Description

Trinity offers a minor in media technology studies (MTS) to undergraduates in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional Studies and complements all traditional majors, as well as all individualized and interdisciplinary majors. Students gain an opportunity to use and critically assess new media technologies. The minor concentrates on using computers to develop communication, graphic design, and fine art skills. In particular, students learn the theory and practice of electronic and print publication design.

Students who minor in media technology studies could qualify for entry-level positions in graphic design, including web site design, and print publication design. Students could also use acquired skills to pursue a career in the fine arts.

Students who successfully complete the MTS minor gain the following skills and knowledge: 

  • Basic computing skills such as word processing, spreadsheets, and Internet research. 
  • The ability to use image manipulations drawing and page layout software for electronic and print publishing. 
  • Knowledge of HTML. 
  • The ability to convey information in words and images electronically and in print. 
  • Visual design skills. 
  • The ability to use typography and color to create effective designs and layouts. 
  • Basic photography skills. 
  • Journalistic writing and editing skills. 
  • Understanding of the history of digital communications technologies. 
  • Understanding of the impact of digital communications on various fields such as the arts, mass communications, interpersonal communications, business, politics, and education. 

Return to top

Minor Requirements

Required Courses (15 credits)

ALL of the following courses: 

MTS 203 Electronic Imaging 
MTS 299 Introduction to Publications 
MTS 301 Web Page Design 
MTS 310 Mastering Pre-Press Design 
MTS 330 History and Theory of Digital Communications 

ONE course chosen from between: 

MTS 210 Graphic Design 
MTS 235 Introduction to Computer Illustration and Design 

Special Note: To develop an interdisciplinary approach to studies in media and the arts, students are encouraged to review courses offered by the Fine Arts Program and the Communication Program.

Return to top

Program Policies

Advanced Placement: Advanced Placement credits do not fulfill requirements for the MTS minor. 

CLEP Policy: Credits earned through CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements for the MTS minor. 

Grades in Minor Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the minor. 

TELL Policy: Students may apply for credit in experiential learning through the Media Technology Studies Program but should consult with program faculty before enrolling in the TELL Seminar. 

Transfer Credits: A minimum of 12 credits must be taken at Trinity in order to meet the requirements for the media technology minor. Credits in courses similar to those offered at Trinity (up to six credits) may be accepted dependent upon program review and approval.

Return to top

Course Descriptions

MTS 102 The Digital World
Offers an introduction to varied dimensions of computer arts and imaging, "must-have" skills for today's job market. The class covers the areas of the media technologies minor. Topics include web design HTML and XHTML programming; vector and graphic art with Illustrator; Bitmap images and scanning with PhotoShop; web graphics and animations with ImageReady; page layout and desktop publishing with PageMaker and Quark Express; video editing using Macintosh iMovie; and general design principles such as typography and use of style sheets. This course is conducted in a Macintosh lab and includes training in the use of the Mac Operating System. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits

MTS 203 Electronic Imaging I
Introduces students to the field of electronic imaging. Students learn to create and appreciate artwork conceived with the use of computers and gain experience using scanners, image manipulation software and digital imaging technologies. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: MTS 102 or permission of instructor

MTS 210 Graphic Design I
Explores the principles of printed and computer graphic design, illustration, typography, color and layout. Course exposes students to small and large format design problems including the design of logos, posters, newsletters, calendars, web sites and signage. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: MTS 102 or permission of instructor

MTS 212 Presentational Speaking and Technology
Involves the student in a variety of speaking engagements designed to develop speaking skills and use of technology as a visual aid.
3 credits

MTS 235 Introduction to Computer Illustration & Design
Focuses on computer and electronic graphics and illustration. Students concentrate on acquiring illustration skills using a vector-based computer software program and developing a portfolio. Students also learn how to combine vector and raster-based software programs. Work by fine artists, illustrators and graphic designers from diverse time periods will be discussed. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: MTS 2105 or permission of instructor

