Digital design and media art majors may work toward either a bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) or bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree. The B.F.A. degree is the highest standard, professional degree for undergraduate art and design programs, with a curriculum focused more on art and design courses than liberal arts. To earn a B.F.A., DDMA students at Wilkes must pursue a cognate minor in art and enroll in 21 credit-hours of art- or design-based electives, plus two alternate DDMA core courses as defined. A minimum of 2 art history courses are also included in the requirement totaling to 65% of courses taken in the topics of art and design.
In the course sequence below the courses are currently IM, but DDMA may be appropriate as with all cognate minor course sequences as defined by the timing of the registrar changes.
Recommended Course Sequence
First Semester |
|
BA-153 Management Foundations |
3 |
ART-111 Fundamentals of Color & Design |
3 |
Distribution Requirement |
3 |
ENG-101 Composition |
4 |
FYF-101 First-Year Foundations |
3 |
Total Credits |
16 |
Second Semester |
|
ART-134 Computer Graphics I |
3 |
CS-125 Computer Science I |
4 |
Distribution Requirement |
6 |
IM-101 Integrative Media Foundations I |
3 |
Total Credits |
16 |
Third Semester |
|
ART-113 Drawing |
3 |
ART-234 Computer Graphics II |
3 |
Art History |
3 |
ENT-203 Opportunity Identification |
3 |
IM-201 Integrative Media Foundations II |
3 |
Total Credits |
15 |
Fourth Semester |
|
Art History |
3 |
COM-262 Digital Storytelling / Design |
3 |
Distribution Requirement |
3 |
ENG-222 Introduction to Digital Humanities |
3 |
IM-301 Principles of Motion & Layering |
3 |
Total Credits |
15 |
Fifth Semester |
|
Distribution Requirement |
6 |
Art or DDMA Electives |
3 |
IM-302 Principles of Interactivity |
3 |
IM-320 Concept Development & Processes |
3 |
Total Credits |
15 |
Sixth Semester |
|
Art or DDMA Elective |
3 |
Distribution Requirement |
3 |
Art or DDMA Elective |
6 |
IM-391 Integrative Media Project I |
3 |
Total Credits |
15 |
Seventh Semester |
|
Art or DDMA Elective |
3 |
Art or DDMA Elective |
6 - 9 |
IM-392 Integrative Media Project II |
3 |
IM-399 Cooperative Education |
0 - 3 |
Total Credits |
12 - 18 |
Eighth Semester |
|
Art or DDMA Elective |
9 - 12 |
IM-399 Cooperative Education |
0 - 3 |
IM-400 Integrative Media Portfolio Capstone |
3 |
Total Credits |
12 - 18 |
Integrative Media
IM-198/289/398. Topics in Integrated Media
A study of topics of special interest not extensively treated in regularly offered courses.
IM-101. Integrative Media Foundations I
This course is an introduction and multiple media survey of artists, styles, and techniques
influential in the development of contemporary media. Through this exposure and readings,
a creative process will be developed and absorption will stimulate, motivate, and
inspire a personal aesthetic vision. In addition, through intensive thought, analysis,
and critique, we will explore media as it affects our society and our responsibility
as media content generators.
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IM-120. Foundations of Game Design
IM-201. Integrative Media Foundations II
This course is an introduction to the foundational design principles as they apply
to digital new media applications. Students will produce digital projects through
the introductory application of various digital tools with a continued focus on the
constant evolution of a personal aesthetic vision. A survey of new media applications,
terminology, and techniques will be researched and discussed, along with our responsibility
as communicators to mass media markets.
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IM-210. Introduction to Game Development (2D)
IM-240. Cross-Media Typography
This course takes a critical look at type and its proper usage in multiple forms of
media. In addition
to type identification and usage, we will take a critical look at seminal works of
typography and
understand their impact and effectiveness. This course is offered in the Spring semester
of each
academic year.
IM-255. Integrative Media Practicum
The Department Practicum may be taken for one to two credits per semester. Students may earn credit for major roles and positions of major responsibility in the co-curricular activities in the Creative Production Studio, Studio 020. Credit for participation in these activities is optional, and voluntary participation (without credit) is also encouraged. The department, through the advisor or instructor of the activity, has the authority to approve or reject any contract for credit under this designation. Credits earned are applicable toward graduation, but do not count toward the requirements of the IM core. Written approval for credit must be by advisor or department chairperson.
