Video Arts and Technology
The Video Arts and Technology Program provides a dynamic education in video, audio and television production. The program prepares students for positions in the entertainment industry, electronic journalism, audiovisual production companies, broadcast and cable networks, and corporate communications departments. It combines extensive hands-on experience with theoretical coursework in a comprehensive academic program.
VAT students work in a digital environment in BMCC's state of the art television studios, audio studio, and postproduction laboratories. Students learn the entire process for creating professional video and audio programs from writing a script and creating a budget, to shooting a scene and editing a final cut. All VAT students do an internship at a professional media facility.
Upon successful completion of the requirements listed below, students earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Most courses in the Video Arts and Technology program (VAT courses) are restricted to students enrolled in the program
General Requirements
This is the first college level writing course. Readings are used to stimulate critical thinking and to provide students with models for effective writing. Students become acquainted with the process of writing, from pre-writing activities to producing a final, proofread draft. Grammar and syntax are discussed as needed. At the end of this course, students take a departmental essay examination that requires them to compose, draft, and edit a thesis-centered essay of at least 500 words.
Prerequisite: Pass the CATR and CATW tests
This course includes the study of several mathematical systems. The role of mathematics in modern culture, the role of postulational thinking in all of mathematics, and the scientific method are discussed. The course considers topics such as: the nature of axioms, truth and validity; the concept of number; the concept of set; scales of notation; and groups and fields.
OR
This course covers basic statistics, including: measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphs, correlation, the regression line, confidence intervals, the significance of differences, and hypothesis testing, including z-tests, t-tests, and chi-square tests.
This course serves as an introduction to Physics, especially for students who are not science-oriented. A selected number of basic physical ideas are carefully examined and interpreted non-mathematically. The relevance of the scientist and his/her work to the lives of non-scientists is continually examined.
OR
The course is designed to give the student a fundamentally qualitative understanding of all the physical processes associated with the production, reproduction, and perception of musical sounds. This course may fulfill the physics requirement in the VAT Curriculum.
The aim of this course is to develop effective skills in speech communication. The student examines how to generate topics and organized ideas, masters elements of audience psychology and practices techniques of speech presentation in a public forum. All elements of speech production and presentation are considered.
This is an introductory survey course to health education. The course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and behavioral models to enhance their physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual health as well as facilitate their health decision-making ability. The primary areas of instruction include: health and wellness; stress; human sexuality; alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse; nutrition and weight management; and physical fitness. Students who have completed HED 110 - Comprehensive Health Education will not receive credit for this course.
This course is a continuation of ENG 101. It helps the student further develop composition skills through literary analysis. Students continue to focus on the writing process as they are introduced to a variety of literary genres including the short story, drama, poetry, and/or the novel. Students complete a documented paper based on library, electronic, and field research.
Prerequisite: ENG 101
Curriculum Requirements
This course covers the total structure and character of modern business from initial organization through grouping of essential functions into operating departments. Management and the decision-making process, financing, operations, and marketing considerations are studied, with actual cases used to illustrate problems in small and big businesses.
Designed to help students creatively plan their careers, the course covers self-assessment, career exploration and practical job search skills.
Typically, the course includes the following topics:
- identifying and classifying needs, interests, values and skills;
- researching occupational and organizational alternatives;
- job search techniques and resources for employment;
- resume and cover letter preparation;
- and job interviewing and follow-up.
Students who are required to register for the classroom course CED 201, Career Planning, should do so after completing all remedial requirements and accumulating more than 12 credits. After accumulating 30 credits, including 9 credits in their major, students who are matriculated with a 2.0 GPA or higher may register for Internship I (See CED 300).
Each student intern is assigned to a coordinator (a faculty member in the Department of Cooperative Education) who is knowledgeable about the student's field. The coordinator helps the student secure internship placement and serves as the student's instructor and advisor during the field experience. In addition, the student has a unique opportunity to discuss and evaluate broader goals and career objectives on an individual basis.
Cooperative Education interns are expected to: work fifteen (15) hours a week, complete a term project assigned by the coordinator, and be evaluated by the worksite supervisor. Most students work part-time, fifteen (15) hours per week, a minimum of 150 hours per semester, in a field related to their majors while remaining full-time students and receive two (2) academic credits. When possible, employers will offer interns a stipend or hourly pay. A student may accept a volunteer (non-paid) rather than a paid assignment in order to complete the necessary internship requirements.
This course develops an understanding of computer technology through the exploration of software packages on personal computers. The applications include word processing, spreadsheet, and database management. Students will also learn computer terms and concepts as well as the historical, social and economic implications of computer technology for our society.
