M.A. in Journalism and Multimedia

GRADUATE PROGRAM

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Summer Classes

COURSE DESCRIPTION

JMA 700: Introduction to Multimedia Technology:

Principles of interactivity and multimedia technology are introduced along with project proposals and design documentation. Technical discussions about scanners, digital and analog video, digital sounds and graphics formats complement current principles regarding graphic design, sound and animation.

JMA 711: Managing Interactive Media:

This course provides the skills and know-how to enable the student to master the entire product development process. Furthermore, the course provides various project management techniques for producing planning, documenting, writing, designing, testing, debugging and maintaining interactive projects. The focus is on project management skills that are unique to interactive media projects.

JMA 712: Instructional Design:

This course reviews theories that are universally applicable to training, education, and learning. Blending the theories of learning and instruction, multimedia and project management, together with authoring tools students propose, design, and implement e-learning applications

JMA 713: Graphic Design Process:

Through vector-based programs such as Adobe Illustrator and In Design, students apply theories of balance, contrast, perspective, color and other graphic design concepts. Graphic file formats are discussed, along with their relative merits and disadvantages.

JMA 714: 3D Concepts & Application:

Students learn the basics of creating 3D models as they create and model, then render life like three dimensional objects. Modeling concepts, 3D environments are explored as students move real-world objects into a virtual world of three dimensions. To enhance their models, students learn to apply textures and surfaces using applications such as Lightwave. Students may also begin the process of animating objects, lights, and cameras in the three dimensional space.

JMA 715: Animation Theory & Practice:

Using animation software such as Lightwave, students will study the use and setup of cinematic and stage lighting as well as how to create animations by moving cameras, lights and objects. Students immerse themselves in the theory and practice of animation in this intense hands on class. Covering direct and handmade processes/techniques. Students develop animation concepts and skills. Students follow the 3D computer animation production process to complete short animations. The end products are expected to be animations of quality that will be in professional demo reel

JMA 716: Introduction to Book Publishing:

Provides an introduction to the book publishing process from manuscript production and development to design, printing and binding.

JMA 721: Character Animation:

This course covers 3D modeling techniques to create environments and character animation. Basic ideas learned within the basic animation course such as narrative, and movement are revisited within the 3D environs. Discussion of modeling will include not only how to create models and character animation, but also a study of 3D forms within the domains of sculpture, architecture, animation and gaming. While students will be taught how they may simulate reality in both modeling and animation, they will also study examples of simplifications, abstractions and hyper-realities in the service of narrative and game development. Character animation concepts including character thinking, changes of emotion, speaking (lip-sync animation) and walking cycles. Cartooning effects such as squash and stretch as well as using animation controls to create a more humanistic character animation. Basic concepts dealing with character planning and character sheets.

JMA 722: Multimedia Production:

Using the multimedia development life cycle as a model, students will use general purpose new media software, such as Premiere and Encore to create DVDs and websites. Students form a production team, design a large-scale project, and then apply project and management skills. Course should be taken last semester of study.

JMA 723: International Media:

An overview and analysis of international media systems and processes. Particular emphasis on mediated communication within and between nation states. Class typically requires an international travel experience at an additional cost.

JMA 724: Literary Journalism:

Literary Journalism explores the fusion of nonfiction narrative writing and the methods and conventions of literature. In addition to studying and discussing classics and contemporary stories in the Literary Journalism oeuvre - covering topics such as war, crime, sports, and so-called "Gonzo Journalism" - students will report and write their own literary journalism stories; a good number of these stories are eventually published in campus media.

JMA 725: Critical Study in Mass Media:

In this course we will consider the forces behind the evolution of the media into its current commercial system. The ethical, social, economic, and political implications of today's massive media corporations -- as well as their effect upon what we see, read, and know -- will also be discussed.

JMA 726: Sex, Myth & Media:

Examines the role of mass media in reinforcing or challenging common cultural definitions of masculinity and femininity and power relationships between the sexes. In analyzing various mass media -- including print, television, internet publishing, electronic games, and film -- we will apply gender theory and connect these artifacts to their historical moment.

JMA 727: Visual Design & Layout:

This studio course teaches students how to display complex information clearly and beautifully. Students will learn how to organize type, images, and raw data, into compelling and straightforward communication.

JMA 731: Media Sales & Promotion:

Explains the multi-faceted dimension of sales within contemporary business environments with special emphasis on the tools for media sales and the tools for successful media promotion and branding.

JMA 732: Advanced Animation:

This course introduces techniques for computer animation such as keyframing, procedural methods, motion capture, and simulation. The course also includes an overview of storyboarding, scene composition, lighting and sound track generation. The course will explore current research topics in computer animation such as dynamic simulation of flexible and rigid objects, automatically generated control systems, and evolution of behaviors. This course presents a focused study of advanced 3D characters and non-character animation mainly using Lightwave as one platform, although 2D animation is supported and encouraged. Students are expected to already possess a foundational strength in locomotion and timing and principles of 2D and 3D animation. In this class, the student will not only be challenged and pushed further in their skill and ability in the techniques of animation; they will be expected to give highly creative, expressive and unique solutions to assignments.

JMA 733: Media and Science:

This course will investigate the media's role in popularizing scientific research and controversies. It will also examine the role that science journalism plays in galvanizing public support for scientific research.

JMA 734: Advanced Web Animation:

An advanced look at Flash's programming language, ActionScript provides the base for a sophisticated interactive application that includes audio, digital video, and connections to databases. Students will be able to use ActionScript to control objects within Flash files, create and publish ActionScript movies, add actions to a movie file, and utilize common ActionScript commands, arguments, properties, and syntaxes.

JMA 735: Advanced Digital Imaging:

This course is aimed at enthusiastic photographers who wish to take control of Digital Image making and with basic photo skills interested in mastering digital imaging. In this class, students will use digital cameras and computer software to create original works of art. Students will be introduced to the following three areas: (1) Digital imaging technology (cameras and editing software), (2) Photo composition and lighting, and (3) Printing and electronic distribution. This course will encourage you to shoot RAW images and seek to enhance your digital workflow system using popular software and digital imaging techniques. Previous experience with Photoshop or other digital image manipulation tools is required. Students are encourages to develop various forms of composition such as photography for science, art or publication.

JMA 736: Media, Sports, & Society:

Students will critically view the role of sport media in American culture. The influence of/relationship between sport media and issues such as race, gender, nationalism, capitalism/consumerism, violence and civic life will be discussed. Issues in relation to journalism ethics and the production of sport media will also be examined.

JMA 799: Thesis