Proposal for the BA in Digital and Interactive Media Arts Digital and Interactive Media Arts (DIMA) is the study of the development and use of media created in digital form that responds to the user. DIMA is an emerging academic field of interest to current and potential WCSU students. Drawing on the fields of Computer Science and Media Production and Art, students learn skills in programing, design, production and editing with an eye to applications in video, television, film, blogging, website production, advertising, gaming, animation and audio. Although these areas are traditionally located in different departments, their use and application in the world has become integrated. This interaction necessitates a new type of exploration and training for our students. Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is uniquely situated to provide that. Unique among the Connecticut State Universities, Western s Mission begins Western Connecticut State University serves as an accessible, responsive and creative intellectual resource for the people and institutions of Connecticut. Our history demonstrates our commitment to this mission: this proposal is its continuation. An investment in the development of a new degree in Interactive Digital Media allows us to provide the residents of Connecticut access to creative tools that are in high demand in the arts, entertainment, and business sectors of the economy. Technological Innovation and Creativity Western Connecticut State University has a well-established commitment to the intersection of art, technology, and innovation. Our Center for the Visual and Performing Arts brings together creative talent and the sophisticated technology meant to support a thriving fine arts school. Our reputation in the fine arts is outstanding, and our ability to support the graphic design elements of digital and interactive media 1 is state of the art. This facility also allows for synergies between the audio and music production curriculum and those creating content for digital and interactive media. The school of Arts and Sciences also demonstrates a strong track record in creativity and innovation. Three programs exemplify this trend: Media production students and faculty have already adapted to changes in software and hardware that have fundamentally transformed the process of creating media content. Media Arts majors have secured prestigious internships and full-time jobs at ESPN, NBC in Stamford and New York, WWE, and MTV applying expertise in all facets of media production; however, post-production editing is central to their success. For the past several years, the Writing Department has sponsored a webisodes contest, asking scriptwriters to collaborate with media production majors to develop short (ten-minute) scripts to be created for web-based distribution. In this contest, student work is evaluated by award winning professional writers. Webisodes are an important part of the digital and interactive media landscape; they are used to launch new television series, deliver training content for many industries, and they are essential to integrated marketing and communication campaigns. 1 Interactive media assumes the media source electronic news, audio, video or storage device affects the user s control apparatus or the user affects events on the screen, or both.
The Computer Science program provides its majors with strong programming skills but has also developed a minor in Digital Media that draws on foundations in art and design as well as essential programming and animation skills in computer science. Their work, combined with media arts, professional writing, and our graphic design students all contribute to this degree and lay the groundwork for graduate work in game design and interactive media. While maintaining our commitment to a strong liberal arts curriculum, WCSU has kept pace with the technological developments that have re-defined the workplace. Offering a degree that specifically addresses the use of web-based communication technologies is a logical next step. Affordability While Quinnipiac, and to some degree Sacred Heart, offer versions of this degree, in the state of Connecticut none of the CSU campuses offer a BA in Interactive Digital Media (although somewhat similar degrees are in development). Having an affordable option allows many more residents of Connecticut to participate in this rapidly expanding field. The recently approved program in Digital Arts at UCONN makes the case for the curriculum 2 ; having another public institution at the other end of the state will broaden the impact on Connecticut s economy. While some of the elements of this degree are offered at the other CSU campuses, none are as developed as the offerings at Western. Our Media Arts: Media Production degree, Digital Media Minor, and Professional Writing Programs are already making the interdisciplinary connections embodied by the new degree through shared projects with students. 