POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY 2005-2007

DIGITAL MEDIA PROGRAM
The Department of Humanities and
Social Sciences offers a Master of
Science in Integrated Digital Media*.
The program is designed to make the
best use of Polytechnic’s extensive
resources in the interests of expanding
the traditionally separate areas of media
creation, criticism and technology
development. New media creation
depends upon the incorporation of
media theory and practice for its viability.
This program explores the creative,
technological and analytical dimensions
of digital media into an integrated
whole. The program requires students to
demonstrate not only a mastery of technique,
but also of concepts and context.
The integration of theory and practice at
a level set by the department requires
students’ complete attention. The concentration
of graduate studies into a specific,
manageable block of time allows
participating students to complete a
graduate degree in 12 months.
Polytechnic’s location offers access
to leaders in the field of digital media—
academics, designers, developers, producers
and their various workplaces and
equipment, all within a 10-mile radius of
the Polytechnic campus. The program
can draw on this pool of talent for specific
contributions to the curriculum.
The Integrated Digital Media Lab is
a media recording and production studio
with a flexible layout and provisions
for necessary peripherals—from
cameras and lights, microphones,
workstations and disk arrays to postproduction
software, sound mixing
facilities and a set of data projectors
driven by a flexible network of appropriately
powerful computers.
The goal of the program is to integrate
students into the highest levels of
New York’s digital media industry.
Periodic conferences will showcase students’
accomplishments in the context of
presentations by the best in the field, at
one of digital media’s epicenters: New
York City.
* pending New York State approval
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Specific objectives of the MS in
Integrated Digital Media are to:
• Explore the traditionally separate
areas of media creations, criticism and
technology development
• Combine the understanding of media
theory with elements of practice
• Eliminate the false choice between
technology and creativity for students
• Integrate the technological, creative
and analytical dimensions of digital
media
REQUIREMENTS FOR
MASTER OF SCIENCE
A total of 36 units is required for the master’s
degree. Normally, students start by
taking introductory courses (600 and
601) and then proceed to more advanced
courses and seminars. Students are
encouraged to take 9 units of work in
related fields outside the program. To
qualify for a degree, students may elect to
write either a comprehensive examination
or a thesis embodying appropriate
and substantive research. If students
choose the former, examinations may be
taken in the term in which courses are
completed. Students choosing the thesis
may apply up to 12 units of thesis course
work toward requirements for the degree.
Acceptance of a thesis involves an oral
presentation and defense.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
Digital media studio courses complement
current offerings in Liberal Studies
and Technical Communication programs
and offer a range of electives for students
in other programs.
DM 2114 Video Production I 4:0:0:4
Students develop a basic understanding
of video technologies and production
practices. The class is highly structured,
with a minor assignment due every two
weeks. There is some latitude for experimentation,
but the course’s primary purpose
is to provide a solid technical foundation.
Software: DV editing program
(Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or
equivalent); DVD authoring program
(DVD Studio Pro or equivalent).
Hardware: MiniDV camcorder (one for
every four students); students to use
their own laptop in class and for assignments;
external firewire or USB 2.0 HD
highly recommended. Consumables:
students must supply their own MiniDV
and DVD-R media.
DM 2124 Audio Production I 4:0:0:4
An introductory studio course designed
to familiarize students with the theory
and practice of audio production and
post-production. The course’s structure
calls for three two-week assignments,
and one final three-week assignment. To
successfully complete the assignments,
participants should plan to work outside
class hours. Required equipment: a laptop
running Windows XP, Mac OS X or
Linux.
DM 2134 3D Graphics 4:0:0:4
Students learn and apply fundamental
principles of 3-D model construction
and editing. A substantial proportion of
the class is devoted to lab time, as the
software is served via the lab’s LAN.
Students have access for additional time
on their projects, which is essential for
those wanting to do excellent work.
Required equipment: a laptop running
Windows XP, Mac OS X or Linux.
Software: Alias Maya.
DM 3114 Video Production 2 4:0:0:4
In the course, students use the skills they
have developed in DM 2114 to explore
and make the most of digital video technology.
Class time is divided between
hands-on technical demonstrations,
group work and case studies of particularly
relevant historical work in film and
video. The emphasis on experiment and
group work is designed to reflect the
realities of video production in the
media industries. A range of approaches
173