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.
NONE 301.
Cinematography.
(3)
Through lecture, lab and practical exercises, students will learn the fundamentals of photography and motion picture technical principles. The emphasis will be on the use of professional camera systems.
Prerequisite: 210.
Restriction: permission of department.
NONE 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: 301.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
NONE 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.
NONE 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.
NONE 401.
Digital Post Production.
(3)
(Also offered as MA 401)
Designed to expand awareness of the elements of film and video post-production, with emphasis on expanding skills as an editor. Develops competence with tools to practice the art of the editor effectively.
Prerequisite: MA 111.
NONE 402.
Documentary Film Production.
(3)
(Also offered as MA 402)
Hands-on workshop introduces tools and methods of video making in the genre of "creative nonfiction". Emphasizes development of personal approaches to the creative process, technical skills, and familiarity with the documentary form.
Prerequisite: MA 111.
NONE 403.
Advanced Game Development.
(3)
Expands on ideas developed in the introductory course, including new techniques and tools for game development. Students work in collaborative, interdisciplinary game development teams.
Prerequisite: 201.
NONE 404.
Advanced Animation.
(3)
Analyze and implement correct physical movement of the human body using animation software. Create solid, finished looking animation for bipedal characters with believable and meaningful performances, including facial animation and speech.
Prerequisite: 202.
NONE 405.
Advanced Maya Production.
(3)
Production ready techniques in 3D Computer Graphics and Visual Effects creation, including advanced modeling, rigging, animation, camera mapping and projection, and rendering and compositing using Maya.
Prerequisite: 210.
NONE 406.
Virtual Reality Cinema.
(3)
(Also offered as MA 406)
The basics of virtual reality cinema, game building, user experience design, how to make spherical videos for use in virtual reality head mounted displays, and how augmented reality apps work.
NONE 407.
Compositing for Visual Effects.
(3)
The basics of digital compositing, the art of combining and manipulating images for CGI, special effects, and animation.
NONE 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.
NONE 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.
NONE 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.
NONE 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.
NONE 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.
NONE 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: minimum overall grade-point-average of 2.5; and at least 9 credit hours in IFDM courses, with at least one IFDM 300-level course.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
NONE 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 instructor.
NONE 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.
MA 110.
Introduction to Mass Communication.
(3)
(Also offered as CJ 110)
Study of the development of the mass media with emphasis on television in the areas of programming, policy, regulations, economics, and technology. Examination of the social, cultural, and political impact of the mass media on contemporary society.
MA 111.
Technical Introduction to Video Production.
(3)
For the student who has no practical knowledge of video technology. Students learn about the camera and lens, sound recording, lighting, editing, and other elements of production. Special fee required.
MA 210.
Introduction to Film Studies.
(3)
Analysis of film as a unique art, and a survey of main trends in film history. Screenings and critical study of major films. Special fee required. 210 is a prerequisite to 300- and 400-level Media Arts courses.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts.
MA 212.
Beyond Hollywood.
(3)
An introduction to marginalized cinemas with screenings of major works. Special fee required.
MA 216.
Topics in Video Making.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
These courses strengthen students’ skills in video technology while helping them write, direct, and edit video projects that begin to reflect a personal, artistic vision. Special fee required.
Prerequisite: 111.
MA 220.
Intermediate Production Workshop.
(3)
This course continues the study of technical and aesthetic concerns in video production with sections of concentration in documentary, fiction narrative, and code generated forms.
Prerequisite: 111.
MA 310 / *410.
Latin American Film.
(3)
This course surveys key moments in Latin American cinema including Mexico’s influential “Golden Age” of the 1940s and various “new cinemas” of the ’60s and ’70s. Also considered are Hollywood films about Latin America. Special fee required.
MA 324.
Introduction to Screenwriting.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
(Also offered as ENGL 324)
Writing workshop on basics of character structure, scenes, visualization, and good old story telling as it applies to the screenplay. Students read scripts, watch film clips, and begin writing an original screenplay.
