Digital Media Communications - Recording Arts Concentration

Bachelor of Science126 Credits

The major in Digital Communications and Media/Multimedia is designed for students who seek a program that respects and develops their Christian faith while providing training in technology, communication skills, and creative abilities. It will help them develop into highly versatile professionals who are able to think critically and creatively in light of a biblical worldview and serve in technical communications positions in both businesses, churches, and nonprofit organizations. This program integrates new digital media and multimedia technologies with the basics of more traditional communications field coursework. The sophistication and complexity of these new media technologies will require graduates to possess a comprehensive understanding of electronic media, digital broadcasting, Internet and Cybermedia as well as the ability to relate this knowledge in an ever-changing technological culture. Preparation also includes hands-on experience in a range of digital media, multimedia, Web and technological skill.


  1. Students will produce effective examples of creative and strategic communication in a variety of traditional and new media forms, demonstrating an understanding of communication theory and applications.
  2. Students will research current and trending topics to analyze, evaluate, and interpret texts, media products, performances, and human interaction with, and use of, digital media.
  3. Students will demonstrate leadership skills in production environments by participating in and leading teams of peers.
  4. Students will define and articulate a personal theology of service and leadership that incorporates their faith and Christian worldview with their commitment to digital media.
  5. Students will develop and produce digital media products integrating information through writing, audio, still digital images, video, animation using a variety of computer applications.
  6. Students will produce and publish digital media through various formats using appropriate Internet and telecommunications technology.
Course Code
Course Name
Credits
BIB/NWT/OLT/THE
Courses
9 cr
or ENG 223, 243 or 353
 
 
 
General Elective Courses
5 cr
 
History, Culture, Society Courses
3 cr
PHE
Physical Education Course
2 cr
SCI
Science Course
3 cr
TOTAL
 
61 credits

For students seeking to pursue graduate education, most graduate programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 for entrance.

Course Descriptions & Related Information

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BIB 103 Introduction to Biblical Interpretation 3 credits

A practical introduction to the study of the Bible. The course provides an overview of fundamental issues of interpretation, inspiration, manuscripts, and translation. Emphasis is on basic approaches to Bible study and appropriate use of biblical reference tools. Only required for non-ministry majors.

BIB 200 Biblical Theology 3 credits

A study of the major biblical and theological themes of both testaments. Emphasis on discovering the flow of ideas that bind the different books of the Bible into a unified whole.
Prerequisites: OLT 123, NWT 113.

COM 123 Fundamentals of Public Speaking 3 credits

A basic course in public speaking designed to provide both theory and practice in principles of effective speech composition and communication.

ENG 223 Creative Writing 3 credits

Structured as a writing workshop, this course encourages students to develop a personal writing style and voice through experimentation with writing short stories, drama, and poetry. Skill in revising and marketing are taught.
Prerequisite: ENG 123 or 497.

ENG 243 English Literature 3 credits

A critical and historical study of selected English literature from the fifth century to the present. Representative authors from each period are selected so that students may gain an appreciation for outstanding authors and an understanding of the society in which each lived.
Prerequisite: ENG 123 or 497.

ENG 353 Biblical Literature and its Contemporary Counterparts 3 credits

This course will offer students the opportunity to read widely among the various literatures of the Bible and its literary counterparts found in poetry, prose, and fiction. The course will attempt to explore and analyze the relationship between the sacred and the secular by using works from John Milton, C.S. Lewis, T.S. Eliot, George Herbert, William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, and several others. Several traditional as well as modern models of literary criticism will be considered.
Prerequisite: ENG 123 or 497.

ENG 123 College Writing and Research 3 credits

This course stresses the writing process and introduces the skills necessary to conduct college-level research. Emphasis is placed on argumentative and analytical writing supported by research.
A passing grade of C- or higher is required.

FNA 113 Fine Arts Appreciation 3 credits

This course is designed to develop and expand an appreciation for music, art, and aesthetics. Introduces major movements and ideas in art, music, and architecture. Examines historical time periods and major figures including their philosophy, style, and view of aesthetics. Requires participation in cultural excursions. $90 lab fee.

MTH 113Business Math 3 credits

A review of quantitative methods designed to meet needs of the business world. The course will review calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and algebraic equations. It will also cover aspects of banking, budgeting, insurance, income tax, installment buying, time value of money, payroll deductions, discounts and percentages.
Prerequisite: Minimum Score of 420 on Mathematics SAT OR successful completion of MTH 107 with a grade of C- or higher.

