Emerson College: new media production 1

new media production 1

Objective This course provides students with a broad set of analytical, presentation, creative and computer production skills fundamental to New Media design. You will learn the fundamentals of web and DVD design and development using various imaging / animation / video techniques for presentation on both online and DVD format. The first section of the class will focus on the Web while the second section will be on the DVD. Students are encouraged to explore various new and emerging web tools and technologies. Analytical Skills New Media is a new realm in information and communication. Throughout the course, students are expected to focus on contemporary issues in computing and communications, including: what are traditional forms and processes related to communication and entertainment, and how do those forms impact our production of new media? what are the potential benefits and pitfalls of creating alternative media? what is cyberspace? how can we give that "space" a "physical" presence? what are the artifacts of this realm? what kinds of opportunities are presented by computing and the internet? what will be our role as new media designers in this age of information? This course will develop students' analytical skills through critical analyses of published and commercially available multimedia works, and through analyses of student-generated projects. Creative Skills The course covers all aspects of New Media development from start to finish - including writing, storyboarding, illustration, photography, graphics, creating animations, programming for interactivity, as well as presenting sound and digital video. There will be an emphasis on interface design semantics and aesthetics. Computer Production Skills The class will focus on developing a proficiency in computer related design skills. Software applications to be covered include Dreamweaver, Photoshop, ImageReady, Fireworks, Flash, Compressor, Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro. Other software will be discussed and utilized based upon interest and individual student projects. Students are encouraged to experiment with, and explore the use of, all types of design software. Technical computer skills include scanning, exporting, importing and converting files, HTML scripting, digital video and sound capture conversion, raster graphic and vector animation, programming, as well as web publishing, file transfer over networks and DVD menu design and authoring. General Expectations Clear and effective communication of ideas, questions, and concerns is paramount. Students are encouraged to use this course as an opportunity for interactive learning. The classroom is a laboratory from which ideas and experiences should be drawn upon. Outside the studio, students are encouraged to regularly communicate with each other and their instructor. Students are expected to take advantage of lab time outside of class. Lab time is reserved in the Lab book. Students sign up in advance for 2 hour blocks of time on a specific workstation. If a student is more than 15 minutes late in meeting their scheduled time, they may lose their slot. If a student is having difficulty in gaining access to computers in the lab, they should inform their instructor right away, and the instructor will work to alleviate any conflict. Text Web Style Guide, by Lynch, 2nd edition 2001, by Yale University Press. Learning Web Design w/CD, by Niederst, 2nd edition 2003, by O'Reilly and Associates. Supplies 100 MB Zip disk or thumb drive Firewire 400 80 GB 7200 RPM External Hard Drive (2) Blank 4.7 GB Single-sided DVD-Rs Attendance Attendance is required. More than 2 unexcused absences will result in a reduction of a letter grade and more than 4 unexcused absences will result in a failing grade. Grading Participation (in-class discussions, attendance) = 10% Project 1 Web Site = 40% Project 2 DVD = 50% - Failure to turn in any project will result in a failing grade.