IM-301. Integrative Media Principles of Motion and Layering
This course will address the foundational concepts of assembling digital imagery,
relational to short format projects, focusing on historical and contemporary principles
of montage, timing, and pacing. In addition, the technical and aesthetic principles
of compositing will be covered producing multi-layered projects for a variety of media.
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IM-302. Integrative Media Principles of Interactivity
Technical and aesthetic principles of interactivity will be conveyed and practiced
to produce a range of interactive media. Addressing issues of human static and dynamic
interactive ergonomics as they apply to contemporary commercial and artistic applications.
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IM-303. Advanced Principles of Interactivity
This course will explore advanced functions of the 3 Dimensional animation processes
as
they apply to a variety of media applications. Students will build computer-based
models and
environments; texture, light and animate as appropriate and efficiently render as
content for
3D projects or as stand-alone pieces. Students will develop creative self-directed
developmental techniques through introduction to animation programming and applications.
IM-304. 2D App Development
This course will explore advanced functions of the 3 Dimensional animation processes
as
they apply to a variety of media applications. Students will build computer-based
models and
environments; texture, light and animate as appropriate and efficiently render as
content for
3D projects or as stand-alone pieces. Students will develop creative self-directed
developmental techniques through introduction to animation programming and applications.
IM-310. Advanced Game Development (3D)
IM-320. Integrative Media Concept Development and Practices
Through research, writing, and example, students will gain an advanced understanding
of the creative generating processes in a new media environment. These processes will
be used to formulate solid, cohesive concepts and present storyboards that are visually
communicative and professional. With discussion, critique, and reiteration, the concepts
are refined and reinforced.
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IM-330. Virtual Environments and Emergent Technology
IM-341. Cross-Media Typography II
Cross-Media Typography II is a semester-long intensive project-generating course that
employs
typographic concepts discussed in Cross-Media Typography I. Each project is meant
to explore
further applications of type as art, as well as type in professional practice. The
course is a
combination of in-class studio work and independent research on portfolio-quality
projects. It will be
offered in the spring semester each academic year.
IM-350. 3 Dimensional Environments and Animation
This course will explore the foundations of 3-dimensional animation processes as they apply to multiple media. Students will build computer-based models and environments, texture, light, animate, and render content for Integrative Media projects, stand-along projects of 3-D foundations used within the CS gaming track. (Cross-listed with CS-350.)
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IM-351. 3D Environments & Animation II
This course will explore advanced functions of the 3 Dimensional animation processes
as
they apply to gaming. Students will build computer-based models and environments;
subsequently, texture, light, animate as appropriate and efficiently render as content
for 3D
gaming projects or as stand-alone pieces.
IM-355. Digital Audio Principles and Editing
The foundational concepts behind music theory, sound design, and digital studio editing
techniques will be addressed in this course. This knowledge can then be applied to
creating and adapting sound components for use within the variety of Integrative Media
projects.
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IM-368. 3D Assets Modeling and Development
An overview of simulation, engine-based, and real-time game systems with a focus on theory, creation, and animation of three-dimensional models used within a game context using industry-standard software. Cross-listed with CS-368.
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IM-391. Integrative Media Project I
This project-based course will begin to assemble production teams to produce project(s)
from concept to completion. Students will develop storyboards and, through creative
and organizational work sessions, define a completion plan and production schedule.
All phases of the production process will be addressed under creative, financial,
and deadline benchmarks. Note: This course must be completed with a minimum final
grade of 25 in order to meet degree requirements
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IM-392. Integrative Media Project II
Students will initiate new or continue team-oriented integrative media productions.
The production process will be optimized to continue the experience of industry scenarios.
Expanded business practices and production techniques will build upon prior skill
sets. Note: This course must be completed with a minimum final grade of 25 in order
to meet degree requirements
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IM-399. Cooperative Education
IM-400. Integrative Media Portfolio Capstone
As the capstone of the IM curriculum, this course will focus on the compilation of
visual materials produced throughout the set of courses, as necessary in the job submission
process. Creating a self 'brand' will be a concentration, along with the compilation
of written works, flatbook, and reel. Understanding the perspective of the employer
will be heavily discussed and the various positions, procedures, and environments
that produce IM products. Note: This course must be completed with a minimum final
grade of 25 in order to meet degree requirements.
Click here for course fees.