Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design
Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design
Why Multimedia Design?
Designers with capabilities across multimedia have the creative world open to them, with opportunities in graphics, illustration, web, gaming, film and video, social media and photography to name a few. The entire world engages with every aspect of modern life through various forms of media, and the it is the creators behind this imagery, videography and innovative art that we are shaping through our courses. Multimedia is also non-specific by industry, meaning that the skills and knowledge possessed by these versatile designers can offer careers in literally any sector or organization – the sky’s the limit.
Who Should Apply?
This four-year undergraduate program gives students the opportunity to specialize in mass communication, production, or advertising, so an interest and knowledge of these industries will be a bonus. If you have a creative flair and excellent visual communication skills, or perhaps an interest or passion for art, then Multimedia Design is for you. Students who possess strong IT skills and have a basic understanding of design software will also have an advantage on this creative program.
Program Content
At the beginning, students are exposed to the role of imagery in culture, along with the ability to translate concepts, subjects, themes or narratives into visual language. Focus is given to today’s computer culture, covering information networks, multimedia environments and design and innovation processes. Each specialisation option develops a solid base of multimedia skills and knowledge, encompassing interface design, 2-D animation, video production, introductory software development, web-based design, and digital audio, and hands-on experience with real-world multimedia production.
Budding photographers and videographers have their talent nurtured by learning technical skills and the process and philosophy of the art, moving on to image modification skills. Hand artists will also excel here in learning the translation of their craft to the digital medium. Students also have the choice to undertake an internship in one of our partner media agencies, preparing them to step into the workplace as ready designers.
With electives offered across business and professional services as well as technology entrepreneurship, designers are well-versed in not only the technical and creative side of their field, but are also given the awareness of how their skills enhance companies and products, enabling them to take on leadership roles in a variety of sectors.
Program requirements
Course information
English Requirements (9 credits)
This course is an overview of expository writing, including the development and revision of paragraphs and essays using various rhetorical strategies, as well as reading and discussion of selected essays, short stories and poems. In addition, the course introduces writing about literature, incorporation and documentation of material from primary sources.
This course introduces the conventions of research writing and teaches the process of producing well-planned research papers using critical thinking and analytical skills in response to a variety of academic texts. The course is designed to provide guidance in all steps of the research process including choosing a topic, designing a research methodology, analyzing data, and writing up and presenting results.
Prerequisite: ENGL 101
This course emphasizes on techniques for communicating successfully through sound, honest written and oral business messages. The content is directed primarily to careers that involve precise writing skills, as well as general strategies involved in job related functions.
Arab Heritage Requirements (6 credits)
This course aims at developing the language skills of native speakers of Arabic, by providing the students with a comprehensive knowledge of the linguistic system. It is intended to help students attain proficiency by expanding vocabulary and providing paragraph-level activities in reading, writing, and speaking; through a selection texts by writers from across the Arab world.
This course introduces the spatial character and history of Bahrain, including the ancient and Islamic eras, and Arabic and Islamic dimensions of the identity of Bahrain until the modern state and the development of the constitutional life in Bahrain, it also presents the philosophy of citizenship and the fundamental values of Bahrain’s society and citizenship rights ,duties and responsibilities.
Mathematics Requirements (6 credits)
This course introduces sets, number systems, fractions, polynomials, linear equations in one variable, functions, special functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, equation of a straight line, systems of equations and mathematics of finance.
This course introduces matrix algebra, inequalities and systems of linear inequalities, linear programming, and basics of differential and integral calculus.
Prerequisite: MATH 130
Science Requirements (8 credits) - Choose two courses
The basis of study in a variety of fields builds upon the capacity to view the world from multiple perspectives as well as the ability to ask investigative questions on the intricacies of life. Students in this course work toward gaining such skills as they survey fundamental biological principles. Students engage in discussions, application-based assignments that emphasize basic biology, cell biology, metabolism, genetics, evolution, ecology and diversity. Students also gain an introduction to the scientific method. Through this course, students will have the opportunity to increase their fundamental understanding of biology as it applies to everyday life.
