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Catalog 73 - National University

Catalog 73 - National University

Catalog 73 - National University

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Course DescriptionsMDC 653: Film Directing Process(Prerequisite: MDC 651, MDC 660 and MDC 662)Focusing on the theory and practice of directingfilms, the course covers the director’s responsibilityfor developing the vision and objectives of a production.Students analyze and breakdown scripts andevaluate aesthetic choices necessary for effective dramaticand visual storytelling.MDC 660: Narrative Structure in FilmThis seminar examines the characteristics of cinematicstorytelling found in popular genre and independentfilms, including the conventional three-actstructure and variations on those structural elements.MDC 661: Cinematic Design & GrammarThis seminar covers the application of visual aesthetictheory in the design of contemporary cinemaand visual communication. Topics include the physiologicaland psychological basis of visual designsuch as perception of light and color, and the use ofcompositional elements in the construction of meaningfulmedia experiences.MDC 662: Sound Design & Production(Prerequisite: MDC 652)This seminar covers the role of sound in contemporaryfilmmaking, including the development ofsound design as a part of contemporary cinema andessential aspects of field production audio recording,post-production workflow, studio mixing, audioeffects, ADR, music and media asset management.MDC 670: Producing Documentaries(Prerequisites: MDC 650 and MDC 683)(Co-requisite: MDC 670P)The workshop covers the planning, stylistic andlogistical requirements unique to documentary productionas well as the aesthetic and stylistic considerationsof documentary subjects. Students prepareproduction plans for documentary film projects thatwould qualify for grants and funding.MDC 670P: Documentary Practicum(2.25 quarter units)(Prerequisites: MDC 650 and MDC 683)(Co-requisite: MDC 670)In this independent “studio practicum” taken concurrentlywith MDC 670, students develop a documentaryfunding package based on practical assignmentsdeveloped by the instructor. Practical assignmentswill receive individual and peer group critiques.MDC 680: Screenwriting I(Co-requisite: MDC 680P)In this workshop students apply theory and practiceof writing for feature film. The course is designed toenable students to complete an outline for a fulllengthfeature screenplay and a first draft of a featurescript based on their own original ideas. Takenconcurrently with MDC 680P “studio practicum.”MDC 680P: Screenwriting I Practicum(2.25 quarter units)(Co-requisite: MDC 680)In this independent “studio practicum” taken concurrentlywith MDC 680, students develop a “firstdraft” of an original screenplay guided by practicalassignments developed by the instructor. The originaldraft screenplay will receive a minimum of twoindividual critical reviews.MDC 681: Screenwriting II(Prerequisite: MDC 680)(Co-requisite: MDC 681P)In this workshop, students complete a second draftrevision and “final polish” of an original screenplay.The course is designed to enable students to400 advance their analytical skill and apply them to professionaland student-generated screenplays. Takenconcurrently with MDC 681P “studio practicum.”MDC 681P: Screenwriting II Practicum (2.25 quarterunits)(Co-requisite: MDC 681)In this independent “studio practicum” taken concurrentlywith MDC 681, students develop a second“polished draft” of an original screenplay guided bycritical feedback provided by the instructor. Theoriginal screenplay will receive a minimum of twoindividual critical reviews.MDC 683: Directing & Production Mgmt(Prerequisites: MDC 650, MDC 651, MDC 652, MDC662, MDC 653)(Co-requisites: MDC 683P, MDC 688)Working collaboratively as director, director of photography,assistant director or production manager,students develop and execute a production plan,from preproduction through production and postproduction.Deliverables include script breakdowns,budget, schedule, crew, talent, location and shotlists, on-set procedures, and post-production workflow.Taken concurrently with MDC 683P, MDC 688and MDC 689.MDC 683P: Production Mgmt Practicum(Co-requisite with MDC 683)In this “independent studio practicum” taken concurrentlywith MDC 683, students apply industrypractices to develop a production plan and pre-productiondocumentation needed to execute a professionalproduction. Practical assignments developedby the instructor will receive individual and groupcritiques.MDC 688: Digital Cinema Production(Prerequisite: MDC 651 and MDC 653)(Co-requisite: MDC 683)Students work collaboratively in a number of crewpositions to shoot digital cinema projects using professionalequipment onsite at a <strong>National</strong> <strong>University</strong>campus. Course