3 In addition, Naugatuck Valley Community College offers a Digital Arts and Technology Associates Degree which lays the foundations for advanced work in Digital and Interactive Media Arts. Naugatuck is our largest community college partner and we are already working on the transfer articulation agreement for students who have completed that degree. This full BA is a logical next step for them. Location Our location is essential in this degree as well. Proximity to both Stamford and New York allow our students to secure internships that help them compete after graduation. We have a track record of successful placements at NBC, WWE, ESPN, and MTV among many others. This is sure to expand with the new degree. As significant as the opportunities available in NY and Stamford, Digital and Interactive Media Arts are relevant to all industries. Both internal and external communications require employees with these skills. Local businesses also require staff members who understand Digital and Interactive Media Arts. One look at their websites tells the story. Developing graduates with these skills will benefit the industries in this area, and we hope will generate new businesses. http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/ http://www.danburyhospital.org/ http://www.scholastic.com/home/ http://www.newstimes.com/ http://www.rsdn.com/attorneys/ http://www.stewleonards.com/ 2 http://dmd.uconn.edu/ 3 http://www.wcsu.edu/newsevents/election-connection.asp http://www.wcsu.edu/newsevents/shesaidhesaid.asp 2
Workforce Development Connecticut has made creative industries a priority in workforce development. Recruiting filmmakers and television production companies is one part of that effort. Encouraging the development of public relations and advertising businesses in Connecticut is another. Digital and Interactive Media Arts will directly feed into these industries. As the only CSU with an established track record of developing professionally oriented degrees in the arts and entertainment industries, as well as our forward thinking interdisciplinary approach to professional communication, we are a logical partner in the creative corridor. Essential to this degree are internship placements. Recent employer surveys suggest that the one of the most important thing students can do to make their resumes stand out is to participate in an internship as part of their undergraduate education. 4 In addition, employers have come to view internships as an extended interview, often leading to full-time employment. 5 Research on high impact learning opportunities also features internships as important to a liberal arts education. 6 As part of this degree our students will be strongly encouraged to participate in at least one internship placement. The curriculum is designed to leave credits available so that students are able to dedicate up to 8 semester hours to internship experiences. For examples see Appendix. Digital and Interactive Media Arts As a field, Digital and Interactive Media Arts (DIMA) is a way of conceptualizing emerging practices of personal, commercial, and artistic expression in a variety of high tech channels. In this new terrain, traditional foundations in design and aesthetics form the ground of expression, but they are joined with the more recent fields of computer programming and video production computer animation, game design and interactive web design. Careers that rely on competence in designing Digital and Interactive Media Arts are as varied as the fields they draw upon. Where some students may require a proficiency in the use and application of DIMA technologies and principles in the creation of artistic artifacts (fine arts, television, film, games), others may be involved in the creation of new technologies and their use as communication tools (advertising, public relations, and all web-based organizational communication). US News and World Report named this one of the top (9 th out of 100) in the Best Technology Jobs of 2012. Their article gets at the varied ways in which this career unfolds. http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/web-developer At WCSU, DIMA is emerging from the offerings of the Departments of Communication and Media Arts, Computer Science, and Art. Our proposal seeks to ground students in the basics of aesthetics, programming, sound, and video production and design. By taking a project based learning approach, students will come to understand and apply the full creative development process from idea to presentation. Students will touch all aspects of the creative processes in digital and interactive media arts, and then specialize in one of two options: Media Production and Programming. We anticipate adding an additional option in Art in the next two to three years. 4 http://internships.com/about/news/internships-survey-reveals-the-increasing-importance-ofinternships-for-both-students-and-employers 5 http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/12/06/internships-may-be-the-easiest-way-to-a-jobin-2013/ 6 http://www.aacu.org/leap/hip.cfm 3