MTH 123Quantitative Reasoning3 credits

This course applies mathematics to life skill areas for personal and professional use with an emphasis in problem-solving.
Prerequisite: Minimum Score of 420 on Mathematics SAT OR successful completion of MTH 107 with a grade of C- or higher.

NWT 113 New Testament Survey 3 credits

A panoramic view of the chief events, prominent characters, main themes and salient teachings of each New Testament book in relation to its historical, geographical and cultural contexts.

OLT 123 Old Testament Survey 3 credits

A study of the historical settings, literary features, authorship, theological teachings, and general content of the books of the Hebrew Bible. This survey provides a factual and practical groundwork for further studies in the Old Testament.

PHL 113 Worldviews 3 credits

This course will examine and apply principles involved in the development of a worldview. The course will emphasize the development and application of a Christian worldview. Special emphasis will be given to critical, creative, and Christian thinking skills.

PHL 343 Ethics 3 credits

An examination of historic and modern methods for ethical decision making. Primary emphasis is given to using those methods to suggest Christian solutions for the personal, economic and religious problems of our day.

PSY 223 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits

An introduction to the basic concepts of human behavior, motivation, emotion and personality, and a survey of the contemporary psychological field.

SOC 103 Life Formation 3 credits

A practical study of the classic spiritual disciplines that are essential to lifelong spiritual formation from a Pentecostal perspective. The course will emphasize intentional and holistic applications in daily living.

THE 233 A/G Doctrine and History 3 credits

A study of Assemblies of God antecedents, history, government, doctrinal emphases, distinctives, and missions.

BUS 200 Explorations in Business 3 credits

An introduction to functions of business, including business organization and accounting, management of financial resources, management of human resources, marketing of goods and services, and principles of economic decision making. Open to all students.

BUS 343 Marketing and Public Relations 3 credits

Marketing and public relations in profit and nonprofit organizations. Introduces basic theory, terminology, and major components of marketing and public relations. Reviews practices of current organizations.

COM 136 Mass Media and Society 3 credits

Overview of the history, organization, economics, content, control, and effects of mass communications on society. Examination of mass media industries, including print, broadcast, cable, film, telephony, and the Internet.

COM 143 Communication Theory 3 credits

A study of the theories of human and mass-mediated communication with an emphasis on research and writing. Topics include communication system theory, signs and languages, discourse, message reception and receiving, social and cultural realities, and critical theories.
Prerequisite: ENG 123 or 497 and COM 123 or 494.

COM 163 Introduction to Digital Media 3 credits

Survey of the personal and business uses of the individualized media including interactive TV, video games, multimedia, online services, blogs, webcasting and podcasting, digital downloads, chat rooms, bulletin boards, and e-marketing. Covers technological, social, and economic implications for users, producers, and distributors of traditional new media.

COM 293 Intercultural Communications 3 credits

An introductory course in communications between those of various cultures dealing with core culture and value orientation. The silent language and problems of Americans in other cultures are brought into focus.

COM 301 Freelancing and Shameless Self-Promotion 3 credits

This course covers topics in freelancing, starting a business, branding, and social media marketing. Featuring a skill-building approach to course topics, this course equips students to start and publicize their own business using available tools and techniques. Students will learn to establish their personal businesses ethically and legally.
Prerequisites: COM 136 and COM 143.

COM 373 Design and Visual Language 3 credits

This course helps students develop the intellectual skills necessary for analysis, understanding and creation of media messages in the many formats of today’s high-density visual environment. Students will be introduced to the syntax, grammar and rhetoric of visual communications. The course also surveys current trends in interactive media, marketing and advertising on the Internet and various forms of e-commerce. Assignments explore information architecture and how visual design, writing style and navigation logic affect interactive marketing success.
Prerequisite: COM 163 and DIG 263.

COM 483 Digital Media Internship 3 credits

An internship is designed to allow upper-level students to experience the professional world while they are still involved in their academic training. This provides them with both an understanding of the relationship of their academic preparation to their career aspirations and the demands that will be placed upon them in the professional world. An internship is limited to 3 credit hours. However, a maximum of 6 internship credits may be applied to the major of they represent two distinctly different internship experiences. The internship typically occurs during the student’s last year.
Prerequisite: COM 163, DIG 263, DIG 313.

