Time Schedule:
Robin R Oppenheimer
BIS 293
Bothell Campus
Examines different subjects or problems from an interdisciplinary framework.
Class description
WINTER 2009 HOW TO READ THE MEDIA How do and should we read media? This course focuses on visual and media literacy concepts and techniques concerning what are called moving image media (film and video). Students will learn how to “read” the design elements of constructed media images and sound for screens large and small. We will explore the five building blocks of moving image design – light/color, 2D and 3D space, time/motion, and sound/music. By viewing and discussing clips from a wide variety of historic and contemporary films and videos selected by the instructor and classmates, students will engage in the complex design processes of moving images. Although not a production class, this course offers the opportunity to create original content to illustrate design concepts.
Student learning goals
View and critique media presentations, analyzing the origin, impact, and meanings of visual media messages.
Describe the production techniques utilized to create media images and messages, including: cinematic editing, audio production, editing, lighting techniques, and computer graphics
Describe and explain how mood and message can be affected by the use of light, shadow, sound, and color
Be able to define a variety of terms including montage, jump cut, and media literacy.
Describe and explain the effects of audio production techniques, including recording techniques, sound effects, and audio editing.
Describe and explain how a given media message is affected by the utilization of different media technologies, screen design, genres, and formats
General method of instruction
This course consists of discussions and presentations that include clips from a wide variety of videos, films, games, and other forms of electronic media, with guest speakers from the local film industry. The 20th century history of media genres - experimental, documentary, and narrative - will also be surveyed as part of the class presentations and discussions.
Recommended preparation
Familiarity with popular culture media forms such as films, TV, documentaries, games will be helpful but not required.
Class assignments and grading
Students will be required to locate and present media clips from films, TV, games, etc. as examples of media design principles. Grades will be based on these class presentations, class participation, and written papers.
Class presentations 40% Class participation 30% Class papers 30%
