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Masters of Arts in Digital Arts

 

Master of Arts in Digital Arts Program
The ITU Digital Arts Masters of Science Degree Program is a well-rounded, project-based learning program geared to give students practical skills creating digital projects for the market – from conception through production to packaging and marketing. Students learn all the concepts & skills necessary in taking a project from conception through to production delivery, including: story creation; visualization & design; animation; filmmaking; business marketing; and the scripting and authorship of web-based promotion. All these skills they learn through practical execution in the creation, production and promotion of various structured projects, designed to build their skills in the mastery of the Digital Arts field.

Special Features of the program:

  • Students learn by doing: project-based learning of all skill sets
  • Structured step-by-step learning of digital production skills
  • Students learn the production pipeline for digital production and gain valuable practical work experience as a team member within the pipeline
  • Students graduate with an impressive portfolio of a minimum of 3 projects to include the required core projects in animation, film and web design
  • Students produce 5 thesis papers, geared for peer review publication in academic and industrial journalsTo read more, visit Digital Arts blog here
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The art and profession of selecting and arranging visual elements — such as typography, images, symbols,Audio,video and colours — to convey a message to an audience. Sometimes graphic design is called “visual communications.” It is a collaborative discipline: writers produce words and photographers and illustrators create images that the web/Graphic designer incorporates into a complete visual message.
Course Learning Outcomes

Illustrator
Learn how to create your own professional quality vector graphics, illustrations, logos and more. Creating and manipulating vector graphics using a variety of tools, typography and formatting, color palettes, gradients, incorporating images from Photoshop or other programs, basic design/layout and more.Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:  

 

 

  • Select and use the appropriate vector drawing tools and apply transformations using Illustrator software tools and features
  • Comprehend the terminology of Illustrator including file properties (eg. file types and their uses, raster vs. vector, resolutions, etc)
  • Create vector graphics, illustrations and effects
  • Incorporate images from Photoshop or other programs

Photoshop
Photoshop is an industry standard tool for Web Designers. Maximize your skills and creative ability with the fundamentals of resolution, working with layers, colour correction, selections and transformation, digital painting, photo repair and enhancement, compositing and more.

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Select, use and apply the major software tools and features of Photoshop
  • Comprehend the terminology of graphic file properties (eg. file types and their uses, raster vs. vector, resolutions, etc).
  • Apply digital painting, use layers, gradients, filters, masks, tools and techniques to create, composite, transform and manipulate images
  • Restore, repair and enhance photos with the most efficient tools and techniques
  • Select, use and apply advanced software tools and features of Photoshop
  • Use paths to create special selections
  • Work with advanced layers and layer masks including advanced multi-image composites
  • Apply colour correction including levels and curves for subtle corrections
  • Apply advanced techniques for photo repair, enhancement and optimization
  • Apply typographic fundamentals (measurement, ornamentation, pixel-based typefaces)
  • Optimize files and export close-cropped images with transparent backgrounds
  • Use slicing images and exporting for the web

Flash
Flash is a dominant format on the web and is now used to create music videos, commercials and even full-length animated cartoons. Demand for skilled Flash developers is very high. Learn to create basic animation and movie clips, use drawing tools and layers, shape and motion tweens, insert sound clips and video, apply basic action script commands, and create and export Flash movies. You will create a variety of Flash sites, Interfaces, banner ads and animations hands-on, in class.

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Select, use and apply the major software tools and features of Flash
  • Apply the concepts used in designing Flash content
  • Create a variety of Flash sites, Interfaces, banner ads and animations
  • Create basic animation and movie clips
  • Optimize images through the use and application of drawing tools, effects, layers and layer folders, frames and keyframes, masks, symbols, libraries
  • Shape and motion tweens
  • Insert video, sound clips and basic action script commands
  • Create and export Flash movies
  • Group and align objects

Dreamweaver
A comprehensive introduction to the basics of creating a simple but sound website. Emphasis is on designing page layouts. Includes inserting images, hyperlinks and forms.

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Plan and create simple but technically sound web pages in Dreamweaver
  • Create sophisticated page layouts
  • Insert images and hyperlinks


STUDENTS NEED TO USE:

Idea Index

by Jim Krause

Publisher: F+W Media, Inc.

AND ALSO NEED TO SEE DIFFERENT WEBSITES,E BANNERS,EMAIL ADS ON THE WEB.
Requirements & Costs
Total Cost of Degree: $28,000
Semester 1: $6,000 – core project 1 animation
Semester 2: $6,000 – core project 2 filmmaking
Semester 3: $6,000 – core project 3 web design
Semester 4: $5,000 – elective concentration
Semester 5: $5,000 – elective concentration

Requirements:
  • All 3 Core Projects
  • Minimally 2 Semesters of Elective Concentration, totaling 18 units
  • Students are encouraged to take optional semesters after matriculation, especially in focus concentrations that require more than 18 units to complete.
  • 5 Consilience Thesis Papers (one per semester as approved by ITU Academic Advisor).

