Course descriptions for Teledramatic Arts Technology

Studies a particular topic in Teledramatic Arts & Technology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

Ottermedia: Students create and host web and cable-casted programs meant to enrich the CSUMB community and the world.

Seminar class addresses creative concept development and feasibility assessment of ideas. (Offered fall semester.)

Seminar class outlines planning process, roles, tasks, timelines, budgets, and deliverables. (Offered fall semester.)

Seminar class outlines production management role, responsibilities, and tasks. (Offered fall semester.)

Seminar class provides overview of marketing, promotions, and press planning and execution. (Offered fall semester.)

Seminar class examines distribution research resources and opportunities for local and global reach with a focus on an entrepreneurial approach. (Offered spring semester.)

Seminar class provides overview of general business skills for creative production, such as not-for-profit and contractor status, contracts, etc. (Offered spring semester.)

Introduction to Animation: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the techniques, theory, history and cultural significance of animation. Students will explore the history of animation as an entertainment and art form as well as demonstrate and apply basic skills in traditional (cell/stop motion) and digital animation techniques. The course also covers basic pre-production, production and distribution skills for small and larger scale (collaborative) projects. Incoming students are expected to be comfortable with drawing, group work and have familiarity with basic digital media tools.

Introduction to Animation Lab: This lab is offered in conjunction with the ITCD/TAT209 lecture section. Students will use studio and digital tools to complete projects that relate directly to the lecture content. Students are expected to be comfortable with studio drawing tools as well as digital image software and have an ability to functionally adapt to new software. Students must take the lab during the same semester as the lecture.

Introduces the theoretical and practical fundamentals of audio production, technology, and terminology. The may include exercises using available equipment, an introduction to the lexicon of audio production, and an understanding of the selection and use of audio tools that support radio, television, video, film and multimedia production. Students will have practice in the field and studio for broad/podcast and screen.

Survey course examines the impact of digital and networked technology on cinematic narrative. (Offered fall semester.)

Survey course examining contemporary formats in popular TV, such as the reality TV genre, innovative production techniques, and programming formats. (Offered fall semester.)

Survey course examines current topics in radio production existing outside a corporate scope, such as pirate radio for political rights, or independent production online. (Offered fall semester.)

Survey course examines the relationship between movies and gaming and its impact on popular narrative. (Offered fall semester.)

Survey course examines the role of networked and global communication on narrative production. (Offered spring semester.)

Survey course examines the relationship of viewers and users to electronic media and contemporary social and cultural development. (Offered spring semester.)

Intensive workshop course provides basic production skills in DVD distribution. Students learn to output existing content on DVD for simple playback. Prep for TAT420. (Offered fall semester.)

Intensive workshop course provides basic production skills in Web distribution. Students learn to prepare and deliver video for broadband distribution. Prep for TAT320, and TAT321. (Offered fall semester.)

For non-TAT majors. Introduces fundamental concepts of storytelling and how to create teledramatic ideas and content. Explores various story forms using sound, image, and text to investigate the storytelling components of character, plot, action, theme, metaphor, dramatic structure, spectacle, language, rhythm, and audience.

Repeatable survey course. Explores film genres by theme that may change each semester, e.g. rock 'n roll cinema, film noir, gangster movies, spaghetti westerns (check BANNER each semester for specific topics). Classic films screened in large-screen 35mm format, 16mm, DVD, laserdisc, or VHS. Course outcomes foster independent, critical perspectives on the films viewed, and help students develop a deepened understanding and appreciation of the art and craft of filmmaking.

Powerful films have changed culture, impacted the Celluloid medium and can change viewers! This course introduces the practice of narrative film analysis and appreciation through a unique combination of screenings, creative projects, writing assignments, readings and close case studies of film sequences. During the course of this class, students will engage in series of creative, reflective and analytical exercises, gaining deeper understanding for the way moving images exercise social and emotional power.

Introduces concepts and practice of video and media production, both in the studio and in the field. Students learn skills in camera operation, lighting, audio, and editing, produce various video productions. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of digital video based media production by creating meaningful, innovative and contemporary projects. While reading and discussing theory and analysis of contemporary media practice, students will be introduced to the technology of video production and non-linear editing. Students will develop methods of research, planning and pre-production. New Media integration into the video process will be incorporated into discussions of video production.

Required lab course for TAT 237.