Goals 1. To provide an interdisciplinary program in which students will acquire knowledge in fundamentals and specific area(s) of focus. 2. To provide exemplary faculty who are actively engaged in their discipline. 3. To provide learning environment in which students apply appropriate learning and skills to create new digital interactive media content. 4. To provide students access to exemplary, digital interactive media software, equipment, and facilities. 5. To support experiential learning through internships and cooperative education. Our primary goals in this degree are to create an environment in which students 1. Conceptualize, plan and execute creative ideas using appropriate DIMA technology. 2. Learn to communicate effectively about their ideas by discussing and defending their work and critiquing others in relation to concepts, ideas, techniques, processes, and experiences. 3. Learn the value of interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration. Learning Outcomes At the completion of this program students will be able to 1. Discuss and apply the concepts related to the visual, spatial, sound, motion, interactive, and temporal elements/features of digital technology and principles for their use in the creation and application of digital media-based work 2. Discuss and apply narrative and other information/language structures for organizing content in time-based or interactive media 3. Organize and represent content structures in ways that are responsive to technological, social, and cultural systems. 4. Discuss the characteristics and capabilities of various technologies (hardware and software); their appropriateness for particular expressive, functional, and strategic applications; their positions within larger contexts and systems, and their influences on individuals and society 5. Discuss and apply processes for the development and coordination of digitally-based art and design strategies (for example, storyboarding, concept mapping, and the use of scenarios and personas). 6. Analyze and synthesize relevant aspects of human interaction in various contexts (physical, cognitive, cultural, social, political, and economic) and with respect to technologically-mediated communication, objects, and environments. 7. Analyze useful, usable, effective, and desirable information with respect to user/audience-centered digitally-based communication, objects, and environments. 8. Discuss and apply history, theory, and criticism with respect to such areas as film, video, technology, and digital art and design. 9. Engage in teams-based work and to organize collaborations among people from different disciplines. 10. Use the above competencies in the creation and development of professional quality interactive digital media productions. 11. Develop knowledge of legal and ethical issues across disciplines. 12. Present work in a portfolio in a professional way. 4
DIMA Major 45-55 DIMA: Media Production Option (45-47 credits total) DIMA CORE (15 credits) DIMA1XX Introduction to Digital Interactive Media (3) 3 DIMA2XX Design for Digital & Interactive Media (3) 3 DIMA3XX Digital and Interactive Technologies (3) 3 DIMA4XX Senior Project and Presentation (3) 3 Interdisciplinary Core (18-20 credits) ART108 Design I (3) 3 ART111 Drawing I (3) 3 COM110 Sight, Sound & Motion (3) 3 COM146 Basic Video Production (3) 3 CS140 Introduction to Programming (MAT100 or appropriate placement) (4) 4/3 or CS 143 Visual BASIC 3 SH (3) Prerequisite: MAT 100 or appropriate placement. CS170 Language C++ (4) or 4/3 3-credit alternative to CS 170 possibly using a different modern programming language. The CS department discussed Java as a possibility. Media Production Option (12 credits) WRT245W Technical Writing (WRT101) (3) 3 COM336 Postproduction (COM146 Basic Video) (3) 3 MKT301 Principles of Marketing (Sophomore standing) (3) 3 MKT411 E-Commerce & Internet Mkt (MIS260, Jr. standing, MKT301, 2.3 GPA)* (3) 3 Total Credits Completed in Major 47 *Will substitute DIMA Course or CS110 for MIS260 after learning outcomes are clear. 5
