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MDAR 201 Ethical Issues in the Media (3)
(was MDAR 340)
This course discusses traditional
moral theory and ethical philosophies while applying them to current-day
issues, including truth in media, privacy, social justice, stereotyping,
advertising, communications law and the Internet. Students are presented
with case studies of events and issues surrounding various media
as they focus on a systematic approach to making ethical decisions.
sample syllabus
MDAR 205 Media and the Law (3)
(was MDAR 315)
This course provides historical survey
and analysis of the current and future trends in the development
of the media-related law in America. Students explore media-related
ethical theories and the law in current issues, case studies, and
problem-solving scenarios. Students explore the moral philosophies
that govern such concerns as royalties, copyright infringement,
libel, and intellectual property. (Satisfies humanities requirement
for SCS students).
sample syllabus
MDAR
210 Visual Communication (3)
(was MDAR 220)
This course provides an introduction to visual literacy
with the fundamentals of Visual Communications. Class discussions
and assignments will demonstrate how these tools are used to communicate
visually to an audience. The value, ethics, and methods of visual
communicators will be explored and analyzed by discussing examples
from graphic art, print, film/video slides, and computer graphics.
sample syllabus
MDAR 215 Internet Research
(3)
(was MDAR 365)
Students learn to go beyond simply search engine strings to exploring
online databases, accessing educational archives, and scanning online
discussions. Students learn techniques in judging the quality of
the information they find, spotting errors and biases, dealing with
multiple (and sometimes conflicting) informational sources, and
incorporating Internet research into academic and professional work.
MDAR 220 Digital Illustration
(3)
(was MDAR 250)
This course explores basic issues of illustration, using the computer
as a drawing tool. Students are introduced to both creative and
professional applications of technology to drawing, color theory
and systems, and computer-based artistic production with design
software. The course examines the role of digital illustration in
art history and addresses the application of classroom knowledge
to solving problems in desktop publishing. (Satisfies humanities
requirement for SCS students).
sample syllabus
MDAR 230 Digital Imaging
I (3)
(was MDAR 350)
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills
needed for computer-based photo manipulation, including the basics
of drawing and painting. Students learn Photoshop software and desktop
skills to produce and edit bitmap images. The course also provides
instructions in the application of classroom knowledge to solving
problems in desktop publishing, including an overview of preparing
Photoshop projects for pre-press productions.
sample syllabus
MDAR 235 Graphic Design
I (3)
(was MDAR 280)
This course introduces the field of graphic design to students
who have little or no design knowledge. Learning through manual
techniques, students develop proficiency in the principles of design,
the technical vocabulary, and professional application. Topics include
color theory, typography, advertising techniques, and poster and
logo design. To complete the class, students are introduced to QuarkXPress
software to coordinate applications of graphic design to desktop
publishing. (This course is a prerequisite to MDAR 380.)
sample
syllabus
MDAR 240 Screenwriting
I (3)
(was MDAR 320)
This course introduces students to the art and technical
demands of contemporary screenwriting. Students explore the concepts
of character, story, and dramatic structure of the screenplay while
studying transformation of an idea into a finished script. Students
are acquainted with strict standards of the screenwriting format
and discuss the realities of professional screenwriting. Students
will begin writing a full-length film script to demonstrate their
skills in these areas. (This course is a prerequisite to MDAR 420.)
sample syllabus
MDAR 245 The Art and
Craft of Film (3)
(was MDAR 245)
This course goes beyond critical and theoretical perspectives of
film to explore the practical aesthetics of film from the viewpoint
of filmmakers. Students learn to recognize the various technical,
stylistic, and narrative options available to filmmakers in any
given work, and to evaluate the aesthetic merit of the choices made
by the artists. Course objectives include promoting insightful cinematic
experiences and building skills by which students can articulate
those insights. The course also explores various career options
in the film industry.
sample syllabus
MDAR 250 The Art and
Craft of Television (3)
(was MDAR 335)
Students trace the roles of television in the American lifestyle:
surveillance, authority, communicator, entertainer. The class analyzes
the art and craft of television – from how it works, to content
and programming trends, as well as its business operation.
sample syllabus
MDAR 261 Principles
of Public Relations (3)
(was MDAR 301)
This course focuses on the communication between an individual
or organization and the public to promote public acceptance and
approval. Students explore traditional and emerging components of
the public relations process through mass media, as well as the
needs of different types of businesses, such as corporations, nonprofit
organizations, and government offices.
sample syllabus
MDAR 281 Web Design
I (3)
(was MDAR 245)
This course teaches students how to become discerning users of the
Internet and create efficient, useful, and usable Web pages. Students
develop Internet and online searching and researching competencies
in addition to Web design and information management skills.
sample syllabus
MDAR 320 Animation
I (3)
(was MDAR 357)
This
course provides students with the knowledge and the skills needed
to expand upon skills learned in Intro to Computer Illustration.
