Course Descriptions

VMG 100
Camera and Cinematography
3 credits

In this beginning class on camera and cinematography techniques, students will learn how to use a video camera, camera movement techniques, blocking and staging scenes, with special detail on camera specifications, lenses, camera settings and how lighting affects those settings. On the cinematography side, students will be exposed to shot composition, camera movements and how those choices convey meaning to the audience.

VMG 101
Introduction to Audio
3 credits

This course introduces the principles of sound recording and sound design using analog and digital technologies. The course’s aim is to provide the students with the skills necessary to set up and use current equipment and manipulate sound in order to maximize communication. Particular emphasis is placed on using and understanding the concepts of digital sound systems. Also examined are the use of sound design as a communicative medium and the relationship of sound to visuals to create in the student an “auditory awareness.” Sound characteristics, acoustics, ergonomics, and basic audio technology professional practices will be introduced. This course is equivalent to TEC101.

VMG 102
The Production Process
3 credits

Students will cover the basic production process from script to screen and understand the core phases of production. Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production techniques from the perspective of the Producer will be covered in depth. The result of this class is a production template designed at giving the student producer a toolset from which to launch projects from. This course is equivalent to TEC102.

VMG 200
Advanced Camera and Cinematography
3 credits

Building on the basics from the first course, Camera & Cinematography Techniques, complex camera movements and equipment, like: group shots with dialog, stead-cam, dolly, and jib shots, vehicle shots, and VFX shots will be covered. All of the techniques will be related to the cinematography aspects, in context to scripts, dialog, feeling, etc

Prerequisite(s): VMG 100

VMG 201
Fundamentals of Motion Graphics
3 credits

This introductory course covers the history and evolution of animation, as well as the theory and principles behind it. Students will practice timing, rhythm, and movement while exploring their design implications. Digital technology and basic computer animation software will be introduced through demonstration and practice. This course is equivalent to DSN201

Prerequisite(s): BCS 210 and DSN 210

VMG 202
Advanced Audio Recording Techniques
3 credits

Continuing from the introduction course, students will examine and manipulate audio while recording and see the results in the production room as part of this course. Recording techniques for music, dialog, group dialog, vehicles, and live performances will also be covered. Students will also experiment in the edit room on how their recorded audio could be improved through the use of audio software, or better recording techniques

Prerequisite(s): VMG 101 or TEC 101

VMG 222
Story Design Methods
3 credits

Story Design Methods approaches the practice of creating stories as a science, rather than an art, providing a practical set of collaborative tools and methods for planning and defining successful new plots.

VMG 301
Lighting for Production I
3 credits

Students will work on lighting only in this course, and utilize cameras only as a production test element. Basics, such as 3-Point lighting, interview lighting, location considerations, and outdoor lighting are some of the topics covered in this course. Students will walk away with lighting diagrams, and templates for most lighting situations.

VMG 302
Lighting for Production II
3 credits

Building on the topics in Lighting for Production 1, students will further explore the use of gobos, lighting effects, green screen considerations, and lighting for camera moves using jibs, steadi-cams, and dollys

Prerequisite(s): VMG 301

VMG 307
Streaming Media
3 credits

Creating streaming media is a multi-step process incorporating audio, video, and any other visual medium. Students will learn how to create streaming media projects. To create such projects, students will learn compression techniques, embedding techniques, and best practice methods for deploying streaming media. Additional topics of discussion include market research techniques, copyright issues, storyboarding, and scripting. This course replaces COM307

Prerequisite(s): (VMG101 or TEC 101) and (VMG102 or TEC 102); or GMD 105

VMG 310
Advanced Motion Graphics
3 credits

This course is an extension of DSN 201, Fundamentals of Motion Graphics. The student will manipulate text, computer animation, and motion graphics to create visual effects seen in commercial video. Students learn about composition, rendering, lighting direction, and time management. Projects allow for creativity as well as ability to adhere to guidelines and follow instructions. This course is equivalent to DSN310

Prerequisite(s): VMG201 or DSN 201

VMG 311
The Early History of Film
3 credits

This course is designed to introduce students to the art of film and its early history. It will cover major trends, methods and issues in theatrical film history up to the Hollywood cinema of the 1950’s. This course replaces COM311.

VMG 312
The Modern History of Film
3 credits

This course is designed to introduce students to the art of film and its recent history. It will cover major trends, methods, technologies and issues in theatrical film history from the 1960s to modern-day cinema. Emphasis will be placed on the rapid technology changes in modern film history. This course replaces COM312.

VMG 313
Aesthetics of Film
3 credits

The course examines the motion picture as an art form. Elements of film such as writing, photography, acting, and editing are examined with emphases on the director’s role as a manipulator of these elements. To illustrate the interplay of these elements, selected feature films are screened and analyzed. This course replaces COM322 – Aesthetics of Film.

