Southern Oregon University

• 2007 - 2008 Catalog

This program provides an in-depth exploration of the development and delivery of interactive multimedia and Internet content. It examines the latest developments in multimedia technologies, techniques, and theory, with emphasis on using new media for electronic publishing, computer-based training, distributed learning, corporate communications, and desktop presentations. The program also helps students develop project management and interdisciplinary teamwork skills.

In addition to examining the hardware and software involved in creating new media, the courses explore historical perspectives, design considerations, and evolving issues in multimedia. Students gain extensive hands-on experience using both Macs and Windows-based computers. They work with CD-ROMs, DVDs, digital cameras, digital video, animation, color scanners, the Web, and authoring software. Applied multimedia courses demonstrate the numerous applications of these new technologies in a wide range of disciplines, with special consideration given to applying these tools in the student’s area of major study. Classes are suitable for students from any major.

Requirements for the Minor

A minimum of 24 credits in approved courses.

Required Courses

Introduction to Multimedia (AM 233)

4

Choose 12 to 20 credits from the following:

Digital Photography (AM 250)	4
Design for Multimedia (AM 334)	4
Digital Video (AM 335)	4
Multimedia Authoring (AM 336)	4
Web Authoring (AM 337)	4
Web Interface Design, Graphics, and Animation (AM 338)	4
Audio for Multimedia (AM 339)	4
Seminar: Selected Topics (AM 407)	1–4
Multimedia Practicum (AM 409)	1–6

Electives

Choose up to 8 credits from the following courses (selected with advisor approval):

Introduction to Digital Media (ART 250)	4
Digital Animation Studio (ART 352)	4
Digital 3D Modeling and Lighting Studio (ART 353)	4
Digital 3D Animation Studio (ART 354)	4
Computer Applications in Chemistry (CH 371)	3
Computer Imaging (CS 315)	4
Computer Graphics (CS 316)	4
Advanced Field Production (VP 315)	4
Applied Editing Techniques for Field and Studio Production (VP 375)	4

Applied Multimedia Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

AM 233 Introduction to Multimedia

4 credits

Provides an overview of and introduction to multimedia production as used in training, education, and commercial applications. Exposes students to multimedia software and technologies via extensive hands-on experience. Topics include digital photography, image manipulation, desktop video, and multimedia authoring. Focuses on instructional design, applications, and career opportunities. Four hours of lecture a week. Prerequisite: Basic computer literacy demonstrated by a class such as CS 115.

AM 250 Digital Photography

4 credits

Provides an overview of and introduction to the world of digital photography and digital imaging. Serves as an entryway to further study in the world of digital imaging and multimedia production. Students gain an understanding of what features are desirable and how to use the creative controls of a digital camera.

Upper Division Courses

AM 309 Practicum

Credits to be arranged

AM 334 Design for Multimedia

4 credits

Covers text, color, graphics, and layout in multimedia production, including the technical aspects of optimizing visuals and text for the screen. Includes design projects using Adobe Photoshop and interactive multimedia software. Introduces the basic concepts of screen design for students without a design background. Other topics include designing for a target audience, design aesthetics, and file formats. Four hours of recitation a week. Prerequisite: AM 233.

AM 335 Digital Video

4 credits

Involves use of digital video software to create and edit in a nonlinear environment on a desktop computer. Students utilize full-screen, full-motion video; learn to import video, audio, and graphic elements into the computer; apply special effects; and edit a production that could be converted to videotape or used as part of a DVD, CD-ROM, Web page, or desktop presentation. Compares analog and digital editing throughout the course. Four hours of lecture a week. Prerequisite: AM 233.

AM 336 Multimedia Authoring

4 credits

Examines the fundamentals of using an authoring package to create a multimedia production such as a CD-ROM. Teaches students how to use Macromedia Director, a popular authoring software used by multimedia professionals. Covers animation, painting tools, text manipulation, sound, and screen transitions. Students use basic scripting in Lingo (Director’s programming language) to control the interactive parts of the production. Discusses project management, flowcharting, and interface design. Four hours of lecture a week. Prerequisite: AM 233.

AM 337 Web Authoring

4 credits

Explores the fundamentals of Web authoring for Internet and intranet use. Students create Web sites using HTML scripting and Web-authoring software. Techniques and guidelines include standard formatting and advanced Web page design. Lectures, readings, and hands-on tutorials allow students to develop skills in these techniques and to explore emerging technologies that expand the interactive capabilities of Web sites. Prerequisite: AM 233.

AM 338 Web Interface Design, Graphics, and Animation

4 credits

Covers the principles of creating functional navigation for Web sites and multimedia productions. Students explore user interface issues, techniques, and theories via lectures, readings, and hands-on experiences. Topics include 2D vector animation, Web graphics, and multimedia delivery over the Web. Examines design fundamentals for creating Web sites that communicate to a specific audience. Prerequisite: AM 233.

AM 339 Audio for Multimedia

4 credits

A hardware- and software-based approach exploring the production of digital audio for various uses. The lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experience will include a definition of sound and digital audio, concepts in audio hardware and software, and sound synthesis. Prerequisite: AM 233.

AM 399 Special Studies

Credits to be arranged

Individual special studies in multimedia, Web, animation, and video. May incorporate studies in Web authoring, design, planning, technical production, and supervision. Prerequisites: AM 233 and instructor consent.

AM 407/507 Selected Topics in Multimedia Seminar

1 to 4 credits

Covers various cutting-edge topics in the realm of multimedia production. Offers seminars in background foundations. Prerequisites: AM 233 and one other applied multimedia course.

AM 409/509 Practicum in Multimedia

1 to 6 credits

Students perform on-site production of multimedia materials. This may be in a company specializing in multimedia production or one that uses multimedia in a supplemental manner. Includes weekly class sessions in which students share their experiences and ask questions. Guest speakers and selected lecturers are also part of the seminar sessions. Prerequisites: AM 233 and one other applied multimedia course.