Design and Media Production Technology (AAS) (DAM3)  Degree


Design and Media Production Technology prepares students for employment in a variety of media production industries. The program emphasizes hands on production in the following specialized areas: Computer Animation, Graphic Design and Prepress, Motion Graphics, Photography, Video Production, and Web Interface Design.

General Education Core (15 Credits)
Area I: Language Arts/Communication (3 Credits)
ENGL 1101
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010

Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice revision and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II: Social/Behavioral Sciences (Choose ONE course.) (3 Credits)
ECON 1101

Provides a description and analysis of economic operations in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of economic concepts and policies as they apply to everyday life. Topics include basic economic principles; economic forces and indicators; capital and labor; price competition and monopoly; money and banking; government expenditures federal and local; fluctuations in production employment and income; and United States economy in perspective

3
ECON 2105

Provides a description and analysis of macroeconomic principles and policies. Topics include basic economic principles macroeconomic concepts equilibrium in the goods and money markets macroeconomic equilibrium and the impact of fiscal and monetary policies.

3
ECON 2106

Provides an analysis of the ways in which consumers and business firms interact in a market economy. Topics include basic economic principles consumer choice behavior of profit maximizing firms modeling of perfect competition monopoly oligopoly and monopolistic competition.

3
HIST 1111

Emphasizes the study of intellectual, cultural, scientific, political, and social contributions of the civilizations of the world and the evolution of these civilizations during the period from the prehistoric era to early modern times. Topics include the Prehistoric Era the Ancient Near East, Ancient India, Ancient China, Ancient Rome, Ancient Africa, Islam, the Americas, Japan, Ancient Greece, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.

3
HIST 1112

Emphasizes the study of intellectual, cultural, scientific, political, and social contributions of the civilizations of the world and the evolution of these civilizations during the period from the prehistoric era to early modern times. Topics include the Prehistoric Era the Ancient Near East, Ancient India, Ancient China, Ancient Rome, Ancient Africa, Islam, the Americas, Japan, Ancient Greece, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.

3
HIST 2111

Emphasizes the study of U. S. History to 1877 to include the post-Civil War period. The course focuses on the period from the Age of Discovery through the Civil War to include geographical intellectual political economic and cultural development of the American people. It includes the history of Georgia and its constitutional development. Topics include colonization and expansion; the Revolutionary Era; the New Nation; nationalism sectionalism and reform; the Era of Expansion; and crisis Civil War and reconstruction.

3
HIST 2112

Emphasizes the study of the social cultural and political history of the United States from 1865 to the beginning of the twenty-first century and will equip the student to better understand the problems and challenges of the contemporary world in relation to events and trends in modern American history. The course also provides an overview of the history of Georgia and the development of its constitution. Topics include the Reconstruction Period; the great West the new South and the rise of the debtor; the Gilded Age; the progressive movement; the emergence of the U. S. in world affairs; the Roaring Twenties; the Great Depression; World War II; the Cold War and the 1950*s; the 1960*s and 1970*s; and America since 1980.

3
POLS 1101

Emphasizes study of government and politics in the United States. The focus of the course will provide an overview of the Constitutional foundations of the American political processes with a focus on government institutions and political procedures. The course will examine the constitutional framework federalism civil liberties and civil rights public opinion the media special interest groups political parties and the election process along with the three branches of government. In addition this course will examine the processes of Georgia state government. Topics include foundations of government political behavior and governing institutions.

3
PSYC 1101

Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design the organization and operation of the nervous system sensation and perception learning and memory motivation and emotion thinking and intelligence lifespan development personality psychopathology and interventions stress and health and social psychology.

3
SOCI 1101

Explores the sociological analysis of society its culture and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts socialization social interaction and culture social groups and institutions deviance and social control social stratification social change and marriage and family.

3
Area III: Natural Sciences/Mathematics (Choose ONE course below.) (3 Credits)
MATH 1101

Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.

3
MATH 1103
Prerequisite: MATH 0098D

3
MATH 1111

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
Area IV: Humanities/Fine Arts (Choose ONE course below.) (3 Credits)
ARTS 1101

Explores the visual arts and the relationship to human needs and aspirations. Students investigate the value of art, themes in art, the elements and principles of composition, and the materials and processes used for artistic expression. Well-known works of visual art are explored. The course encourages student interest in the visual arts beyond the classroom.

3
ENGL 2130
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills.

3
HUMN 1101
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Explores the philosophic and artistic heritage of humanity expressed through a historical perspective on visual arts music and literature. The humanities provide insight into people and society. Topics include historical and cultural developments contributions of the humanities and research.

3
MUSC 1101

Explores the formal elements of musical composition, musical form and style, and the relationship of music to historical periods. The course includes listening and analysis of well known works of music. This course encourages student interest in musical arts beyond the classroom.

