James D. Stone, Chairperson
Department of Film and Digital 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 Film and Digital Arts offers the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Film and Digital Arts, and undergraduate minors in Animation, Film History and Criticism, Film Production, and Gaming.
Students pursuing the B.A. in Film and Digital 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 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, this program's 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 Film and Digital Arts 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 the department 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 the department, 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
FDMA 1210 [MA 111].
Digital Video Production I [Technical Introduction to Video Production].
(3)
An introduction to digital video production. Students learn camera operation, lights and audio equipment. Hands-on production is completed in the studio and on location. Special fee required.
FDMA 1520 [IFDM 105L].
Introduction to Film and Digital Media [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.
FDMA 1996 [IFDM 250].
Topics [Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media].
(1-3, no limit Δ)
FDMA 2110 [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.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts.
FDMA 2195 [MA 212].
Beyond Hollywood.
(3)
An introduction to marginalized cinemas with screenings of major works. Special fee required.
FDMA 2280 [MA 216].
Topics in Videomaking [Topics in Video Making].
(3, may be repeated once 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: 1210.
FDMA 2286 [IFDM 205L].
Activating Digital Space [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: 1210.
FDMA 2520 [IFDM 301].
Introduction to Cinematography [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: MA 220.
FDMA 2530 [IFDM 210].
Introduction to 3D Modeling [Introduction to Modeling and Animation].
(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.
FDMA 2610 [IFDM 241L].
Directing I [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.
Prerequisite: 1210 and (310 or 324).
FDMA 2714 [IFDM 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.
FDMA 2768 [IFDM 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 or CS 152L.
FDMA 300 [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.
FDMA 302.
Digital Game Design.
(3)
The philosophy of games, game design process, and player psychology. Includes the steps to designing a digital game, from concept and storyboarding to understanding the underlying technical mechanics.
FDMA 303.
Moving Image Art.
(3)
Creative laboratory exploring aesthetic and theoretical issues relating to moving image art, new media technology, and the creative process. Critiques, technical instruction, and lectures on moving image art history and theory.
Prerequisite: 1210.
FDMA 304.
Experiments in Cinema.
(3)
Work to produce an international, experimental film and video festival. Learn grant writing, the curatorial process, hospitality, promotion, public relations, and the history of film festivals.
FDMA 308 / *408 [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.
FDMA 310 [IFDM 310].
Writing Digital Narrative [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.
FDMA 311 [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.
FDMA 313.
Avant-Garde Film History.
(3)
Looks at major trends in avant-garde, experimental, and underground filmmaking movements and the artists working outside the boundaries of institutionalized cinema to explore new perceptual frontiers.
FDMA 314.
History of Animation.
(3)
Traces the development of animation from its earliest filmic examples to the present day, including technological advancements and aesthetic shifts. Covers celluloid, stop-motion, and computer animation history.
FDMA 324 [MA 324].
Introduction to Screenwriting.
(3, may be repeated once 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.
FDMA 326 / *426 [MA 326 / *426].
History of Film I [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: 2110.
FDMA 327 / *427 [MA 327 / *427].
History of Film II [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: 2110.
FDMA 330 [MA 330].
Studies in Film.
(3, no limit Δ [3, may be repeated seven times 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.
FDMA 331 / *431 [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: 2110.
FDMA 332 / *432 [MA 332 / *432].
Documentary Film History and Theory.
(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.
FDMA 334 / *434 [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.
FDMA 335 / *435 [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.
FDMA 336 / *436 [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.
FDMA 337 / *437 [MA 337 / *437].
Alfred Hitchcock.
(3)
An exploration of cinematic suspense, surprise, and shock in relation to Hitchcock’s cinema. Special fee required.
FDMA 339 [MA 339].
Russian Culture and History through Film.
(3)
(Also offered as HIST 335; 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.
FDMA 350 [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.
FDMA 375.
Producing for Film and Digital Media.
(3)
(Also offered as ALB 375)
Students will learn roles of the motion picture producer, acquiring the skills to produce a film or digital media project. Includes choosing a viable project and optioning, developing and preparing for pre-production, production, and post-production.
FDMA 390 [MA 390].
Topics in the Elements of Filmmaking.