**Note: Semester projects and elective concentrations are designed to be modular and stand-alone, and can therefore be taken out of sequence. All students, however, must fulfill all requirements for matriculation.

Commitment
Since project production work is so time demanding, students are expected to be fully focused and committed to their studies and project production schedules.

Laptop Computer
Students must have a multimedia production-ready laptop with functional required software applications by week 2 of semester start date.

Digital Camera
Students are required to have a functional digital camera to bring to every class and use at a moment’s notice.

Basic Skills Traditional Art skills with demonstratable practical digital tool application experience.

To complete the Digital Arts Masters Program, students are required to complete:

 
Curriculum :
Core Courses – 3 Projects (Required)

Project One: Creating a Product – ANIMATION
Students work in teams to visualize, design and animate a children’s storybook into a product. All semester courses are designed with complete coordination to efficiently develop the specific animated project.

MMM901 Story Visualization (6 credit hours)
In this course the student will focus on scripting, storyboarding and techniques used in creating and portraying a story. The student will focus on process rather than production.

MMM902 Design (6 credit hours)
In this course students will use design as form of visual communication. This course introduces the basic principles to solve design problems and the ability to demonstrate effective use of color, typography, and production skills by using industry standard software. Students will explore the use tools, techniques and design layout principles to produce professional designs.

MMM903 Animation (6 credit hours)
In this course students will understand the basics of modeling, positioning and rendering 3-D objects. Students will understand Animation language, software and provide the necessary design skills and techniques employed by 3-D animation. Students will develop an understanding and use of a wide variety of applications used in animation.

MMM904 Sound Design (6 credit hours)
This course provides an introduction to sound design principles for multimedia in a broad and diverse manner. Students will develop skills in recording, digital editing and mixing with industry standard software and techniques.

Consilience Theory I (3 units)
This is the first course comprising the capstone of ITU’s general education requirements. It is aimed at presenting the case for the unity of science. It brings together leading edge scientific findings and thinking across a broad spectrum of human knowledge and explores new efforts at integrating the natural with the social sciences. It explores the relationships and linkages among physics, biology, neuroscience, psychology, psychodynamics, mysticism, and philosophy.

Joint Seminar (1 units)
This course will offer a variety of guest speakers presenting on various topics.

Self-Maintenance (1 units)
In this course you will learn the fundamentals of healthy living. Yoga, diet, and personal perspective will be key elements covered.

Project Two: Creating a Story – FILMMAKING
Students create a story, learn to act, capture the story, edit and package story into a product. All semester courses are designed with complete coordination to efficiently develop the specific digital film project.

MMM905 Creating Story (6 credit hours)
This course provides a variety of story development techniques for shaping a compelling story. The students will learn the fundamentals to demonstrate and adapt stories into a specific project.

MMM906 Archetypes (6 credit hours)
Students will learn to develop characters that will come alive. This class will help the student understand the importance of adding depth, detailed background, and distinctive characters who correspond to their thoughts and action.

MMM907 Acting (6 credit hours)
In this course the students will learn the basic techniques of acting. This class will explore the creativity of finding emotions in acting and conveying it to the audience. Physical exploration, monologues, Improv and rehearsed scenes will give the students the necessary tools to succeed in acting.

MMM908 Camera Workshop (6 credit hours)
This workshop will teach students the fundamentals for video and lighting.This course will cover equipment, procedures and methodology useful for documentaries, dramatic and industrial projects. Learn useful techniques more effectively to develop your styles.

MMM909 Editing (6 credit hours)
In this course the students will develop the skills and knowledge to create and edit high quality projects in a professional environment. Hands-on experience in basic and advanced video editing, sound, and all other aspects leading to a finished product.

Consilience Theory II (3 units)
This course continues the exploration of leading edge scientific findings and thinking leading to the unification of science. It explores the relationships and linkages among physics, biology, neuroscience, anthropology, sociology, economics, and political science.

Joint Seminar (1 units)
This course will offer a variety of guest speakers presenting on various topics.

Self-Maintenance (1 units)
In this course you will learn the fundamentals of healthy living. Yoga, diet, and personal perspective will be key elements covered.

Project Three: Selling the Product – WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
Students learn to bring a product to market, using target marketing, internet technology, web design, and the ability to frame the sales message. All semester courses are designed with complete coordination to efficiently develop the website project.

MMM910 Business Marketing (6 credit hours)
This course will help the students understand and enable the student to develop the challenges encountered in a busy marketing environment. Appreciate and utilize the different marketing functions, the management of these functions and how each function effects others in the marketing domain.

MMM911 Design Web/Graphic (6 credit hours)
This Course student focus on developing and sharpening skills using the appropriate software tools, terminology and design theorys. Students will gain valuable experience in the ideation, execution and presentation of projects.

MMM912 Web Programming/Authoring (6 credit hours)
The web programming/authoring course includes hands on instruction in the tools and techniques in making a high quality and professional website. Students will gain HTML skills required to create a web page. Software, code, writing, incorporating sound and video will be covered in this course.

