Senate Document Number 2802S

Date of Senate Approval 02/14/02

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Statement of Faculty Senate Action:

APC Document 26:   Multimedia Arts & Sciences Catalog Changes

Effective Date: Fall 2002

a) Change listing of participating faculty

DELETE: the existing copy for Participating Faculty on page 140

Participating Faculty: Tynes (Art), Brock (Computer Science), West (Mass Communications), W. Kirby (Music), LaFratta (Multimedia Arts and Sciences)

ADD: Participating Faculty: Tynes (Art), Brock (Computer Science), West (Mass Communications), Kirby (Music), LaFratta (Multimedia Arts and Sciences)

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

RATIONALE: the change provides consistency by excluding everyone's first initial.

b) Change description of the program

DELETE: the existing program description on page 140

The Multimedia Arts and Sciences program stresses the importance of creative and critical thought in presenting original ideas using computer manipulation. The major provides a process designed to let students explore and combine multiple visual and aural environments in order to attain specific interactive and creative objectives. Students will have opportunities to hone their computer skills and apply theory learned in the classroom, ultimately creating production-quality presentations using a variety of media and computer applications.

ADD: The Mission of the Multimedia Arts and Sciences Program is to educate students using current multimedia theory as a springboard for effective communication in digital environments.

Students will have both hands-on technical experience, and the conceptual problem solving ability required for competing on a professional or graduate school entrance level upon completion of the program, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

The program is interdisciplinary, working in close collaboration with our colleagues in Art, Computer Science, Drama, Mass Communications, and Music. Based on their choice of concentration, our students develop a solid foundation in two and three-dimensional animation, video production, web site authoring, information and interactive design, and sound recording.

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

RATIONALE: the change provides clarity and a concise description of the overall goals of the MMAS program.

c) Revise program objectives

DELETE: the existing program objectives on page 140

1. To teach students the technical considerations and skills involved in the computer-based manipulation of image and sound. 2. To prepare students to make aesthetic choices in computer-based manipulations of image and sounds. 3. To involve students in a collaborative creative and technical process that will lead to careers in industry, the arts and education. 4. To link students' understanding of the applied areas to an awareness of interdisciplinary needs of industry, the arts and education. 5. To help students understand the moral, ethical, historical and theoretical dimensions of creative decision-making across disciplines.

ADD:
The Program Objectives are:
• Teach students the current technical considerations and skills involved in the digital manipulation of text, image and sound.

• Develop the student's ability to make aesthetic choices in communication, visualization, and ideation.

• Cultivate student skills in written and oral communication.

• Involve students in individual and collaborative creative projects.

• Instill a sense of mission in the students about the positive contribution they can make in shaping culture and society.

• Maintain a high standard in the evaluation of student performance.

• Integrate ethical, historical, and theoretical dimensions of the creative process into the realm of digital media.

• Prepare students for either careers in industry, the arts, education, or for post-graduate fields of study.

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

RATIONALE: the change provides a concise listing of measurable objectives

DELETE: the existing listing of requirements under the heading Major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences on page 140

I. Required courses for the major - 38 hours, with at least 14 hours at the 300 - 400 level, including: ART 100; CSCI 201; MMAS 107, 121, 151, 221, 321, 439, 440, 490; and 12 hours from the units below with a minimum of 3 hours from subhead a below, 3 hours from subhead b below, and 6 hours from one of the options in subhead c below:

a. Aesthetics and Social Awareness Unit: DRAM 123; MCOM 380, 490; PHIL 310.

b. Foundations Unit: ART 101; MCOM 341; MMAS 348; MUSC 131.

c. Specialty Unit: Choose Option 1, 2, 3, or 4:

Option (1): Music: MUSC 384, 385, 386, 387 (requires MUSC 1313 and PHYS 102)

Option (2): Mass Communication/Video: MCOM 205; and either MCOM 382 or 435

Option (3): Computer Animation: MMAS 310; and either CSCI 346 or MMAS 410

Option (4): Interactive Design: MMAS 320, 420

II. Required courses outside the major - 7 hours: MATH 163 or higher; one of the following: PHYS 101, 102; DRAM 334, 437.

III. Other program requirements-Oral competency is satisfied in MMAS 221 by delivery of a formal presentation judged satisfactory by the program faculty. The senior demonstration of competency is satisfied by completion of MMAS 490 with a grade of C or better.

