Film, Photography, and Digital Arts
Media Scriptwriting
VACV130
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of writing and critiquing scripts for various media. Students write, edit, and pitch original material. Students critique their own work and the work of other writers.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 6 or better or COMP107 (C or better)
Corequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 6 or better or COMP107 (C or better)
Video Studio Production I (formerly COMV135)
VACV135
This course introduces students to the equipment and techniques of video studio production from planning through scripting to taping. A series of exercises and individual projects provide a foundation for personal expression in various video formats.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Sound Design for Film and Video
VACV137
This course covers the fundamental elements of producing, designing, and editing sound for film/video. Students learn the basics of audio recording, sound editing, and multi-track sound design specifically for the moving image. Topics covered include microphone techniques, field and studio recording, Foley techniques, and using digital audio multi-tracking software.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Digital Video Editing
VACV140
This course covers digital editing using current software tools. Students work with digital non-linear editing hardware and software tools, multi-track audio creation, and sound sweetening. Students work with either their own footage or with exercise footage prepared by the instructor.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
The Art of Independent Cinema (formerly COMC141)
VACV141
Students examine films made outside of the film industry, which fall into three genres -- experimental, documentary, and animated. Particular emphasis is given to form and technique and how they are used to express meaning. The course traces the development of alternative cinema from its beginnings to the present.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 6 or COMP107 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
The Art of Theatrical Cinema
VACV142
Students examine the art and craft of the narrative cinema as it has developed from the beginning of film history to the present. Feature films are analyzed for their visual and story elements, as well as their historic, cultural, religious, political, and economic context.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 6 or COMP107 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Videography
VACV145
This course introduces students to the equipment, techniques, and the art of videography. Through a series of exercises and projects, students explore the basic processes of motion picture production from planning and filming to editing and incorporation of sound.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Motion Graphics
VACV230
Students learn the essential elements of motion graphics and visual effects creation through the use of industry-standard software programs. This course provides students with the essential skills of compositing and creating post-processing effects for a wide range of media, including video, animation, gaming, and the web.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VACV140 (C or better) or VAMM100 (C or better)
Video Field Production
VACV231
Students practice single-camera, on-location, digital video-tape recording, and post-production, non-linear video editing. Students plan the location of shoots, practice storyboarding and scripting, and operate digital video cameras, microphones, lights, and tripods.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VACV140 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Cinematography
VACV238
Students research and explore the art of visual storytelling through published works and hands-on lighting and cinematography techniques for both studio and field projects. Students learn creative composition through lighting, camera techniques, and color manipulation to convey their message.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VACV231 (C or better) and VACV140 (C or better)
Cinema Video and Multimedia Internship
VACV280
This course provides on-the-job experience in a cinema video/multimedia field directly related to students' academic preparation and career objectives. Periodic meetings between faculty coordinator and students are held to ensure students' progress. Students maintain a work journal and complete a final report summarizing the learning experience.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Cinema Video, Multimedia and Photography majors, 30 BCCC credits, a GPA of 2.5 or greater earned in courses offered by the Arts Department
Corequisite: None
Digital Photography Fundamentals (formerly VAFA110)
VAPH110
Students are introduced to digital-based photographic imagery. The course examines the potential inherent in the methods, techniques, and applications of digital photography as a means of personal expression. Students produce a portfolio of images for presentation.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Darkroom Photography I
VAPH151
Students learn the basic photographic processes, from making an exposure to making a final print. Students use the camera and darkroom techniques in black and white still photography to explore the visual world. The course is designed to treat photography as a medium of personal expression.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Photo II
VAPH157
This course emphasizes the development of a critical eye and the use of photography as a form of self-expression and an artistic medium. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of the photographic process. Students produce photographs as fine art and refine advanced technical and printing techniques.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAPH151 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
History of Photography (formerly VAFA196)
VAPH196
This survey course covers the history of photography from its invention in 1839 to the present day. Specific artists, movements, and technical histories will be explored, together with some of the relationships between photography and aesthetics, culture, and social history.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 6 or COMP107 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Digital Photography II (formerly VAFA210)
VAPH210
Students will continue to explore the potential of digital photographic imagery and will concentrate on advanced image editing methods. A central aim of the course will be creating a portfolio of high quality printed images. The course will additionally emphasize the use of photography as an artistic medium.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAPH110
Studio and Lighting Fundamentals
VAPH211
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of photographic lighting. Tungsten, strobe, daylight, and an array of light shaping tools will be explored in an effort to further refine their photographic imagery. A central aim of the course will be the creation of a portfolio of high-quality, digital images.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAPH110 (C or better) or VAPH151 (C or better) and VAMM100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Large Format Photography
VAPH257
This course introduces students to the operation and current practices associated with view cameras. Students learn about lens selection, the use of camera swings and tilts, and processing procedures for sheet film. Students produce images in both the traditional darkroom and the digital lab.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAPH151 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Digital Imaging
VAMM100
This studio course presents in-depth techniques for image creation and manipulation using current software applications. Students explore peripherals, file formats, resolution requirements, media storage, and digital photo processing. Emphasis is on image-making methods used to create raster and vector graphics for print and the web.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Web and Interactive Design
VAMM110
This course is an introduction to the HTML coding and techniques used to create websites. Students learn to design and develop interactive websites using both editors and hand coding skills. Project management and design skills are introduced. The semester culminates in the development of a website.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Interface Design
VAMM120
The theoretical foundation needed to design user interfaces for digital projects are established. Topics discussed include human computer interaction, current trends, and basic methods for design, as well as project management techniques. Software is used to create the menus and navigation systems needed.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
3-D Modeling Concepts
VAMM130
Three-dimensional concepts and design techniques are presented through lecture and demonstration. The student, through studio experience, uses these concepts to design and create a digital 3-D environment. Current animation and graphic software is used in this class.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
AI Image Generation for Digital Arts
VAMM140
EXPERIMENTAL
This course introduces students to the evolving field of AI image generation. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, projects, and critiques, students will develop practical skills in AI image generation while fostering their artistic vision. Special attention will be paid to the ethical and copyright concerns associated with Artificial Intelligence. Students use AI tools in industry-standard software as well as stand-alone image generators to create multimedia projects.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAMM 100 or VAPH 110
Corequisite: VAMM 100 or VAPH 110
Multimedia Concepts I
VAMM209
Through lecture and studio work, students create multimedia projects. Students import or create video clips, sound bytes, still imagery, and copy; to produce a digital multimedia project. Graphic editing, video editing, and animation applications are used in this course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAMM100 (C or better) or permission of the Arts Department
Corequisite: None
3-D Animation
VAMM230
Three-dimensional animation techniques are presented through lecture and demonstration. Students build on the concepts of 3-D modeling to expand their project to include motion scripting of fully mapped and lighted scenes. Animation and graphic editing applications are used in the course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAMM130 (C or better) or equivalent knowledge with permission of the Arts Department
Corequisite: None
Digital Arts Portfolio Studio
VAMM250
Students develop and enhance their portfolio for transfer, employment or entrepreneurial pursuits. Students prepare and deliver an informative speech describing their work using appropriate vocabulary and/or historical references. Students engage in class critiques of their work and the work of other students.
3 credits
Prerequisite: 24 studio credits or permission of the Arts Department
Corequisite: None