Courses

This advanced production course focuses on the key components necessary for making creative and compelling narrative and non-narrative short films. Topics include concept and script development, cinematography techniques, effective mise-en-scene integration, and production workflow. A key component also includes writing, producing, shooting, and editing short films.

This course examines the art and theory of digital film editing and the post-production process. The goal is to help students understand the role editing plays in the filmic and television viewing experience, especially the way shot selection, pacing, rhythm, sound, etc., impact a scene's development and how various editing techniques and aesthetics relate to dramatic and narrative storytelling. Historical, theoretical, and critical dimensions are addressed as students research seminal examples of film and video editing. This intense workshop offers a real world simulation component as students work under strict deadlines to edit and complete digital film projects.

An introduction to various aspects of the recording arts with emphasis on working within the digital (virtual) studio environment with Cubase and other Virtual Instrument software.

This course explores the conception, production, and analysis of imagery in graphic communication design, including photos, illustrations, and graphic marks. Imagery-based problems are investigated in multiple design contexts and formats. Specialized rendering techniques, digital studio practices, and iconographic style development are considered.

An exploration of integrated conceptual thinking and formal experimentation with type and related symbol systems in graphic communications. Emphasis is placed on type as image, principles of typesetting, hierarchy and structure. The complex interaction of type in relation to other graphic elements in multiple design contexts and formats is considered.

An exploration of integrated conceptual thinking and formal experimentation with the structural and organizing systems at work in graphic communications. Emphasis is given to the development of unified graphic systems spanning multiple design contexts and formats.

Introduces students to the design of interactive digital experiences with a focus on website design, User Experience (UX) design, and User Interface (UI) design. Students will learn the core concepts and principles of interaction design by working through technical and design projects using industry standard design software. Students leave this course with the ability to build basic websites and design digital experiences that follow current interaction design standards and methodologies.

An in-depth look at game design theory and aesthetic criticism pertaining to video games. Through the use of significant projects, students will further develop practical design skills, and investigate theoretical topics such as the ability of games to communicate, simulate and persuade. Students will examine the connections between game design and faith, spirituality, ethics, morality, and the Christian tradition in order to become game designers who are thoughtful shapers of culture rather than simply entertainment technicians.

An in-depth look at the various forms of writing for video games. Students will study and practice game story scripting, writing for interface, dialogue and narration, as well as video game technical writing. Students will develop skills to handle the many writing tasks necessary for a game development project. Students who are not part of the Game Development program will also benefit from taking this course, as it is also applicable to non-game forms of media production.