The objective of this course is to introduce to non-science and non-engineering majors the fundamental principles of chemistry. It will include physical and chemical properties of matter, dimensional analysis, the atomic theory, naming compounds, mass relationships in chemical reactions, calculating limiting reagents in reactions, reactions in aqueous solutions, acid-base titrations, and different types of chemical bonding in molecules. To summarize, this course is designed to introduce introductory and basic principles of chemistry to non-science and non-engineering majors.
Physics and the Visual Arts provides students in non-science or engineering disciplines a fundamental understanding of how physics relates to the visual arts. The focus of the course is optics and includes both light and radiations. The course is designed for students studying design or other programs where calculus is not required.
Physics of Sound and Acoustics provides students in non-science or engineering disciplines a fundamental understanding of the physics of sound and acoustics. The focus of the course is on the principles of musical and architectural acoustics, waves and vibrations, digital techniques for generating and recording sound, perception and measure of sound. The course is designed for students studying design or other programs where calculus is not required.
Social Science Requirements (9 credits)
This course introduces the basic principles and the definition of human rights with an emphasis on the International Convention of human rights. It aims to reflect current developments and questions arising in international human rights law, to communicate debates and arguments concerning human rights, and to analyze the application of international human rights principles in the context of Bahrain.
Psychology is a field focused on scientifically understanding how humans think, feel, and act. This course will introduce you to the basic concepts and research within the field of psychology and hopefully it will allow you to gain a better understanding of the self and others. The course will cover a wide range of topics such as research methodology, biological bases of behavior, perception, motivation and emotion, learning and memory, development, intelligence, personality and social influence.
This course provides a broad overview of sociology and how it applies to everyday life. Major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented, including sociological imagination, culture, deviance, inequality, social change, and social structure. Students also explore the influence of social class and social institutions, such as churches, education, healthcare, government, economy, and environment. The family as a social structure is also examined.
Core Requirements (51 credits)
This course introduces the essential concepts of visual culture. The role that images play in producing cultural meaning is examined. It focuses on how sight, knowledge and power are related, or on how to read images.
This course focuses on visual experiences in the day to day life in the field of art, cinema, advertising, television, music videos and digital media, by using different approaches such as cultural studies, media and gender studies.
Prerequisite: DSGN 101
This course focuses on equipping the designer with the keys to the realm of concrete visual thinking and the ability to translate concepts, subjects, themes or narratives into visual language. The course also focuses on translating written or spoken word into visual symbols through 2D compositions.
This course focuses on the text and the meaning and effects of visual language. Different aspects of art and design will be examined over the examples of two-and three-dimensional space by using a variety of tools.
Prerequisite: DSGN 111
This course provides an overview of the role of the computer within the subject of creativity. Course content introduces extensive knowledge about computers, information networks, multimedia environments and issues related to design and innovation processes that involve computers.
This course develops understanding of the emerging cybercultures and virtual worlds necessary for efficient utilization in both professional and personal tasks. This course identifies the key issues with cybercultures and virtual worlds and explores the relationship of computers to design and the media.
Prerequisite: DSGN 141
This course focuses on the fundamentals of typography history, technology, and theory. Course content emphasizes the study of letter-forms, typographic composition, typographic expression and communication, the power and role of typography in constructing meaning, and typography as a tool for representation of concepts.
This course introduces basic technical skills of black and white photographic techniques, such as shooting, film processing, and enlarging. Topics include photographic equipment, materials, processes and philosophy, use of black and white materials, small camera operation, roll film processing, enlarging, finishing and presentation.
This course introduces photographic image modification using computer technology. Topics include the use of scanners and other input devices, image editing software and various output options, as well as the commercial and aesthetic potential and application of digital imagery.
This course introduces the design and use of video equipment. Camera types, the working principles of the camera and TV system, lenses, camera movements, camera mounting equipment, and a basic knowledge of audio equipment are covered. Discussion also involves contemporary video production concepts and equipment, along with a basic history of technical development in this area.
This course focuses on the process of multimedia production with hands-on experience and introduction to the basics of most media.
This course focuses on the methodological basis of a capstone project focusing on progression of the concept and developing the skills needed to understand and carry out a research-based visualization process. Prerequisite: Senior level standing.
This course emphasizes organizing and monitoring the capstone project by working to eliminate problems determined by the project committee. Solutions to obstacles are suggested accordingly.