VMG 321
Introduction to 3D
3 credits

This course demonstrates the critical concepts of 3D time and space, and helps explain the principles of 3D modeling, animation, dynamics and rendering. This course is equivalent to DSN301

Prerequisite(s): VMG201 (or DSN 201) and DSN 210

VMG 322
3D Modeling Techniques
3 credits

This course focuses on creating structures and objects in three dimensional space, working with polygons, planes, spheres, and hypernurb objects. This course is equivalent to DSN302

Prerequisite(s): VMG201 (or DSN 201), VMG321 (or DSN301) and DSN 210

VMG 323
3D Texture, Rendering and Lighting Techniques
3 credits

Applying realistic textures to objects, lighting objects, scenes and individual channels, as well as rendering those objects/scenes out to still images for use on the web, print and animated scenes for video are covered in this course. This course is equivalent to DSN303

Prerequisite(s): VMG201 (or DSN 201), VMG321 (or DSN301) and DSN 210

VMG 324
Character Creation and Texturing
3 credits

Building upon the basics of the Introduction to 3D, this course focuses on the creation of humanoid and non-humanoid characters. Good structuring techniques and modeling are emphasized. Students will create mapped textures using DI tools (like Photoshop) and include the assets into the 3D application. This course is equivalent to DSN304

Prerequisite(s): Either VMG321 or DSN 301 and either VMG 322 or DSN 302

VMG 325
Character Rigging
3 credits

This course focuses on the underlying skeleton structure of the characters created in the previous course, or samples provided. In addition to being applied to animation of characters, it also sets up the structure for integration into 3D game engines. Inverse Kinematics, Bones, and Meshes will be the core topics of this course. Students will develop their creation's motion capabilities by learning the character rigs and skeletal structures used in 3D computer animation. This course is equivalent to DSN305

Prerequisite(s): VMG321 or DSN 301

VMG 350
Journalism in Practice
3 credits

This course covers the basic skills and techniques for creating content based on events and coverage for reporting. Various channels of Communication, such as television, web, documentary, radio, podcasts, and print will be discussed. Differences in the approach for each channel or medium will be explored. Determining the appropriate technology to be utilized for each kind of channel will be explored as well.

VMG 400
On Location Production Techniques
3 credits

On Location Production Techniques cover site surveys, location scouting, and dealing with unexpected complications of using a location. Proper etiquette, protocol, and professionalism while at a location will also be covered. Lighting, camera, directing and dealing with talent are integrated into the technical aspects of the course

Prerequisite(s): VMG 100, VMG 102, and VMG 301

VMG 401
Producing the Documentary
3 credits

This course is an introduction to the theoretical foundations required for creating a documentary. Students will gain an understanding of how this genre is similar to and different from other television programming. The course will further develop scripting techniques and all facets of video pre- and post-production. As part of this course, students will produce a short documentary. This course is equivalent to COM401

Prerequisite(s): VMG 100, VMG 102, and VMG 301

VMG 402
Studio Production Techniques
3 credits

All aspects of studio production, and how it differs from location production will be covered. Roles and responsibilities of studio personnel, and job functions, are also covered. The students will also be exposed to the use of equipment in a studio environment. Several types of scenes, such as a news, talk show, sitcom, and drama environments will be presented

Prerequisite(s): VMG 100, VMG 102, and VMG 301

VMG 422
Non-Linear Editing – Apple MAC Computer
3 credits

This course introduces the technology and practice of digital editing, from the conversion of analog video and digital capture to final assembly. The course covers a basic introduction to editing software, including importing files, assembling, applying transitions, and adding titles. Editing techniques and theory are also covered. This course is equivalent to COM422

Prerequisite(s): VMG 102 (or TEC102), or GMD105

VMG 423
Advanced Non-Linear Editing
3 credits

This second of two non-linear editing courses furthers the theory of editing with the various technical editing skills needed to edit a television show or digital film. Building on the abilities developed in Intro to Non-Linear Editing - Mac, students will exhibit proficiency in all areas of film editing. New techniques learned, but not limited to, will include chroma keying, importing from other programs such as After Effects and Photoshop, troubleshooting, audio sweetening, and color correction. This course is equivalent to COM423

Prerequisite(s): COM 422 or VMG 422

VMG 425
Podcasting
3 credits

The ability of audio and video to be globally distributed through the Internet has created exciting technology that is affordable for nearly everyone. With the advance of MP3 players and their availability in just about every imaginable kind of device, the technology has become ubiquitous in today’s society. This course will teach students how to get a quality podcast up and running—from planning to recording, editing and preparing your file, to getting heard, finding clients and making money. This course replaces COM425

Prerequisite(s): DSN 210, (VMG101 or TEC 101), (VMG102 or TEC 102) and (VMG422 or COM422)

VMG 430
Logo Animation
3 credits

In this course students will create animated sequences and manipulate and refine them, using industry standard programs and techniques to create bumpers for television, web, and podcasts. (If you don’t know what a bumper is, you need this course.) This course is equivalent to DSN430

Prerequisite(s): VMG422/COM422, and VMG201/DSN201, and DSN210.

VMG 487
Video Motion Graphics Senior Project
3 credits

This course is designed to allow senior year students the opportunity to practice their specialization in a production environment. At the start of the project, students will identify a realistic project in their main competency area(s) with a faculty mentor. Having agreed on a timetable for their project’s completion, the students will then begin a required/flexible workshop where they must prepare a clear and comprehensive pre-production plan. The students must also develop an appropriate corporate style and logo to accompany their project. All work must be presented in the best possible manner, with well designed digitally published pages, a proper use of color, typography, etc., using their own corporate style and logo. This course may be completed as a directed study with an instructor of the student's choice or in a classroom setting. This course is equivalent to COM487

Prerequisite(s): Permission required

VMG 490
Video Motion Graphics Internship
3 credits

This course will provide students with real-world experience in the field of communication where they will become acquainted with daily operations, while enhancing their professional skills and interacting with other communication professionals. College of Technology students wishing to complete their internship requirements should review procedures at http://wilmu.edu/technology/internships/index.aspx

Prerequisite(s): Permission required