MMM913 Copywriting/Journalism (6 credit hours)
This course covers all aspects writing for print, internet and broadcasting. Student will acquire skills to write and articulate various types of advertisement which includes strategies, proposals, slogans and text copies.

Consilience Theory III (3 units)
This course will bring in for analysis the elements of media and the human brain. Students will look at their past projects and other specific works to see how conflict/resolution works in the mind of their audience.

Joint Seminar (1 units)
This course will offer a variety of guest speakers presenting on various topics.

Self-Maintenance (1 units)
In this course you will learn the fundamentals of healthy living. Yoga, diet, and personal perspective will be key elements covered.

Elective Concentrations
Students choose areas of interest to develop and further master the field of their choice.
(A minimum of 18 units for completion of degree requirement and/or a stand-alone certificate in an elected field of concentration.)

MMM914 3D Art Production (6 credit hours)
This production course gives the student a good technical basis for design quality and introduces the student to the concepts and techniques for 3-D computer graphics. The major focus will be on creating and demonstrating skills in various types of production using the latest software and tools essential to 3-D art.

MMM915 Modeling (3 credit hours)
In this course the students will utilize sophisticated software tools, investigate new techniques and explore 3-d Modeling. Using design principles on the computer to further their understanding of the creative process in constructing Models and environment.

MMM916 Animation (3 credit hours)
In this course students will understand the basics of modeling, positioning and rendering 3-D objects. Students will understand Animation language, software and provide the necessary design skills and techniques employed by 3-D animation. Students will develop an understanding and use of a wide variety of applications used in animation.

MMM917 Game Development (3 credit hours)
Students will understand and discuss the process of game development. This course carefully how the technical development and artistic development go hand in hand. This course will investigate in topics such as game engine, sound , rendering, user interface and other facets of Computer Science in Game Development.

Film:

MMM918 Preproduction (3 credit hours)
Students will learn all aspects of preproduction and planning for film and TV. Students will experience the role of producer and learn what it takes to plan and start a project and taking it to completion.

MMM919 Screenwriting (3 credit hours)
This course is an introduction to writing for the screens. Topics include dialogue, characterization, plot, format, structure and the writing process. Students will learn to examine films from a writers point of view and demonstrate in writing exercises.

MMM920 Lighting (3 credit hours)
Course introduces film lighting techniques, concepts, terminology related to film and video production. Students will become familiar with standard procedures and hands on experience with lighting equipment.The use of spotmeters and light measuring techniques will be covered.

MMM921 Camera (3 credit hours)
In this course students will achieve a comprehensive overview of camera work. Students will learn camera operation, mounts, movement and framing to make a better project. Focus is creating and showing a understanding of video as an art form in all contexts.

MMM922 Editing (3 credit hours)
This course will give the students knowledge and experience for video editing. Students will demonstrate thee use of latest editing software, post-production methods, sound editing, titling and effects. Topics include graphic matching, rhythmic editing, continuity and montage editing.

Project Management (3 units)
This course will show the effectiveness and importance of Project Management. Students will examine the organization, planning, and controlling of projects with standard and unique methods.

MMM923 Special Effects (3 credit hours)
This course will teach students how to use the latest industry standard software and demonstrate special effects to help tell a story. Practical usage on projects ranging from high budget to low budget films will be covered as well as enhancing footage.

MMM924 Portfolio Production (3 credit hours)
In this course the students will compose a multi-media portfolio of pass projects and work pieces in DVD format. Students will learn how the portfolio will apply to the job market environments and the important role it plays in the new digital age.Other (Production Categories-TBA)

Business Marketing
Finance (3 units)
In this course the students will look at the framework used by financial managers and making decisions in a versatile economy which will include problems related to the sources of capitol and financial analysis. Focus will be on capitol management, financial statement analysis, ethical issues and sources financing.

Funding (3 units)
This course examines funding the start-up business. It provides the student with basic financial knowledge, projection sales, balance sheets, how to prepare a financial plan and sources of capitol options. The course will help the “entrepreneurial” student construct a road map for success.

Distribution (3 units)
This course will concentrate on creating and maintaining the “Distribution” of a product. Distribution channel design, logistic concepts, evaluation, price determination and conflict resolution will be covered in this course.

Law (3 units)
This course covers the legal of U.S. business. Student will develop a basic understanding of how the law was developed, contract law and government regulation, bankruptcy, business organization, employment law and real property. The focus will be on legal rules applicable to a successful business.

Portfolio Production
In this course the students will compose a mulit-media portfolio of pass projects and work pieces in DVD format. Students will learn how the portfolio will apply to the job market environments and the important role it plays in the new digital age.

Pre-production (3 units)
Production (3 units)
Post-production (3 units)

Generalist
Any combinations of elective courses.

**Note: Student are required to take:
Joint Seminar (1 units)
Self-Maintenance (1 units)
Throughout each semester of their studies.