MA 326 / *426.
History of Film I: Silent.
(3)
History of the motion picture from its beginnings to the era of sound. Screening and analysis of major films. Special fee required. May not receive credit for both 326 and 426.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA 327 / *427.
History of Film II: Sound.
(3)
History of the motion picture from the advent of sound to the present day. Screening and analysis of major films. Special fee required. May not receive credit for both 327 and 427.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA 330.
Studies in Film.
(3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Studies in film and video genres, regional and national cinemas, and the work of individual artists. Special fee required. May be repeated if subject matter varies.
MA 331 / *431.
Film Theory.
(3)
A lecture survey of major currents in film theory from film’s beginnings to the present. Screening and analysis of major films. May not receive credit for both 331 and 431. Special fee required.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA 332 / *432.
Documentary Film History and Theory [Documentary Film History].
(3)
History and theory of documentary, with emphasis on how this knowledge is applied in the making of a documentary. Screenings of work by Robert Flaherty, Trinh T. Minh-ha, and others. Special fee required.
MA 334 / *434.
Teen Rebels.
(3)
An examination of Hollywood films of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, whose youthful main characters challenge convention and authority. Special fee required.
MA 335 / *435.
International Horror Film.
(3)
A study of major horror films from various countries, with related readings in fiction, philosophy, psychology, and film studies. Classics such as Nosferatu and Frankenstein are screened. Special fee required.
MA 336 / *436.
Images of (Wo)men.
(3)
Our study will regard films about women, men, and everybody else. With feminism, queer theory, critical race studies, and transgender film theory, we’ll consider cinema from “women’s pictures” to films about the permutations of gender. Special fee required.
Restriction: junior or standing.
MA 337 / *437.
Alfred Hitchcock.
(3)
An exploration of cinematic suspense, surprise, and shock in relation to Hitchcock’s cinema. Special fee required.
MA 339.
Russian Culture and History through Film.
(3)
(Also offered as HIST 335 and RUSS 339)
In this course we study films and read secondary sources from the Soviet and post-Soviet eras (with English subtitles) and examine how they comment on current Russian social and cultural issues. Taught in English. Special fee required.
MA 350.
Advanced Screenwriting.
(3)
A continuation of Introduction to Screenwriting, this course is a workshop designed to assist the writer in completing scripts for a feature film, two episodes of a television series, or a series of short films.
Prerequisite: 324 or ENGL 324.
MA 390.
Topics in the Elements of Filmmaking.
(3 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
Practicum in basic conceptual aspects of independent filmmaking. Each student creates cinematic work in this course. Special fee required.
MA 391.
16mm Filmmaking.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
This course provides an introduction to basic 16mm filmmaking techniques, with an emphasis on film as a creative art form. Students take up all aspects of filmmaking, from pre-production planning through the final edit. Special fee required.
MA 401.
Digital Post Production.
(3)
(Also offered as IFDM 401)
Designed to expand awareness of the elements of film and video post-production, with emphasis on expanding skills as an editor. Develops competence with tools to practice the art of the editor effectively.
Prerequisite: 111.
MA 402.
Documentary Film Production.
(3)
(Also offered as IFDM 402)
Hands-on workshop introduces tools and methods of video making in the genre of "creative nonfiction". Emphasizes development of personal approaches to the creative process, technical skills, and familiarity with the documentary form.
Prerequisite: 111.
MA 406.
Virtual Reality Cinema.
(3)
(Also offered as IFDM 406)
The basics of virtual reality cinema, game building, user experience design, how to make spherical videos for use in virtual reality head mounted displays, and how augmented reality apps work.
MA *409.
Advanced Video Art.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
(Also offered as ARTS 409 / 509)
This class helps students to develop more complex artistic statements on video. Critiques of student work, plus readings and discussions about various arts and media. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA *410 / 310.