(3, no limit Δ [3, may be repeated twice Δ])
Practicum in basic conceptual aspects of independent filmmaking. Each student creates cinematic work in this course. Special fee required.
FDMA 391 [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.
FDMA 400 [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?
FDMA 401 [IFDM 401].
Digital Post Production.
(3)
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: 1210.
FDMA 402 [IFDM 402].
Documentary Film Production.
(3)
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: 1210.
FDMA 403 [IFDM 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: 2768.
FDMA 404 [IFDM 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: 2714.
FDMA 405 [IFDM 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: 2530.
FDMA 406 [IFDM 406].
Virtual Reality Cinema.
(3)
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.
Prerequisite: 1210.
FDMA 407 [IFDM 407].
Compositing for Visual Effects.
(3)
The basics of digital compositing, the art of combining and manipulating images for CGI, special effects, and animation.
FDMA *408 / 308 [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.
FDMA *409 [MA *409].
Advanced Video Art.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
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.
FDMA 410 [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.
Restriction: junior or senior standing.
FDMA 411.
Advanced Cinematography.
(3)
Work with modern digital professional camera systems, building an understanding of cinematographic techniques, practices, and aesthetics. Use light, color, camera movement, composition, and lens selection to develop cinematic emotions.
Prerequisite: 2520.
FDMA 412 [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.
FDMA *426 / 326 [MA *426 / 326].
History of Film I [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: 2110.
FDMA *427 / 327 [MA *427 / 327].
History of Film II [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: 2110.
FDMA *429 [FDMA *429].
Topics in Production.
(1-3, no limit Δ [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. May be repeated if subject matter varies. Special fee required.
Prerequisite: 1210.
FDMA *430 [MA *430].
Topics in Film History.
(3, no limit Δ [3, may be repeated seven times 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.
FDMA *431 / 331 [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: 2110.
FDMA *432 / 332 [MA *432 / 332].
Documentary Film History and Theory.
(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.
FDMA *434 / 334 [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.
FDMA *435 / 335 [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.
FDMA *436 / 336 [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.
FDMA *437 / 337 [MA *437 / 337].
Alfred Hitchcock.
(3)
An exploration of cinematic suspense, surprise, and shock in relation to Hitchcock’s cinema. Special fee required.
FDMA 450 [IFDM 450].
Capstone I: Senior Projects [IFDM Capstone I Senior Projects Course].
(4)
Students are required to form interdisciplinary collaborative teams that will develop and plan project ideas.
Restriction: admitted to B.A. Film and Digital Arts or B.F.A. Film and Digital Arts, senior standing, and permission of department.
FDMA 451 [IFDM 451].
Capstone II: Senior Projects [IFDM Capstone II Senior Projects Course].
(4)
Collaborative teams execute projects and give open demonstration of the results.
Prerequisite: 450.
Restriction: Restriction: admitted to B.A. Film and Digital Arts or B.F.A. Film and Digital Arts; and senior standing; and permission of department.
FDMA *485 [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.
FDMA *487 [MA *487].
Contemporary Interdisciplinary Topics.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
(Also offered as ARTH, DANC, MUS, THEA 487 / 587)
Analyzes major instances of interdisciplinary influence and collaboration in the present day. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FDMA 491 [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.
FDMA 492 [FDMA 492].
Film and Digital Arts Internship [IFDM Internship].
(1-12 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Real-world experience for students to build film and digital media arts skills in the context of the organization's products or services. Students must possess minimum overall grade-point-average of 2.5 to enroll.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: at least 9 credit hours in FDMA courses, with at least one FDMA 300-level course.
Restriction: admitted or preadmitted to B.F.A. Film and Digital Arts; and permission of department.
FDMA 496 / 596 [MA 496 / 596].
Undergraduate Production Project.
(1-3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Film and Digital Arts majors undertake individual projects and internships that arise outside the boundaries of other FDMA production courses. The student will enlist the support of a department faculty member to enroll. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FDMA 497 / 597 [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.
FDMA 499 [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.
FDMA 596 / 496 [MA 596 / 496].
Graduate Production Project.
(1-3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Film and Digital Arts majors undertake individual projects and internships that arise outside the boundaries of other FDMA production courses. The student will enlist the support of a department faculty member to enroll. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
FDMA 597 / 497 [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.
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.