Students will create sequential images and animations based upon
a story or theme for both print and the web. Students will continue
to develop skills through concept-based assignments. Students will
get hands on experience with a variety software packages while learning
terminology as well as an overview of the history of illustrative
animation to the present.
Prerequisites: MDAR 220
sample syllabus
MDAR 330 Digital Imaging
II (3)
(was MDAR 351)
This course will build upon the fundamental imaging skills
learned in MDAR-350. In this class the student will learn advanced
Photoshop concepts of creating masks, automating batch processes,
working with spot colors and alpha channels and using clipping paths.
How to create and effectively use adjustment layers, and layer effects
will be covered, as well as a presentation of Photoshop’s
type features. Pen tool skills will be refined so that precise manipulations
of an image are possible. How to compose composite images and using
Photoshop to create illustrations will be presented. There will
be an in depth look at the construction of bit map images along
with Photoshop’s compression and exchange formats. Effectively
preparing images for prepress and web publication, and exporting
and importing images between Photoshop and other programs will be
examined.
Prerequisites: MDAR 230
sample syllabus
MDAR 335 Graphic Design
II (3)
(was MDAR 380)
Prerequisites: MDAR 280 and 330
This course continues the skills developed in MDAR 280 in design,
grid systems, advertising techniques, and electronic publication
by providing students with in-depth proficiency in design principles
and vocabulary. With QuarkXPress and Photoshop software, students
learn advanced techniques in traditional graphic design and desktop
publishing.
Prerequisites: MDAR 235
sample syllabus
MDAR 345 Documentary
Production (3)
(was MDAR 370)
This course instructs students in the basics of documentary
film production, including ethical issues, research, funding, and
technique.
sample syllabus
MDAR 355 History of
Radio (3)
(was MDAR 390)
This course examines the past one hundred years of radio and how
it has shaped our culture and us as individuals. Also, conversely,
we will see how cultural forces have shaped, and reshaped, radio.
Through reading, discussion, and critical listening of various formats
of radio we will address questions such as: How has radio changed
to address cultural voices? How has radio dealt with the building
of audiences? How do people listen to or interact with different
types of radio? In discussions and writing assignments we will also
address these questions in the context of how radio figures into
New Orleans as a community. We will also discuss the future of radio
broadcasting via the Internet and otherwise.
sample syllabus
MDAR 340 Intermediate
Screenwriting (3)
(was MDAR 420)
This course further develops students' writing skills of
MDAR 320, including the application of advanced techniques in character,
story, and dramatic structure introduced in MDAR 320, particularly
as regards consistency, development, and resolution. Emphasis is
placed on revision techniques and professional polish. The course
also covers the marketing of the completed script. Prerequisites: MDAR 240 or instructor's permission
sample syllabus
MDAR 361 Public Relations
Campaigns (3)
(was MDAR 302)
This course studies real-life public relations cases with a view
to understanding why some campaigns succeed while others fail. Special
attention is given to contemporary cases and to development of the
tools necessary for effective campaigns. Using contemporary campaigns
as models, the course examines the development of public relations
strategies and communications for employees, the media, the community,
the consumer, and other relevant groups. Students also practice
the elements of public relations research and writing.
Prerequisites: MDAR 261
sample syllabus
MDAR 365 Internet Public
Relations (3)
(was MDAR 307)
This course explores the opportunities and special demands of the
electronic media in the business and promotion of public relations
and PR campaigns.
Prerequisites: MDAR 261
sample syllabus
MDAR 381 Designing
Websites (3)
(was MDAR 430)
This course explores advanced concepts in Web design with
an emphasis on Visual communication and animation for the web including
web 3D design and concerns. Students are introduced to both the
creative and professional applications of technology towards visual
impact, identity, clarity, narrative, organization and presentation
of information for the interactive environment of the web. The course
will also examine the role of the web designer and addresses the
application of classroom knowledge to solving problems alone and
in a team for desktop web publishing.
Prerequisites: MDAR 220, 230, 235 and 281 or instructor's
permission
sample syllabus
MDAR 430 Animation
II (3)
(was MDAR 352)
This course provides students with the knowledge and the skills
needed for computer based photo manipulation, 3D design and gives
an introduction to 3D animation. Using state-of-the-art object,
figurative, and landscape based 3D software, students learn to think
in 3D and develop skills through concept based assignments. Students
will get hands on experience with a variety of 3D software packages
while learning terminology as well as an overview of the history
of animation to the present.
