Courses | B.A. in Cinema and Media Arts

An introduction to the building blocks of storytelling: character, setting and plot. Students will read and study the steps of the Hero's Journey as used in current Hollywood films. They will analyze story structure, write short stories and create film ideas and short screenplays. Special emphasis will be given to the history, art and aesthetics of storytelling. Grade Mode: A.

Introduction to the techniques of storytelling across multiple emerging technology platforms and formats such as streaming on YouTube and virtual reality. Explores the history and convergence of the Internet with personal computers. Topics include web design, media streaming, small screen production, apps for smartphones, graphic design, interactivity, augmented reality, audio and video formats for new media; computer hardware, operating systems, networking and content management systems. Grade Mode: A.

Student creates a capstone project with advice and guidance from faculty. The project will represent the student's highest achievement in media creation. Projects can include scripts, recordings, films, and other emerging media. Projects premiere publicly at the end of the semester. Grade Mode: A.

An introduction to the building blocks of storytelling: character, setting and plot. Students will read and study the steps of the Hero's Journey as used in current Hollywood films. They will analyze story structure, write short stories and create film ideas and short screenplays. Special emphasis will be given to the history, art and aesthetics of storytelling. Grade Mode: A.

An introduction to the theory and practice of storytelling with sound. Topics include physics, acoustics and psychoacoustics of sound, field and studio sound recording, multi-track mixing and editing, Foley, automatic dialog replacement, and sound effects as applied to film, television, games, recording arts and other media. Grade Mode: A.

Introduction to the techniques of storytelling across multiple emerging technology platforms and formats such as streaming on YouTube and virtual reality. Explores the history and convergence of the Internet with personal computers. Topics include web design, media streaming, small screen production, apps for smartphones, graphic design, interactivity, augmented reality, audio and video formats for new media; computer hardware, operating systems, networking and content management systems. Grade Mode: A.

Explores the aesthetics and technology of the film image. Students will understand basic composition, lighting and exposure and what makes an image attractive to the human eye. Significant lab/hands-on experience included with an emphasis on cameras, lighting, grip and electric. Grade Mode: A.

An intense study of the craft and role of the editor as storyteller. Covers various genres and formats such as features, documentaries, short films, and trailers. Emphasis on the editor's role in other aspects of post-production, including audio, music, color correction, digital effects, and distribution masters. Several individual projects allow hands-on practical learning. Grade Mode: A.

Student creates a capstone project with advice and guidance from faculty. The project will represent the student's highest achievement in media creation. Projects can include scripts, recordings, films, and other emerging media. Projects premiere publicly at the end of the semester. Grade Mode: A.

An introduction to the building blocks of storytelling: character, setting and plot. Students will read and study the steps of the Hero's Journey as used in current Hollywood films. They will analyze story structure, write short stories and create film ideas and short screenplays. Special emphasis will be given to the history, art and aesthetics of storytelling. Grade Mode: A.

This intermediate-level course guides students through the development of a synopsis and treatment and completion of a feature-length screenplay with instruction in theme, structure, plot, character, mise-en-scene and utilization of cinematic elements. Grade Mode: A.

An exploration of characters and dialogue in TV and film, utilizing various techniques to create unique, unforgettable characters and rich dialogue. A variety of scenes will be written throughout the course with an emphasis on creativity and imagination. Grade Mode: A.

Taught in the mode of a TV writer’s room in which the instructor is the showrunner, students will each write an episode of an existing dramatic television series within the hour-long format with an emphasis on conception, pitching, characterization and structure. Grade Mode: A.

A course in learning to perform coverage of scripts and in rewriting and polishing dramatic scripts for television and motion pictures. An emphasis will be placed on critical analysis of story structure from classic films to contemporary works. Includes identification of key story concepts and elements of three-act structure. Grade Mode: A.

Student creates a capstone project with advice and guidance from faculty. The project will represent the student's highest achievement in media creation. Projects can include scripts, recordings, films, and other emerging media. Projects premiere publicly at the end of the semester. Grade Mode: A.

Fiction workshop. Students will read and critique each other's work, study selected modern and contemporary short stories and investigate the creative writing process. Grade Mode: A.

An introduction to the building blocks of storytelling: character, setting and plot. Students will read and study the steps of the Hero's Journey as used in current Hollywood films. They will analyze story structure, write short stories and create film ideas and short screenplays. Special emphasis will be given to the history, art and aesthetics of storytelling. Grade Mode: A.

Introduction to the techniques of storytelling across multiple emerging technology platforms and formats such as streaming on YouTube and virtual reality. Explores the history and convergence of the Internet with personal computers. Topics include web design, media streaming, small screen production, apps for smartphones, graphic design, interactivity, augmented reality, audio and video formats for new media; computer hardware, operating systems, networking and content management systems. Grade Mode: A.

A study of the television business from a programming perspective. Students learn how programming of each season reflects the culture, sociological, and economic trends of the times. A variety of sitcoms, dramas and variety shows are viewed and students learn how current programming has developed from formats that were successful in the 1950s through the present. Grade Mode: A.

Student creates a capstone project with advice and guidance from faculty. The project will represent the student's highest achievement in media creation. Projects can include scripts, recordings, films, and other emerging media. Projects premiere publicly at the end of the semester. Grade Mode: A.

An introduction to the building blocks of storytelling: character, setting and plot. Students will read and study the steps of the Hero's Journey as used in current Hollywood films. They will analyze story structure, write short stories and create film ideas and short screenplays. Special emphasis will be given to the history, art and aesthetics of storytelling. Grade Mode: A.

A comprehensive introduction to the basic components and principles of game design and game play. The course includes mechanics, system dynamics, dramatic elements, level design, and user expectations experience. Students design and playtest several original game ideas through iterative physical prototypes. Grade Mode: A.

Introduction to the techniques of storytelling across multiple emerging technology platforms and formats such as streaming on YouTube and virtual reality. Explores the history and convergence of the Internet with personal computers. Topics include web design, media streaming, small screen production, apps for smartphones, graphic design, interactivity, augmented reality, audio and video formats for new media; computer hardware, operating systems, networking and content management systems. Grade Mode: A.

An examination of digital visual effects for film, television, games and other media. The class covers basic 2-D and 3-D modeling, compositing, digital lighting, mattes, animation and the vfx pipeline. Participants should have extensive computer experience. Grade Mode: A.

An exploration of how storytelling acts as a vital mechanism for driving gameplay forward to tell emotionally-resonant stories using the medium of digital games. Relevant story-driven games will be analyzed, and techniques such as branching narratives, procedural stories, and environmental storytelling will be discussed. Students will create a design document for a game that tells a story. Grade Mode: A.

This course focuses on level design for video games using a professional game development framework. Students learn components of a successful interactive environment. Course modules include level building, materials, theme, mood, texturing, modeling, lighting, terrain, optimization, cut-scenes, animation, visual effects, streaming, responsiveness to player actions and testing. Grade Mode: A.

Student creates a capstone project with advice and guidance from faculty. The project will represent the student's highest achievement in media creation. Projects can include scripts, recordings, films, and other emerging media. Projects premiere publicly at the end of the semester. Grade Mode: A.