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 Lecture 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 Lecture 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) Lecture 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) Lecture 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.
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Fine Arts Gallery

View student artwork created for courses in the Fine Arts department.
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CC412: Business of Media Lecture hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2) 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.

CC421 Professional Life Skills Lecture hours (21) Lab Contact Hours (18) Semester Credit Units (2) Prerequisites: None

The Professional Life Skills course is designed to help prepare students for employment, professional interaction and living skills. Students will experience and explore many of the necessary techniques and tools needed to find employment and be successful in a professional setting. Creation of a professional presentation package is emphasized, as well as interviewing skills, business etiquette, networking and personal marketing techniques.