3
RELG 1101
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Introduction to World Religions is a survey course of the history, practice, and modern relevance of the world's religious traditions. Through the study of religion and its influence on history and culture, greater insight and understanding of diverse populations can be attained. Topics include an overview of significant religious traditions from around the world, critical analysis of the relationships between religions and artistic traditions, and critical analysis of the influence of religion on culture, politics, and history.

3
Elective: General Education (Choose ONE course below.) (3 Credits)
BIOL 1111L

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 1111. The laboratory exercises for this course include chemical principles related to cells, cell structure and function, energy and metabolism, cell division, protein synthesis, genetics, biotechnology, and evolution.

1
BIOL 1112L
Prerequisite: BIOL 1111L

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 1112. The laboratory exercises for this course include classification and characterizations of organisms, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, principles of ecology, and biosphere.

1
CHEM 1211L

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in CHEM 1211. The laboratory exercises for this course include measurement, physical and chemical properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, stoichiometry and gas laws.

1
CHEM 1212L
Prerequisite: CHEM 1212L

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in CHEM 1212. The laboratory exercises for this course include equilibrium theory, kinetics, thermodynamics, solution chemistry, acid-base theory, and nuclear chemistry.

1
MATH 1113

Prepares students for calculus. The topics discussed include an intensive study of polynomial rational exponential logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their graphs. Applications include simple maximum and minimum problems exponential growth and decay.

3
MATH 1127

Emphasizes the concepts and methods fundamental to utilizing and interpreting commonly used statistics. Topics include descriptive statistics basic probability discrete and continuous distributions sampling distributions hypothesis testing chi square tests and linear regression.

3
MATH 1131

Topics include the study of limits and continuity derivatives and integrals of functions of one variable. Applications are incorporated from a variety of disciplines. Algebraic trigonometric exponential and logarithmic functions are studied.

4
MATH 1132

This course includes the study of techniques of integration, application of the definite integral, an introduction to differential equations,improper integrals, sequences, and series.

4
BIOL 1111

Provides an introduction to basic biological concepts with a focus on living cells. Topics include: chemical principles related to cells; cell structure and function; energy and metabolism; cell division; protein synthesis; genetics; biotechnology and evolution.

3
BIOL 1112

Provides an introduction to basic animal and plant diversity, structure and function including reproduction and development, and the dynamics of ecology as it pertains to populations, communities, ecosystems, and biosphere. Topics include classification and characterizations of organisms, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, principles of ecology, and biosphere.

3
PHYS 1110L
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in PHYS 1110. The laboratory exercises for this course include systems of units and systems of measurement, vector algebra, Newtonian mechanics, fluids and thermodynamics, heat, light, and optics, mechanical waves, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.

1
CHEM 1211

Provides an introduction to basic chemical principles and concepts which explain the behavior of matter. Topics include: measurement, physical and chemical properties of matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry and gas laws.

3
CHEM 1212

Continues the exploration of basic chemical principles and concepts. Topics include equilibrium theory, kinetics, thermodynamics, solution chemistry, acid-base theory, and nuclear chemistry.

3
PHYS 1111L
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in PHYS 1111. The laboratory exercises for this course include units of measurement, Newton's laws, work energy and power, momentum and collisions, one- and two-dimensional motion, circular motion and law of gravity, rotational dynamics and static equilibrium, elasticity theory, harmonic motion, theory of heat and heat transfer, thermodynamics, wave motion, and sound.

1
PHYS 1110

Introduces some of the basic laws of physics. Topics include: systems of units and conversion of units, vector algebra, Newtonian mechanics, fluids and thermodynamics, heat, light, and optics, mechanical waves, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.

3
PHYS 1111

The first course of two algebra and trigonometry based courses in the physics sequence. Topics include material from mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, momentum and collisions, rotational motion, static equilibrium, elasticity theory, and simple harmonic motion), mechanical waves, theory of heat and heat transfer, and thermodynamics.

3
PHYS 1112L

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in PHYS 1112. The laboratory exercises for this course include material from electricity and magnetism, geometric optics, and physical optics.

1
PHYS 1112

The second of two algebra and trigonometry based courses in the physics sequence. Topics include material from electricity and magnetism (electric charge, electric forces and fields, electric potential energy, electric potential, capacitance, magnetism, electric current, resistance, basic electric circuits, alternating current circuits, and electromagnetic waves), geometric optics (reflection and refraction), and physical optics (interference and diffraction).

3
Occupational Courses (46 Credits)
Required Courses: (16 Credits)
DMPT 1000

Introduces students to the fundamentals of design concepts, including design, composition and layout, color theory and typography.

4
DMPT 1005

This course is an introduction to the creation of vector imagery. Students will learn to draw illustrations transform objects work with layers patterns brushes and filters use effects and create graphics for the various applications. The focus will be on learning the essential tools basic operation and commands used in the creation of vector graphics used in different media fields.

