UndergraduateCreated
to Be Creative

COM-400 Capstone Seminar

Examines, from a Christian worldview, the ethical and vocational issues associated with the study of human symbolic interaction. The interactions between philosophy, theory and practice will be analyzed.

MDA-111 Introduction to Story

This course explores the means by which meaning and value are constructed in narratives through the critical analysis of stories told from a variety of mediums. Students will develop knowledge of story structure and its application to form and aesthetic choices made in the construction of media productions. An emphasis will be placed on understanding how an artist’s “voice” is developed and communicated through storytelling.

MDA-213 Graphic Design I: Introduction to Graphic Design

This course teaches an overview of the graphic design field and industry, introducing students to the preferred software, concepts and workflows of this industry. Specifically, students are given an introduction to design concepts such as balance, contrast, scale, proportion, typography, and composition. Students are given collaborative design projects to work on which introduce and reinforce the taught principles of design. Students participate in interactive lectures, group conversations, online research and study, and more.

MDA-236 Introduction to Digital Photography

A beginning course in still/digital photography. Instruction covers basic photographic concepts, camera handling and the aesthetics of photography.

MDA-261 Audio Production I

Extension of theories and techniques used in MDA-261 and application to a live sound reinforcement context. Other topics include signal flow, speaker coverage, feedback control, equipment management, amplification wattage and basic troubleshooting. Students will complete a lab component mixing live sound for Cornerstone events.

MDA-271 Film and Video Production I

An exploration of the elements of video production from a theoretical and practical perspective through the three phases of production. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental process and technology of video production through the “hands-on” application of exercises and projects.

MDA-318 Writing for Media

A “hands-on” class where students learn the basics of many genres of media writing in one semester – news writing, advertising, documentaries, and dramatic script writing. Students are able to explore where their interests and skills lie and grow in learning to express themselves in all these different forms of media writing.

MDA-380 Internship

Practical work experience using audio, film or video skills in an appropriate setting relevant to the student’s area of emphasis.

COM-339 Social Media

The course aims to provide students majoring in communication and other fields with knowledge about finding and distributing information in conversations over social media. Students will be introduced to common platforms, techniques and ethical considerations.

MDA-161 Audio/Video Technical Production

Coverage of the basics of being an A/V Technician. The course covers cabling and component interconnect as well as system design. This class will also teach the student how to provide the basic audio visual technical support needed in a typical environment.

MDA-225 Graphic Design II: Graphic Design for Print and Media

This course teaches students design principles, with corresponding software skills and workflows, for print and digital media. Students will learn how to use industry-standard design software, such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, to create layouts and design files for print and digital. Concept development is also taught as a core component of this course. On a per-project basis, students will begin with pencil and ink wire frame drawings and compositional sketches, before moving on to digital workflows, thus becoming experienced with a mature, healthy creative workflow that exists partly outside of the spectrum of digital software (where ideation and design strategy is key). Students will specifically learn how to create projects intended for high-end industry print output (on four-color press), as well as digital workflows intended for digital distribution or collaborative creative processes. In InDesign, students will learn about inks, resolution, graphical outputs and compositing. In Photoshop, students will learn about photographic manipulation and retouching techniques, along with compositing, masking, layer effects, and more.

MDA-262 Live Audio Production

Extension of theories and techniques used in MDA-261 and application to a live sound reinforcement context. Other topics include signal flow, speaker coverage, feedback control, equipment management, amplification wattage and basic troubleshooting. Students will complete a lab component mixing live sound for Cornerstone events.

MDA-281 Audio Production II

An extension of the skills and concepts introduced in Audio Production I, as students refine and learn to apply their knowledge of audio collection, arrangement, coloring, and sweetening in a variety of production types. Both group and individual productions and the opportunity for professional critiques by Cornerstone University Radio personnel will be given.

MDA-282 Film and Video Production II

Students apply the principles and skills of camera, lighting, sound, directing, producing, editing, etc. for a variety of non-fiction production environments and purposes. Students will work on both group and individual productions to benefit the community and communicate with their publics.