Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media (IFDM)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
250.
Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Study in topics related to digital media.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
407.
Compositing for Visual Effects.
(3)
The basics of digital compositing, the art of combining and manipulating images for CGI, special effects, and animation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
