ATLAS | Course Descriptions

ATLS 2000, The Meaning of Information Technology
This lecture-based course introduces a range of topics in information technology and new media. The goal of this course is to equip students with the tools to think critically about the implications of new information technologies. Students not only investigate specific technologies, but will also explore how these technologies have affected cultural production, society, industry, and government. By the end of this course, students will have acquired an awareness of the rapid expansion of new technology and how it influences their everyday lives. Topics may include: history of technology, the Internet, new media theory, artificial intelligence, privacy, security, open source, regulation, digital divides, digital music and art, intellectual property and copyright, gaming, virtual communities, data visualization, globalization, and other relevant topics.

ATLS 3010, Digital Media 1
The goal of this projects-based course is to facilitate the exploration of the student's major and its intersection with technology, arts, and media through creative production. Digital Media 1 will provide students from any discipline with the opportunity to design and develop conceptually motivated digital media projects. Students will learn technical skills, but more importantly, they will learn how to think critically and conceptually about the practice of digital media production. Technical topics include: digital imagery, digital video, digital sound, web development, digital animation, and interactive design.

ATLS 3020, Digital Media 2
The field of digital media continues to be propelled forward by technological advances, making it essential for artists, designers, and media producers to understand the fundamentals of programming in order to fully participate. This course introduces basic programming concepts and methodologies that will be applied to the creation and manipulation of information, images, animation, and sound. Technical skills include: fundamentals of programming, scripting, interactive web design, client/server relationships, multimedia computing, and database connectivity.

ATLS 3030, Fundamentals of Digital Design
In the digital age everyone is a designer, but just having the tools and technical skills is not sufficient. The fundamental goal of this course is to teach students how to use digital design tools effectively and compellingly. Through lectures, class discussions, projects and critiques, this course will give students the critical, theoretical and technical skill sets necessary to become a more engaging, thoughtful, and articulate designer. Technical skills covered include: vector software, layout software, desktop publishing software.

ATLS 4010, Capstone Projects
The focus of this advanced practicum course is the development of an individual thesis project. Specific class sessions will feature a combination of lectures, demonstrations, guest speakers, lab sessions, and critiques. This course also entails group work, portfolio development, critical/theoretical readings, and a significant written component.

Elective Courses
Students can choose electives from a diverse list of courses that provide a broad and interdisciplinary perspective on technology, arts and media. All electives should explore the relationship of technology to a given field or practice, as well as encourage critical thinking.

For more information about the Technology, Arts and Media programs and courses, click here.