4
DMPT 1010
Prerequisite: DMPT 1000

In the Raster Imaging course the student becomes acquainted with the concepts and software related raster image manipulation. The student is introduced to the workspace and tools used in an image editing software and will learn basic image editing techniques.

4
DMPT 2930
Prerequisite: DMPT 1010

Emphasis is placed on student*s production of portforlio-quality pieces. Focuses on the preparation for entry into the job market.

4
Select one of the following Technology courses: (3 Credits)
COMP 1000

Introduces the fundamental concepts terminology and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology the Windows environment Internet and email word processing software spreadsheet software database software and presentation software.

3
DMPT 1055

Covers the basics of computer terminology, operating systems, and input and output devices, file formatting, file management, and overview of software.

4
Occupational Electives: (Choose 20 credit hours below.) (20 Credits)
DMPT 1015

Introduces beginning student to basic drawing techniques. Student will complete drawings using various techniques and media.

0
DMPT 1020

Introduces student to an overview of photography. Students will be introduced to parts of a camera photography processes and lighting setup and will complete various projects using a camera.

4
DMPT 1025

Students will produce photographs using a variety of commercial lighting techniques and common studio setups, and compositing practices. Students will be required to produce a portfolio of their photography in a variety of formats. 

4
DMPT 1040

This course familiarizes the student with traditional animation methodology, use of key poses, breakdowns, and timing charts. These methods are then applied to each of the 12 basic principles of animation. The course also introduces the history of animated film, various techniques used to create animation, and important animated short films.

4
DMPT 1500

An introduction to the fundamentals of television production. Students will be introduced to the process of television production, technical aspects of video signals, video cameras, video processing, television lighting, audio related to television production, producing, directing, editing, video recording and playback operation. Students will participate in studio production including producing and directing projects. Production theory, terminology, and production techniques are also introduced, with an emphasis on the function and operation of equipment to achieve basic broadcast production skills.

4
DMPT 1600

This course is an introduction to the creative and technical aspects of video production. Students will learn the basic terminology and techniques of video production through analysis of produced video works as well as hands-on experience. Students will be introduced to basic digital video production including: pre-production and planning, camera operation and framing, lighting, sound, and post-production with basic editing.

4
DMPT 2100

This course focuses on the design challenges associated with the development of symbol systems, logos, environmental graphics and information graphics. Students will use their knowledge of vector and raster applications for further study into the use of typographic treatment and graphic images.

4
DMPT 2105

This course is an introduction to graphic design production using page layout software. Students will be introduced to the essential terminology tools and stages of workflow in the graphic design process.

4
DMPT 2110

Using skills learned in the page layout course, students will design projects relating to the challenges associated with multiple page formats.

4
DMPT 2125
Prerequisite: DMPT 1010

The student will refine imaging skills and apply concepts in advanced techniques of raster imaging.

4
DMPT 2135
Prerequisite: DMPT 1020

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the principles and theories of photojournalism. It concentrates on the principles of personal and social documentary photography. It is also designed to increase understanding of photography as a communication tool and to train the student to translate ideas and information into photographic form.

4
DMPT 2300

This course lays the foundation for an in-depth study of web Interface design. Students will be exposed to the basics of design fundamentals, information architecture, interface structure, and graphic element creation. These studies will be used as a basis to develop comprehensive web layouts and navigation systems. Topics include: design elements, project planning, thumbnails and wireframes, web anatomy, sitemap and user-flows, common usability problems, UI libraries and mock-ups.

4
DMPT 2400

An introduction to 3D Animation software and component visualization. Students will be introduced to software and basic techniques to begin creating models and material for animation projects. Students will also be introduced to basic lighting and animation concepts so that they will be able to develop a complete animation using 3D software at the end of this course.

4
DMPT 2405
Prerequisite: DMPT 2400

This course covers the fundamentals of computer geometry by creating the basic elements that make computer models: surfaces, NURBS, polygon, mesh and subdivisions. Students will also be introduced to production techniques that includes preparing reference images fo modeling aid, rendering and output of models.

4
DMPT 2410
Prerequisite: DMPT 2400

Introduces the students to concepts for creating textures and lighting for 3D computer graphics. Students will explore in-depth th various ways to create and apply texture and lighting to the 3D models.

4
DMPT 2415
Prerequisite: DMPT 2405

This course introduces fundamental rigging techniques used to prepare a modeled character for animation. The course will focus on the essential tools and techniques, used for body and facial character rigging, skinning, skin weighting, and blend shapes.

4
DMPT 2420
Prerequisite: DMPT 2415

This course will focus on tying together all the various stages of production, including concept development, materials creation, rigging and animation, and post-producton.