MTS 260: Video Production and Editing I
Provides students with an understanding of, and appreciation for the technical and aesthetic characteristics and requirements of quality video for World Wide Web, broadcasting and other environments. The course stresses the production values that all video producers must address. Lectures and readings focus on lighting, lenses, camera operation, filtration, technical procedures, and how digital video images are conceived, developed and produced. Students participate in the production of a video-based CD-ROM/DVD supplement to the printed yearbook. Access to a digital video camcorder is required. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: MTS 102

MTS 295: Multimedia Production I
Introduces students to the basic principles of multimedia production from the planning, scripting, and storyboarding phases to the implementation phase. The course involves the building of skills in still photography, video, audio, writing for new media, and electronic presentation software. Students will develop a final presentation incorporating these skills on a topic based on an academic area of interest. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: MTS 203, MTS 260, and either MTS 310 or MTS 299

MTS 299 Introduction to Publications
Introduces students to practical experience in journalistic writing, editing, and photography. Students learn newspaper design and acquire hands on experience with computer page layout and image processing software. In this class students become staff writers and photographers for Trinity's student newspaper, The Trinity Times.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MTS 102 and ENG 107 or permission of instructor 

MTS 301 Web Page Design
Introduces students to web page design. Students learn technical skills such as HTML coding, use of editors, and how to create graphics for the web. The course also includes theory on design and on conveying information over the web.
3 credits
Prerequisite: MTS 203 

MTS 303 Electronic Imaging II
Builds upon computer imaging techniques covered in Electronic Imaging I. The focus is narrowed, and students develop a portfolio based on one or two in-depth assignments.
3 credits

MTS 306 Introduction to Programming for the Internet
Teaches practical web development and programming for business and internet transactions. Covers programming techniques used to create multimedia intensive and interactive web sites. Cross-listed as IT 306.
3 credits
Prerequisite: MTS 301 or equivalent

MTS 310 Mastering Pre-Press Design
Examines how to create and publish high-quality layout and images, using Trinity's yearbook, The Trinilogue, as a case study. All page, photo, and section development is done with current desktop publishing software.
3 credits
Prerequisites: MTS 102 and ENG 107 or permission of instructor

MTS 311 Mastering Pre-Press Design II
Builds on publication skills developed in MTS 310 within the framework of publication as a highly collaborative process. Students enrolled in this course generally take on leadership roles in the production of the yearbook.
3 credits
Prerequisite: MTS 310

MTS 330: History and Theory of Digital Communications
Provides students with an understanding of how telecommunications and its offshoot industries work based primarily on the Electro Magnetic Spectrum. The course focuses on the technological, ethical, legal and spectrum allocation issues that have impacted digital communications from the beginning. Students conduct independent research and report on a number of assigned and self-originated media technology topics relating to the application of digital communications technologies in the world around us.  There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Junior standing

MTS 360: Video Production and Editing I
This intermediate level web-assisted course prepares students for using procedures, software and equipment that is increasingly used by television and video producers. The course focuses on non-linear editing and digital imaging skills development. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: MTS 260

MTS 399 Independent Study
Allows students to pursue a research topic or project under the supervision of a faculty member.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Junior standing and permission of the program coordinator 

MTS 410: Multimedia Production II
Allows students to develop and expand the skills gained in MTS 295. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: MTS 295

MTS 450 Media Technology Internship
Allows students to receive credit for using media technology skills during an internship. Previous students have worked for National Public Radio, USA Today, the Kennedy Center, National Geographic, and washingtonpost.com. A journal, paper, and/or other academic product is required.
3 credits

MTS 488: Senior Seminar
Requires students conduct in-depth research in an area of media technology studies and present a written and/or electronic portfolio project. This course enables students to delve deeply into media technology applications like distance education, web site development, electronic publishing, international telematics, digital photography, multimedia production, journalism, TV, radio, and internet broadcasting as well as other forms of new media. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits
Prerequisite: 15 credits in MTS and permission of instructor

Return to top