DIMA: Programming Option (52-55 credits total) DIMA CORE (15 credits) DIMA1XX Introduction to Digital Interactive Media (3) 3 DIMA2XX Design for Digital & Interactive Media (3) 3 DIMA3XX Digital & Interactive Technologies (3) 3 DIMA4XX Senior Project and Presentation (3) 3 Interdisciplinary Core (18-20 credits) ART108 Design I (3) 3 ART111 Drawing I (3) 3 COM110 Sight, Sound & Motion (3) 3 COM146 Basic Video Production (3) 3 CS140 Introduction to Programming (MAT100 or appropriate placement) (4) 4/3 or CS 143 Visual BASIC 3 SH (3) Prerequisite: MAT 100 or appropriate placement. CS170 Language C++ (MAT100 or appropriate placement (4) 4/3 or 3-credit alternative to CS 170 possibly using a different modern programming language. The CS department discussed Java as a possibility. Computer Science Option (19-20 credits) CS 220 Object Oriented Programming and Data Structures (4) 4 or CS 250 Advanced Topics in Programming Using Java (4) CS/MAT165 Intro to Discrete Mathematics (MAT133 or equivalent) (4) 4 CS245 Web Application Development (CS144 OR CS170 OR CS205 ORCS250) (4) 4 CS205 Data Modeling & Database Design (CS140 or CS143 OR CS170) (4) 4/3 or MIS 301 Database Applications in Business (3) (Prerequisite: MIS 260 or permission of instructor.) CS340 Computer Animation(Prerequisite: CS144 OR CS250 OR CS171 and Junior Standing (4) 4 Total Credits Completed in Major 52-55 Recommended Minors The Interdisciplinary nature of a degree in Digital and Interactive Media Arts makes it a great opportunity for enhancing production skills or advancing content expertise. The minors below are recommended but not required. Art: Graphic Design focus Music Computer Science Photography Journalism Professional Writing Marketing Website Development Sports Media (in development) 6
Program Sequence Media Production Option SEMESTER 1 (15/16) SEMESTER 2 (15) FIRST YEAR (15-31 S.H.) WRT 101(P) or Writing Intensive 3-4 COM 110 Sight, Sound & Motion 3 MAT 100(P) or CS 110 Website Production 3 CS 140 or CS 143 3/4 Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences 3 Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences 3 ART 108 Design I 3 ART 111 Drawing I 3 DIMA 1XX Introduction to Interactive Digital Media 3 COM 146 Basic Video Production 3 SECOND YEAR (30-32 S.H.) SEMESTER 3 (16) SEMESTER 4 (15/16) DIMA 2XX Design for Digital & Interactive Media 3 WRT132 Intro to Professional Writing OR WRT234W 3 Technical Writing Elective 3 Free Elective 3 Elective 3 Gen Ed: Humanities 3 Gen Ed: Communication Skills 3 Gen Ed Social & Behavioral Sciences 3 Gen Ed: Lab Science 4 CS 170 Language C++ or CS alt language 4/3 THIRD YEAR (30-32 S.H.) SEMESTER 5 (15) SEMESTER 6 (15) DIMA 3XX Digital and Interactive Technologies 3 DIMA 297 DIMA Internship or elective 3 COM336 Postproduction 3 MKT301 Principles of Marketing (Sophomore standing) 3 Gen Ed Humanities 3 Free Elective 3 Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences 3 Free Elective 3 Free Elective 3 Free Elective 3 Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences Complete a degree audit and plan for application for graduation SEMESTER 7 (15) SEMESTER 8 (15) FOURTH YEAR (30 S.H.) DIMA 4XX Senior Project and Presentation 3 DIMA 297 DIMA Internship or elective 3 MKT411 E-Commerce & Internet Mkt 3 Free Elective 12 Free Elective 3 Or 10 Free Elective 3 Free Elective 3 7
Programming Option SEMESTER 1 (15-16) SEMESTER 2 (15-16) FIRST YEAR (15-31 S.H.) SECOND YEAR (30-32 S.H.) THIRD YEAR (30-32 S.H.) FOURTH YEAR (30 S.H.) WRT 101(P) WI 3-4 COM 110 3 MAT 100(P) or MAT 133 3 Mat 133 or MAT/CS 165 3/4 Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences 3 Gen Ed: Communication Skills 3 ART 108 Design I 3 ART 111 Drawing I 3 DIMA 1XX Introduction to Interactive Digital Media SEMESTER 3 (16/17) SEMESTER 4 (15/16) 3 Free Elective 3 DIMA 2XX Design for Digital & Interactive 3 COM 146 Basic Video Production 3 Media [CS 140 or CS 143] or [CS 170 or CS lang alt.] 4/3 CS 170 or CS lang alt. or lab sci 4/3 Gen Ed: lab sci 4 Gen Ed: Humanities 3 Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences 3 Gen Ed Social & Behavioral Sciences 3 MIS 260 or free elective 3 Free Elective 3 SEMESTER 5 (16) SEMESTER 6 (16) DIMA 3XX & Interactive Digital Technologies 3 DIMA 297 DIMA Internship or elective 3 CS 220 OR 250 4 CS 340 3 Gen Ed Humanities 3 CS 245 4 Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences 3 CS 205 or MIS 301 3 Gen Ed Social and Behavioral 3 Free Elective 3 Complete a degree audit and plan for application for graduation SEMESTER 7 (16 S.H.) SEMESTER 8 (11 S.H.) DIMA 4XX Senior Project & Presentation 3 DIMA 297 Internship or elective 3 Free Elective 4 Free Elective 4 or 8 Free Elective 3 Free Elective 3 Free Elective 3 Planned Growth The launch of the DIMA degree sets the stage for a one year 30 credit graduate degree in game design. This program will be delivered in a hybrid on-line, on ground format. We anticipate developing two game design electives for undergraduates during the first two years after the launch of the DIMA degree. These courses will be electives for students in the DIMA program. We anticipate that they will also serve as a feeder for the graduate degree. 8
