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Courses

Semester 1 - 21 hours

Course #	Title	Hours/week
CS 050	College Writing	3
	In this course, students will be introduced to various writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will engage in reflective writing through critical analysis of assigned readings. Students will express their thoughts and how and why they think that way through the concepts of Reflection, Respect, Realization and Responsibility. The course will also focus on the development of academic writing skills to effectively compile and present research in essay form according to the APA style of documentation.
IM 110	Introduction to User Experience Design	3
	User Experience Design (or UX) concepts and strategies are fundamental to the creation of interactive media projects, and essential for their success. No matter what career paths IMD students focus on, from visual design to coding and development to digital content creation, UX will play a very important role in their professional lives. In this course, students will be introduced to innovative, creative design strategies rooted in empathy and compassion for end users, and they will learn to employ effective Human Centered Design methodologies through discussions, collaborative exercises, and group assignments. This course will provide foundational knowledge and skills that will be applied in other courses throughout the IMD program.
IM 112	Graphic Design Fundamentals	3
	Graphic Design Fundamentals will focus on the basics of shape, colour, typography, composition and design principles to create graphic design projects such as logos, typographic designs, magazine layouts, and interactive PDFs. Students will acquire the skills and knowledge to create introductory level graphic projects using Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, as well as a sketchbook as an integrated part of the design process.
IM 113	3D Modelling and Texturing	3
	3D Modelling and Texturing are the building blocks of 3D animation, game development, and other interactive media development work such as virtual and augmented reality, and emerging 3D web technologies. Understanding how to create industry strength geometry and models with UV texture maps and materials will establish a strong foundation for the success of any 3D project. These skills can open exciting opportunities in film and television, visual effects, game development, online education and training, e-commerce, and other convergent fields such as architectural visualization as well as engineering design and manufacturing. A thorough understanding of 3D design concepts and the capabilities of 3D modelling and texturing technologies, along with the ability to apply them to meet the specific needs of various projects, will serve Interactive Media graduates across a wide range of interesting career pathways and may differentiate them from others in the workplace.
IM 114	Audio/Video Production	3
	Students in this course will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills required to complete high quality audio/video projects, through pre-production planning and audio and video capture, to post-production work and video distribution. Students will become proficient with the use of cameras, microphones and other recording equipment, as well as industry standard editing software to create effective, well composed video content and clean, high quality audio. This course will blend theory with a hands-on approach. Through various exercises, assignments and exams, students will develop a good understanding and appreciation of what it takes to produce professional digital media content, and they will gain the skills to create and deploy their work for current digital content and social media platforms to meet employer and client needs.
IM 115	Web Design & Development Fundamentals	3
	Students will create original, visually appealing websites, following current web development practices and sound design principles. Starting with a solid foundation in creating and structuring basic HTML web pages, students will then learn the basics of contemporary web design techniques using CSS, and user interactions using JavaScript. Topics such as website planning, content creation, accessibility and user experience will also be introduced and evaluated. Throughout the course, there will be a focus on current trends and emerging technologies and solutions in the web industry. This course is designed to build a foundation for the more advanced web design and development courses in the Interactive Media Program.
IM 116	Introduction to Photography and Image Editing	3
	This course introduces students to the basics of digital photography. Students will learn the most important camera controls, so that they may utilize them effectively during the creative process. Students will explore the elements of basic composition, with an emphasis placed on capturing high quality images. This course also provides students with the fundamentals of digital image manipulation along with basic digital workflow management skills.