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of multimedia production. In a hands-on class, students will learn the essentials of program design and authoring software in an integrated computer environment. Students will learn how to combine graphics, audio and text to create programs for industrial and educational applications.
The course introduces the basic concepts and theories of interpersonal communication in personal, educational and business settings. This includes a study of self as communicator, the effect of language on others, verbal and nonverbal expression of thoughts and feelings, and factors which contribute to effective communication.
Prerequisite: SPE 100 or permission of department
The focus of this course is to provide an understanding of the influence and impact on our lives and society by the mass media. The course examines the history, law, technology, economics and politics of the mass media through independent study, field trips, etc. Students are encouraged to be aware of techniques of influence used by the mass media to influence and determine social and political values. In addition, students learn to develop tools for critical analysis of and standards for discriminating consumption of the mass media.
Prerequisite: SPE 100 or permission of department
This course explains how video technology works. It covers the fundamentals of contemporary media technology including understanding video image formation, data compression, picture and sound generation and manipulation, and the impact of new technologies, such as HD-TV and P2P. Lab exercises introduce students to the operations of cameras, video-recording systems, microphones, and the uses of SMPTE Time Code. Students also examine systems for delivering media to the viewer, including webcast, broadcast, and satellite and cable distribution.
Corequisite: VAT 151
This coursse will cover all aspects of the pre-production phase of media production. Students will learn how to write treatments and scripts for documentary and news formats, corporate and industrial videos, public service announcements, commercials, screenplays and teleplays. The course will also cover such aspects of pre-production as script breakdown, budgeting, scheduling, crew hiring, equipment rental and securing locations.Pre-Requisite: SPE100
This course introduces students to varied applications of contemporary media in business, entertainment, and the public sector. Students study the processes of media production, the systems for media distribution, and the roles of media professionals. The course surveys the history of modern communications and the terminology of the media industry. Students examine the complex connections between technology, content, style, and audience response in the creation of media productions.Pre-Requisite: SPE100 or SPE102
Choose from VAT 300, VAT 301, VAT 302, VAT 303, VAT 306, VAT/MMP401.
Choose 4 of the following Production Courses:
This course is an introduction to all aspects of basic studio television production. Students produce multi-camera TV programs in a fully equipped TV studio. Students learn to perform the functions of a director, floor manager, camera operator, audio engineer, lighting director, and technical director.
Prerequisite: VAT 100 and VAT 153
This course is an introduction to the use of audio technology in theatre, television, motion pictures and multimedia. Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of acoustics and sound recording. Tools, such as various mixing boards, microphones and recorders, will be introduced in the context of theatrical and television production. Sound design for live venues and multimedia presentations will be introduced as well. Assignments will include practical exercises. Lab assignments are required.Pre-Requisite: VAT152
This course teaches students how to conceptualize, shoot and edit a video project. The use of digital cameras as well as lighting and audio instruments on location will be covered. Students will learn pre-production planning, crew protocols and directing skills as they shoot an original project. The fundamentals of post production techniques, from basic editing to final mastering, are taught in a state-of-the-art digital editing lab.
Prerequisite: VAT 100 and VAT 153
This course builds upon VAT 161 and focuses on the skills needed to successfully plan and complete a multi-camera professional studio production. Classes are conducted in a state-of-the-art, fully equipped TV studio. Students master the techniques and workflow required to produce programming according to industry standards and practices. Student work is screened, discussed and critiqued to deepen understanding of the art and craft of television.
Prerequisite: VAT 161 or permission of the department
This course concentrates on the post-production aspects of audio production. Sound effects editing, Automatic Dialogue Replacement (ADR), Foley editing and music replacement will be covered in the context of television and motion picture post-production. Mastering of recordings for distribution will also be covered. Students will be expected to work on projects using media server technology, allowing for simultaneous picture and sound editing. Collaborative projects will also be included. Lab assignments are required.
Pre-Requisite: VAT165 and MMP100
This course builds upon VAT 171. It reinforces the skills needed to successfully plan, shoot, edit, and refine remote video productions. The course includes advanced techniques in digital cinematography, digital editing and audio and visual effects.
Pre-Requisite: VAT171 or DEPT. PERMIT
Note:
1 Please note that MAT 012 or MAT 051 or exemption from Elementary Algebra is a prerequisite for MAT 100 and MAT 150.
2 For students whose first language is not English, SPE 102 will also satisfy this requirement.
3 Choose one course from anthropology, economics, geography, history, philosophy,political science, psychology, sociology or any Ethnic Studies social science course.
4 Choose from VAT 300, VAT 301, VAT 302, VAT 306, VAT/MMP401.
5 Some MUS courses are one credit. A total of at least two credits is required.