Prerequisite: DSGN 401
The purpose of the internship is to expose students to the profession and give them an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting. The internship consists of a minimum of 240 work hours (6 weeks) for third-year students and 320 work hours (8 weeks) for fourth-year students with an approved employer. Internships are evaluated by the internship coordinator with a pass/fail grade. Prerequisites: at least junior standing
The course introduces physical interaction design in new media works with microcontroller and sensor technologies and explores interaction design practices adaptable for physical interaction, daily-life applications and contemporary art works. Arduino microcontroller and PureData environment are used as production tools. Course content also introduces artistic strategies, structures and methodologies for the creation of interactive installations and physical media-image-sound interaction projects. The course is taught using PureData, an open source, object-oriented programming environment and Arduino microcontroller.
Major Requirements (18 credits)
This course focuses on the skills of drawing real objects and learning to perceive the compositions of object groups for interpretation in the digital medium.
This course is a survey of the key design elements of publishing content on the World Wide Web. Course content includes processes such as concept development for interactive design works, information design, interface design, interaction design, optimization and integration for the Web, usability, beta-testing, etc., as well as the basic principles of publishing and managing visual content for hypermedia and an interactive portal site. Tools for creating and editing Web projects include browsers, browser helper applications, HTML editors, document management tools and image editors.
This course expands upon the ideas introduced in DSGN 311. Topics include developing rich media applications, preparing flash animations, promoting the site, and creating an e-campaign. Prerequisite: DSGN 301
This course involves application of the process of appropriate use of all available communication levels (i.e., text, video, animation, audio, etc.) for multimedia production.
This course involves application of the process of multimedia production culminating in a completed multimedia production ready to be delivered to the end user. Every aspect of a multimedia production is planned, designed, edited and programmed. Prerequisite: DSGN 331
This course introduces 3-D modeling and rendering software, basic modeling concepts and techniques, methods on how to create materials, scenes rendered with digital lights and cameras, and providing a perspective on the 3-D digital design and virtual environments.
Major Electives (9 credits) - Choose three courses
Students pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts in Multimedia Design must complete a minimum of nine elective credits in design (DSGN) coursework offered at or above the 200-level and which are not considered courses within the major requirements. 9 credits must be earned in the area of art/design history, theory and criticism (as a part of common body of knowledge).
Introduction to practical writing for visual and interactive media. Introduces concepts of interweaving traditional storytelling with digital platforms and interactivity in both fictional and non-fictional stories for web, games, social media, video, and mobile devices
This course focuses on studio photography and advanced lighting techniques. Students continue to develop digital processing and printing knowledge and are encouraged to explore their own individual styles while developing a portfolio of work using professional software.
Prerequisite: DSGN 211
This course emphasizes combining and composing visual and audio media for timeline multimedia formats. Primary focus is given to the production of video which includes 2-D animation using any combination of music, sound effects, recorded live sounds, computer-generated "noise," digitized video, non-interlaced video, alpha masked video, sprite animations, still bitmap images, and vector images.
This course focuses on the cultivation of ideas and problem-solving strategies for photography and video projects. Course content emphasizes the acquisition of skills for generating ideas and concepts through a variety of methodologies. Students will advance their skills in professional software.
This course focuses on multi-camera studio production. The visual content and technical aspects of studio production are extensively covered. Content emphasizes the various responsibilities associated with studio production processes and participation in producing quality studio productions.
Prerequisite: DSGN 261
This course introduces the basics of image manipulation, title design, compositing, graphic design and special visual effects for digital postproduction using various software applications. Areas of application like chroma keying, CGI integration, and multilayer compositing are probed. Students will work with professional standard software.
Theoretical and practical introduction to Social Media and its role in the media experience. Students will research how social media has transformed personal and business communication with a particular focus on their own discipline. Significant practical work with current Social Media platforms. Introduction to data analytics is also covered.
This course advances skills of project management with an emphasis on the creative industries (design, media etc.) Students will work with industry standard software to plan, estimate resources and pilot the progress of the project. Additionally, students will get a practical overview of the human aspects of project management. Students are expected to enroll in this class concurrently with DSGN 401.
Professional Electives (9 credits)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design must complete a minimum of 9 elective credits. Elective credits can be earned via any courses offered at or above the 100-level (choose 3 courses).
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