Media Arts and Design (SMAD)

This course studies the historical and ongoing evolution of media industries, technology and media storytelling, as well as effects on audience members and society. The course emphasizes media career paths and prepares students for applying to the SMAD program.

Study of how mediated communication shapes the content, meaning and impact of spoken, written and pictorial messages. Emphasis on the skills required to integrate speech, text and imagery into mediated presentations. Consideration of issues involving the critical evaluation of mass-mediated communication, their effectiveness and influence. May be used for general education credit. May not be used for major credit.

Study of the basic computer operating systems and the principles and practices of graphic production for digital and interactive media. Focus on tools and techniques used to create graphic content for diverse media delivery systems.

Audio­visual storytelling is an experiential learning course designed to give students a foundation in creating and producing engaging stories/content utilizing a varied range of audio­visual communication/media tools and formats for distribution on multiple delivery platforms including, but not limited to, television, interactive, film, documentaries, news, commercials, radio, podcasts and web.

This course is a study of the aesthetic principles and practices of web and interactive narrative design, with an emphasis on visual communication in an interactive media context.

This course is the study of story development across diverse media forms to enable effective, accurate and ethical storytelling. Emphasis will be on identifying diverse media forms' story goals and objectives, and on research techniques and tools to locate, identify and assess information accuracy. Attention to recognizing and evaluating media story accuracy and effective use of language.

This course is the study and practice of the fundamentals of news writing, including news-gathering techniques and news style. Emphasis is placed on coverage of meetings, events and breaking stories. Consideration of writing across platforms including print, broadcast and online. Fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.

The study and practice of editing stories and visuals for publication. Focus on style, factuality, writing problems, headlines and page design. Other editing roles considered.

The study of visual information gathering for print media including photojournalism. Emphasis on photographic techniques and print media layout. Consideration of new visual technologies including the use of computers for electronic photo editing and design. Students must provide their own camera.

This course introduces fundamentals of advertising in the new media environment. Students examine how organizations use new media to engage with consumers to achieve advertising objectives. Focus is on hands-on practice in the basic skills and processes needed to prepare multi-platform narratives. Students develop a clear understanding of what makes advertising effective across traditional and new media and develop professional research skills.

Study and practice of broadcast and A/V techniques applied in a variety of sport settings.

Basic skills of sport writing and reporting are studied and applied. Students gain experience in a variety of sports and learn and apply skills in researching, interviewing, reporting, writing columns and features involving the world of sports.

The study of the principles and practices of writing scripts for commercial, noncommercial and corporate media applications. Emphasis on preparing dramatic and information forms for broadcast or recording. Fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.

Introductory study of the principles and practices of screenwriting. Emphasis is placed on the basic narrative structures underlying cinematic story-telling and the development of a short film script. Fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.

This course covers the principles and practices of developing creative copy for advertising. Students will examine how to solve client problems by writing persuasive stories. Students will focus on writing scripts for TV and radio commercials, print ads, headlines, taglines, jingles, web copy, out of home ads, new media, and social media. Emphasis will be on editing, researching and writing creative briefs and strategic plans.

In this course, students will polish screenplays and develop them into a shooting script for video production. The work in this class involves creating a screenplay that the students will actually shoot and produce. This is a different process than simply writing a script. For example, if the script contains a scene at a swimming pool, but they do not have access to a pool as a location, students must rework the scene to make it work with available locations. The course will only be offered as part of the JMU/SVA summer study abroad program in New York. The class will satisfy the digital video and cinema concentration writing requirement and satisfy the prerequisite for SMAD 340.

Freshmen and sophomores participating in cocurricular media activities may receive one hour of credit for field work at The Breeze, WMRA-FM, the Madison Video Productions or other university-related media outlets. Students are limited to one practicum per semester. Application procedures will be available from the school prior to registration.

This course is the study of how mediated communication molds perception and influences cultural change. Emphasis will be placed on how language and imagery, sound and music are combined in current media to create meaning. The course will consider emerging media and their implications for cultural design.

Principles and practices of video production and editing. Focus on production planning, visual composition, lighting, recording sound and sequencing of shots. Emphasis on single camera videography and editing for broadcast, non-broadcast, and multimedia applications.

