Media Arts Course Descriptions
MEDA-101 Fundamentals of Speaking
This course includes study of communication theory and the preparation and delivery of speeches. Students are expected to give a number of relatively short speeches before the class. Emphasis is on the development of speaking skills before an audience. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-110 Introduction to Communication
An introduction to the study of human communication. Communication principles will be applied to interpersonal, small group, public, organizational and mass media contexts. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-111 Cultural & Hist Foundations of Mass Comm
The historical and theoretical development of the American mass media. Emphasis placed on the integration of historical background, contemporary mass communication theory and modern mass communication institutions. 3 hours. Fall. Meets Humanities core requirement.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-112 Media in Modern Society
A study of the mass media in modern America and the world. Focuses on the economic, technological, legal and social aspects of the media. 3 hours. Spring. Meets Humanities core requirement.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-120 Survey of Film
Introduces the study of film by examining film aesthetics and social contexts. Film movements, national cinemas, the development of technology, the evolution of the industry, and major directors are areas that are explored. The course is international in scope and regular screenings are included. Fall. Meets Humanities core requirement. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-150 Pacific Index
Working for the student newspaper in editorial, reporting, advertising, design and other capacities. Pass/No Pass. May be repeated for credit. 1 hour.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-151 Intercollegiate Forensics
Participating in intercollegiate forensics as part of the Pacific University team. P/NP. 1 hour. May be repeated for credit.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-152 Pacific Productions: Crewing
Working with Pacific University student video production organization doing video productions. P/NP. 1 hour. May be repeated for credit.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-155 Special Topics
See department for description.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-195 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-201 Interpersonal Communication
Examines the interpersonal dimension of communication. Principles, concepts, and theories of relationships will be analyzed, discussed and evaluated in their application to daily interaction. Emphasis on how interpersonal communication is structured and how it functions in transactions. 3 hours. Staff.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-205 Editing
Explores the relationship of image to image, and image to sound, both in terms of aesthetics and hands-on manipulation. Students will work on digital post-production workstations. Editing outside of class is required. Prerequisite: MEDA-250. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-220 Film and Society
Film and Society is a revolving topics course that examines major societal changes through the lens of a cinematic movement or genre. Film Noir and its reflection of post WWII anxieties in the US or the cinema of the French New Wave and its reflection of pre 1968 restlessness in France are examples of characteristic topics. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Meets Humanities core requirement. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-240 Writing for the Print Media
An introduction to writing for the print media. Course focuses on the basics of writing for print publication in the form of news and feature stories. Major emphasis upon conciseness and adaptation to the writing situation and material. 3 hours. Spring.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-241 Introduction to Animation
This course will introduce students to the art of animation from a historical, theoretical, and technical standpoint. Students will be introduced to different formats and techniques of animation and will get to experiment with various animation techniques as a part of the coursework. 3 hours. Spring.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-250 Elements of Production
Study of the various elements that combine to create video projects. Includes production planning, scriptwriting, camerawork, sound, editing, and directing. Some time spent in the studio for application of learned techniques. Substantial production work outside of class is required. Prerequisite: MEDA 111 or 112. Fall. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-255 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-260 Elements of Multimedia Design
Introduces students to the fundamental tools and principles in the development of multimedia applications and demonstrates the use of multimedia as a modern tool of communication. Prerequisite: CS 120. 3 hours. Fall.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-265 Web Design
A study and practice in the creation of World Wide Web sites and their underlying technologies. Students will approach web design from both an aesthetic and technical perspective. Some advanced technologies will be introduced such as XHTML, XML, JavaScript and Cascading Style Sheets. Historical and theoretical perspectives on the Web will also be addressed. Prerequisite: CS 120 with C or better. 3 hours. Offered alternate years in Spring.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-301 Special Topics: Film Theory
An intensive study focusing on a singular application of film theory with an emphasis on contemporary cultural and critical theories Topics vary each term offered. Prerequisite: MEDA 120 or MEDA 250. 3 hours. May be repeated for credit. Offered alternate years. Meets Humanities core requirement.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-302 Documentary
The history, philosophy and analysis of the documentary. Explores the documentary as personal essay, autobiography, journalism, political propaganda and social advocacy. Prerequisite: MEDA 120. 3 hours. Offered alternate years. Meets Humanities core requirement.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-305 Designing for Electronic Media
Introduces students to the advanced tools and techniques associated with the design of rich media assets used for marketing and communication purposes. Prerequisite ARTST 110, MEDA 260. 3 hours. Spring.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-311 Writing for Electronic Media
Various forms of writing for radio and television. Includes extensive practice in preparing scripts for broadcast announcements, commercials, and narrative drama. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above and either MEDA 250 or MEDA 260. 3 hours. Spring.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-312 Screenwriting
Explores the art and business of screenwriting, acquainting students with various markets and techniques necessary to produce professional quality dramas for film and television. Emphasis will be on character development, story construction, dialogue, conflict and resolution. Prerequisite: Junior standing. 3 hours.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-320 Studio Video
The study of facts and practices of techniques in studio production. Emphasis on writing, lighting and directing. Introduction to post-production techniques. Prerequisite: MEDA 250. 3 hours. Spring.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-321 Sound Design
