Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

This course offers a broad-based degree to students who wish to pursue studies in digital arts and multimedia design practices. It will be of particular interest to those seeking an art and design focus in digital and interactive media. Students will study integrated multimedia and digital arts studios, as well as units in digital imaging, theory, drawing, professional practice and a choice of electives. In third year, students will have a choice of majoring in either multimedia design or digital arts.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• have gained a broad knowledge and an understanding of multimedia communication and new media arts within their socio-economic, critical and cultural contexts
• have the ability to critically assess and contribute to contemporary discourse on multimedia and digital arts practices
• attain academic skills appropriate to theoretical inquiry into multimedia and digital arts practices
• have attained knowledge and understanding of the aesthetic aspects of digital and interactive media and a high capability at aesthetic resolutions
• have attained knowledge and understanding of the other professions involved in multimedia and digital arts practices and the capability to work in coordination with them
• have acquired the ability to exercise imagination and innovation in the development of ideas relating to multimedia communication and new media arts
• have knowledge of project and business management particular to multimedia and digital arts.

The course consists of the following areas of study:

(a.) Multimedia and digital arts major studios (42 points)

This is the major study of the course and there are studios at each level. Units commence at a basic level of understanding and progress to a high level of competence in digital and interactive media. The knowledge gained in other parts of the course is progressively incorporated into the studio practice, developing problem-solving skills relevant to multimedia and digital arts. Assigned projects are approached within the context of the unique properties and opportunities of digital media. The multimedia and digital arts studio unit will combine lectures and participation in a group studio environment involving traditional design activities and those of a more digital nature.

(b.) Technical units (12 points)

These units will introduce the technicalities associated with creating digital media content and programming.

(c.) Complementary studies (42 points)

Studies including design studio, drawing, typography, photomedia and digital imaging.

(d.) Cultural and critical issues (theory) (18 points)

All students take three units on the theory, contextual and cultural aspects of art, design and new media throughout the course.

(e.) Professional practice (6 points)

All students take one professional practice unit at third-year-level.

(f.) Electives (24 points)

Elective studies are selected in consultation with the course coordinator. Units will generally be taken from those available within the Faculty of Art and Design, but units offered elsewhere in the University are also available. As well as choosing from the suite of digital imaging electives, it is likely that many students may also wish to undertake photomedia and/or other studio studies, such as drawing.

(g.) Occupational health and safety (0 points)

A compulsory health and safety unit which deals with issues relevant to art and design.

First year (48 points)

First semester

• DGN1001 Design studio 1 (6 points)
• DIS1103 Digital processes for art and design 1 (6 points)
• DWG1103 Visual thinking and communication (6 points)
• OHS1000 Introduction to art and design health and safety (0 points)
• TAD1203 Introduction to design history and theory (6 points)

Second semester

• DIS1911 3D design and visualisation (6 points)
• MMD1302 Multimedia and digital arts studio A (6 points)
• FIT1012 Website authoring (6 points)
• VCO1302 Typography 1 (6 points) or PHO1203 Photomedia imaging 1 (6 points)

Second year (48 points)

First semester

• DIS2601 Digital audio/video (6 points)
• MMD2303 Multimedia and digital arts studio B (6 points)
• FIT2012 Digital media authoring (6 points)
• elective (6 points)

Second semester

• MMD2304 Multimedia and digital arts studio C (6 points)
• MMD2306 Graphic user interface design (6 points)
• Theory of art and design (choice) (6 points)
• elective (6 points)

Third year (48 points)

First semester

• MMD3305 Multimedia studio 5A (12 points) or MMD3307 Digital arts studio 5A (12 points)
• PPR3103 Professional practice for design and multimedia (6 points)
• elective (6 points)

Second semester

• MMD3306 Multimedia studio 6A (12 points) or MMD3308 Digital arts studio 6A (12 points)
• Theory of art and design (choice) (6 points)
• elective (6 points)

Bachelor of Multimedia and Digital Arts