ADD:
Major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences
I. Required courses for the major - 38 hours with at least 14 hours at the 300 - 400 level, including: ART 100; CSCI 201 or 244; MMAS 107, 121, 151, 221, 321, 439, 440, 490; and 12 hours as follows.

• Foundation: select 3 hours: ART 101; CSCI 202; DRAM 123; MCOM 101,102; MUSC 131.

• Aesthetics and Social Awareness: select 3 hours: MCOM 380, 382, 490; PHIL 301, 310

• Emphasis Areas, select 6 hours from one of the following areas:

- Computer Animation: CSCI 346 (Prerequisite CSCI 202, 255); MMAS 310, 410

- Interactive Design: CSCI 344 (Prerequisite CSCI 244); MMAS 320, 348 (Prerequisite CSCI 201, 202), 420

- Sound Recording: MUSC 384, 385, 386, 387 (Prerequisite MUSC 131, PHYS 102)

- Video Production: MCOM 205; and either MCOM 437, 439, 493

Prior to their senior year, students may elect to design their own emphasis area and select 6 hours of appropriate courses with approval from the program director.

II. Required courses outside of the major - 7 hours: MATH 163 or higher; and either PHYS 101 or 102.

III. Other program requirements include a delivery of a formal oral presentation and a portfolio in MMAS 221 judged satisfactory by the program faculty to satisfy oral competency skills and to review the level of design and visual communication skills. Additionally, the students are required to complete MMAS 490 with a grade of C or better to demonstrate senior competency skills.

IMPACT STATEMENT: these changes will minimally affect major and minor requirements. No additional staff will be required. Existing resources can accommodate all changes.

RATIONALE:
The addition of CSCI 244 to the list of required courses reflects a new course developed by the Computer Science Department on web page design from a structural and programming approach. This addition gives students a choice to select either CSCI 201 or 244 as a required course in the major. Each of these classes is a prerequisite for courses that are ultimately required in specific emphasis areas, specifically, computer animation and interactive design.

The addition of MCOM 101 and 102 introduces students to content related to aspects of media as it relates to societal issues. CSCI 202 is a foundation course required by certain courses listed in MMAS emphasis areas and will allow students to prepare themselves for these courses in a timely manner. DRAM 123 has been moved to from the Aesthetic section and into the Foundation section because it is felt to be more appropriate there. MMAS 348 has been removed because it is not perceived as being a 'foundation' course. MCOM 341 has been removed because it is felt to no longer support the MMAS program.

MCOM 382, and PHIL 301 have been added to the Aesthetic and Social Awareness section to provide students with more choices of relevant courses. Not all courses listed in this category were offered every semester. DRAM 123, a hands-on class, has been more appropriately moved to the Foundation section.

The terminology previously used "Options," has been changed to a more appropriate term "Emphasis Area" to be consistent with the intent of these offerings as opportunities for students to gain more expertise in a particular area. Additionally, these "Emphasis Areas" consistently refer to the discipline and not to a particular department.

In the Video Production emphasis area MCOM 435 has been deleted since its deletion from the Mass Communications curriculum and replaced with their new course offerings MCOM 437, 439, 493.

In the Computer Animation emphasis area the prerequisites for CSCI 346 have been added to alert students to the string of classes required before taking this course.

The Interactive Design emphasis area adds CSCI 344 (Prerequisite CSCI 244) to reflect the addition of a new course offered by the Computer Science Department that provides focus on the "back-end" of developing web sites, such as databases and servers required to support user interfaces. CSCI 348 (Prerequisite CSCI 201, 202) is an existing course that is felt to be relevant to the emphasis area. Prerequisites are listed to provide clarity for the students.

Other Program Requirements, the wording has been changed for ease of readability and for clarity. In addition, the MMAS program has included a portfolio review of student's work enrolled in MMAS 221. This review is intended to provide feedback to students in regards to their visual work addressing specific issues related to design and visual communications to provide guidance for students as they ultimately prepare for MMAS 490 and meeting senior competency.

e) Change requirements for declaration of major

DELETE: the existing text under the heading, Declaration of Major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences, on page 140.

Declaring a major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major Form that must be signed by the program director. Before declaring the major, a student must have completed both the LANG 102 and Library Research requirements, in addition to MMAS 107.

