The Media Arts Major at Bethany Lutheran College seeks to synthesize the expertise of the communication specialist with the aesthetic and creative sensibilities of the visual artist in order to produce graduates who are highly employable but who also possess an intellectual skill set far beyond the merely technical. Our graduates are also expected to have critically examined the role of the artist in society and the unique responsibilities of the Christian visual artist.

Entry into the Major

Each student is expected to formally apply for entry into the media arts major. This could be done at any time, but it is best if application is made before the end of the sophomore year. Entry into the major requires a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all pre-major coursework.

A minimum of 42 upper division (300- and 400-level) credits is required to receive the B.A. degree from Bethany.

Core Requirements

Required lower division courses:

• ARTS102 2D Design
• ARTS110 Drawing I
• ARTS230 Introduction to Desktop Publishing and Design
• COMM213 Introduction to Creative Writing
• COMM240 Introduction to Mass Media
• COMM318 Small Group Communication
• COMM297 AV Production II or COMM397 AV Production III

Historical Perspective:

Two of the following four courses:

• ARTS107 Art History Survey III - Romanticism to Modernism
• ARTS344 American Art History
• ARTS452 Contemporary Issues in Art
• COMM365 Images on Film

Theoretical and Critical Analysis:

• COMM385 Ethics in Media

Two of the following three courses:

• ARTS450 Art Theory and Criticism
• COMM325 Processes of Criticism
• ENGL350 Literary Criticism

Areas of Emphasis

I. Animation Emphasis

• MART390 Animation
• ARTS332 Intro to Multimedia Authoring
• ARTS330 Electronic Imaging
• COMM360 Visual Communication
• MART430 Motion Graphic Design

II. Design Emphasis

• ARTS330 Electronic Imaging
• ARTS332 Intro to Multimedia Authoring
• ARTS336 Graphics for World Wide Web
• ARTS312 Illustration
• ARTS430 Graphic Design Studio

III. Video Arts Emphasis

• ARTS330 Electronic Imaging
• COMM360 Visual Communication
• COMM465 Editing for Film and Video
• MART390 Animation
• MART430 Motion Graphic Design

Additional Requirements

In addition to choosing from one of the three areas of emphasis, all majors must complete a Capstone Experience and have the option of pursuing an internship in their chosen specialty.

Capstone Experience

• Topics Course/Art in a Media Culture
• A senior project lecture and research course culminating in a public exhibition of the student's work.

Internship

Application may be made through the media arts department for a program of practical experience.

• MART499 Art Internship

Curricular Suggestions

Suggested General Education Coursework

These courses are recommended supplements to the Media Arts curriculum.

• BUSN101 Introduction to Business
• COMM389 Intercultural Communication

Suggested Additional Electives

• ARTS113 Introduction to Photography
• ARTS114 Painting
• MUSC102 Music Appreciation
• THTR101 Intro to Theatre
• COMS103 Computer Programming
• BUSN330 Principles of Marketing