Course Descriptions ART 108 Design I (3) An introduction to the vocabulary essential for all work in visual communications. Composition, line, mass, volume, texture, surface, balance, tone, space, scale, etc., and the relationships between various components are investigated through personal practice. (6 studio hrs) General Education: Humanities/ Fine Arts (Studio). ART 111 Drawing I 3 SH An exploration of the ways of looking and drawing, using forms from nature, still life, and the human figure as subject matter. Also, development of drawing from imagination. Varied but simple materials, such as pencil, charcoal, pen, brush and ink, pastels, chalks and crayons, will be used on different kinds of paper (6 studio hrs). COM 110 Sight, Sound & Motion 3 SH An exploration of the elements common to basic chemical and magnetic media processes and their creative application. Every semester. General Education: Humanities/Communication. COM 146 Basic Video Production 3 SH The portable single camera system explored through both spontaneous and planned shooting with post-production use of editing, presentation and critical analysis. Every semester. COM 336 Postproduction 3 SH This intensive course combines theoretical and practical editing procedures and techniques. The emphasis of this course is on media aesthetics, terminology, problem-solving, creative options, the process of organizing material, continuity and pacing, constant screenings or concepts discussed, lab sessions, and practical experience on editing systems. Alternate spring semesters. Prerequisite: COM 146. CS 140 Introduction to Programming (Prerequisite: MAT 100) (4) This is a first course in computer programming using a high-level programming language such as Java, JavaScript, Visual Basic.Net, C#, etc. The registration booklet will indicate the language used in each section of the course. The course emphasizes problem solving and sound programming practices. No previous programming experience is necessary. During this course, students will learn how to construct algorithms and convert them into computer programs using typical flow control statements and data types. Not for CS major credit. Fall and spring semesters. Prerequisite: MAT 100 or appropriate placement. General Education: Computer Science. CS 143 Visual BASIC 3 SH This is a first course in programming. No previous programming experience is necessary. Student will learn how to write interactive windows-based programs that solve real problems in their major field. Students will learn how to construct algorithms and convert them into computer programs using all the typical flow control statements, data types, and aggregate data structures. Program interfaces will consist of the common window controls such as menus, buttons, list boxes, combo-boxes, common dialog boxes, scroll bars and multiple forms. Not for CS major credit. Fall and spring semesters. Prerequisite: MAT 100 or appropriate placement. CS/MAT 165 Introductory Discrete Mathematics 4 SH An introduction to discrete structures and processes such as counting, algorithms, proof, 9
induction and recursion through the study of logic, sets, relations and functions. Sufficient theory is introduced for applications to graph theory and elementary computer science. Every semester. Prerequisite: MAT 133 or equivalent. CS 170 Language C++ 4 SH An introduction to a modern programming language (C++) and its use in constructing programs that solve a variety of problems. The software development process is emphasized. The course will include a significant amount of project work. Fall and spring semesters. Prerequisite: CS 140 or CS 143 or permission of the instructor. CS 205 Data Modeling & Database Design 4 SH An in-depth introduction to information management techniques with emphasis on data modeling and relational database design. Topics include conceptual data modeling, relational database design and normalization, database query languages, schema integration and integrity constraints, physical database design, and database usability issues in a shared environment. Students will design and implement a database application working from the E-R modeling stage through to the actual implementation. Fall semester. Prerequisite: CS 140 or CS 143 or CS 170. CS 220 Object Oriented Programming and Data Structures (4) This course begins with a thorough discussion of object-oriented programming, including singleand multiple-inheritance, polymorphism, operator overloading, memory management, name scope management, generic classes, and exception handling. The programming language used is C++. The course continues with an introduction to the abstract data types: stacks, queues, lists, sets, maps, heaps, priority queues, trees and graphs, their implementation, the associated algorithms and their implementation and basic analysis. There is a balanced emphasis on development of recursive algorithms throughout the course. The course includes a significant amount of project work. Prerequisite: CS170, MAT 165 CS 245 Web Applications Development 4 SH This course provides a thorough coverage of web application