Prerequisites: MDAR 220
sample syllabus
MDAR 431 Animation III (3)
MDAR 450 Special Topics
(3)
As announced.
MDAR 465 Litigation
Public Relations (3)
The court of public opinion has no written rules and constantly
issues different decisions. This course examines communication strategies
and tactics in situations in which litigation is expected, pending,
or already filed. Students examine high-profile cases or situations
and assess communication strategy, discuss the role of crisis communications
in the litigation strategy, and determine how best to communicate
complex issues. Students learn to communicate relevant messages
to the various publics, keeping in mind the legal and ethical constraints
of the law.
MDAR 499 Directed Study
(1-3)
Approval of director required. Individual study or
a field project under the direction of a faculty member, the director,
and/or a supervisor. May be counted toward fulfilling specialty
requirements with approval of the director.
MDAR 501 Media Arts
Internship (3)
(was MDAR 505)
Approval of director required. Students complete a minimum
of 100 hours field experience in a Media Arts-related organization.
Students also attend classroom sessions that focus on career choices
and job search skills. This course is to be taken during the student's
last semester of study.
sample syllabus
JOUR 201
Introduction to Journalism (3)
(was JOUR 310)
This course introduces students to researching, reporting, and writing
news stories for print, broadcast, Internet and other media. Through
extensive reporting/writing assignments, guest speakers, and quizzes
on current events, the course will cover the nature of news, journalistic
style, the preparation of manuscripts for publication, the development
of leads, interviewing techniques, selection and organization of
facts, and the difference between various media styles.
sample syllabus
JOUR 301 News Writing
and Reporting I (3)
(was JOUR 360)
This course develops research, organization, and composition skills
for the production of professional-quality articles for publication
in newspapers, magazines, Internet sites, and other media. It explores
the knowledge and skills needed for building on story ideas by acquiring
sources, researching effectively, and writing polished, informative
stories.
Prerequisites: JOUR 201 or instructor's permission
sample syllabus
JOUR 310 Review Writing
(3)
(was JOUR 260)
Students will achieve a professional level of presentation
geared to writing reviews of movies, TV shows, DVDs, CDs, restaurants,
books, products, and events for newsprint, magazines, radio, and
the Internet. This includes appropriate treatment of "spoilers,"
mechanical/grammatical skills, and working within the stated expectations
of various publications.
Prerequisites: JOUR 201 or instructor's permission
JOUR 320 Feature Writing
(3)
(was JOUR 312)
This course works within journalistic standards to focus on the
skills needed to write topical, in-depth, human interest stories.
Students learn to gather materials through interviews, research,
and observation while cultivating their own writer's "voice"
for the creation of comprehensive articles for publication in newspapers,
magazines, Internet sites, and other media.
Prerequisites: JOUR 201 or instructor's permission
sample syllabus
JOUR 330 Creative Non-Fiction
(3)
(was JOUR 314)
Students examine the literary merits of non-fiction in essays, long
and short form works of New and literary Journalism and contemporary
memoir writing. The class employs close readings of creative non-fiction
to explore the increasing popularity of the artform in the 21rst
Century.
Prerequisites: JOUR 201 or instructor's permission
sample syllabus
JOUR 340 On-Line Journalism
(3)
(was JOUR 355)
This course is designed to enable students to streamline, enhance
and tailor their writing for new media publications, online magazines
and commercial web sites.
Prerequisites: JOUR 201 or instructor's permission
sample syllabus
JOUR 360 Editing, Layout,
and Design (3)
(was JOUR 330)
This course explores the editing, layout and design practices
of print media and develops the skills necessary for successful
editors and desktop publishers. Students learn copy editing and
preparation, composition strategies, layout, design, headline and
caption writing, photo editing, and newsletter production. (This
course is a prerequisite for MDAR 380.)
sample syllabus
JOUR 401 News Writing
and Reporting II (3)
Prerequisites: JOUR 201 and 301 or instructor's permission
This course further develops research, organization, and composition
skills for the production of professional-quality articles for publication
in newspapers, magazines, Internet sites, and other media.
Prerequisites: JOUR 201 and 301
JOUR 405 Investigative Journalism
(3)
(was JOUR 412)
This course introduces students to the field of investigative
journalism, including career prospects, ethical concerns, basic
interviewing techniques, finding and following documented sources,
and writing stories for maximum interest and impact. Students practice
organizing materials and writing with clarity and precision.
Prerequisites: JOUR 201 and 301
NOTE: For students already engaged in careers in media professions, the Media Arts practicum may be waived on appeal to the program director.
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