4
DMPT 2445
Prerequisite: DMPT 2400

This course introduces two dimensional animation principles and best practices. The student will develop and produce an animated short film using 2 dimensional animation software.

4
DMPT 2440
Prerequisite: DMPT 2400

This course will introduce students to the historical development of video games. Students will learn about the various game genres game design platforms game analysis and identifying careers in the game industry.

4
DMPT 2460
Prerequisite: DMPT 2445

This course is a further exploration into the capabilities of two dimensional animation with an emphasis on character driven animation. The students will design and create various animated character studies in 2D and produce a short film.

4
DMPT 2520

This course focuses on lighting techniques for television production and on the tools of lighting for television and film. The student will learn about lighting and grip equipment and techniques for their use in the audio and field. The course will consist of extensive demonstration, lab and project work.

4
DMPT 2525

Students will be introduced to writing formats for news, promotion, press releases, commercial television and radio productions and dramatic screenplays. Emphasis will be placed on correct writing styles and conceptualization for each application. Students will adapt an existing work to create an original script for the screen.

4
DMPT 2600

An introduction to basic audio and video editing techniques used in digital video production with non-linear software. Students will be introduced to the primary feature set and interface of video editing software and will learn to perform basic editing functions that include setup, adjusting and customizing preferences and settings, capturing video and audio, various editing and trimming techniques and tools, audio editing and audio creation, finishing and output.

4
DMPT 2605
Prerequisite: DMPT 1010

This course introduces how to create and animate motion graphics. Students will learn to create dynamic animated titles and logos, animate raster and vector image file graphics, composite and edit multi-layered special effects using footage, work with shapes and masks, work with 3D elements, apply and animate various effect filters, and analyze and compress digital video for different output specifications. Students will be exposed to compositing concepts, techniques, and terminology used in finalizing a video or animation project.

4
DMPT 2610
Prerequisite: DMPT 2605

This course will expose students to advanced techniques used in finalizing a video or animation project using compositing software. The class will reinforce compositing concepts, workflow techniques and terminology that students have learned in previous classes. More advanced tools and techniques will be introduced to focus on overall project workflow.

3
DMPT 2615
Prerequisite: DMPT 2600

This course will focus on more advanced editing and finishing techniques. Students will explore different editing styles and techniques for different genres and learn how to use these techniques to create complex compositions with polished transitions fix screen direction errors edit multi-camera projects edit and mix audio work with nested sequences create effects use filters creatively color correct video and manage clips and media.

4
DMPT 2630
Prerequisite: DMPT 2600

The course will introduce students to the intermediate and advanced techniques for post-production audio for film and video using specialized software such as Adobe Audition or Pro-Tools. Students will learn the concept of sound design and use techniques such as re-recording dialogue and creating Foley to enrich the sound of finished projects. Students will also learn mixing techniques to ensure that all elements are audible final projects.

4
DMPT 2640
Prerequisite: DMPT 2600

The course will introduce students to color balancing and grading techniques.

4
DMPT 2650
Prerequisite: DMPT 2605

The course will teach students techniques in compositing video with visual effects which includes incorporating 3D elements and pre-keyed footage, applying digital lighting and shading techniques, and applying 3rd party plugins with the goal of creating realistic-looking visual effects.

4
DMPT 2660

In this course students will work closely with the instructor to develop complex, portfolio quality work that reflects his or her skill set in one or more of the Design and Media areas of specialization. Depending on complexity, the instructor may ask students to create a single or multiple projects. 

0
DMPT 2700
Prerequisite: DMPT 1020

Provides instruction in the techniques of portrait photography. The students will be able to perform creative use of lighting including available and studio lighting.Introduces techniques in posing portrait subjects critical positioning of lighting and techniques used in the field. Students develop skills for critical evaluation of a portrait photograph. Topics include: tools for indoor and outdoor photography posing individuals and groups manipulating natural light and flash critique and portfolio building.

4
DMPT 2705
Prerequisite: DMPT 1020

Students continue the study of Photography through technical skills and theory. Topics include exposure control advanced lighting techniques and portfolio building. This class emphasizes creative skills practical exercises and photography projects.

4
DMPT 2800
Prerequisite: DMPT 1600

This course will expose students to advanced techniques in digital cinematography and production audio. Students will gain hands on experience in camera operation, shot composition, camera movement, lighting, and production sound.

4
DMPT 2805
Prerequisite: DMPT 2800

This course will take students through the entire process of creating a narrative short film, with particular emphasis on skills that are specific to fictional, scripted material.

4
DMPT 2810
Prerequisite: DMPT 2800

This course will take students through the entire process of creating a documentary short film, with particular emphasis on skills that are specific to unscripted or partially scripted, non-fiction material.

4
Select seven credit hours below. (7 Credits)
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