development. Students learn how to use HTML and XHTML features along with one of the scripting languages such as JavaScript or VB script, and are exposed to a selection of server side technologies such as Active Server Pages (ASP) and Java Server Pages (JSP). Students choose their implementation tools based on their previous programming background. Students also learn advanced features of various technologies such as cascading style sheets, objects and collections of objects and the HTML event model for dynamic document formatting. Prerequisite: CS 250 or CS 144 or CS 170 and CS 205. CS 250 Advanced Topics in Programming Using Java 4 SH This course quickly covers all the fundamental concepts in the Java Language and then concentrates on more advanced topics such as events, various collection classes, the serialization of objects, multi-threaded programming, database connectivity, network programming with sockets, applets, and servlets. Prerequisite: CS 140 or CS 170 or a background in object-oriented programming. CS 340 Computer Animation 4 SH An exploration of the theory and application of computer animation. Students will participate in both a lecture component covering both traditional and computer animation concepts, and a project component consisting of the creation of an animation including at least two objects in 10
motion, and including one or more advanced concepts presented during the lecture component of the course. Alternate fall semesters. Prerequisite: CS 144 or CS 171 or CS 250 and Junior standing. DIMA 1XX Introduction to Digital Interactive Media (3) This course is an introduction and overview of the integration of various digital media text, graphics, animation, moving images, and sound that allow people to interact with data and one another. Areas of discussion include theory, history, human-computer interaction, user control and design. Students will be required to produce a collaborative project such as wikis, blogs, videos, websites, and podcasts. DIMA 2XX Design for Digital & Interactive Media (3) This course examines and applies foundations of design for new media technology and visual communications. Students will learn the creative process in digital imaging and interactive multimedia, such as linear vs. nonlinear storytelling, storyboarding, two-dimensional & threedimensional imaging, color theory, lighting effects, web design, editing, and digital film/video. Emphasis will also be placed on concept development and pre-production, and learning the vernacular language in the digital media industry. DIMA 3XX Digital and Interactive Technologies (3) In order to create and produce interactive digital media more effectively, it is important to have some understanding of various hardware and software tools. In this course, you will be asked to design and produce various interactive digital media products in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Through these exercises, you will become more familiar with not only how these tools can be used, but more importantly how they implement various functions. Tools to be explored may include graphics design software, image processing software, sound editors, as well as various input devices. Prerequisite: CS110 or CS135 or CS140 or CS143 DIMA 297 DIMA Internship (3-12 cr. repeatable to 18 credits) Students combine formal classroom work with meaningful on-the-job experience in cooperation with business, industry, governmental agencies, and other employers to generate professional development, academic achievement, and personal growth. Prerequisites: 60 credits, DIMA major; 2.45 GPA; faculty sponsorship & DIMA Coordinator approval DIMA 4XX Senior Project and Presentation (3) Students will develop a portfolio or final project with the help of a faculty adviser that demonstrates their expertise in interactive digital media. Emphasis will be placed on information and media acquisition, critical thinking, writing and presentational skills. Prerequisites: DIMA 1XX, DIMA 2XX, DIMA 3XX; senior DIMA majors in good academic standing MIS 301 Database Applications in Business 3 SH This course is designed to give the student experience in using database software in a business environment. The course will focus on the microcomputer environment, utilizing software such as Access. The emphasis will be on gaining experience in developing and writing database programs in accounting, personnel, inventory, purchasing and many other business applications. Prerequisite: MIS 260 or permission of instructor. 11
