Department of Visual & Media Arts
Directing Narrative Fiction
Brian Lieberman Created A Web Series
Directing Narrative Fiction major Brian Lieberman learns from working professionals and keeps in touch with them years later. (Filmed and edited by Emerson students.)
This specialization is designed to introduce students to the breadth of directorial responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, creative, aesthetic, logistic, and financial concerns, as well as developing the specific skills of rehearsing and filming actors.
Credits: 44 for BA, 60 for BFA (both degrees also include 8 additional upper-level liberal arts credits)
I. Visual and Media Arts Foundations (12 credits)
The Visual and Media Arts Foundations offer students a broad theoretical, historical, and practical introduction to the visual and media arts.
Required Courses
| VM 100 | History of Media Arts I |
| VM 101 | History of Media Arts II |
one of the Following:
| VM 102 | Dimensions of Creativity |
| VM 120 | Foundations in Visual and Media Arts Production |
II. Introduction to Disciplines (16 credits minimum)
At the Introduction to Disciplines level, students explore one or more of the department’s main discipline areas.
Required Courses
| VM 200 | Media Criticism and Theory |
At least one of the following:
| VM 202 | Critical Listening |
| VM 220 | Writing the Short Subject |
| VM 221 | Writing the Feature Film |
| VM 222 | Writing for Television |
At least two of the following:
| VM 204 | Topics in Media Arts: Practice |
| VM 230 | Introduction to Film Production |
| VM 231 | Intermediate Film Production |
| VM 240 | Introduction to Video Field Production |
| VM 241 | Introduction to Studio Television Production |
| VM 250 | Introduction to Sound Principles and Audio Production |
| VM 251 | Location Sound Recording |
| VM 260 | Introduction to Interactive Media |
| VM 261 | Computer Animation |
| VM 331 | Topics in Visual and Media Arts: Practice |
III. Specializations
Required Courses
| VM 372 | Directing Image and Sound |
| VM 373 | Directing Actors for the Screen |
| One additional advanced visual and media studies course numbered VM 300-315, 400-418, or 500-519. | |
At least one of the following:
| VM 402 | Seminar in Media Arts Topics |
| VM 409 | Seminar in Western Art |
| VM 410 | Seminar in Non-Western Art |
In addition to the General Education and major requirements, all students are required to complete at least two courses at the 300 or 400 level from the following Liberal Arts areas:
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Recommended Electives
| VM 370 | Business Concepts for Modern Media |
| VM 377 | Documentary Production Workshop |
| VM 378 | Basic Cinematography and Videography |
| VM 440 | Advanced Studio Production: Fiction |
| CC 160 | Interpersonal Communication Skills |
| TH 121 | Introduction to Acting I |
Advanced Visual and Media Arts Workshop
Students may apply to take the Advanced Visual and Media Arts Workshop. Two semesters are mandatory for BFA. Optional for BA.
For specific course prerequisites, please consult the Undergraduate Catalogue.
Jae Williams '08
Jae Williams '08 Directs Music Videos for His Own Company
Recent graduate Jae Williams '08 jumped right into his career in media arts by starting his own video and commercial production company. Williams follows his passion—directing music videos—for Boston artists.
Equipment Distribution Center
The Equipment Distribution Center's State-of-the-Art Equipment
The Emerson College Equipment Distribution Center (EDC) loans professional, state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to faculty and students to fulfill class assignments. Professional staff and student employees are available to provide technical support when needed. It includes the Film Equipment Center and the Video, Audio, New Media Equipment Centers.