ADD:
Declaring a major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major Form that must be signed by the program director. Before declaring the major, a student must have completed both the LANG 102 and Library Research requirements and have an overall GPA of 2.5.

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements. The GPA of 2.5 may slightly reduce the number of students choosing this major. However, the program has nearly reached its capacity as it is currently structured.

RATIONALE: It is not considered necessary or pertinent to continue requiring MMAS 107 prior to declaring MMAS as a major. Adding a requirement of an overall GPA of 2.5 will help to raise the academic expectation of the students choosing to declare Multimedia Arts and Sciences as a major.

DELETE: the existing description for the Minor in Multimedia Arts and Sciences on pages 140 and 141.

Minor in Multimedia Arts and Sciences.
The minor in Multimedia Arts and Sciences involves the integration of work in Art, Music, Physics, Computer Science and Mass Communication. The minor enables students from a variety of majors to:

1) Learn the technical considerations involved with the computer-based manipulation of image and sound.

2) Make aesthetic choices about the manipulation of sound and image

3) Understand the connections among the various fields of study involved in image and sound production.

Students interested in the Multimedia Arts and Sciences minor should consult any of the program faculty listed above.

ADD:
Minor in Multimedia Arts and Sciences
The minor in Multimedia Arts and Sciences is designed for students seeking an introduction to the interdisciplinary applications of computer-based media. The minor enables students from a variety of majors to:

• Learn the technical considerations involved with computer-based manipulation of image, text, and sound.

• Develop aesthetic abilities and problem solving skills required in creating effective communication in digital environments.

• Understand the interrelationships of multimedia to various professions and fields of study.

Students interested in the Multimedia Arts and Sciences minor should consult any of the program faculty listed above.

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

RATIONALE: These wording changes read more clearly, and they are closely aligned with the new mission statement and program objectives.

DELETE: the existing text copy on page 141 under the heading Requirements for the Minor.

Students must take 24 hours for the minor. The 12 required credits are: CSCI 201; PHYS 101 or 102; two courses from ART 100; MCOM 380; or MUSC 131. Twelve hours of minor electives are required, selected from the following: ART 100; CSCI 255, 346, 361, 363; MCOM 205, 303, 305, 307, 380, 435; MGMT 384; MUSC 131, 335, 384, 385, 386, 387; PHIL 310; PHYS 101, 102; or MMAS Special Topics. Elective choices must represent at least two academic departments, and may not be courses from the student's major department.

ADD:
Requirements for the Minor
Students must take 24 hours for the minor including - CSCI 201 or 244; PHYS 101 or 102; 6 hours from ART 100; MCOM 380, 382, 490; or MUSC 131. The 12 additional hours of minor electives are selected from the following courses.

ART 100, 101

CSCI 202, 255, 344, 346, 361, 363

MCOM 205, 303, 305, 307, 437, 439

MGMT 384

MMAS 107, 121, 151, 221, Special Topics as approved by program director

MUSC 131, 335, 384, 385, 386, 387

PHIL 301, 310

PHYS 101, 102

The minor electives must represent at least two academic departments, and may not be courses from the student's major department. The minor must include a minimum of 6 hours at the 300-400 level.

IMPACT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

RATIONALE: The wording changes are easier to read and more clear.

The addition of CSCI 244 reflects the addition of a new class by the Computer Science Department that is directly related to developing and designing web pages. The addition of CSCI 202 is necessary for taking some of the CSCI courses listed here. The addition of CSCI 344 reflects a new course added by Computer Science that addresses the development of databases, web site management, active server pages all related to the "back-end" of interactive design.

The addition of MCOM 382 and 490 are existing courses that address aesthetics and ethics. They are relevant to MMAS and provide other choices for students.

The addition of PHIL 301 is an existing course that addresses ethical decision making for mass communication. It is relevant for MMAS and provides another choice for students.

The deletion of MCOM 435 reflects the removal of this course from the Mass Communications Curriculum, and its split into MCOM 437 and 439. Both new courses are relevant to MMAS.

Several courses from MMAS have been added to the list of minor electives to provide students with additional multimedia courses that address topics not included in the electives previously listed.

DELETE: the existing copy of MMAS 121, Networking and Hypertext Design (CSCI 121) (3) on page 141

121 Networking and Hypertext Design (CSCI 121) (3)
Design and development of networked and / or hypertext interactive documents. Digital representation of images and sound for computer documents. Examines research and design methods, as well as how to utilize the media as a means of communicating original and unique ideas and visions. Corequisite: MMAS 107. Fall and Spring.

