This course provides the technical and aesthetic foundation to master concepts of effective digital design, layout, and image manipulation while learning Adobe Photoshop, an industry standard digital art software. Develop a working knowledge of how two-dimensional bit-map images are acquired, created and manipulated. While developing effective visual communications skills, cultivate an individual artistic style, and gain basic understandings of the creative and technical processes inherent in digital art and design. Participate in digital art exercises and projects, individual and group critique, discussion of topics relevant to digital art and design, portfolio development and evaluation, and creative research. Prerequisites: Hardware: PC or Mac. Software: Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Since this course requires students to use computer and software intensively, they should have strong interests in using the computer as a design tool and intermediate computer skills. This course was previously ART-222454 Digital Art and Design: Introductory.

Attributes: Arts Gen Ed, Liberal

The purpose of this class is to focus on both the creative and technical processes involved in digital video production and postproduction. Students will learn the aesthetics of editing the choice of images, their time and sequence in conjunction with learning the software for nonlinear video editing: Adobe Premiere Pro.

Attributes: Arts Gen Ed, Liberal

This study is designed for students who want to learn how to create visually engaging websites. It is intended for students who have a working knowledge of the basics of either the Windows or Mac operating systems. This plan will be implemented by reviewing principles of internet technology, discussing the differences between web based and traditional communications media, learning to use appropriate web authoring software, and by developing content for delivery on the web.

Attributes: Arts Gen Ed, Liberal

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Digital Arts (DIGA). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.

This is a beginner’s course in digital presentation. As such, we will explore the different aspects of self-presentation in public and online formats and learn techniques to make the process more manageable and effective. . Students will investigate the inner workings of online presentations and discourse, including the basic elements of a presentation, ways to write and evaluate work, the impact and responsibilities of public/private speaking, understanding an audience’s needs, and developing ways to increase comfort while presenting in a variety of formats,and to refine physical skills in body language and voice production. This course was previously CUL-222614 .

Attributes: Liberal

This is a study for students who are interested in writing for the new media form of the weblog.

This introductory study is designed for students who want to learn how to use a digital camera to capture, edit, and manipulate photographic images. This study is intended for the student who has working knowledge of the basics of either the Windows or Mac operating system, as well as having a basic knowledge of traditional photography (or equivalent experience). This plan will be implemented by reviewing principles of composition; discussing and practicing various styles of photography; learning to use appropriate digital photographic editing software, and, finally, how to prepare the final images for various means of display, from hard copy printing to digital display.

Attributes: Liberal

This study is aimed at students wishing to understand and use mobile apps to create compelling digital stories. Mobile tablets and devices have become part of the standard default tool set for learning, teaching, and presenting. This course focuses on the core concepts of content creation for presentation and aims to unleash the full potential of Adobe’s mobile apps while also giving participants the opportunity to help individuals to become creators, not just consumers, of digital media.

Attributes: Liberal

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Digital Arts (DIGA). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.

This study is designed for students who wish to further explore the photographic medium and advance their skills in photography. In order to gain a better understanding of the art of picture taking, students will devote this session to learning how to take better pictures within the medium and within its parameters of a specific genre of photography. Prerequisite: successful completion of a related introductory study or relevant advanced level experience.

Attributes: Arts Gen Ed, Liberal

In this advanced level digital presentation study, students will review and incorporate increasingly sophisticated techniques of self-presentation in public, online, and hybrid formats in addition to composing and critiquing their original work. Students will analyze their own and others digital presentations, looking for the elements of effective presentations, the impact and responsibilities of public/private speaking, understanding different audiences' needs, and the evolving etiquette(s) of delivering presentations in a variety of formats.

Attributes: Liberal

This study is designed for students who have already learned how to create visually engaging interactive web content and would like to apply that learning to more advanced projects that utilize rich media, javascripts, flash, and responsive design. Prerequisite: successful completion of a related introductory study or relevant advanced level experience.

Attributes: Arts Gen Ed, Liberal

In the twenty-first century it is not only important to create and maintain an online presence whether for work or other professional/personal pursuits, it is also crucial that one's online materials are impressive and impeccable: well-written and arresting, both visually and in terms of information presentation. Blogging and digital presentation incorporates the varied fields of copy writing, journalism, marketing, advertising, public relations, internet technologies, visual information, graphic design and visual arts, among others.

Attributes: Liberal

In this course, students learn advanced digital art and design using the following Adobe Creative Suite applications: Photoshop Extended, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks & Bridge. They develop expertise in working with bitmap and vector images. Through creative exercises, projects, individual and group critiques, portfolio development and evaluation, research, and written assignments, students develop effective visual communication skills, strengthen individual artistic style, and demonstrate a sophisticated, professional understanding of technical and creative processes inherent in digital art. This course is for advanced-level students with previous knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and the prior skills needed to learn advanced digital art techniques. Prerequisites: An introductory level digital art course. OS Platform: PC or Mac, Software: Adobe Creative Suite and an introductory level digital art course. Introductory level knowledge of Adobe Photoshop. This course was previously ART-224444 Digital Art and Design: Advanced.