Latin American Film.
(3)
This course surveys key moments in Latin American cinema including Mexico’s influential “Golden Age” of the 1940s and various “new cinemas” of the ’60s and ’70s. Also considered are Hollywood films about Latin America. Special fee required.
MA *426 / 326.
History of Film I: Silent.
(3)
History of the motion picture from its beginnings to the era of sound. Screenings and analysis of major films. Special fee required. May not receive credit for both 326 and 426.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA *427 / 327.
History of Film II: Sound.
(3)
History of the motion picture from the advent of sound to the present day. Screenings and analysis of major films. Special fee required. May not receive credit for both 327 and 427.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA *429.
Topics in Production.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Workshops in specific production topics conducted by guest artists in film and video as their schedules permit. Special fee required.
May be repeated if subject matter varies.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA *430.
Topics in Film History.
(3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Studies in film and video genres, regional and national cinemas, and the work of individual artists. Special fee required.
May be repeated if subject matter varies.
MA *431 / 331.
Film Theory.
(3)
A lecture survey of major currents in film theory from film’s beginnings to the present. Screening and analysis of major films. May not receive credit for both 331 and 431. Special fee required.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA *432 / 332.
Documentary Film History and Theory [Documentary Film History].
(3)
History and theory of documentary, with emphasis on how this knowledge is applied in the making of a documentary. Screenings of work by Robert Flaherty, Trinh T. Minh-ha, and others. Special fee required.
MA *434 / 334.
Teen Rebels.
(3)
An examination of Hollywood films of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, whose youthful main characters challenge convention and authority. Special fee required.
MA *435 / 335.
International Horror Film.
(3)
A study of major horror films from various countries, with related readings in fiction, philosophy, psychology, and film studies. Classics such as Nosferatu and Frankenstein are screened. Special fee required.
MA *436 / 336.
Images of (Wo)men.
(3)
Our study will regard films about women, men, and everybody else. With feminism, queer theory, critical race studies, and transgender film theory, we’ll consider cinema from “women’s pictures” to films about the permutations of gender. Special fee required.
Restriction: junior or senior standing.
MA *437.
Alfred Hitchcock.
(3)
An exploration of cinematic suspense, surprise, and shock in relation to Hitchcock’s cinema. Special fee required.
MA *485.
Problems in Interdisciplinary Studies.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
(Also offered as ARTH, MUS 584)
An independent study in either critical studies or studio, beyond the scope of the Fine Arts interdisciplinary courses, which may occur within or outside the College of Fine Arts. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA *487.
Contemporary Interdisciplinary Topics.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
(Also offered as ARTH, DANC, MUS, THEA 487)
Analyzes major instances of interdisciplinary influence and collaboration in the present day. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA 492.
Media Arts Internship.
(1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Real-world experience for students to work with a commercial, educational, non-profit, or other organization to build their media arts skills in the context of the organization's products or services.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 210 and (216 or 220) and at least one 400-level Media Arts course.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA 496 / 596.
Undergraduate Production Project.
(1-3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Media Arts majors undertake individual projects and internships that arise outside the boundaries of other Media Arts production courses. In order to sign up, the student enlists the support of a Cinematic Arts faculty member. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA 497 / 597.
Undergraduate Independent Study.
(2-3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Individual investigation or reading, plus the writing of an essay, under faculty direction. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA 499.
Honors Thesis.
(3-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Directed independent study in a field of special interest, culminating in a written thesis and, if appropriate, a film or video project. Open only by invitation to department honors candidates. Special fee required.
MA 596 / 496.
Graduate Production Project.
(1-3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Media Arts majors undertake individual projects and internships that arise outside the boundaries of other Media Arts production courses. In order to sign up, the student enlists the support of a Cinematic Arts faculty member. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA 597 / 497.
Graduate Independent Study.
(2-3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Individual investigation or reading, plus the writing of an essay, under faculty direction. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
