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FAQ
The word “multimedia” scares me! Do I need any previous experience to take these classes?
No! The Core Multimedia courses are suitable for students of all levels, and no prior experience is necessary.
How does the MDA 140 lab connect with the GE course?
The lab and the course material are completely integrated, meaning that the labs focus on course-related topics. So you’ll work on assignments for the GE course and discuss the course material in the labs.
What are some of the things I’ll learn in MDA 140?
You’ll gain a solid foundation in five specific digital literacies, including how to do strong, sophisticated online research (yes, there’s more to it than Yahoo and Google!), how to do a really great media-based presentation and how to use wikis, blogs and social bookmarking for academic purposes. You’ll also become proficient in several software applications, and you’ll learn basic design skills.
What are examples of assignments or projects?
These vary from class to class. In the African American Popular Culture class, you’ll work with sound, creating a podcast. And in the Earthquakes class, you’ll create a short video that tells the story of an earthquake.
Where do the labs take place?
In two brand new state-of-the-art computer labs in the basement of Taper Hall.
Do I need to buy a special computer or camera or anything?
No! The labs are equipped with computers for your use, and any equipment required for assignments, such as video cameras or tape recorders, are available for check-out.
I’m worried about my grades – how are projects graded?
All multimedia assignments in the program come with specific details explaining how you will be graded. Also, the lab section is credit/no credit.
I’m in Thematic Option – can I take these courses too?
Yes! There are two multimedia courses that fulfill TO requirements: The Ancient Near East and Earthquakes.
The lab sounds like a lot of extra work – why should I do this?
The pragmatic answer is that it’s a great chance to gain skills that you’ll use throughout your time at USC, as well as in your future, and these are skills you can list on your resume. In short, the course gives you a competitive edge. It’s also a way to explore creative approaches to scholarship. Plus, you’ll hang out with other cool multimedia people!
I really love working with media – what else can I take?
The Institute for Multimedia Literacy also offers an Honors Program in Multimedia. It’s a four-year program in which students take 16 units of media-related coursework, and create a multimedia thesis project and graduate with honors status. For more information on the program, go to http://cinema.usc.edu/iml-honors. Students are also welcome to take IML 104, a four-unit class titled The Languages of New Media II, which focuses on social software (wikis, blogs, social bookmarking).
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