Attributes: Arts Gen Ed, Liberal

This course examines the ethical considerations of digital art and design. For centuries, artists have contributed innovative perspectives about how to see and understand the world through creative expression. Digital media allows contemporary artists and designers to make bold artistic statements of their own with virtual technologies and social media. In the digital world, it is easy to manipulate representations of reality while instantaneously disseminating information that has been digitally altered. The proliferation of digital tools has also allowed for greater access to these resources, providing everyone with the creative potential to produce and share their own digital artwork. What are the ethical considerations for being a content producer? What role does the digital artist and designer play in revealing the truth about the human experience? What are the responsibilities of the digital artist and designer to speak the truth about society, culture, and politics through digital art? How do we differentiate between creative artistic expression and misrepresentations of reality in our everyday experience with digital media?

Attributes: Arts Gen Ed, Liberal

Digital Storytelling combines storytelling arts with social, mobile, and digital media technologies. Learn to apply digital storytelling theory and techniques to write, produce and publish digital stories, including autobiographical narratives, mobile stories, and a collaborative digital story. Consider ethical issues such as intellectual property, privacy protection and the rights of storytelling subjects. In this course, you’ll generate story ideas, develop narrative structures for digital stories, and provide scripts and scene descriptions. Selecting different digital tools, you’ll integrate images, text, video and audio to create digital stories, and acquire competency in the use of digital media applications. They will be expected to research and select digital applications, create accounts to access free or low cost tools, and use tutorials and other digital resources to learn them. Ideally digital media arts or digital art and design students take Digital Storytelling before Media Arts. This course was previously ART-223054 Digital Storytelling. Students taking the course must have access to digital devices (such as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, headset or USB microphone) allowing them to take photographs, record audio and video, edit digital assets within the applications of their choice, and upload these to their story blog or the course.

Attributes: Basic Communication Gen Ed, Arts Gen Ed, Liberal

This course covers the history, theory and practice of game design and development using an online workshop approach. Students will apply principles and practices of designing and developing tabletop, board and video games to the game design project of their choice. Game structure, formal and dramatic elements and system dynamics will be examined. Students will work on individual and group projects to explore best practices in design conceptualization, prototyping methods and play testing, culminating in a functional game design prototype. Though experience with advanced digital programs is not required, students will experiment with various free digital game design applications. Prerequisites: Advanced Level Standing. Students taking the course must have access to digital devices (such as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, headset or USB microphone) allowing them to take photographs, record audio and video, edit digital assets within the applications of their choice, and upload these for game design projects and critiques. They will be expected to research and select digital applications, create accounts to access free or low cost tools, and use tutorials and other digital resources to learn them. Some game applications may require downloading. This course was previously ART-223334 Game Design and Development.

Attributes: Liberal

Explore the fundamentals of information design in different media such as text, diagrams, charts, signs, the World Wide Web, museum displays, and emerging environments. Learn how to communicate information effectively and analyze the information around you. Topics include types of information (verbal, visual, metaphoric, narrative, etc.), information classification, graphic design, scientific visualization, the design of instructional and other applications, and information design in media, advertising and the entertainment industry. The course is useful for professionals in a wide range of fields including business, communication, marketing, science, math, statistics, art, computer science and technical writing. This course was previously ART-224104 Information Design.

Attributes: Liberal

Working with traditional materials in non-traditional ways, artists and writers have regularly used concepts of mapping as a way to illustrate their journeys. Maps also work to highlight relationships and complexities between different elements of each space. As a form of intellectual curiosity, the map stands as reference in addressing aesthetic, cultural, historical, and emotional content. However, it can be noted, too, that even the most accurate maps contain distortions and may sacrifice a bit of accuracy to deliver greater visual usefulness. In this study, learners will actively investigate the uses of visual, digital and written documentation as a means of exploring the artistic concepts, cultures, and histories inherent in 'Mapping.'

Attributes: Liberal

In this course, students collaborate on interdisciplinary media arts projects (such as digital stories, short films, animated films and other multimedia works) with peers, sharing expertise from different artistic genres within the field of media art. Projects will be tailored to fit the expertise and interests of each student cohort. The course will include a critical analysis of media arts, including aesthetic, ethical, social and professional considerations for media artists. Advanced level media arts require effective collaboration among artists from different genres. The course will include a significant collaborative project as well as opportunities to focus on individual artistic growth. Prerequisites: Students taking the course must have advanced knowledge and experience with one or more of the following areas: digital art and design, computer arts, video, electronic music, digital storytelling, filmmaking, game design, animation, visual effects, motion graphics, animation art and design, digital photography, 3D virtual worlds, digital performance, and audio production. Ideally digital media arts or digital art and design students take Digital Storytelling before Media Arts. This course was previously ART-223324 Media Arts.