Foundation course for TAT majors to outline requirements in the TAT major needed for successful graduation. Addresses ethical issues in teledramatic fields, including the role of intellectual property rights, morality/censorship, privacy, free expression, and the power of teledramatic work on audiences. Emphasizes writing, reading, and critical thinking in the field of teledramatics.

Practical Application: Students develop collaborative production and skills while working on interdisciplinary projects, including senior projects, campus-wide faculty- led production and community-based projects.

Students learn basics of production lighting design. Basic principles of light. Includes script analysis, basic 3 point lighting, fill, key, differences between perceived (live, stage) light, and recorded light (video, film). Addresses various formats including lighting production for video and film. (Offered spring semester.)

Sound Design: Students learn basics of production sound design. Includes script analysis, recording of original sound, and acquisition of existing audio; introduces foley production. Addresses various formats including sound postproduction for video, film, and new media. (Offered fall semester.)

Introduction to spatial and temporal visual design. Includes fundamentals of graphic design and aesthetic principles. Outlines basic visualization techniques, and design communication for moving-image media. Introduces art and creative direction, and set and production design. (Offered fall semester.)

Study of select history, theory, and practice. Introduces narrative principles of interactivity, nonlinearity, and the role of networks in new media. Teaches the fundamental concepts and skills of hypertext narrative, web video, and 2D animation for creation and distribution of new media narratives online. Explores emergent forms such as games and wireless. (Offered fall semester.)

Project based course focuses on select aspects of new media production, such as web video, 2D animation, interactive storytelling, and experimental narrative. Students develop aesthetics and techniques for conceiving, producing, and distributing Internet-based narratives. May address audio/video, still image, coding, networks, and handheld devices. Explores emergent forms such as games and wireless. (Offered spring semester.)

Study of select history, theory, and practice of live performance that integrates technology. Explores production techniques for incorporating prerecorded and live-feed video in live performance. Explores new applications and emergent forms such as real-time video manipulation, and wireless environments (Offered fall semester.)

Introduction to the history of the media arts disciplines of radio, TV broadcast, film, and new media with an emphasis on a chronological and technological throughline. Analyzes seminal works with select examples demonstrating the interrelationship of shared principles over time.

Second semester of a two-semester course sequence through which students examine the history, aesthetics, production technologies and cultural impact of media arts media, including film, broadcast video, radio, and new media. Primarily analyzes the genres, theoires, and aesthetic trends which span across all media.

Explores the basic elements of narrative from a number of different perspectives. Considers what stories are, how stories are communicated, and how audiences receive them. Concepts are applied to analysis of media texts in film, radio, TV, and new media. Explores alternatives to, and contemporary transformations of, classic narrative structure. Pays special attention to contemporary narrative trends, in particular the effect of new media on storytelling.

Introduces media principles and tools to help make learning more creative, alive, interactive, and fun. Using theatre games, improvisations, story dramatizations, and creative dramatics, student collaborative groups learn the process for producing plays that stretch their imaginations and their problem-solving skills. (Offered fall semester.)

Introduces the basic theory, concepts, and practice of video and television production, both in the studio and in the field. Students learn skills in camera operation, lighting, audio, and editing, to produce various video/TV productions.

Required lab course for TAT 337.

Introduces the history, theory, and practice of both broadcast and Internet radio in today's global society. Includes the study of the history, uses, and current status of radio and Internet audio throughout the world. Students learn the basics of audio production, including field and studio production, internet streaming, nonlinear editing, research, and interviewing skills. (Offered fall semester.)

A production course in which students make industry-standard music videos, while exploring this mode of production's history in Avant-Garde Narrative and Documentary practice. Focusing on early and contemporary works avant-garde cinema, music video, and experimental documentary. (Offered spring semester.)

Required lab course for TAT 339. (Offered spring semester.)

An overview of the script writing process focusing on the basics of dramatic writing across teledramatic disciplines. Provides preparation for documentary and narrative, short-format screenwriting and stage plays. Requires extensive reading and creative writing.

Teaches the tools of the narrative film/video director's art. Working in small production groups, students learn to break down scripted material in order to prepare to shoot dramatic scenes and sequences on camera. Students learn techniques for working with actors on camera. Applies production planning and management skills. (Offered spring semester.)

Required lab course for TAT 341. (Offered spring semester.)

