2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Multimedia

Ideas become reality in the Multimedia major. Students learn the theory and practice of how a single premise is developed into a creative concept and practically applied across multiple mediums: the Internet, graphic design, digital cinema, immersive experiences, animation and digital games. We create a supportive and engaging environment where storytelling and commerce, art and computer science, cultural analysis and animation, students and faculty collaborate to produce exciting new works in dynamic media.

California Lutheran University’s general education courses ground the student in the liberal arts. The Multimedia core courses and classes drawn from the entire University curriculum enhance that foundation. These include classes in art, theater, music, communication, business, computer science and education.

The Multimedia major leads to a bachelor of arts degree in one of these concentrated areas:

  • Internet
  • Graphic Design for Multimedia
  • Digital Cinema for Multimedia
  • Digital Gaming
  • Visual Effects
  • 3D Animation

Each student acquires a fundamental creative, technical and administrative competency across these disciplines. They invent and develop ideas into concepts, characters and stories. They acquire cross platform computer skills and in depth knowledge of software applications. They also learn essential interpersonal skills and a collaborative attitude to function well in a professional, team oriented business environment.

Moving beyond media literacy, our students understand the theories and processes behind media production and learn the tools and techniques to create and develop entire media franchises. Fulfilling the university mission of cultivating creative global citizens, they have the potential to become the next generation of global entrepreneurs: inventive, passionate, ethical and a stimulating force for good in the world.

This program allows students to experience success by achieving excellence. This is sound preparation for careers in a broad range of media fields including:

  • Animation
  • Concept design
  • Computer games
  • Creative development
  • Digital cinema
  • Directing
  • E-commerce, gaming
  • High definition (HD) and interactive television production
  • Project management
  • Web development
  • Visual effects

The degree also serves as a springboard for advanced degrees in their fields.

Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia

62 credits minimum, 36 credits upper division.

All multimedia majors must declare an emphasis from the following:

Graphic Design/Print

The Graphic Design/Print concentration prepares students for careers in fields such as graphic design, publication and package design, advertising and brand identity design, digital illustration and image editing. Students learn to think and problem solve creatively and to express themselves artistically. They gain hands-on technical proficiency and learn about best practices in the design industry.

MULT 100Introduction to Multimedia4
MULT 202Media Theory, History and Creative Dev4
MULT 204Intermediate Multimedia4
MULT 300Advanced Multimedia I4
MULT 301Advanced Multimedia II4
MULT 350AProfessional Internship4
MULT 350BProfessional Internship4
MULT 475Capstone A4
MULT 476Capstone B4
MULT 140Multimedia Community1
MULT 141Multimedia Community1
MULT 240Multimedia Community1
MULT 241Multimedia Community1
MULT 340Multimedia Community1
MULT 341Multimedia Community1
MULT 440Multimedia Community1
MULT 441Multimedia Community1
Required Courses:
ART 236Digital Photography3
ART 280Design3
ART 435Adv Photography Intro Journalism3
ART 380Digital Art3
ART 480Advanced Digital Art3
MULT 463Graphic Design Multimedia Integration4
Total Hours63

 Interactivity, Web & Mobile Devices

The Interactivity, Web and Mobile Devices concentration prepares students for careers in fields such as web design and development, user interface (UI) design, and interaction design. Students must solve creative problems while meeting the needs of the user experience and technical requirements of each medium. They develop strategies for keeping up-to-date with these ever-changing technologies.

MULT 100Introduction to Multimedia4
MULT 202Media Theory, History and Creative Dev4
MULT 204Intermediate Multimedia4
MULT 300Advanced Multimedia I4
MULT 301Advanced Multimedia II4
MULT 350AProfessional Internship4
MULT 350BProfessional Internship4
MULT 475Capstone A4
MULT 476Capstone B4
MULT 140Multimedia Community1
MULT 141Multimedia Community1
MULT 240Multimedia Community1
MULT 241Multimedia Community1
MULT 340Multimedia Community1
MULT 341Multimedia Community1
MULT 440Multimedia Community1
MULT 441Multimedia Community1
Select 11 credits from the following:11
Digital Photography
Graphic Design Multimedia Integration
Studio Recording I
Concepts of Programming
Introduction to Computer Programming
Advanced Computer Programming
Computer Organization and Architecture
Web Design
Multimedia Technology
Required Courses:
ART 380Digital Art3
MULT 336Developing Internet Content I4
Total Hours62

High Definition Digital Cinema for Multimedia

The HD Digital Cinema concentration prepares students for multiple roles within the media industries. Students learn to be agile content creators, developing proficiency in all aspects of high definition production, from concept and script, to production and post-production. A primary focus of the Multimedia program’s HD Digital Cinema is on documentary, reality, and other uses of the cinema toolkit as a tool for personal expression outside of scripted content.