Develops a filmmaker's aesthetic appreciation of the sound element in film/video production. Participants will develop a historical understanding of sound's use in film, see and hear clips from selected works and familiarize themselves with equipment in sound design firsthand through hands-on exercises. Editing outside class is required. Prerequisites: MEDA 250. 3 hours. Spring.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-330 Field Video
The study and practice of Electronic Field Production with an emphasis on non-fiction production and non-linear editing. Prerequisite: MEDA-250. 3 hours. Spring alternate years.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-340 Reporting
Development of news-gathering and reporting skills, and techniques for the mass media. Prerequisite: MEDA 240. 3 hours. Fall alternate years.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-350 Integrated Media Production
Explores the use of advanced multimedia tools in the development of a significant multimedia project. Students combine the various fundamental principles of design and human technology interface to create a single interactive multimedia application for an external client. Prerequisite: MEDA 360. 3 hours. Spring.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-352 Pacific Productions: Production Coordin
Management/production experience with Pacific Productions. Requires Organization/management with Pacific Productions. Prerequisites: MEDA-250 and MEDA-320 or MEDA-330 and instructor consent. P/NP. 1-3 hours (maximum of 6 hours). May be repeated for credit.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-355 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-360 Integrated Media Proj Design
Provides students the opportunity to apply their advanced knowledge of interactive media to the planning and design of a major project. Using industry-standard project management methodologies, students develop a complete specification to define an interactive solution for an external client. Prerequisites: MEDA 260 and consent of instructor. 3 hours. Spring.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-363 Publication Editing & Design
Copy editing and print layout and design techniques with the emphasis on publication editing and design. 3 hours. Fall. Alternate years.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-370 Advanced Reporting
Investigation of in-depth reporting techniques with specific attention paid to background and analysis and the production of multi-source, multi-part stories. Emphasis is in idea conception and development as well as information gathering and packaging. Prerequisites: MEDA 240 and MEDA 340. 3 hours. Spring alternate years.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-395 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-401 Special Topics: Film Topographies
In-depth look at various film movements, genres and directors. Will focus on the question of "what is style?" by examining a wide range of formal conventions, film genres, narrative movements and industrial production techniques. Topic varies each term offered. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: MEDA 120 or MEDA 250. 3 hours. Meets Humanities core requirement.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-410 Communication Topics
In-depth study of various topics in speech communication. Subject varies each term offered. Prerequisite: Junior standing. May be repeated for credit. 3 hours. Mathies.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-422 Media Criticism
In-depth analysis of the relationship of the mass media and the political, social, philosophical and moral aspects of modern society. Includes historical and contemporary aspects of the modern mass media. Prerequisites: Senior standing, and MEDA-111 or MEDA-112. 3 hours. Meets Humanities core requirement.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-425 Media Topics
In-depth study of specific areas in mass communication and mass media. May be repeated for credit. 3 hours. Offered intermittently. (G)
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-434 Mass Communication Law & Regulation
The study of mass communication law and regulation including First Amendment theory, libel, slander, privacy, free press, and fair trial, obscenity, FCC regulation and copyright. Prerequisites: Senior standing, and MEDA 111 or 112 or consent of instructor. 3 hours. Fall. (G)
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-455 Special Topics
See department for description.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-475 Internship
An internship consists of a field experience in a student's specific career choice. Application of theories is emphasized. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Approved internship.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-480 Internship Seminar
An intensive review of internship experiences with emphasis on the media work experience and the community in which the experience was gained. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Approved internship. 1-3 hours. Students may not receive credit for MEDA 475 and MEDA 480 for the same internship experience. P/NP.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-491 Senior Capstone Film/Video
The Film/Video student creates a video or film studies project that demonstrates a culmination of the student's instruction in the department. The project will be expected to meet rigorous professional and/or academic standards. Emphasis is on planning, research and proposal of the project. Prerequisites: Senior standing and must be a Film/Video major. Instructor consent required. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
MEDA-492 Senior Capstone Film/Video
Second half of the year-long Film/Video Capstone Project. The emphasis is on the execution and finessing of the project. Prerequisite: MEDA 491. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
MEDA-493 Senior Capstone Integrated Media
The Integrated Media student creates an interactive and/or Web-based project that demonstrates a culmination of the student's education and experience in the department. The project will be expected to meet rigorous professional and/or academic standards. Emphasis is on the planning, research and design of the project. Prerequisite: Senior standing and must be an Integrated Media major. Instructor consent required. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
MEDA-494 Senior Capstone Integrated Media
Second half of the year-long Integrated Media Capstone Project. The emphasis is on the development, testing, and delivery of the project. Prerequisite: MEDA 493. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
MEDA-497 Senior Capstone Journalism/General Media
The student will engage in research or the creation of a written or visual project that demonstrates a culmination of the student's education and experience in the department. The project will be expected to meet rigorous professional and/or academic standards. Emphasis is on the planning, research and design of the project. Prerequisite: Senior standing and must be a Journalism or General Media major. Instructor consent required. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
MEDA-498 Senior Capstone Journalism/General Media
Second half of the year-long Journalism/General Media Capstone Project. The emphasis is on the writing, design, and publication or distribution of the project. Prerequisite: MEDA 497. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00