Training in the principles of effective vocal production and articulation for performing actors on stage, in broadcasting, and before the camera. Involves exercises designed to free the natural voice: removing tension, increasing resonance, facilitating breathing response, and maximizing effectiveness of speech. (Offered spring semester.)

Students learn digital nonlinear editing and the concepts of digitizing, editing, and outputting content using industry-standard software packages. Includes script analysis and working with directors. Applies techniques and principles for editing various types of projects including music video, documentary, and narrative.

Students learn how to work with 16mm motion picture film, including how to operate professional synch and non-synch 16 cameras, film lighting, and film equipment. Students write and shoot several exercises and short films during the semester. (Offered fall semester.)

Students refine skills with an emphasis on exploring and developing cinematic style. Synch sound short films produced in class. (Offered spring semester.)

Combines study of documentary history, theory, and practice. Students learn how to plan, organize, and produce documentaries. Students produce a short documentary on video. (Offered fall semester.)

Select project is researched, developed, produced, and distributed through one or two semesters of this repeatable course. Integrates teledramatic concepts of convergence, integration, and digital distribution. Investigates cross-disciplinary media production. (Offered spring semester.)

Produces content for broadcast on KAZU public radio and OtterStream. Includes live studio talk shows, live music programs, radio theatre, and weekly internet DJ programming. Students learn field and studio production, nonlinear editing, on-air vocal techniques, and radio administration. (Offered spring semester.)

Focuses on the production and broadcast of various types of studio TV programming such as talk show, drama, and situation comedy. Students collaborate with other courses to develop content, then produce, crew, edit, and broadcast programming on the TAT channel. (Offered fall semester.)

Project based course developing and producing content in collaboration with other courses, the community, university, or others.

Student proposed Internship as part of an approved Individualized Learning Plan.

Student proposed course of study on select topic in Teledramatic Arts and Technology as part of an approved Individualized Learning Plan.

Students receive experience in the basics of presenting, promoting, and distributing teledramatic events (film festivals, Internet streaming of TV, radio, and theatre productions). Students are required to select, coordinate, supervise, and facilitate all aspects of teledramatic presentation, including leading a lecture and discussion.

Working with community-based organizations, students will participate in service activities or projects with external communities and integrate the service experience with specific outcomes, written reflections, discussion, and evaluation.

Students learn the basic DVD authoring and production process, including principles of interface design for still and motion menu authoring, audio and video encoding, and disc burning. Emphasis on creative application of DVD form for narrative application such as branching narratives, alternate endings, and multilingual narratives. (Offered spring semester.)

Students learn the motion graphics design and production process, including principles of spatial and temporal graphic design for animation, film titles, TV graphics, and broadband content. Introduces compositing and special effects techniques. (Offered fall semester.)

Short format, animated production. Course developing aesthetic and technical skills to manipulate live-action video and produce 2D animation. Includes delivery to Internet, film/video, and broadcast. (Offered spring semester.)

Demystifies the process of compositing, or creating special effects for film and video by combining images from different sources - such as live-action digital video, digitized film, computer generated 3-D, 2-D animations, painted backdrops, digital still photographs, and text. Topics inlcude color keying, rotoscoping, matte painting, motion tracking, and lighting.

Focuses on media support of digital studio productions, broadcasts, and live performances. Students learn advanced techniques such as live compositing, live fiber transmission and switching, computer projection, site-specific support, etc. Configures multimedia playback systems. Operates and maintains TAT networked lab.

Focuses on the programming and distribution (broadcast, streaming) of digital studio productions. Students are assigned to review, select, and prepare programming; develop programming schedule; and operate and maintain TAT communications (cable channel, Internet stream).

Provides intensive editorial review and revision techniques for original scripts or teledramatic adaptations which are already in first draft form. Students learn the rewrite process and work to develop their drafts into finished scripts, ready for production. (Offered spring semester.)

Students learn form, style, pacing, and advanced techniques in editing including titles and effects work, and output in various formats. (Offered spring semester.)

Research and Development: Students practice research skills, engage in creative writing, and develop marketing and pitching proposals. The major outcome is a preproduction portfolio.

Students complete the Capstone project as conceived and planned in TAT 490. Students complete the TAT MLO processes of production, postproduction, and distribution. Completed projects are presented to the public at the TAT Capstone Festival.