Principles and practices of video editing. Focus on the techniques, aesthetics, and strategies of editing video. Emphasis on technical standards of ingest, storage, non-linear editing, multi-layer compositing, and transcoding required for effective program output and multi-format distribution.

Study of digital sound production, and digital sound-for-picture production. Emphasis on advanced theories and applications.

The study of current topics and issues in media arts and design. Emphasis on contemporary themes of immediate concern.

The study of principles and practices of multi-camera studio production. Focus on visual composition, audio, lighting and communication in a studio environment. Emphasis on technical and aesthetic demands of multi-camera studio production.

Study of the principles of creating effective communication for the World Wide Web. Emphasis on the techniques used to design and integrate diverse media elements. Focus on the creation and manipulation of text, graphics, audio and video for the web. Consideration of interface design and web delivery issues.

This course will study the principles and practices for creating effective interactive media. An emphasis is placed on user-­centered design of the interactive experience. This course includes animation and scripting for online and fixed media.

This course covers principles and practices in electronic journalism including information gathering, news writing, camera operations and editing techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the use of sound and video to produce hard news, feature news and long-form perspective-based stories for broadcast and online. Students will examine the internet's impact and the differences between traditional and online media outlets in constructing stories with video and sound.

Students will study and practice in-depth or specialized reporting roles and techniques, story genres, advanced writing methods and pursuing publication. The course will include reading exemplary writers. Group and instructor critiques will be used.

This course explores the core technical and artistic elements of cinematography including camera operation, framing, composition and color theory. Students will also gain experience in the responsibilities of the cinematographer, camera assistant and gaffer, including set etiquette and pre-production tasks. Through hands-on workshops and projects, students will practice camera setups, lighting, blocking, adjustments and troubleshooting scenes. The course will also cover lens choices, camera movement and framing techniques to craft dynamic visuals that support narrative and emotional depth.

This course focuses on using social media strategically to create value for a brand or organization. Students will create effective consumer-targeted content across the ever-changing digital social media landscape with emphasis on strategic collaboration, execution and measurement of social media efforts. Students will learn how to brand themselves using social media. By the end of this course, students will demonstrate a proficiency in social media strategy and social media brand management.

This course is a study of web and mobile interaction design principles including goal­ driven design, usability, interactive design strategy, wireframing, and web and mobile app prototype development.

This course is a study of how mediated communication molds perception and influences cultural change. Emphasis is placed on how language, imagery, sound and music are combined in current media to create meaning. Consideration is given to emerging media and their implications for cultural design. The focus of this course is on British media and culture.

This course provides an in-depth examination of theories, methods and tools used by professionals in user-centered research. Students will learn through the process of completing a research project, from selecting a research topic through reporting findings and practical implications. In addition, the course enables students to pursue more advanced studies in user experience in capstone courses by equipping them with critical analytical and hands-on skills in a user-centered research process.

An in­-depth investigation of business and legal aspects of new media production, publication and distribution, Examination of legal issues affecting the new media industry including: intellectual property laws, torts contracts and licensing. Discussion of current policies and practices affecting new media development and review of pertinent legal reference materials.

An introduction to the theories and methods of design for visual communication. Students will learn various techniques needed to produce the design materials that go into print and electronic publications.

This course will examine media constructions of justice. Students will be required to critically analyze the portrayal of justice issues in various media forms including television, internet and film. Attention will be given to the accuracy of such portrayals and whether they have any broader social implications in regards to how we view complex justice issues.

Advanced study of the principles of screenplay writing for feature films and television movies. Emphasis is placed on the structure of narrative film.

This course introduces fundamentals of advertising message design and content production for traditional and new media. It examines common questions associated with producing content (i.e., functions and basics of design for print, broadcast and online venues). Students will focus on characteristics of effective messages across media and developing professional production skills to produce diverse creative pieces. The course emphasizes ethical and legal issues.

This course critically examines the complex and evolving interconnections between young people, communication and culture. Grounded in the understanding that there is no one singular lived experience of "youth," the course focuses on: how young people are represented in popular culture artifacts; how cultural beliefs about various young people are constructed by public discourse; how diverse young people navigate popular culture messages; how they are constructed as target markets; and how they use technology to claim space in the broader culture. This course encourages students to examine their own experiences with and relationships to a range of communication artifacts.

