Common Core Courses

Common Core courses at Ex’pression are relevant to students in all programs of study. These multidisciplinary courses offer students the opportunity to work collaboratively with students from other programs as well as their own. Students are required to take all Common Core courses as an essential supplement to their respective program requirements.

CC101: Media Sound and Visual 1 Class Contact Hours (33) Lab Contact Hours (54) Semester Credit Units (4) Prerequisites: None

The Media Sound and Visual 1 (MSV 1) course is focused on digital media pre-production and production. This gives students the opportunity to work collaboratively while creating a short-form cinema project. From writing an original script and creating storyboards to shooting and directing, students are immersed in the production process while learning to operate digital video cameras, lighting equipment, and production sound equipment. The experience that students gain during the production of an original movie will serve them throughout their career as well as lay the foundation upon which the understanding of more advanced concepts can be developed.

CC102: Media Sound and Visual 2 Class Contact Hours (33) Lab Contact Hours (54) Semester Credit Units (4) Prerequisites: CC101 Media Sound and Visual 1

Media Sound and Visual 2 (MSV 2) is an innovative introduction to the fundamental concepts, techniques, equipment, and terminology associated with digital media post-production. In addition to the post production process, lectures cover concepts of new media and computing history in order to provide a wider breadth of knowledge and prepare students for an industry that demands an intimate relationship with digital media. In lab, theoretical knowledge is put to practical use as students step through an entire video and audio post-production cycle with their films from the previous class using non-linear digital video and audio editing systems.

CC113: Living in a Media World 1 (LMW 1) Class Contact Hours (39) Lab Contact Hours (42) Semester Credit Units (4) Prerequisites: CC102 Media Sound and Visual 2

Living in a Media World 1 (LMW 1) is an introductory course covering theoretical and aesthetic principles in visual and aural production. Students will be taught basic design, sound, and motion software to apply theoretical concepts to their own artistic development. Students will be exposed to work created by some of today’s leading artists in order to gain insight on applying technique to theory. The class will also provide an environment where students can share their work, ideas, and critique each others progress. All artistic, technical, and theoretical work will culminate in a collaborative project in the form of a creative pitch and a final project plan for a non-fiction video podcast.

CC114: Living in a Media World 2 (LMW 2) Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (60) Semester Credit Units (4) Prerequisites: CC113 Living in a Media World 1

Living in a Media World 2 (LMW 2) is the second part to a two-course sequence. It is a project-based class focused on creating an online presence. Students will build on visual and aural knowledge while producing a video podcast and a Flash website to host the podcast. The class will also provide an environment where students can share their work and ideas, and critique each others progress in production, web design, and post-production. Lectures will cover media and art theory, Flash, Soundtrack Pro, Reason, and review Final Cut Pro and Photoshop.

Common Core Gallery

View award winning student-made videos and films produced in Media Sound & Visual.
View the gallery

Fine Arts Gallery

View student artwork created for courses in the Fine Arts department.
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CC402: Business of Media Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3) Prerequisites: None

The objective of this course is to provide students practical insights into the dynamic world of media business. This is accomplished through detailed analysis of what considerations today’s highly competitive industry is facing as well as in-depth explorations of such business aspects as contracts, copyright law, corporate structures, and negotiation tactics. Also covered are presentation, licensing, marketing, personnel management, client satisfaction, and the myriad other responsibilities and considerations with which students will be challenged.

CC411 Digital Portfolio Class Contact Hours (24) Lab Contact Hours (72) Semester Credit Units (4) Prerequisites: None

The Digital Portfolio course focuses on the business and professional skills necessary to find employment in the audio/visual production field, culminating in the creation of a branded self-promotion package and DVD show reel. While students work to develop their interviewing skills, business etiquette, and networking abilities, this course guides students through an in-depth exploration of the complex new tools and techniques used to create content for optical disc storage technology—the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). Students will gain unique insights into the DVD format, production processes, MPEG-2 compression techniques, and tools required to take full advantage of this medium. Students participate in every aspect of DVD pre-mastering and mastering, from the initial project planning, menu design, and bit budgeting to the actual assemblage and editing of audio and visual assets to create the disc image. Students are also given an in-depth look at DVD specifications so that their skills can be applied to any DVD workstation. All students are required to complete their own personal DVD portfolio with a designed cover, as well as a resume, cover letter, and business card by the end of the course. Students will conduct a final interview with the instructors as a means of preparation for real-life scenarios.