This advanced seminar explores the intersection of cinema and cutting-edge technology,
examining how digital innovations reshape storytelling, production workflows, and audience
engagement. Rather than following a traditional chronological approach, we'll investigate
contemporary technological disruptions and their implications for the future of moving image
media. The course emphasizes hands-on experimentation with emerging tools while critically
analyzing their cultural and aesthetic impact.
Objectives: By course completion, students will:
• Analyze how emerging technologies transform narrative structure and visual language
• Create original projects using contemporary digital tools and platforms
• Evaluate the cultural implications of technological shifts in media consumption
• Demonstrate proficiency in current industry-standard software and techniques
• Synthesize theoretical frameworks with practical production experience
Film History: An Introduction (Second Edition) by Kristin Thompson and David Bordwell
• Special Effects: The History and Technique by Richard Rickitt
• Film Art: An Introduction (Eleventh Edition) by Kristin Thompson and David Bordwell
• Film: An International History of the Medium (First Edition) by Robert Sklar
Supplies (For at-home Prototyping)
• Sketchbook (at least letter size)
• Drawing and coloring materials (Pencils, eraser, ruler, pen, brushes, poster or acrylic)
Software Programs
We will work using paper and pencil and learn to use Adobe Creative Suite tools like Photoshop
and Illustrator. The software is accessible in Skiles 357 and the Georgia Tech library.
It is also recommended that you familiarize yourself with the login instructions & instructional videos
available at LinkedIn Learning (formerly LinkedIn Learning.com). Georgia Tech students get free
access to this site.
Media Scholarship Commons
Located on the 3rd floor of Price Gilbert, the Media Scholarship Commons (MSC) provides the
campus community access to professional-level hardware and software for creating creative media-rich
projects and research.
https://library.gatech.edu/spaces-technology/media-scholarship-commons
Mac Self Service
Self-Service is an application installed on all Macs enrolled in Jamf, Georgia Tech's Mac
management platform. Within Self Service, users can install optional applications, check for
application updates, and see what software and updates have been installed.
https://it.iac.gatech.edu/how-to/mac-self-service
Access to Adobe Creative Cloud via Remote Login
You can access Adobe software through our Virtual Desktop system with a decent internet
connection. It is highly optimized for our tasks and is an excellent solution if your computer lacks the
computing power for some of your work.
https://mycloud.gatech.edu/logon/LogonPoint/tmindex.html
3
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Canvas
We will use the Canvas learning management system (LMS) at Georgia Tech. Please familiarize
yourself with its functionality and contact me ASAP if you have access issues. ALL project
Submissions and grading will be done via the Canvas platform.
Evaluation
Percentage Relevant Elements
Participation &
Attendence
80% Active in discussions, delivery of forum conversations,
active in design meetings, teamwork, Attendance face-to-face course meetings throughout the semester
Projects 20% Participation, imagination, courage, technical skills,
teamwork, work with compromises without losing
quality; design, implementation, and documentation.
Incorporating course learnings into your work. Ontime
delivery and effort to iterate and improve.
● The grading of individual pieces will be done in percentages.
● Late submissions automatically reduce the grade unless a valid excuse is provided in
advance. Any 1-day delay, meaning anything after 5 p.m. of the due date, will have
a 10% reduction from the grade; any 3-day delay will have a 20% reduction;
Submissions beyond 3 days will not be accepted unless excused by the professor.
● The Honor Code of Georgia Tech applies (see http://www.honor.gatech.edu/).
● The professor should excuse any absence in advance. Absences will be based on the
percentage of classes missed.
● The use of mobile phones in class is only permitted if you inform the instructor upfront
about particular academic reasons why you would need this option.
Attendance will be taken for each class and is a portion of your participation grade. The professor
should excuse any absence in advance. Absences will be based on the percentage of classes missed
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Arts, Humanities & Ethics area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master the course content, and support their broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcomes:
- Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance, and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Course content, activities, and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Ethical Reasoning
- Information Literacy
- Intercultural Competence