Study the history, nature and impact of mass media in the United Kingdom. Emphasis on the impact modern media has on society, and society has on media. Consideration of similarities and differences in mass media in the United States and Great Britain. Consideration of the relationship between mass media and the arts. Focus on 20th century mass media in London, one of the world's preeminent and most influential centers. London term only.

Principles and case studies in communication law, constitutional guarantees, libel, privacy, contempt, copyright and governmental regulatory agencies. Emphasis on recent cases and their effects on mass communication.

The study of the history of the media in relation to American politics and society. Emphasis on key periods in the development of journalism and the mass media, and the role of the journalist in society.

This course is the study and practice of journalistic and scholarly criticism of the mass media. Emphasis is placed on interpretive writing about television, film and popular music. Students will consider contemporary analytical methods for researching mass­-mediated culture.

An introduction to the study of film as an aesthetic practice, including formal and industrial aspects of film analysis, theoretical approaches to film and writing and research methodologies of film and media studies.

Supervised projects related to the study of any of the communication media. Credit given for original individual or group programs beyond the school's usual cocurricular activities. A suitable completed project or report is required before credit can be awarded.

Juniors and seniors participating in cocurricular media activities may receive one hour of credit for field work at The Breeze, Curio, WMRA-FM, the Madison Video Productions or other university-related media outlets. Students are limited to one practicum per semester. Application procedures will be available from the school prior to registration. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and the media operation involved.

This course covers special issues of contemporary media and their contents. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of emerging issues in content production, reception and media effects. Focus is on the critical methods used to examine such issues. Consideration will be given to how particular methods may be applied in international as well as American media contexts.

Students participate in testing, interviews, project reviews and other assessment activities as approved by the School of Media Arts and Design. Grades will be assigned on a credit/no-credit basis.

Study of the principles of motion design. Focuses on integrating media (video, greenscreen, photos, vector art, type) within compositing software to tell a story, convey a complex concept or artistically present an idea. Emphasis on graphic design and motion theory, typography for video, logo animation, and show package design.

This course explores the key components of documentary filmmaking and production. The course will introduce students to a professional level of documentary filmmaking, and will focus on enhancing nonfiction storytelling skills. The course will explore funding, festival and outreach strategies.

Study of advanced techniques in interactive media for online and fixed media delivery. Emphasis on emerging technologies and professional development strategies. Includes the creation of an interactive portfolio.

Study of the principles and practices of producing and directing programs for video and cinema. Emphasis on the producer's and director's contribution to creative development and production. Focus on the director's responsibilities, including directing talent, visualization, production, and project management. Additional focus on the producer's responsibilities, including creative development, production management, financial management, promotion, and distribution.

Study of the principles and practices of managing digital media production. Emphasis on financial and personnel management, client relationships, and the structures and practices of digital media industries. Consideration of new trends in production and distribution. Attention to career preparation and development.

This course is an advanced study in converged media production. This senior production studio class will focus on creative solutions for complex communication problems in print, video and web media. The client­-based projects will require creative brainstorming, teamwork, project management, and analysis and criticism in addition to production and distribution. An emphasis is also placed on portfolio development.

Study of the processes and responsibilities of producing news for electronic distribution. Students will research, write and produce stories for distribution over-the-air, on cable and over the Internet. Emphasis on legal and ethical issues in news coverage.

Study of the principles and practices of producing for television. Emphasis on programming (entertainment news to late-night talk, sketch comedy, reality TV, drama, and sitcom), and the producing process (moving a project from idea to completion). Focus on budget management, and all phases of production management. Consideration of industry practices to help prepare students to enter the entertainment industry.

This course provides a study of the principles and practices of developing and managing interactive media projects for businesses and non-profits. Emphasis will be placed on user needs, organizational objectives, research, analytics, project proposals, project management, budgeting, content strategy and testing. Principles of effective leadership of human resources are also covered.

A practical course in which students produce a feature magazine published regularly by the journalism area. Each student is assigned a specific staff position. Students learn to use the latest computer pagination technology in the design and production of the magazine.