MULT 100Introduction to Multimedia4
MULT 202Media Theory, History and Creative Dev4
MULT 204Intermediate Multimedia4
MULT 300Advanced Multimedia I4
MULT 301Advanced Multimedia II4
MULT 350AProfessional Internship4
MULT 350BProfessional Internship4
MULT 475Capstone A4
MULT 476Capstone B4
MULT 140Multimedia Community1
MULT 141Multimedia Community1
MULT 240Multimedia Community1
MULT 241Multimedia Community1
MULT 340Multimedia Community1
MULT 341Multimedia Community1
MULT 440Multimedia Community1
MULT 441Multimedia Community1
Select one of the following:3
Beginning Acting
Light/Sound Design for Stage and Media
Scenic Design for Stage and Media
Directing I,
Studio Recording I
Studio Recording II
Required Courses:
ART 380Digital Art3
MULT 470High Definition Digital Cinema I4
MULT 471High Definition Digital Cinema II4
FILM 208Beginning Cinema Production4
FILM 308Advanced Cinema Production4
Total Hours66

Visual Effects, Motion Graphics, & Animation

Develop the art of cinematic magic, illusion and creative visual storytelling. Explore the craft of visual effects, animation, media production, titles, graphics, cinematic previz, preproduction and post-production. In this emphasis you will learn from industry veterans, as you build your professional portfolio and design, produce and collaborate on a variety of real world visual fx, graphics and animation projects. Students will engage in, experience and demonstrate the effects design process from the perspective of the artist, the animator, the graphic designer, the VFX technician, the technical director, the VFX supervisor, the concept artist, previz artist, producer and director. 

MULT 100Introduction to Multimedia4
MULT 202Media Theory, History and Creative Dev4
MULT 204Intermediate Multimedia4
MULT 300Advanced Multimedia I4
MULT 301Advanced Multimedia II4
MULT 350AProfessional Internship4
MULT 350BProfessional Internship4
MULT 475Capstone A4
MULT 476Capstone B4
MULT 140Multimedia Community1
MULT 141Multimedia Community1
MULT 240Multimedia Community1
MULT 241Multimedia Community1
MULT 340Multimedia Community1
MULT 341Multimedia Community1
MULT 440Multimedia Community1
MULT 441Multimedia Community1
Select 11 credits from the following:11
Life Drawing
Sculpture
Advanced Digital Art
Maxon Cinema 4D 3D Animation
Independent Study
Studio Recording I
Required Courses:
ART 380Digital Art3
MULT 358Visual Effects/Motion Graphics/Animation4
Total Hours62

Digital Gaming

With the Digital Gaming concentration, students will discover the art and science of game development, level design, interactive media, virtual reality and themed immersive entertainment. Learn the history, theory, tools, art, technology and science behind today’s most innovative, engaging and popular new media experiences. From interactive storytelling, design documents and concept development to coding, testing, animation and environmental design.

MULT 100Introduction to Multimedia4
MULT 202Media Theory, History and Creative Dev4
MULT 204Intermediate Multimedia4
MULT 300Advanced Multimedia I4
MULT 301Advanced Multimedia II4
MULT 350AProfessional Internship4
MULT 350BProfessional Internship4
MULT 475Capstone A4
MULT 476Capstone B4
MULT 140Multimedia Community1
MULT 141Multimedia Community1
MULT 240Multimedia Community1
MULT 241Multimedia Community1
MULT 340Multimedia Community1
MULT 341Multimedia Community1
MULT 440Multimedia Community1
MULT 441Multimedia Community1
Select 11 credits from the following:11
Advanced Digital Art
Visual Effects/Motion Graphics/Animation
Independent Study
Concepts of Programming
Introduction to Computer Programming
Computer Organization and Architecture
Multimedia Technology
Studio Recording I
Beginning Acting
Required Courses:
ART 380Digital Art3
MULT 465Maxon Cinema 4D 3D Animation4
Total Hours62

 

