Greenville College

About Digital Media

The digital media major prepares students to become content creators in a world that is constantly being shaped by technology. This preparation includes the cultivation of analytic and critical thinking skills as well as the ability to work and communicate with others on complex interdisciplinary projects integrating digital music, digital art, web-based technologies, and computer programming skills.

Students will learn to integrate their Christian world view as an extension of the creative process as revealed in digital content, presenting themselves as moral and responsible Christian professionals. The digital media major emphasizes a broad-based, theoretical understanding of the delivery tools, which will allow them, as life-long learners, to keep pace with rapidly changing technology over the course of their careers. Students also learn the technical skills necessary to begin as content creators following graduation. Students who successfully complete the digital media major can expect entry-level professional positions or admission to graduate school upon graduation.

The digital media major requires students to complete 38 credits. Digital media majors may also select to complete an optional track which would require the completion of 12-16 additional credits. Students who complete the digital media major are eligible to receive the bachelor of science degree.

Visit GC Tech: an online community for current students and alumni of the digital media program.

Major Course Requirements

Courses Credits  
ART 111 2D/3D Design 3

A study of the basic principles and elements of two-dimensional form and composition. Alternate discussion and projects designed to acquaint the student with material and techniques in the plastic arts.

DM 110 Light, Sound, and Motion 4

This course is designed to provide digital media majors with an accurate conceptual framework for understanding the underlying physical principles governing the behavior of moving objects and the phenomena associated with light and sound waves. Topics will include the kinematics of motion, Newton's laws of motion, energy and momentum and wave mechanics and interference effects of light and sound. Applications involving acoustic and optical technology are presented. This course will not fulfill requirements for pre-professional science programs, chemistry, or physics majors. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Cross listed with PHY 110.

DM 120 Introduction to Digital Media 3

This course explores digital media as an experimental cultural practice, with an emphasis on critical approaches to art and technology. Experiments in digital imaging, digital audio, digital video, and multi-media authoring will be conducted. Students will produce independent digital media production projects, individually and in groups. Course meetings include seminar-style discussion of reading and other materials, critiques of student work, tech workshops, production studios (session in which we brainstorm, research ideas, and work on projects), and screenings.

DM 125/325 Digital Integration Experience 1

This course will provide the student with a hands-on experience in utilizing digital media, the internet, and social networking. each student will utilize video equipment and the internet to promote a group of people (may be a team, a club, a cause, etc.). A prime goal of this experience will be to create a community following. Blogs, fan pages, text messaging, and video sharing services will be utilized.

DM 140 Introduction to Computer Programming 3

This course will introduce students to computers and programming. It will begin with a study of computer hardware and software relationships, and a review of common operating systems in use today, with a detailed review of microcomputer operating systems. Then programming language construction and principles will be covered, culminating in problem-solving and algorithm development in a high level computing language with several programming projects. Serves also as the entry point for a major in computer and information systems. Cross listed with CIS 140.

DM 226 Survey of Audio Engineering and Production 2

This course provides a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of studio recording and sound reinforcement. Cross listed with COM/MUSG 126.

DM 227 Studio Production 2

This course continues the study of theory and practice of studio recording, and includes Digidesign® Pro Tools 101 Certification. The course is "hands-on," offering substantial studio time for individual recording projects. Cross listed with MUSG 227.

DM 230 Graphic Design I 3

This course reviews the overview of the technical and aesthetic issues relevant to the design profession. Studio work and research will be assigned. Specific focus on problems in visual organization, typography, and design theory as an expressive design element will be studied. Course content will concentrate on fostering creative thinking along with prescrived techniques and media. Three double or two triple periods. Cross listed with ART 230.

DM 241 Digital Photography I 3

Students will work with traditional 35 mm and digital cameras and scanners to produce photographic images that can be improved, manipulated, altered, and printed from the computer. They will learn to control camera settings, adjust imagery using sophisticated photo manipulation software, and explore the variety of digitally based, photograph quality printing. Students will experiment with the fundamentals of photography while developing a portfolio of creative photography. Cross listed with ART 331.