Semester 2 - 21 hours

Course #	Title	Hours/week
CS 222	Interactive Media Communications	3
	This course concentrates on Web communications, with a strong focus on researching, writing, editing and managing content on the Web. Students will develop a Web-savvy writing style with a focus on clarity and concision, by writing blogs, landing pages and social media post. Students will utilize the inverted pyramid model to prepare written content. They will also generate a creative brief. Students will prepare a formal written client proposal and present it to the class in an oral presentation. The course will also enable students to post their work in an interactive environment, with a blend of text, video and linkable content.
IM 210	Creative Coding for Interactive Design	3
	Students will explore the fundamentals of interactive design and development through creative coding exercises and assignments to create engaging interactive experiences for a variety of potential uses, from entertainment and fine art to educational content and web-based marketing. Coding fundamentals and interactive design concepts will be introduced and reinforced throughout the course. Students will learn to use industry standard tools and technologies, with a focus on 2D web-based solutions using HTML5 canvas and WebGL with ?vanilla? JavaScript and JavaScript libraries for visualization, interactivity, as well as sound and motion design and asset management.
IM 212	2D Illustration and Animation	3
	In this course, students will strengthen the fundamental design principles learned in IM112, as well as extend those principles into the realm of illustration and animation. Using industry-standard software, students will discover how to bring illustrations to life as they create and animate emotive characters and engaging environments. Students will also continue to strengthen their creative capacity through themed exercises and critiques.
IM 213	3D Animation and Rigging	3
	Students will continue to practice the fundamentals of 3D modelling and texturing as they bring their creations to life with motion. Animation requires an understanding of film making traditions and camera techniques, so many of the video production and photography skills gained in first semester will be reinforced here. Assets created for this course will be used in a 3D game engine so that students may begin to explore how their work can be integrated into exciting, real-time interactive experiences.
IM 214	Audio/Video Storytelling	3
	In this course, students will build on the knowledge gained during the first semester in IM114 Audio/Video Production. Students will hone their skills producing audio/video content in the correct formats for current video platforms using industry standard techniques, software and equipment. Through various assignments and exercises, the students will continue to develop more professional techniques and methods to create high quality digital content that can be used for a variety of interactive media projects.
IM 215	Interactive Web Development Techniques	3
	Building on the foundations of IM115 - Web Design & Development Fundamentals, students will learn how to the use CSS and JavaScript to create engaging user interactions and elegant user interfaces. Students will be introduced to industry-standard design and development workflows, including the use of JavaScript libraries and CSS frameworks for rapid, responsive website development. The basics of web hosting and domain management are also covered, during which students receive their own domain and site hosting.
IM 216	Portrait and Still Life Photography	3
	This course teaches students to build off the fundamentals learned in IM116 and begin to use the camera as a means of artistic communication and expression. The course concentrates on intermediate techniques in studio lighting, composition, portraiture, and creative thinking. Through a series of assigned themes and in-class assignments, students will investigate and create still images to strengthen their portfolio.

Semester 3 - 21 hours

Course #	Title	Hours/week
GE …	General Elective	3

IM 311	Mobile App Development	3
	Students will review and apply interactive development fundamentals, interactive design theory and current industry practices to create rich, engaging, mobile app prototypes. Utilizing industry leading tools and technologies, students will focus on the planning, research, design and development of interactive application projects targeting major mobile platforms. Assignments will follow iterative, User Centered Design methodologies to ensure a focus on creating high quality end user experiences.
IM 312	User Interface Design	3
	In this course, students will gain a thorough understanding of user interface design based on user-centred design principles and heuristics. Building on the basics learned in the first year, students will be introduced to principles, patterns, and best practices for creating engaging user interfaces and experiences for websites and mobile applications in a variety of screen sizes. Assignments will follow an iterative approach, beginning with research and documentation that includes market and design trends and end-user research. This is followed by wireframing, interface design mock-ups, critique, and final compositions. By the end of the course, students will have developed the skills necessary to design visually appealing and fully-functional user interface prototypes for a variety of applications and users.
IM 313	Real-Time 3D Game Engines	3
	In this course, students will model 3D geometry, create a 3D character design and apply rigging and animation to the character in a 3D scene. The modeling and presentation of organic objects using a 3D sculpting application will be explored and practiced. As well, the 3D printing workflow will be investigated and performed, culminating with the students 3D printing one of their 3D creations.
IM 314	Motion Design and Visual Effects	3
	In this course, students will explore motion graphics using industry standard editing, sound, motion and compositing applications. Using video clips and still imagery, along with audio, students will create exciting motion video sequences and then output the complete compositions to various formats and resolutions. Students will create and render animated text and graphical elements that include sound for added impact. The creation of special effect compositions will also be studied and executed by the students.
IM 315	Content Management Systems	3
	In this course, students will learn how to create dynamic and user-friendly websites using popular Content Management Systems (CMSs) and e-commerce solutions such as WordPress, Squarespace, and Shopify. The course will cover CMS theme development, advanced workflow planning, and user research and content strategy based on the Human Centered Design (HCD) methodology. Students will also gain knowledge on managing e-commerce websites, including product management, conversion, and fulfillment. By the end of the course, students will possess the skills to build, deploy, and manage complex websites and online stores that meet various business and user requirements.
IM 316	Photography Techniques for Interactive Media	3
	In this course, students will have the opportunity to build on the camera and lighting skills acquired in Digital Photography & Imaging I and II. Students will work on projects and in-class assignments shooting still photographs for inclusion in their portfolios. Students are encouraged to focus on areas of photography that interest them the most, like commercial, portraiture, and nature photography.