Minor in Multimedia

24 Credits minimum, 12 upper division credits.

MULT 100Introduction to Multimedia4
MULT 202Media Theory, History and Creative Dev4
Select two of the following:8
Developing Internet Content I
Visual Effects/Motion Graphics/Animation
Digital Illustration
Graphic Design Multimedia Integration
Maxon Cinema 4D 3D Animation
High Definition Digital Cinema I
High Definition Digital Cinema II
Technical or Supportive Course4
Select four of the following:4
Multimedia Community
Multimedia Community
Multimedia Community
Multimedia Community
Multimedia Community
Multimedia Community
Multimedia Community
Multimedia Community
Total Hours24

 

Courses

Lower Division

MULT 100. Introduction to Multimedia. (4).

Introduces students to the concept of multimedia and presents the latest developments in the field. Designed as the gateway to the major, the course will model in simplified form the way the major will function. Students will be introduced to basic skill competencies - both computer and non-computer - necessary for the major. General concepts relating to multimedia will be introduced including social, ethical and legal issues, among others. Collaborative work and group exercises will develop creative and nonlinear thinking, team building, and written and oral communication skills. Guest lecturers and workshop leaders will discuss and demonstrate the state of the current technology. Small multimedia projects will focus students on creating real-world products.

MULT 140/141. Multimedia Community. (1,1).

Hosted by the multimedia program, the Multimedia Community is a weekly series of one-hour sessions that include workshops, seminars, panel discussions, roundtables on internship experiences and client interaction, and other forms of presentations given by students, faculty and guest speakers. Many of the seminars and panel discussions focusing on the global connections of multimedia are open to the general campus community. The Multimedia Community's objective is to present technical, design, business, employment, legal and social issues that affect multimedia and other disciplines. Enrollment and attendance is mandatory for all prospective and declared majors and minors.

MULT 202. Media Theory, History and Creative Dev. (4).

A basic understanding of media theory, history and creative development provides the conceptual and practical foundation upon which all media products are created and built. This course is designed to be a vital, exciting, stimulating and relevant body of knowledge that will broaden the student's awareness of the multiplicity of the design process, enable the student to discover, activate and articulate their personal sources of inspiration and creativity, and ground them in a higher level of self confidence in their own artistic voice. A substantial number of oral presentations that require creative, critical thinking, and performance skills are required in this course.

MULT 204. Intermediate Multimedia. (4).

Intermediate multimedia enhances the student designer's skill sets by demonstrating how to translate a concept presentation into professional project documentation that clearly articulates their design goals and objectives. This writing intensive class integrates both visual and verbal communication through the preparation of story summaries, character development, branding logo and identity design, storyboarding, HDTV and digital cinema script treatment, event concepts, and game design. This is the second section of a three-part multimedia design and production model that includes the creative, technical and administrative aspects.

MULT 240/241. Multimedia Community. (1,1).

Hosted by the multimedia program, the Multimedia Community is a weekly series of one-hour sessions that include workshops, seminars, panel discussions, roundtables on internship experiences and client interaction, and other forms of presentations given by students, faculty and guest speakers. Many of the seminars and panel discussions focusing on the global connections of multimedia are open to the general campus community. The Multimedia Community's objective is to present technical, design, business, employment, legal and social issues that affect multimedia and other disciplines. Enrollment and attendance is mandatory for all prospective and declared majors and minors.

MULT 282C. ST: Select Topic (core). (1-4).

Select Topic approved core requirement.

MULT 3ST. SpecialýSpecial Topics. (4).

MULT 4ST. Selected Topics. (1-4).

Upper Division

MULT 300. Advanced Multimedia I. (4).

Concentrates on developing each student's specialty in multimedia as well as assessing higher levels of skill and knowledge competency. Team projects focus on broader uses of more advanced multimedia technology. Emphasis is placed on user interface, advanced communication skills and content development.

MULT 301. Advanced Multimedia II. (4).

Continuation of Mult 300.

MULT 336. Developing Internet Content I. (4).

This class concentrates on the design and implementation of high level concept and database driven websites using interdisciplinary teams across creative, technical and production skill sets. First semester concentrates on client side development and implementation. Second semester concentrates on server side development and implementation.

MULT 340/341. Multimedia Community. (1,1).