DM 250 Web Page Design 3

This course covers the primary components of Web design: HTML, CSS, imaging, page design, site design, information architecture, site management, navigation, integrating JavaScript, writing for the Web, and usability as well as instruction in key Web design software, including Adobe Creative Suite. Special attention is given to layout design, content creation, and project management.

DM 301 Digital Video I 3

Students will work to master the ability to shoot, capture, and edit digital video. They will prepare media in various types of formats and for various types of output. A major project will be to produce a short clip video which will integrate various software applications.

DM 350 Introduction to Animation 3

This course explores the methods and objectives of motion and time based graphics. Emphasis is on visual design of commercial, educational, or narrative multimedia electronics presentations.

DM 401 Digital Media Portfolio 3

This course will give the student a chance to demonstrate talent in the area of digital content. Each portfolio will include interactive design (including visual, navigation, and information design), creative arts, and various projects with technical merit. The student will demonstrate the level of expertise that has been gained from Digital Media courses, such as Graphic Design, Web Design, Computer Programming, Digital Video, Digital Photography, Digital Multimedia, and Studio Recording. This portfolio is intended to prepare students for entry in the job market or graduate school.

DM 405 Practicum/Internship 1-4

This DM Practicum (Internship) Course supports students to reflect on their learning while in a professional internship of at least 240 hours during the summer, fall/spring semester, or interterm.

DM 410 Digital Media Seminar 3

A capstone course for all digital media majors, involving independent and group work in selected areas, guest speakers, research projects, and discussion as an essential learning activity. Topics will include digital manipulation ethics, digital sharing ethics, God & technology, and development of a career and lifestyle based on a technological society. A trip to the Annual Chicago International Film festival in October is an integral part of this course.

Minor Course Requirements

Courses Credits  
ART 111 2D/3D Design 3

A study of the basic principles and elements of two-dimensional form and composition. Alternate discussion and projects designed to acquaint the student with material and techniques in the plastic arts.

DM 120 Introduction to Digital Media 3

This course explores digital media as an experimental cultural practice, with an emphasis on critical approaches to art and technology. Experiments in digital imaging, digital audio, digital video, and multi-media authoring will be conducted. Students will produce independent digital media production projects, individually and in groups. Course meetings include seminar-style discussion of reading and other materials, critiques of student work, tech workshops, production studios (session in which we brainstorm, research ideas, and work on projects), and screenings.

DM 140 Introduction to Computer Programming 3

This course will introduce students to computers and programming. It will begin with a study of computer hardware and software relationships, and a review of common operating systems in use today, with a detailed review of microcomputer operating systems. Then programming language construction and principles will be covered, culminating in problem-solving and algorithm development in a high level computing language with several programming projects. Serves also as the entry point for a major in computer and information systems. Cross listed with CIS 140.

DM 226 Survey of Audio Engineering and Production 2

This course provides a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of studio recording and sound reinforcement. Cross listed with COM/MUSG 126.

DM 230 Graphic Design I 3

This course reviews the overview of the technical and aesthetic issues relevant to the design profession. Studio work and research will be assigned. Specific focus on problems in visual organization, typography, and design theory as an expressive design element will be studied. Course content will concentrate on fostering creative thinking along with prescrived techniques and media. Three double or two triple periods. Cross listed with ART 230.

DM 241 Digital Photography I 3

Students will work with traditional 35 mm and digital cameras and scanners to produce photographic images that can be improved, manipulated, altered, and printed from the computer. They will learn to control camera settings, adjust imagery using sophisticated photo manipulation software, and explore the variety of digitally based, photograph quality printing. Students will experiment with the fundamentals of photography while developing a portfolio of creative photography. Cross listed with ART 331.