True creativity begins with knowledge. The media arts major is therefore a synthesis of the communication, studio art, and liberal arts curricula that gives rise to an intellectually creative skill set that moves far beyond the merely technical. The media arts major seeks to provide students with the conceptual and technical tools necessary to succeed in a variety of creative media industries. In this way our graduates will be enabled to participate in and thereby influence the shaping of American culture. With this firmly in mind, our students are challenged to discover ways in which they might bring a Christian sensibility to all that they undertake. The media arts major seeks to produce graduates who:
- Can demonstrate proficiency with an appropriate variety of media and technologies.
- Can demonstrate familiarity with the theoretical and historical underpinnings of their chosen field of study.
- Can demonstrate the ability to approach visual communication challenges with creativity and insight, producing work that is consistently original and meaningful.
- Can demonstrate effective and professional written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
- Can demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others.
Acceptance into the Major
Each student is required to formally apply for admittance into the media arts major. This is typically done during the spring semester of the sophomore year. It is imperative that all prospective media arts majors partner with an advisor from the Media Arts Department. A Media Arts Application Form may be obtained from any media arts faculty or downloaded from the media arts section of the college website. In order to gain admittance to, and to graduate with, the media arts major, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all pre-major and major coursework.
Junior Review
At the end of the junior year, the transcript of each student will be examined by their advisor to ensure adequate progress is being made toward degree completion. At this point, admittance to the major may be rescinded.
Requirements
Studio Foundations (choose one):
- ARTS102 2 Dimensional Design
- ARTS110 Drawing I
- ARTS113 Photography I
- ARTS114 Painting I
- ARTS202 3 Dimensional Design
Production Foundations (choose one):
- MART295 Introduction to Broadcast Media
- MART297 Audio/Video Production
Additional required courses:
- ARTS290 Professional Practices Seminar
- ARTS230 Introduction to Desktop Publishing and Design
- COMM240 Introduction to Mass Media
- ENGL312 Reading as Writers Across Media
Historical Perspective (6 credits – choose two):
- ARTS107 Art History III Impressionism to Contemporary
- ARTS344 American Art History
- ARTS452 Contemporary Issues in Art
- COMM365 Images on Film
Theoretical and Critical Analysis (9 credits):
- COMM385 Law and Ethics in Media
- Two of:
- ARTS450 Art Theory and Criticism
- COMM325 Processes of Criticism
- COMM475 Media Ecology
- ENGL350 Literary Theory
- MART475 Avant Garde/Experimental Film
Capstone/Senior Project (required):
- MART496 Media Arts Capstone I
- MART497 Media Arts Capstone II
Area of Emphasis
Theory and practice (15 credits. Choose between two areas of emphasis):
Motion Graphics and Animation
- ARTS330 Graphic Design II: Digital Drawing and Image Manipulation
- MART397 Advanced Audio/Video Production
- Three of the following:
- ARTS312 Introduction to Illustration
- ARTS332 Graphic Design IV: Introduction to Interactive Multimedia
- ARTS336 Graphic Design III: Introdution to Web Design
- COMM360 Visual Communication
- MART290 Introduction to Animation
- MART430 Motion Graphic Design
- MART435 Motion Graphics II
Video Arts and Broadcasting
- MART397 Advanced Audio/Video Production
- Four of the following:
- ARTS330 Graphic Design II: Digital Drawing and Image Manipulation
- COMM360 Visual Communication
- MART290 Introduction to Animation
- MART430 Motion Graphic Design
- MART465 Editing for Film and Video
Optional Internship
Application may be made through the media arts department for a program of practical experience.
- MART499 Media Arts Internship
Additional curricular suggestions and electives for the media arts student:
- ARTS213 Photography II
- BUSN101 Introduction to Business
- COMS103 Introduction to Programming I
- COMM389 Intercultural Communication
- MUSC102 Music Appreciation
- THTR101 Intro to Theatre
- THTR105 Stage Craft
- THTR320 Scene Design
- THTR360 Lighting Design
- THTR380 Sound Design