MKT 301 Principles of Marketing 3 SH Marketing is a critical function in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Marketing is also a set of processes for creating, communicating and delivering goods, services, experiences and ideas that provide value to customers and managing relationships with these customers in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders. This course provides students with an understanding of Marketing processes and their role and impact within the individual organization, society and the global economy. This course introduces students to specific Marketing functions such as Marketing research, advertising, public relations, personal selling, product development, use of social media tools, distribution and pricing. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing (30 credits). MKT411 E-Commerce and Internet Marketing 3 SH The internet is a major medium for marketing professionals to achieve organizational objectives. Businesses in both the consumer and business markets develop online marketing strategies to acquire new customers and maintain relationships with existing customers. This course examines the commercial use of the Internet and analyzes this use in the context of marketing strategy, consumer behavior, advertising, customer service and other business concerns. Topics include the development of effective communications and marketing strategies, website development approaches, content strategies, social media, web analytics, search engine marketing, privacy, security, legal global and political issues, social implications, and ethical concerns. Prerequisite: MIS 260, MKT 301, Junior standing (60 credits) and GPA 2.3 or higher. WRT 245W Technical Writing: Topic 3 SH The course is a topics course, so it can be adjusted to focus on particular areas of technical writing such as reports, user documentation, online help, technical marketing, or software documentation. Students will become acquainted with technical writing by studying the conventions of various technical discourses and environments (such as user documentation, software documentation, product requirements and specifications), and writing a variety of document forms (such as white papers, memoranda, reports, brochures and manuals). Students learn the shorter paragraph and shorter sentence style of the technical writer and will learn conventions specific to particular document types and audiences. This course may be taken more than once as long as the topic changes. Prerequisite: Successful completion of WRT 101 or appropriate placement; WRT 132W is highly recommended but not required. Resources Required 2 Faculty Lines One: a full-time faculty member to teach courses in DIMA and serve as director of the program. She or he would serve as the advisor to students in this major, oversee the scheduling, and assist in the development and delivery of the game design options to be a member of the Communication and Media Arts Department. This person should also be able to teach a variety of Media Production Courses. For duties see draft of the coordinator s job. Final version to be determined by A&S dean in conjunction with participating departments. Two: a Computer Science faculty line to support the necessary increase of the sections offered of the chosen CS courses. With the current staffing CS will not be able not able to increase current offerings. Due to shortage of instructors in the last 3-4 years the CS department has regularly delayed the offering of some required and elective CS courses by a semester or more. 12
Two Digital and Interactive Media Arts Labs: These should seat 24 students. The primary technology is computer and software based. Green screens for motion capture technology Digital video cameras in labs for many projects Appropriate software (adobe creative suites in particular) There should be at least one large screen to project student work from desk tops for demonstrations. Television Studio and Control Room/Classroom This will be used by two majors: Digital and Interactive Media Media Production Two minors Broadcast Journalism Sports Media Several small editing suites for independent work on projects. These will require computers and appropriate software. Screening Room: This will be used for senior presentations, screenings for contests, and so on, several courses, (Sight, Sound and Motion). Storage: Much of the equipment will be checked in and out and a general facilities overhaul (student gathering spaces, faculty offices) Sample Workforce Applications Careers in DIMA are as varied as the fields they draw upon. Where some students may require a proficiency in the use and application of DM technologies and principles in the creation of artistic artifacts, others may be involved in the creation of new technologies and their use as communication tools. The following short list of possible careers, reflects this diversity. Multimedia Author Multimedia Specialist Multimedia Developer Audio/Video Engineer Animator Game Developer Social Media Coordinator / Specialist Multimedia / Interactive Design Content Specialist / Strategist Web Production / Development Media Communication Specialist Public Relations and e-marketing Digital Content Editor 13