121 Introduction to Web Page and Interactive Design (CSCI 121) (3)
This course is an introduction to digital imaging, authoring web pages, and creating non-linear interactive presentations. Basic design and visual communication principles are applied to integrating text and images for effective communications developed for the computer screen. Prerequisite: MMAS 107; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

RATIONALE: The existing title and course description no longer reflect the content of the course that has evolved since the course was originally designed and taught. The new title is a concise description of the overall content of the course. The new course description summarizes the major components of the class. Requiring MMAS 107 as a prerequisite will ensure that students have basic computer literacy skills prior to taking MMAS 121. These basic skills are essential for the 100 level courses in Multimedia Arts and Sciences.

I) Change title and course description of CSCI 121

DELETE: the existing copy of CSCI 121, Networking and Hypertext Design (MMAS 121) (3) on page 85.

121 Introduction to Web Page and Interactive Design (MMAS 121) (3)
This course is an introduction to digital imaging, authoring web pages, and creating non-linear interactive presentations. Basic design and visual communication principles are applied to integrating text and images for effective communications developed for the computer screen. Prerequisite: MMAS 107; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring

ADD:

121 Introduction to Web Page and Interactive Design (MMAS 121) (3)
An introduction to digital imaging, authoring web pages, and creating non-linear interactive presentations. Basic design and visual communication principles are applied to integrating text and images for effective communications developed for the computer screen. Prerequisite: CSCI 107; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

RATIONALE: The existing title and course description no longer reflect the content of the course that has evolved since the course was originally designed and taught. The new title is a concise description of the overall content of the course. The new course description summarizes the major components of the class. Requiring MMAS (CSCI) 107 as a prerequisite will ensure that students have basic computer literacy skills prior to taking CSCI 121. These basic skills are essential for the 100 level courses in Multimedia Arts and Sciences.

DELETE: the prerequisite for 340 Internship on page 142.
Prerequisite: MMAS 221; or permission of instructor.

ADD: Prerequisites: MMAS 221; 3.0 GPA in major courses; or permission of the program director

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

RATIONALE: Requiring students to have a 3.0 GPA will help to ensure that the students the MMAS program places as interns have achieved a good understanding of the material covered in essential classes.

DELETE: the corequisites for 151 Digits in Motion (MMAS 151) (3) on page 161
Corequisites: MMAS 107, 121; or permission of instructor.

ADD: Pre- or Corequisite: MMAS 121; or permission of instructor.

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

RATIONALE: It is difficult for students to successfully complete three computer classes in a single semester. The MMAS faculty feels MMAS 107 (CSCI 107) needs to be taken prior to MMAS 121 and 151 in order for students have basic computer skills before tackling the material covered in both of these classes.

DELETE: the corequisites for 151 Digits in Motion (MCOM 151) (3) on page 141
Corequisites: MMAS 107, 121; or permission of instructor.

ADD: Pre- or Corequisite: MMAS 121; or permission of instructor.

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

RATIONALE: It is difficult for students to successfully complete three computer classes in a single semester. The MMAS faculty feels MMAS 107 (CSCI 107) needs to be taken prior to MMAS 121 and 151 in order for students have basic computer skills before tackling the material covered in both of these classes.

DELETE: the existing semesters 321 Multimedia in Practice II (3) is offered on page 142. Fall.

ADD: Fall and Spring.

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements. The MMAS program the existing faculty to teach this course as it is offered in the Fall and Spring.

RATIONALE: Offering 321 Multimedia in Practice II in both fall and spring semesters provides the flexibility needed for transfer students and non-traditional students to take a major required course.

DELETE: existing semester offering for MMAS, 490 Proseminar and Portfolio, on page 142. Fall.

ADD: Fall and Spring

IMPACT STATEMENT: this change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements. MMAS has the existing faculty required for teaching this class in both semesters.

RATIONALE: offering this class in both spring and fall semesters allows for students graduating in December and in May to take the required senior competency course in MMAS without delaying graduation. The class includes preparation of final portfolios and resumes for seeking employment or entrance into graduate school. Currently, the course being offered only in the Fall semester is creating problems for both majors and faculty in terms of graduating students in a timely manner.