Date of Senate Approval 03/06/03

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Statement of Faculty Senate Action:

APC Document 58:        Multimedia Arts & Sciences Catalog Changes

1. Revise Mission statement of the program

Delete: On pg 140, the introductory narrative.

Add: On pg 140, in place of deleted entry:

Multimedia Arts and Sciences is an interdisciplinary program working in close collaboration with our colleagues in a variety of Arts and Sciences programs. Based on their choice of emphasis area, students develop a solid foundation in two-and three-dimensional animation, audio recording, video production, interactive design and Web design. Through a balance of courses in theory, criticism, and practice, students develop an understanding of design principles as applied to digital media. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, students will have the technical experience, theoretical background and problem-solving skills necessary for careers in multimedia or for graduate studies.

Impact:
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.

2. Change major requirements

Delete: On pg 140, section I under the heading Major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences

Add: On pg 140, in place of deleted entry:

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, 222, 322, 439, 440, 490; and 12 hours as follows:

A. Foundation--select 3 hours from: ART 101; CSCI 202; MCOM 101, 102; MUSC 131.

B. Aesthetics and Social Awareness--select 3 hours from: MCOM 380, 382, 490; PHIL 301, 310

C. Emphasis Areas -- select 6 hours from one of the following areas (selections may require prerequisites). Special topics courses related to the emphasis area may be substituted with approval of the program director:

1. Computer Animation: CSCI 346; MMAS 310, 410.

2. Interactive Design: CSCI 344; MMAS 320, 348, 420.

3. Sound Recording: MUSC 384, 385, 386, 387

4. Video Production: MCOM 205; and either MCOM 303, 305 and 307, or one course from MCOM 437, 439 or 493.

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

Rationale:
DRAM 123 has been removed because this class is not actually offered in the schedule of classes. May add other DRAM courses once viable options are decided upon by the Mmas and Drama departments. Mass Communications has recommended MCOM 303, 305, and 307 as relevant courses for MMAS majors and they are offered on a regular semester basis. MCOM 437, 439, 493 are not necessarily offered every semester. Special topics classes often provide students with an opportunity to explore a subject in-depth that is not usually covered in the regular curriculum. Often these subjects are significant to a particular emphasis area.

3. Change competency requirements

Delete: On pg 140, section III under the heading Major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences

Add: On pg 140, in place of deleted entry:

III. Other program requirements-Satisfactory completion of MMAS 222 demonstrates oral competency. Completion of both MMAS 439 and 440 with a grade of C or better demonstrates computer competency. Completion of MMAS 490 with a grade of C or better demonstrates major competency.

Impact:
These changes will not change major and minor requirements nor require additional faculty or staff.

Rationale:
Articulates competency skills felt important by the MMAS faculty and required by the university. MMAS 222 is the third multimedia design class students take in the core course offerings. It is important that students have the oral skills to talk about their concepts and methodologies in conjunction with a visual presentation of their digital work. MMAS 439 and MMAS 440 are Senior Capstone classes in which students are engaged in development and production of a senior project. A senior project in MMAS encompasses a range of digital software and requires significant technical and visual skills to complete in a satisfactory manner. MMAS 490 is the Senior Seminar and Portfolio class. This class is a culmination to the MMAS Program and students are required to perform research, write, participate in discussions, and to develop a portfolio of their work. The portfolio includes both digital and printed components.

4. Change course description and delete cross-listing for MMAS 121

a. Delete: On pg 142, the entry for MMAS 121.

Add: On pg 142, in place of deleted entry:

121 Introduction to Web Page and Interactive Design (3)

An introduction to digital imaging, authoring Web pages and non-linear interactive presentations. Basic principles of visual communications design and technical skills used in working with a variety of software are taught and applied to a range of digital media productions. Prerequisite: MMAS 107. Fall and Spring.

Impact:
These changes will not change major and minor requirements nor require additional faculty or staff.

Rationale:
This is a refinement of the previous description in a more articulate manner.

Impact:
This change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

Rationale:
This class is not required for CSCI majors and it is not necessary for the course to be listed as CSCI 121 for MMAS majors since the same course exists as MMAS 121.

a. Delete: On pg 142, from the description for MMAS 151.

Pre-or corequisite: MMAS 121; or permission of instructor.

Add: On pg 142, in place of deleted entry:

Prerequisite: MMAS 121.