DIG 243 Introduction to Photography 3 credits

An in-depth look at digital photography and using the photograph as a means of expression in various electronic media. Understanding of techniques and technology involved with the use of the photograph in web pages and print publications. This course emphasizes the camera as a tool for seeing, understanding imagery, and composing. Students will create an online Web platform and demonstrate familiarity with core concepts in the areas of camera use, lighting techniques, as well as proficiency in Web design/HTML and desktop publishing. Various software programs will be utilized to give students a broader experience with a variety of tools.
Prerequisite: Computer and internet proficiency.

DIG 263 Digital Design 3 credits

An introduction to techniques for layout, design, typography, editing, formatting, and publishing of various documents. Course also introduces students to graphic design as a conceptual and visual discipline. Projects focus on solving visual problems from a wide range of topics in a variety of media. Includes a review of software programs.
Prerequisite: COM 163. Course requires purchase of Adobe Creative Suite software.

DIG 272 Introduction to Web Design 3 credits

An introduction to basic Web page design that focuses on freely available tools and techniques. Students learn fundamental techniques, customizing and maintaining their own Web presence. Topics include: HTML formatting, hyperlink integration, and an introduction to Web graphic design.

DIG 303 Video Production and Technology I 3 credits

This course will cover basic video production from concept to completion. Emphasis will be placed on fundamental technical skills as well as working knowledge of professional video editing software suites. Students will learn basic camera, capturing, editing, and media creation techniques.
Prerequisite: COM 163.

DIG 313 Video Production and Technology II 3 credits

This course will expand on the skills and concepts introduced in DIG 303. The students will be joined in teams to complete a variety of projects relative to course objectives. Students will demonstrate familiarity with core concepts in the areas of camera and lighting techniques, as well as proficiency in nonlinear editing. Using new production techniques, students will concentrate on the creative and technical aspects of planning, shooting, and editing a video based on a personal vision. Students will produce projects in a variety of genres.
Prerequisite: DIG 303.

DIG 321 Webcasting, Streaming and Podcasting 1 credit

Introduction to fundamentals of podcasting audio programs, and online webcasting and streaming on-demand audio and video. Students will produce a podcast and will be responsible for all production processes. They will assist in production responsibilities for the college’s daily chapel webcast. Course is repeatable for credit.
Prerequisite: COM 163.

ENG 333 Writing for the Media 3 credits

Introduction to and practice in writing for mass media, with a focus on the electronic media, news, feature and publicity writing for radio and television. Teaches principles of writing, editing and design and preparation of copy for newspapers, magazines, Internet and book publishing. Includes evaluation of news displays, headlines, photos, and typography and working with the Associated Press and Chicago style manuals.
Prerequisite: ENG 123 or 497.

MTN 111 Basic Audio Reinforcement 1 credits

A basic overview of pro audio equipment and their relative application in the church. Students will assemble, mix, troubleshoot and breakdown various systems found in ministry today. Music technology minors may test out of this class.

MTN 233 Principles of Audio Technology 3 credits

Systems analysis of contemporary recording and reinforcement technology. Analysis of audio signals including time, frequency and decibels, fundamentals of analog and digital audio applications.

MTN 253 Modern Music Production Techniques 3 credits

An in-depth study of MIDI and its relation to the world of current sequencing, recording, and notation software.
Prerequisite: MTN 123 or permission of Instructor. Fee: $50.

MTN 263 Digital Audio 3 credits

Introduction to digital audio production. Intensive, practical experience in planning, coordinating, directing and producing various audio productions for broadcast. Review of sound design principles and recording techniques for multi-track production in all media production settings. Students learn the functioning and operation of basic digital audio workstations, digital and analog tape recorders, microphones, mixing consoles, signal processors and loudspeakers as well as rudimentary acoustical physics. Considerable time is also spent on critical listening skills and design aesthetics.

MTN 423 Multi-Track Recording 3 credits

A continuation of techniques introduced in Digital Audio. Emphasis will be placed on advanced mixing, processing, and mixing techniques. Students will record live and studio sessions and will produce a demo CD. Students will gain extensive hands-on experience. In a professional recording studio environment.
Prerequisite: MTN 412. Fee: $50.

MTN 463 Mixing/Post-Production 3 credits

A course designed to introduce the student to the final stages of the recording process. Emphasis will be placed on manual mixing, automation, mastering, and reproduction.
Prerequisite: MTN 423. Fee: $50