MEDA 100
3 credits
Introduction to Media Arts
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students explore a variety of areas of digital media arts and learn about careers, practices, opportunities, challenges, and modes of thinking in the field of Media Arts. Field trips to visit creative industries in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley may be required.
MEDA 110
3 credits
Digital Imaging
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students use raster-based image manipulation for media arts practices. Students also study visual storytelling, photo-editing, digital concept art, surfacing for 3D applications, elements of design, and the functional aspects of digital colour in computer graphics.
MEDA 210
3 credits
Digital Concept Art
Prerequisite(s): MEDA 110.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces digital painting practices as they relate to practical, conceptual, and aesthetic issues in creative digital media industries. Using digital painting techniques, students create conceptual and functional designs, such as environments, creatures, characters, props, and vehicles.
MEDA 260
3 credits
Exploring Creativity
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students learn strategies and techniques for developing creative ideas and working effectively as part of a creative team. Students generate ideas both individually and collectively; engage in a creative process that includes planning, experimentation, and revision; and analyze and critique creative work constructively to refine creative artifacts, concepts, and ideas.
MEDA 270
3 credits
3D Modeling and Animation I
Prerequisite(s): MEDA 110.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces the concepts and techniques used in digital 3D content creation. Topics include modeling, animation, surfacing, lighting, and simulation. Students create 3D assets for use in animation, games, and visual effects, while also developing a greater understanding of industry production methods.
MEDA 280
3 credits
Game Engines I
Prerequisite(s): MEDA 110.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students explore the use of game engines for game creation and for designing VR experiences, filmmaking, animation, training, and simulation. The course introduces basic software engineering concepts through graphic manipulation of programming elements. Students develop, package, and deliver software without writing code.
MEDA 330
3 credits
Compositing
Prerequisite(s): Two of FILM 260, FILM 261, VA 119, MEDA 100, MEDA 110, MEDA 210, or MEDA 270.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces the theoretical and practical knowledge of compositing. Topics include compositing vocabulary, keying, rotoscopy, digital color theory, video formatting, tracking processes, color correction, 3D integration, and neural networks. Emphasis on good organizational practices and efficient industry-standard workflows
MEDA 350
4 credits
Critical Studies in Digital Media
Prerequisite(s): MACS 130 or MACS 110.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students learn about current critical, legal, ethical, social, and cultural factors impacting digital media industry practitioners. Students use critical theories and methodologies, including feminist, Indigenous, political, economic, and post-colonial, to explore the production and reception of digital media in Canadian and global contexts. Digital media covered include social media, short-form online video, podcasts, video games, and web 3.0 platforms.
MEDA 360
4 credits
Professional Practices for Creative Digital Industries
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including MEDA 260.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students undertake independent research to identify the particular skills needed in the media arts industries, plan a professional portfolio to demonstrate their skills to potential employers, manage media arts projects, and conduct themselves professionally in creative digital occupations.
MEDA 370
3 credits
3D Modeling and Animation II
Prerequisite(s): MEDA 270.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students explore more advanced concepts and techniques used in digital 3D content creation. Topics include character modeling, rigging, character lighting, and character animation. Utilizing industry-standard software and techniques, students produce a fully-rigged character ready for use in a game engine, animated cartoon, or motion capture.
MEDA 380
3 credits
Game Engines II
Prerequisite(s): MEDA 280.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students explore advanced practical uses of game engines, with an emphasis on project management, developing organized production pipelines, and utilizing efficient asset management techniques. Topics will include advanced environmental design, experiential production, game logic engineering, architectural previsualization, and data visualization.
MEDA 385
3 credits
Art and Design for Virtual Reality
Prerequisite(s): One of MEDA 270, MEDA 280, or THEA 311.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students explore the technologies that underpin AR/MR/VR and motion tracking. This includes theoretical and applied learning experiences in virtual reality content creation and using virtual reality as a creative tool itself. Students also explore virtual production technology for visual effects, and innovative ways to fuse physical and virtual experiences for experiential installations.
MEDA 395
4 credits
Special Topics in Media Arts
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits, including MEDA 100.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Provides students with an opportunity to explore a topic or specific area of media arts and will vary with the instructor.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics, and may be repeated for credit provided the letter designation differs.
MEDA 401
4 credits
Media Arts Integrated Project I
Prerequisite(s): 90 credits of the Bachelor of Media Arts program, including MEDA 260, MEDA 350, and MEDA 360.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
The first course of a two-course capstone project for the Bachelor of Media Arts. Students will apply their skills, in teams, to a creative project, typically for an organization or business. After consulting with a faculty advisor, students will develop a detailed project proposal. Once the proposal is approved, students will take MEDA 402, typically working in the same creative team and consulting with the same faculty advisor, to implement their approved project.
Note: MEDA 401 is normally offered in the Fall semester and MEDA 402 in the Winter semester. MEDA 401 and MEDA 402 must be taken in the same academic year unless special arrangements are made with the course instructor.
MEDA 402
4 credits
Media Arts Integrated Project II
Prerequisite(s): MEDA 401.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
The second course in a two-course capstone project for the Bachelor of Media Arts. Students will apply their skills to a team-oriented project in a creative environment and/or business venture related to media arts. The creative team approach is integral to this experience. Students continue to work with local businesses or industries on this project in the same creative team as MEDA 401.
Note: MEDA 401 is normally offered in the Fall semester and MEDA 402 in the Winter semester. MEDA 401 and MEDA 402 must be taken in the same academic year unless special arrangements are made with the course instructor. Students who complete MEDA 401 in a different academic year may have to repeat MEDA 401 for no additional credit.
MEDA 403
6 credits
Media Arts Integrated Project
Prerequisite(s): 90 university-level credits including MEDA 350 and MEDA 360.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students will apply their skills, in teams, to a collaborative creative project. After consulting with a faculty advisor, students will develop a detailed project proposal, then advance the project through preproduction, research, and development, production/implementation, and public presentation.
Note: This course is offered as MEDA 403A and MEDA 403B. Students must take both in the same academic year to receive credit.
Note: Students with credit for MEDA 401 and/or MEDA 402 cannot take this course for further credit.
MEDA 490
4 credits
Directed Studies in Media Arts
Prerequisite(s): MEDA 360.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students have the opportunity to pursue in-depth independent study of a particular issue, problem or topic in media arts not otherwise offered. Students develop detailed individual course proposals in consultation with a faculty member, indicating the readings or other study to be undertaken and how the course will be assessed.
Note: Students may take this course for credit more than once provided it is under different topics.
