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. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
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. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-112 Media in Society
A survey of the evolution of the mass media and their role in society. Looks at historical development of print and electronic media as well as their status in today's world. Spring. Meets Humanities core requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-120 Film History and Analysis
Introduces the study of film by examining its history. Film movements, national cinemas, the development of technology, the evolution of the industry, and major directors are areas that are explored. Additionally, the course will introduce the student to film analysis by examining how the film's narrative form works in tandem with mise en scene, editing, cinematography and sound to create meaning. The course is international in scope and regular screenings are included. 4 hours plus additional film screening time. Fall. Meets Humanities core requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-122 Introduction to Digital Media
An introduction to producing, editing and publishing computer-based media including computer graphics, Web sites, and streaming media. Includes a survey of modern communications formats such as blogs, podcasts, and social networks. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
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 credit.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-151 Intercollegiate Forensics
Participating in intercollegiate forensics as part of the Pacific University team. Pass/No Pass. May be repeated for credit. 1 credit.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-153 Video Activism: Crewing
This integrated video production and studies course, is designed to enable students to engage the ways that: video media can impact identity formation; video media can be a means for self-empowerment; video media-making can be a tool for community building; video media can be a powerful tool for social change. Students will partner with non-profit groups whose objective it is to assist, better or enrich the community, and the students will collaborate on a video project as a means to further the non-profit group's goals. These groups' goals may include issues of social welfare, advocacy, environmental issues, sustainability, etc. Meets 3 hours with substantial group production work outside of the classroom expected. Non Film/Video majors may take MEDA 153 with no prior production experience. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
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. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
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. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
MEDA-230 Sustainability & American Media
This course explores how the media deals with environmental issues associated with the "Green" movement of sustainability and the images of local, national and international environmental problems. It will give special examination to the emergence of the green movement as an important media issue beginning in the 1970s; the way print, broadcast and entertainment media have presented the environment; the culture which they create and the viewer/reader's responses to these messages. Students will learn textual analysis of environmental news stories (print and television), documentary films, and children's programming. The course will pay particular attention to how these messages argue for a particular view of the natural world and the human relationship with the environment. 3 credits.
Credits: 3.00
MEDA-240 Writing for the Media
A course in basic media writing with emphasis on writing for print and electronic media. Spring. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-250 Elements of Production
Study of the various elements that come together to create video projects. This class investigates the creative possibilities of visual storytelling. Students produce short pieces in the narrative, experimental and documentary form. Includes production planning, camerawork, lighting, sound, and editing. Some time spent in the studio for application of learned techniques. Substantial production work outside of class is required. Prerequisite: MEDA 111 or MEDA 112 and MEDA 120. Fall and Spring. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
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. Fall. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
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. Offered alternate years in Spring. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-275 Internship
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-302 Documentary: Studies/Practice
The history, analysis and production of the documentary. Explores the documentary as personal essay, autobiography, journalism, political propaganda and social advocacy. Course provides a historical evolution of documentary form and students produce short documentary projects. Production work outside of class is required. Prerequisite: MEDA 120 and MEDA 250 each with a grade of C- or better. Offered alternate years. Meets Humanities core requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-303 Experimental: Studies & Practice
The History, analysis and production of experimental film. Explores the creative and the innovative in film form and content through different movements in experimental film history. Students produce short experimental and personal projects. Production work outside of class is required. Prerequisite: MEDA 120 and MEDA 250. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-304 Contemporary Explorations
This course will explore rotating contemporary topics such as sustainability, the environment, intercultural and interdisciplinary subjects through creative film/video productions. Emphasis will be placed in exploring a subject or a concept and expressing it in creative ways. Class could work on installation projects, travel projects or collaborations between disciplines. Prerequisite: MEDA 320. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
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. 4 credits. Spring.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-306 Animation: Studies & Practice
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. Prerequisite: MEDA 250. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-311 Electronic News
A course developing electronic news stories for broadcast and the web. Prerequisite: MEDA 112, MEDA 240, MEDA 250, and MEDA 340. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-320 Narrative Production: Script-Screen
With a focus on narrative modes of production, this class will guide students from project conception through principle photography. The class will cover short-screenplay writing and revision, storyboarding, production design, directing, sound recording and cinematography in the service of a creative narrative film production. Prerequisite: MEDA 250. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-322 Post Production
This class is a continuation of MEDA 320 Narrative Production and will guide students in the post-production process of their narrative film project which they have shot. Students will develop the critical and technical skills necessary to take the project through the sound design and editing process. Prerequisite: MEDA 320. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-335 Advanced Speaking & Presentations
As an extension of MEDA 101, this course explores the advanced theoretical and practical skills necessary for delivering a variety of oral presentations. Students are required to give at least two individual presentations and one group presentation. Strong emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking, organization, and oral presentation skills. Prerequisite: MEDA 101. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
MEDA-340 Reporting
Development of news-gathering and reporting skills, and techniques for the mass media. Prerequisite: MEDA 240. Fall alternate years. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
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. 4 credits. Spring.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-353 Video Activism
This integrated video production and studies course, is designed to enable students to engage the ways that: video media can impact identity formation; video media can be a means for self-empowerment; video media-making can be a tool for community building; video media can be a powerful tool for social change. Students will partner with non-profit groups whose objective it is to assist, better or enrich the community, and the students will collaborate on a video project as a means to further the non-profit group's goals. These groups' goals may include issues of social welfare, advocacy, environmental issues, sustainability, etc. Meets 3 hours with substantial group production work outside of the classroom expected. Prerequisite: MEDA 320. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
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. Spring. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-363 Publication Editing & Design
Copy editing and print layout and design techniques with the emphasis on publication editing and design. Fall. Alternate years. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
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. Spring alternate years. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-395 Independent Study
See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
MEDA-401 Narrative Film Theory & Criticism
Explores a Film Movement, genre, or director to explore major film theories and movements, with an emphasis on contemporary issues in film theory (feminist, post-colonial, etc.) Prerequisite: MEDA 120. May be repeated for credit. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-425 Special Topics in the Media Arts
A rotating topics course that focuses on important and timely media-related issues related to the social, cultural, creative, ethical, and legal landscape of media creation, distribution, and utilization. May be repeated when content varies. Offered intermittently. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-434 Mass Media Law and Ethics
A study of the legal and ethical parameter in which the media work. Prerequisite: Senior standing and MEDA 111 or MEDA 112. Spring. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
MEDA-450 Pacific Index-Management
Working in an editorial or advertising management position for the student newspaper. Instructor consent required. May be repeated for credit. Pass/No Pass. 2 credits.
Credits: 2.00
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. Students may not receive credit for MEDA 475 and MEDA 480 for the same internship experience. Pass/No Pass. 1-4 credits.
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