Semester 4 - 21 hours

Course #	Title	Hours/week
GE …	General Elective	3

IM 411	Extended Reality Studio	3
	Building on interactive design and development fundamentals from previous semesters, students will work individually and in collaborative groups to create immersive interactive experiences. This course will place a strong emphasis on research and collaboration, as well as creative play and experimentation. We will explore current and emerging interactive technologies such as 360 Video, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. Students will draw on the knowledge and skills and problem solving methodologies developed through research assignments and in-class activities to complete immersive, interactive projects through planning and development phases.
IM 412	Applied Marketing Design	3
	Students will build on the graphic design fundamentals and interface design skills developed in previous semesters to plan, produce and present a range of design solutions for a multifaceted marketing or public education campaign with print and interactive media design deliverables. In this fourth level Interactive Media course, a particular emphasis will be placed on design research and critical analysis in order to create a variety of designs that convey meaningful information effectively to specific target audiences. Presentation, peer review and critique of design work will all be important aspects of this course.
IM 413	3D Interactive World Building	3
	In this course, students will create an interactive 3D project based on the use of a game engine application. Timely execution of a project, both independently and as part of a team, is critical to its successful completion. Planning, time management and production quality will be stressed throughout the course. Assignments for this course will be built upon, culminating with the delivery of a finished 3D interactive experience for the targeted platform.
IM 414	Client Project I	3
	This course focuses on the implementation of a real-world, client focused, interactive media project. Student teams will develop a close working relationship with their clients and apply their knowledge and skills to plan, design and implement a multiphase project with a clearly defined set of deliverables. Skills developed in this course include project planning and scoping, team collaboration, coordination and delegation, time management, presentation and most importantly client communication. A major outcome of this course will be a portfolio-ready project demonstrating a range of interactive media skills acquired throughout the IMD program.
IM 415	Application Development	3
	Building on web development fundamentals, students will be introduced to advanced topics and the most current practices in web development, including e-commerce basics, the Node.js development environment, JAM stack website deployment and JavaScript framework-based web apps. With a continued emphasis on best practices, modern workflows, security and performance, students will have the opportunity to create a rich, dynamic and user-centered online experience in a culminating solo or team project.
IM 416	Business of Interactive Media	3
	In this course, students will be introduced to the business side of interactive media. Important issues facing interactive media professionals such as intellectual property rights, contractual agreements, and professional standards and ethics will be reviewed. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of working as an interactive professional, including basic business planning and management, project planning and management and marketing and client management.

View General Education Elective Options ...

Semester 5 - 18 hours

Course #	Title	Hours/week
GE …	General Elective	3

IM 512	Portfolio	3
	Having a professional, focused, and coordinated online presence is an essential first step into a successful career in the field of interactive media. In this course, students will work to design and develop a professional portfolio website and demo reel, and a strategic social media presence to serve as a foundation for their professional aspirations. Working in concert with IM517, students will create a coherent online presence tailored to their professional aspirations as well as their unique personal strengths and character.
IM 513	Major Interactive Project	3
	In this course, students will pursue their areas of interest in the interactive media industry. Students will work individually or in teams to create complex interactive media projects such as websites, web applications, mobile applications, video games, virtual reality experiences or interactive installations. They will be expected to create planning documentation, pitch their projects, give regular production updates, participate in group critique and present their final work.
IM 514	Client Project II	3
	This course focuses on the implementation of real-world, community based, interactive media projects. Students will apply their accumulated knowledge and skills to plan, design, and implement a multiphase project with a local, non-profit group or organization focused on community development projects, mandates, or initiatives. Development of project planning and scoping, budgeting and time tracking, team collaboration, coordination and delegation, and client communication skills will be continued from IM414 Client Project I. Major outcomes of this course include portfolio-ready work demonstrating a range of interactive media skills acquired throughout the IMD program, as well as professional development skills, networking experience, and higher-level experience working with real world clients.
IM 516	Physical Computing	3
	Physical computing combines the use of both hardware and software to create interactive experiences for end users in their physical environments. Utilizing introductory knowledge of electricity and circuitry, along with interactive design and development fundamentals, students will use electronic components to capture a variety of sensory inputs such as motion, distance, touch, and light, as well as those from buttons, switches, and dials. They will write programs for microcontrollers to use this input data to control output components such as lights, motors, servos, speakers, and display screens. The course will begin with small, experimental lab exercises and work towards building simple robotic creations and eventually more complex interactive installations. This course will provide students with a thorough introduction to the subject of physical computing and an overview of other related trends and technologies associated with maker communities and makerspaces.
IM 517	Entrepreneurship in the Media	3
	Entrepreneurship is important in every type of business, but especially in Interactive Media, where freelancing is more common and self-branding and online networking is critical. Students will develop their personal brands and present them to target audiences of peers, professors and industry professionals. They will research industry trends and market needs and develop their abilities to connect with people in their industries to secure employment opportunities. Even students with a future in non-freelance work will greatly benefit from the entrepreneurial approach taken in this course.

Semester 6 - 35 hours

Course #	Title	Hours/week
IM 600	Media Placement	35
	Over 14 weeks, students will work full time hours with a business or organization in the Interactive Media industry. Students will be expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and function as a productive team member. There will be a focus on finding local placements, although out of province or international opportunities may also be explored. Online journal entries and final reports will be required of students. Employers will provide mentorship and feedback to ensure quality learning outcomes.