Hosted by the multimedia program, the Multimedia Community is a weekly series of one-hour sessions that include workshops, seminars, panel discussions, roundtables on internship experiences and client interaction, and other forms of presentations given by students, faculty and guest speakers. Many of the seminars and panel discussions focusing on the global connections of multimedia are open to the general campus community. The Multimedia Community's objective is to present technical, design, business, employment, legal and social issues that affect multimedia and other disciplines. Enrollment and attendance is mandatory for all prospective and declared majors and minors.

MULT 350A/350B. Professional Internship. (4,4).

Internships are arranged with companies producing or specializing in multimedia-related materials. Each student applies, if possible, for an internship with a company that most closely fits with his or her special area of interest. A significant journal and work portfolio will be assessed at the end of the internship.

MULT 358. Visual Effects/Motion Graphics/Animation. (4).

This class concentrates on professional visual effects, motion graphics and 3D animation techniques for High Definition Television and Digital Cinema. Grounded in the creative appraisal and technical analysis of script and production requirements students will learn entertainment industry skills such as asset management, script breakdown, plate production, blue/green screen compositing, title and type animation, and basic character animation and staging. Prerequisites: portfolio review or lab tutorials in After Effects and Photoshop, MULT 100, MULT 202, or permission of instructor or department chairperson.

MULT 395. Game Design. (4).

This course presents an introduction, behind the scenes look, and hands-on experience into the art, science and craft of Interactive Media Production, Game Design, Game Coding, Virtual Reality (VR), themed entertainment and High Technology Entertainment. Recommended: ART 380 and knowledge in Unity and Unreal engines.

MULT 440/441. Multimedia Community. (1,1).

Hosted by the multimedia program, the Multimedia Community is a weekly series of one-hour sessions that include workshops, seminars, panel discussions, roundtables on internship experiences and client interaction, and other forms of presentations given by students, faculty and guest speakers. Many of the seminars and panel discussions focusing on the global connections of multimedia are open to the general campus community. The Multimedia Community's objective is to present technical, design, business, employment, legal and social issues that affect multimedia and other disciplines. Enrollment and attendance is mandatory for all prospective and declared majors and minors.

MULT 462. Digital Illustration. (4).

In this class the creative application of Adobe Illustrator for commercial and fine art expression is realized. Course includes overview of illustration process including discussion of traditional versus digital techniques, developing concepts, working from sketches, digitizing artwork, learning digital tools, and printing finished works.

MULT 463. Graphic Design Multimedia Integration. (4).

This class focuses on the principles of design and how they are applied across multiple mediums: Print, Internet, High Definition Television and Digital Cinema. Common elements such as concept, composition, color, and typography are explored as well as the specific aesthetic and technical differences and requirements of each medium. Prerequisites: portfolio review, ART 280, MULT 100, or permission of instructor or department chair.

MULT 465. Maxon Cinema 4D 3D Animation. (4).

This class focuses on the principles of 3D animation and how they are applied across multiple media: Print, Internet, HD Television, Digital Cinema and Digital Gaming. Topics include construction of models, 3D space, composition, color, keyframe animation, visual effects and motion capture, as well as the specific aesthetic and technical requirements of the industry. Prerequisites: MULT 100, ART 280, ART 380, or permission of the instructor or department chair.

MULT 470. High Definition Digital Cinema I. (4).

Modeled after major studio and production company project workflows this two semester, hands-on, time intensive class concentrates on developing new dramatic, experimental, reality-documentary work from concept to pre-visualization, script, dailies, visual effects, audio design to edited short movie. Major use of the Internet for project management, research and development, production and distribution is emphasized.

MULT 471. High Definition Digital Cinema II. (4).

Modeled after major studio and production company project workflows this two semester, hand-on, time intensive class concentrates on the post production process for dramatic, experimental, reality documentary work from dailies, visual effects, color correction, audio design to edited short. Major use of the Internet for project management, research and development, post-production and distribution is emphasized.

MULT 475. Capstone A. (4).

The capstone course maintains and expands on the work done in previous classes. The capstone experience will also involve the yearlong development of contracted multimedia projects. The projects involve students in intense research and application of all that they have learned in the major, culminating in the delivery of an acceptable professional product and portfolio.

MULT 476. Capstone B. (4).

Continuation of Mult 475.

MULT 482. Selected Topics. (1-4).

MULT 482C. ST: Select Topic (core). (1-4).

Select Topic approved for core requirement.

MULT 490. Independent Study. (1-4).

MULT 492. Internship. (1-4).

MULT 496. Directed Research. (1-3).

Faculty

Professor

Hengst

Instructor

Restuccio