Attributes: Liberal

New Media Advocacy Project will be a hands-on production course in which students will learn how to create and utilize new media (audio, video, social media platforms) for social justice movements and advocacy efforts. Over the course of the semester we will investigate the power of storytelling and how new media can assist in community driven campaigns to connect and involve the public in movements for change. How can visual arts be creatively used to share resources, disseminate information, and encourage public engagement?

Attributes: Arts Gen Ed, Liberal

This course will introduce students to the Unity Game engine platform and the Unity Multiplayer environment to create a real-time networked game world that can be used for play, learning and communication. Students will playtest these worlds with classmates and critically evaluate the worlds using criteria from supporting readings and videos from the field of game design and game culture.

Attributes: Liberal

'Web series' have become an integral part of Internet culture: how we interact with one another, how products are sold, our virtual learning environments, networking, resource-sharing and entertainment. The organizing and/or presentation of media in episodic structure is not a new concept, however, the 'webisode' provides us with a new, all-encompassing platform to present creative content much like the short film, commercial, and trailer. Internet culture and thus the web platform, create new challenges for media makers in appealing to and retaining viewers as well as increased opportunities for interaction and technological innovation. The purpose of this course is to research, develop, write, pitch, shoot, edit and upload 3 webisodes, running 2 -5 minutes in length. The web series can be fiction or verité but must be original and well thought out. We will divide the course into 4 Phases: Research, Pre-production (Development), Production (Shooting), and Post -production (Editing and presentation).

Attributes: Liberal

The purpose of Digital Painting is to provide a creative environment that combines painting, digital imaging, and digital printmaking to create a body of art work.

Attributes: Arts Gen Ed, Liberal

The content of this course will vary by term and section. Students may repeat this course for credit as long as the topic differs. Please refer to the Term Guide for course topic offerings.

Attributes: Liberal

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Digital Arts (DIGA). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.

The purpose of this study is for advanced students of collage to investigate, create, experiment and continue to hone their skills and craft in the medium. This study is also meant to be very process oriented so students build a progressive body of work and create a final digital portfolio to showcase their art.

Attributes: Liberal

In this course, students will learn about media-based organizing, a collaborative process that uses media, art, or technology to address the roots of problems and advance holistic solutions towards a more just and creative world. Concepts and theories of “intersectionality” which recognize the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender will be explored as students learn how intersectionality relates to current activism and coalition building initiatives. As part of this course, students are required to participate in the annual Allied Media Conference in Detroit, Michigan. Held every other summer, the conference brings together a vibrant and diverse community of people using media to incite change: filmmakers, radio producers, technologists, youth organizers, writers, entrepreneurs, musicians, dancers, and artists.

Attributes: Liberal

What does history teach us about new media? How does artistic theory expand our thinking about the evolution of digital environments? Exploring new media through the lens both history and theory creates a deeper understanding about emerging technologies in our connected world. You will be transported through key moments in history to discuss the evolution of digital media and virtual environments. Emphasis is given to theories that involve the social, cultural, and aesthetic dimensions of new media. We will discuss readings by established and emerging scholars and conduct academic research to further illuminate digital media topics. Course activities include collaborative discussions, writings, case studies, and a final research project about new media. Prerequisites: An advanced level course in digital arts, digital media, media studies, or the equivalent. This course was previously CUL-223544 History and Theory of New Media. Prerequisites: An advanced level course in digital arts, digital media, media studies, or the equivalent. .

Attributes: Liberal

The purpose of this study is for advanced level digital arts students to independently explore a larger project in their chosen art form(s) as well as engage with related artistic questions/concerns generated by their earlier experiences, interdisciplinary leanings and current obsessions. Interdisciplinarity and/or uses of multiple perspectives or media will be particularly encouraged by the mentor where applicable.

Attributes: Liberal

Storytelling is an ancient human tradition and artform that has evolved into an essential tool in creating content for a multitude of media platforms and audiences including but not limited to: digital, film, print, gaming, commercial and inventive, academic and popular, and personal use. In this study, students learn and practice strategies and structures of storytelling and analyze concepts in narrative theory--such as plot, characterization, continuity, dimensionality and worldmaking--in order to produce and revise a series of creative works based in their chosen areas of media.

Attributes: Liberal

How do you effectively present your original academic, artistic, and professional work for external audiences? How do you curate and assess these materials in a culminating digital portfolio? The design of a unifying portfolio prepares students to craft and hone their work into a sophisticated online presentation. The contents of your digital project may include a combination of visual, audio, written, design, and mixed-media content, as well as interactive games, digital stories, digital media, virtual worlds, maker—objects, photography, and artworks. Your fully-developed portfolio will serve as a distinguished culmination of your work for graduate schools, art galleries, networking opportunities, employment applications, professional promotions, and/or in support of a business, entrepreneurship, or non-profit entity. Prerequisites: An advanced level course in digital arts, digital media, media studies, or the equivalent Prerequisites: An advanced level course in digital arts, digital media, media studies, or the equivalent.

Attributes: Liberal

Students have the opportunity to develop individualized studies with their mentor in Digital Arts (DIGA). Please contact your mentor/advisor for more details.