Digital Media, A.A. - Curriculum

This class introduces students to digital illustration. Students learn Adobe Illustrator software with its many tools, palettes, and menu bar. Illustrator is used to assist the students in rendering original sketches into high-resolution vector images.

This course provides an essential understanding of digital video, compositing, special effects, and motion editing. Students learn basic editing skills which enable them to work with professional broadcast equipment in post-production environments.

Students are introduced to storytelling from both a technical and creative perspective. Students study all aspects of storytelling, with a focus on story structure. The concepts introduced in this class are reinforced throughout the curriculum, particularly within the context of editing.

Students dive deep into the use of Adobe Photoshop to create high-quality image enhancements and photo composites. Students learn additional toolsets and explore more advanced features and improve their imaging skills.

This course trains students in basic techniques of storyboard animatics and motion graphics creation through the use of software programs utilized by design and animation companies worldwide. The emphasis is on design from a problem-solving point of view. The course also examines the production timeline and graphical requirements of a multimedia project by demonstrating the manipulation of digital images in a studio environment. Upon completion of this course, students gained a thorough understanding of input/output techniques, special effects, image compositing, and motion graphics. Prerequisite: GRPH 1050

This advanced motion graphics course builds on concepts learned in the foundational course and employs those concepts in conjunction with advanced techniques. In this course, students gain a thorough understanding of advanced techniques as they are applied in the continuing exploration of special effects, image compositing, and motion graphics. Prerequisite: DIGI 1550A

This course introduces students to visual effects and furthers their knowledge of compositing for film and television. Students rely on their understanding of storytelling, design, and editing, and learn how to develop and choose effects that enhance their projects. Students also learn how to integrate rendered imagery into the post-production process. At the end of this course, students better understand the core principles of compositing and visual effects and how to incorporate them into projects for maximum impact.

This course provides a more in-depth exploration of the imaginative and technical side of editing. Students examine and apply intermediate editing concepts and techniques. Students edit industry-standard promotional trailers, and become familiar with the entire pipeline from concept to delivery. Prerequisite: DIGI 1300, DIGI 1350

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital photography, including camera mechanics, particularly pertaining to digital media. Students learn framing and composition techniques and display mastery of those techniques through hands-on application in multiple projects. Students shoot and present their work in various delivery platforms. The course reinforces design concepts applicable to all media.

This course builds on students experience with editing in a non-linear editing platform. Students become familiar with advanced editing techniques and focus on the technical aspects of editing in addition to the aesthetic understanding they have developed to date. Topics include delivery requirements, formats, codecs, frame rates, aspect ratios, and frame flexing. Prerequisites: DIGI 1300, DIGI 1350, DIGI 1700

This course explores color correction and other finishing techniques that students can apply to a wide variety of projects. Students work with color tools inside of DaVinci Resolve, the industry standard tool for color correction, to learn to properly color correct/color grade shots. Topics include how to work with various scopes, how to build custom primary and secondary color correction setups, and how to share projects with Adobe Premiere.

This course introduces students to the importance of sound as an essential element in producing an impactful project. Students explore the technical aspects of working with sound, including recording production sound, room tone, post-production audio and cleaning/sweetening. Students also gain an in-depth understanding of how sound contributes to the overall project from an aesthetic and emotional perspective.

This course draws upon foundational knowledge introduced in prior courses, and acquaints students with the various techniques and equipment necessary to successfully take a project from concept to distribution, with an emphasis on online distribution via various social media platforms. Topics covered include conceptualizing content, shot lists, coordinating production, directing, camera operation, composition, and lighting.

