B.A. in Visual & Media Arts
(A) Production Track
The following degree requirements pertain to the Production Track of the Bachelor of Arts degree. Forty-four credits are required for the B.A. degree. Students are also encouraged to combine elements of study from diverse areas offered by the department in order to broaden their knowledge and adaptability. Students can construct a program that serves their artistic and intellectual interests as well as their career goals. Students should remain in contact with the department and their academic advisor for information pertaining to requirements and course offerings.
I. Visual and Media Arts Foundations (12 Credits)
The Visual and Media Arts Foundations offers the student a broad theoretical, historical and practical introduction to the visual and media arts.
| Course Code |
Course Information |
| VM100 |
History of Media Arts I
|
| VM101 |
History of Media Arts II
|
| VM120 |
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.
| Course Code |
Course Information |
| VM200 |
Media Criticism and Theory
|
*At least one of the following:
|
| VM202 |
Critical Listening |
| VM220 |
Writing the Short Subject
|
| VM221 |
Writing the Feature Film
|
| VM222 |
Writing for Television |
*At least two of the following:
|
| VM230 |
Introduction to Film Production (I) |
| VM231 |
Intermediate Film Production
|
| VM240 |
Introduction to Video Field Production
|
| VM241 |
Introduction to Studio Television Production
|
| VM250 |
Introduction to Sound Principles & Audio Production
|
| VM251 |
Audio Field Recording |
| VM260 |
Introduction to Digital Media Production |
(*Students intending to specialize in Radio or Sound Design and Audio Post-Production should take VM 202. Students intending to specialize in Writing for Film and Television must take two courses from VM 220, VM 221, and VM 222, and only one of the courses numbered from VM 230 to VM 260.)
III. Specializations (16 Credits Minimum)
Following the development of basic production skills in Level 2, students are encouraged to develop a specialized course of study based on their interest and goals. The Specializations permit students to concentrate in a particular production medium, in a set of production skills, or in a specific genre. Advising guidelines for each specialization are available in the department and from the Advising Center.
| Course Code |
Course Information |
| VM 402 |
Seminar in Media Arts Topics |
| One 400 or 500 level Media Studies course (VM 400-419; VM 500-519) (4 Credits) |
| One 400 or 500 level Media Studies course (VM 400-419; VM 500-519) (4 Credits) |
A Production Specialization is a sequence of classes specifically designed to develop expertise in one of the areas listed below. Students must take at least two Specialization courses. Students must complete 200-level writing and production requirements and have junior standing to take 300-level specialization courses.
B.A. Production Workshop
During a student’s final semesters, the option of working on advanced production projects is available, by application, to students through VM491 BA Production Workshop. The Workshop provides the opportunity for students to realize a one-semester production project, reel, or portfolio in their senior year. The Workshop is optional for the B.A. degree. Registration for VM491 requires faculty committee approval. Students seeking to pursue a year-long course of work on a thesis-level project and a more rigorous course of study may apply to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Program. More information about the BFA degree program is provided in the following section.
(B) Media Studies Track
The Media Studies Track is designed for students whose focus is the scholarly study of the media arts, especially those students desiring preparation for careers in media criticism, publishing, and industry research, or for advanced studies in the media arts or the law.
I. Visual and Media Arts Foundations (12 Credits)
The Visual and Media Arts Foundations offers the student a broad theoretical, historical and practical introduction to the visual and media arts.
| Course Code |
Course Information |
| VM100 |
History of Media Arts I
|
| VM101 |
History of Media Arts II
|
| VM120 |
Foundations in Visual and Media Arts Production
|
II. Visual and Media Arts Theory and Practice ( 8 Credits)
| Course Code |
Course Information |
| VM200 |
Media Criticism and Theory
|
| One 200-level production or writing course (4 Credits) |
III. Visual and Media Studies (16 Credits Minimum)
| Course Code |
Course Information |
| VM 402 |
Seminar in Media Arts Topics |
In addition to VM 402, students are required to complete at least three additional advanced visual and media studies courses at the 400- or 500- level.
IV. Visual and Media Arts Electives (8 Credits)
| Two Visual and Media Arts elective courses. |