includes production related master’sworkshops. (Must be taken concurrently withMDC 683. See the program catalog description forresidency information. A studio lab fee applies.MDC 689: Digital Cinema Post-Production(Prerequisite: MDC 650 and MDC 652)(Co-requisite: MDC 683)Students work collaboratively editing digital cinemaprojects shot during MDC 688 using professionalediting and audio post-production systems at onsitefacilities at a <strong>National</strong> <strong>University</strong> campus. (Must betaken concurrently with MDC 683, unless approvedby lead faculty. See the program catalog descriptionfor residency information. (A studio lab fee applies.)MDC 692: Thesis Project Proposal( Prerequisites: all other MDC core and workshopcourses)MFA candidates work independently with a thesisadvisor to develop a formal proposal for a digitalcinema short suitable for funding through grants orother sources. This is an eight- week course. Gradingis H, S, or U only. For an unsatisfactory graded proposal,the course must be repeated.MDC 693: Thesis Project Production (2.25 quarterunits)(Prerequisite: MDC 692)MFA Candidates work independently in consultationwith the thesis advisor during the development,preproduction and production phases. Productiondeliverables include a production plan, final budgetand schedule, production documentation anddailies. Course term lasts six months. Grading is H,S, or U only. Unsatisfactory graded course must berepeated.MDC 694: Thesis Project Postproduction (2.25quarter units)(Prerequisite: MDC 693)MFA Candidates develop initial deliverables includingasset management plan, post-production workflowand schedule and an editing script or outline.After approval of post deliverables, candidates havea maximum of 6 months to complete postproductionand apply for MDC 695. Grading is S or U only. Thecourse must be repeated for an unsatisfactory project.MDC 695: Thesis Qualification Review (2.25 quarterunits)(Prerequisite MDC 694)Committee review and critique of a completed thesis:the digital cinema short, written thesis, and digitalportfolio. The candidate is allowed a maximumof three reviews to meet the qualification standardsfor the MFA. This is a two-month course. Grading isH, S, or U only. The course must be repeated for anunqualified project.MGP – Video Game Productionand DesignMGP 650: Video Game Production and DesignThis course explores the stages of development of avideo game from initial concept through design,core development, post production and qualityassurance, to final Gold Master Candidate and finallyto product release and marketing. The course coverscritical terminology of game production andintroduces students to the complexities of the collaborativeprocess between creative and technical teammembers that goes to making a next-generationvideo game. Students will also be introduced to theGame Design Document and learn about the typicalstructure and purpose of a Design Document byreading several commercial samples before creatingtheir own. (Documents produced in this course areincluded as part of the MFA-GP digital portfolio andform the basis of further work on a game design andrelated documentation which the student will produceas part of the final thesis).MGP 651: Designing for Interactive MediaIn this course, students analyze the many factorsimpacting effective game design. The courseexplores the nature of play and what elements canmake the difference whether a game is fun andplayable or not. Students examine different gamegenres, styles of play, the influence of psychology ongame design elements and consider the positive andnegative social impact of games. Other topicsinclude: how different hardware platforms anddevices influence game designs and how gamedesign theory addresses different design purposessuch as entertain, train, educate, or simulate. In thiscourse students will solidify the core original gamedesign they will produce their final project, andlearn how to better integrate this design into thegame design documentation. (Documents producedin this course are included as part of the MFA-GPdigital portfolio and form the basis of further workon a game design and related documentation whichthe student will produce as part of the final thesis).MGP 652: Writing for GamesDuring this course students compare the craft ofwriting for linear media such as film and televisionwith writing for games and related interactive entertainmentmedia. The course will cover traditionalnarrative strategies and the impact of interactivegame theory on developing game scripts. The coursealso covers the relationship between copyrightlicensing and story development. Based on an originalgame design concept students develop andworkshop a basic game storyline and draft selected

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