Students learn about developing websites from both a creative and technical perspective. Students will gain an understanding of both the design and coding aspects of the development process. Emphasis is on functionality, accessibility/ease of use, design, and cross-platform utility. This course builds upon knowledge gained in Integrative Design: App Development. Prerequisite: DIGI 2580

In this course, students examine general business practices vital to the success of a digital media artist. Students explore the principles of finance, accounting, insurance, taxes, management, marketing, and negotiation. Additionally, students are introduced to the concept of intellectual property, including copyright, trademark, and basic business/contract law. Prerequisite: DIGI 2150

This is an advanced class in portfolio development. Students design, produce, and gain experience presenting their work in a professional working environment. They also write a comprehensive resume and present their portfolios before the class. Prerequisite: DIGI 2580

In this process-oriented course, students combine deep, disciplined research with careful writing and revision to produce a thoughtful, creative, and personally meaningful research essay. They learn to formulate focused research questions, identify and investigate credible sources, and synthesize expert opinion with their own insight in support of a clearly defined, complex thesis. The emphasis is on curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As part of the process, students also gain confidence and competency in two primary areas of written expression: organization and mechanics.

An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the components of design and the use of color by the artist.

A course in oral communication designed to give students poise, speaking confidence, and the ability to develop and produce a focused, well-organized speech that holds the audiences attention through effective delivery methods. Presentational skills and audience-centered communication are emphasized.

Designed to foster independent thinking, this course strengthens students capacity to reason clearly, critically, and creatively, including the ability (1) to analyze the arguments of others, (2) to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and (3) to solve problems skillfully. Students also gain experience in reading closely and conducting purposeful, imaginative research skills essential to the examination of demanding social, moral, political, and personal issues.

This course facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the tools and techniques necessary to effectively navigate the complexities of the job market. Students explore critical components of employment in order to prepare for their job search; the ultimate result is placement in their desired career. Students learn how to build a meaningful resume, navigate career sites, including FIDM Career Network and LinkedIn, effectively research desired industry and organizations, and perfect interviewing techniques and skills. This is a Pass/Fail class necessary for FIDM graduation. In addition to nine (9) hours of class workcomprised of three consecutive classes, three (3) hours eachstudents should be prepared for an additional three (3) hours of homework for each of the three weeks.

A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Prehistoric Period through the Middle Ages. Included are the social, economic, cultural, political, and religious influences which have prompted or affected the art of each period. Students examine works of art and their iconography, stylistic techniques, and different media, with the goal of being able to recognize, understand, and discuss various art forms in their broader contexts.

A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Art movements such as Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Abstraction, and Surrealism are studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the artist's role in society and the effect of society on art.

This course examines the subtle and overt ways in which society marginalizes and discriminates against groups of people including, but not limited to, racial, cultural and ethnic groups, religious groups, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities (including physical and mental challenges), gender fluidity and LGBTQIA+. Students will not only study the historical realities, institutions, and a legal system that have enabled discrimination to continue, they will delve into the roots of hatred, fear and bias, the very foundations of prejudice and discrimination, in order to become conscious of and active in their own contributions to a more just and inclusive society.

A survey of American history from 1930-2000. Emphasis is on the political and economic features, both domestic and foreign, that contributed to the emergence of the welfare state and the nations rise to global leadership after World War II. The course provides an understanding of the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Cold War, Americas eventual emergence as the worlds only superpower, and the interrelation of all these factors.

A survey course that examines television and film in America as an art form and charts its historical and technical development. Students study classic and contemporary mediums and filmmakers, explore the social implications of film and television, analyze film technique, as well as set decoration.

This course introduces students to document layout using Adobe InDesign. Students learn the tools, menu bar, and palettes as they begin designing single and multi-page layouts. Through design exercises, students examine how the use of grids serve as a structure for combining type and image.

This course introduces the formal elements of line, shape, color, texture, and composition as well as the graphic principles of balance, scale, emphasis, repetition, and unity. Students also explore all aspects of two-dimensional design and imagery, which is essential to achieve a solid design.

This course explores the fundamental traditions of typography combined with computer technology. It provides the foundation from which the students can develop both an understanding of typography and a personal aesthetic.

A survey of the visual communications industry and how image and corporate identity run through all visual media. Students examine and analyze visual marketing, graphic identity, e-commerce, fashion styling, event planning, exhibit design, trade show promotion, vendor manufacturing, retail store planning, retail theme environments, and visual merchandising.

This class exposes students to a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, metals, and tile, and their application to the industry. Students explore methods, materials, and techniques for producing visuals for the industry. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisite: VCOM 1250