Impact:
This change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

Rationale:
Accurately lists the appropriate prerequisite.

Impact:
This change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

Rationale:
This class is not required for MCOM majors and it is not necessary for the course to be listed as MCOM 151 for MMAS majors since the same course exists as MMAS 121.

6. Delete MMAS 221 and 321; add two new courses

a. Delete: On pg 142, the course entries for MMAS 221 and 321

b. Add: On pg 142, new course, MMAS 222

222 Multimedia Design I (3)

An understanding of core design principles and development of technical skills through a creative approach are the main objectives of this course. Students will take large-scale projects from initial concept through the development phase to the project completion. Prerequisites: MMAS 121, 151. Fall and Spring.

c. Add: On pg 142, new course, MMAS 322

322 Multimedia Design II (3)

Two- and three-dimensional time-based sequence design, sound techniques, type in motion. Advanced study of design principle and process, and refinement of critical thinking skills. Prerequisite: MMAS 222. Fall and Spring.

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

Rationale:
MMAS 221, as previously written, is centered on students working collaboratively on large-scale projects. The new course, MMAS 222, focuses on understanding core design principles and their application in the development of a project from initial concept, through design process, to project completion. Students are required to work individually and collaboratively.

MMAS 321, as previously written, is again centered on collaborative work, and projects are defined by external clients. MMAS 322 expands the understanding and application of design to time-based multimedia. Projects address typography, animation, and sound.

MMAS 222 and MMAS 322 are the third and fourth core courses required in the major and they are designed to establish a strong foundation in design process, visual thinking, and multimedia communication. Students have opportunities for working with external clients through internships and individual study courses.

7. Change course description for MMAS 320

Delete: On pg 142, the entry for MMAS 320

Add: On pg 142, in place of deleted entry

320 Intermediate Interactive Design (3)

Basic principles of semiotics and sign design, navigation and interface development. Application of technology to construct innovative, interactive products. Prerequisite: MMAS 222. Spring.

Impact:
This change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

Rationale:
The description change accurately addresses material necessary for teaching an intermediate level of material relevant to Interactive design and builds on content covered in previous courses.

Delete: On pg 142, the entry for MMAS 340

Add: On pg 142, in place of deleted entry:

340 Internship (3-6)

Supervised work in a professional setting. Students will receive hands-on training in the making of multimedia projects. Prerequisites: MMAS 322 and 3.0 GPA in major courses. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. See program director.

Impact:
This change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

Rationale:
The description change accurately addresses what the MMAS internship entails. The variable credit allows for students to participate in more involved projects over an extended time period. This is particularly important for students working via the Internet with long distance clients. The prerequisite of MMAS 322 will best prepare students for working professionally.

a. Delete: On pg 143, in the entry for MMAS 410:

Prerequisite: MMAS 310. See program director.

Add: On pg 143, in place of deleted entry:

Prerequisite: MMAS 310. Spring.

b. Delete: On pg 88, in the entry for CSCI 410:

Prerequisite: MMAS 310. See department chair.

Add: On pg 88, in place of deleted entry:

Prerequisite: MMAS 310. Spring.

Impact:
This change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

Rationale:
The changes reflect the actual terms the courses are offered.

Delete: On pg 143, the entry for MMAS 420.

Add: On pg 143, in place of deleted entry:

420 Advanced Interactive Design (3)

Advanced techniques for designing and scripting complex interactive media and interfaces. Prerequisite: MMAS 320. Fall.

Impact:
This change will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

Rationale:
This change is a more accurate description of the course content.

a. On pg 142, in the prerequisite listing for MMAS 310, replace 221 with 222; and delete "or permission of instructor".

b. On pg 86, in the prerequisite listing for CSCI 310, replace 221 with 222; and delete "or permission of instructor".

c. On pg 142, in the prerequisite listing for MMAS 348, delete "or permission of instructor".

d. On pg 87, in the prerequisite listing for CSCI 348, delete "or permission of instructor".

e. On pg 143, in the prerequisite listing for MMAS 439, replace 321 with 322.

f. On pg 143, in the prerequisite listing for MMAS 490, replace 321 with 322; and delete "or permission of instructor".

Impact:
These changes will not affect any major, minor, or university requirements.

Rationale:
Editorial changes needed as a result of adding new courses and clarifying prerequisites.