Course provides an advanced study and practice of multimedia journalism. Focus on storytelling with platforms including text, video, audio, photo and social media aggregation. This is a hands­-on course producing multimedia packages involving idea generation, content production, website design and management.

Study how to develop a creative advertising campaign across a range of traditional and new media. Examine the creative process including conceptualizing, brainstorming, idea generation, copywriting, and design layout. Emphasis on using creativity as a foundation to develop and sell the big idea. Focus on the stages of creative inspiration, concepts of the creative process and roles/functions of creative professionals in advertising, culminating in a creative advertising campaign.

This course provides an in-depth investigation of principles and case studies in constitutional guarantees and laws concerning both traditional mass and new media. Emphasis is placed on the First Amendment, the current U.S. legal structure, intellectual property, privacy, libel and the intersection of technology and the law.

Students will examine the cultural impact of the film industry as an institution of mass communication. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship among social, economic and technological factors influencing the creation and consumption of motion pictures. Consideration is given to particular films as indicators of cultural change.

This course is an advanced study of how movies tell stories in visual terms. Emphasis is placed on the historical evolution and design of the moving image. Consideration will be given to the latest imaging technologies affecting film narrative.

This course is the study of content, style, technique and effect of representative samples of the documentary form. Consideration is given to informational and persuasive elements.

This course is the study of the process of adapting literature into feature films. Consideration is given to the original literary work, as well as to the changes undergone in its adaptation to film.

This course is the study and analysis of modern American films of the past twenty years. Focus is placed on storytelling technique, cinematic elements and thematic content. Films will be examined against the backdrop of their specific historical, political and socio­cultural context.

Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, including motion pictures, television, radio, advertising, music, gaming, publishing, theatre, dance, broadcasting and more. This course addresses the business and the critical aspects of the industry from the perspective of current entertainment professionals: producers, directors, actors, screenwriters, musicians, entertainment lawyers, TV writers, production managers, animators, cinematographers, marketers, talent agents, dancers, comedians and more. It emphasizes the critical analysis of careers in the entertainment industry and critical aspects of the business, from the idea through the exhibition. On a practical level, students will discover the extraordinary variety of careers within the entertainment industry and the importance of networking. Method of instruction: lecture, discussion and guest speakers.

This course studies the process of adapting British literature into feature films. Consideration is given to the original literary work, as well as to the changes undergone in its adaptation to film.

This course is the study of the key issues arising from the role of information and information technology in organizations and society. Emphasis is on the spheres of social life in which new media technologies play a role: politics, community, economics, culture, personal and global contexts. Focus is on a wide range of perspectives and on both theoretical and empirical research to examine new media's role in social capital and community.

This course is the study and discussion of ethical principles and professional codes as applied to mass media production, covering journalism, advertising, public relations and entertainment, in all media forms. Emphasis is on case studies.

This course is a study of the media's role in the political system, concentrating on the dynamic and interdependent relationships among journalists, politicians, the public and public policy. The course explores media and politics theories; how media practices and technologies shape political decision making; how political forces influence media institutions; and how public opinion and media narratives are shaped.

This course is a study of the media's role in the political system, concentrating on the dynamic and interdependent relationships among journalists, politicians, the public and public policy. The course explores media and politics theories; how media practices and technologies shape political decision making; how political forces influence media institutions; and how public opinion and media narratives are shaped.

This course is a study of the media's role in the political system of the United Kingdom, concentrating on the dynamic and interdependent relationships among journalists, politicians, the public and public policy. The course explores media and politics theories as they apply to the British context; how UK media practices and technologies shape political decision making; how political forces influence British media institutions; and how public opinion and media narratives are shaped within a parliamentary democracy.

An independent study for students to pursue individual research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

This internship is an off-campus program prepared and monitored on an individual student basis. Internships are designed to provide practical experience in media arts and design careers. This course may be repeated up to four credits.

This advanced course will enable students to collaborate to create diverse media projects. Projects may be designed to focus on one or many concentrations, and are intended to provide a culminating media creation experience.

This course is the study and research in the history and philosophy of the function of mass communication in society. Consideration is given to topics relating to problems of communication systems, technological freedoms and press freedom and responsibilities.

This course enables honors students to develop, research and produce media-related creative and/or scholarly independent study honors senior projects. This course may be repeated for up to 6 credits.