The courses described below are typical arts offerings. Not every course is offered every year, and course descriptions may change.

 

Animation students are introduced to a variety of software used to create interactive projects—for example, Adobe Flash and After Effects. Class projects include such challenges as creating a 30-second television spot. The emphasis is on understanding various interactive techniques and protocols.

 

Digital Editing students learn how to log and capture, organize, filter and sequence their raw digital footage using Final Cut Pro software. They work in a state-of-the-art iMac computer lab.

 

Films are viewed and studied with particular attention to such elements as theme, execution of style, direction, use of soundtrack and acting styles. The course begins with early works, such as The Great Train Robbery (1903), and continues into the present. Emphasis is placed on the study of American and European films that fall into a particular category (genre) for one reason or another.

 

How to compose shots and scenes, move and angle the camera, run a shoot and communicate with the cast—these are some of the directorial procedures covered in the Film Production Workshop. Students learn the functions and capabilities of different camcorders and, on the creative side, how to maintain the tone, vitality and vision of their respective pieces.  

 

Students develop ideas and character sketches into screenplays using proper formatting techniques. They are taught how to fuse imagination with structure as they fit their story concepts into forms that most effectively convey their desired messages. The focus is on characterization, plotting and conflict—growth and resolution. (Students may also take Playwriting, described under the Creative Writing Department.)

 

INTERDEPARTMENTAL DIGITAL MUSIC AND MEDIA

Digital Media Track (for visual arts, writing and film majors)

 

Students are introduced to the digital skills required of the professional artist in the 21st century. In a workshop environment, they will learn to create, present and distribute multimedia, with a focus on shooting and editing video, producing podcasts and creating websites. Projects connect with and support each student’s area of artistic interest.

 

The intermediate course extends topics students explored in the introductory class, with an emphasis on student projects and marketing.

 

Advanced students move on to more challenging production subjects, including multi-track recording, sound reinforcement for live music ensembles, sound design for film and video, and use of the “green screen.” They also have the opportunity to explore motion graphics and special effects.