MHCC Integrated Media Program

What is Integrated Media?

Are you a current IM student? Download the 2011-12 CURRICULUM GUIDE for all Integrated Media options.

The curriculum for 2012-13 is now available. Select a the DEGREE OPTION from the left sidebar to find out about specific courses and credits for each option.

How do we teach? What will you learn? How does this work?

MHCC's Integrated Media program is the only one of its kind in Oregon. Students are given the unique opportunity to work individually and collaboratively within a framework of production-based classes that reflect real-world experience. Our goal is to teach students the art of digital media by providing a sold foundation in the disciplines of graphic design, photography, journalism, broadcasting and video. Classes are small, rigorous and taught by award-winning faculty.

So that students can easily plan personal, work and academic schedules during the two-year program, the core Integrated Media and required option courses (three per term) follow this format every year: First-year courses are on Tuesdays and Thursdays only , while second-year courses are on Mondays and Wednesdays.

In the second year, students participate in a three-term sequence of courses designed to simulate a professional environment. Students work in teams to complete projects for both internal and outside clients and/or non-profit agencies in the Portland metro area. The experience provides students with a realistic understanding of the creative and technical expectations required for entry-level positions, the business knowledge to build a freelance career and most importantly professional contacts in their chosen field whether that is broadcasting, video, photography or graphic design.

Recognizing that current technical skills are critical for seeking gainful employment, the IM program prepares students to be fluent in industry standard software: Adobe Creative Suite 5.5: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Acrobat, Lightroom, Premiere and After Effects; Apple's Pro Applications: Final Cut Pro, Final Draft, DVD Studio Pro; and Pro Tools. We have eight production and teaching labs equipped with the latest Mac computers and software.

The First Year

FALL TERM 2012: First year/ first quarter students

Here's a summary of what courses a first term, first year IM student will take on a Tuesday/Thursday starting with the morning class at 9 a.m., a second afternoon class, and third class that ends at 6 or 7 p.m.

RB150 or GD150 or IM150 or TV150: In this intensive core class, you'll learn the primary software for each discipline at the same time you'll tackle the foundation principles of your option area of study (Broadcasting, Graphic Design, Photography or Video). Lots of hands-on exercises accompany a strong focus on vocabulary, processes and skill-building projects. Some groups start to use Wordpress blogs to compile and share their work for the term. Students who are following the base IM degree requirements or in the Broadcasting option will also take J216: Reporting 1.

In IM179: Digital Assets and Workflow, each option area approaches this introductory software class from a different perspective. Graphic Design students learn Illustrator and Photoshop, Photography students learn Photoshop and Lightroom, Broadcasting students learn ProTools and Video students learn a non-linear editing software such as Premiere or Final Cut Pro as each group prepares digital assets that are uploaded to a shared network and ultimately compiled into a final presentation. Focus is on becoming fluent with using the network to store, share and re-purpose digital files. Students will use subscriptions to Lynda.com to access specific software tutorials.

In IM178: Sound, Frame and Light, all first term students learn about the seven principles of design as they apply to photography, image devepment, sound and motion. Media literacy and the language of persuasion are also key elements of this course. While this is primarily a lecture class, students work in teams of ten to deconstruct media and present their findings back to the class. Blackboard, an online course management and collaboration environment is used to distribute to and collect information from students and faculty.

WINTER TERM 2013: First year / second quarter students

RB151 or GD151 or IM151 or TV151: These core classes feature 6 hours a week of intensive training in the software, aesthetics and foundational principles relevant to each option area. You'll gain confidence, speed and experience this term.

IM185: Media Writing Second term Broadcasting and Video students concentrate on learning the writing skills appropriate for these areas. Editorial styles appropriate for media are covered.

Graphic Design and Photography students take IM190: Web Basics to learn HTML, how to use Photoshop to plan and design websites. Students are introduced to a wide range of online products and services such as blogs and content management systems that are used to showcase and promote creative work.

SPRING TERM 2013: First year / third quarter students

RB152 or GD152 or IM152 or TV152: This third term class introdudes more advanced concepts and skills. Read more about the specifics in each class by clicking on each option in the sidebar to the left of your screen.

IM190: Web Basics Broadcasting and Video students apply their writing skills to developa online content and work in small teams to plan, develop and deploy simple web sites.

Graphic Design and Photography students take IM191: Web Design and learn Dreamweaver and CSS to plan, design and implement web sites.

The Second year

Here's a term by term summary of the courses a second year IM student takes on a Monday/Wednesday starting with the morning class at 9 a.m. A second class is held in the afternoon. The third class ends at 6 p.m.

FALL TERM: Second year / fourth quarter students

IM260: Professional Practice in Integrated Media is broken into four sections, one for each option area. The common theme, however, is preparing students to function as freelancers in the creative services. Students learn how to write contracts, invoices, track time, prepare proposals and bids, and apply copyright and intellectual property law. They write resumes and learn job searching and networking skills.

In IM270: Project Development, students work in four- to six-person teams (at least one student from each option) to plan, write, storyboard, film, shoot, design, edit and finally, present a series of "How-To" projects that correspond with the key pieces of equipment each IM student should know how to use. Basecamp, a web-based project management, collaboration tool is used to track 20 groups as they move through each phase of production. All students get an opportunity to use studio lighting, still and video cameras, editing software and presentation tools.

RB250 or GD250 or DP250 or TV250: These second year courses ask students to gain additional depth in their field of study and begin to synthesize and apply the foundational skills obtained in the first year courses. Read more about these by clicking on each option in the sidebar on the left of your screen.

WINTER TERM: Second year / fifth quarter students

RB251 or GD251 or DP251 or TV251: This is the fifth in a series of six courses required in each option area. Read more about these by clicking on each option in the sidebar on the left of your screen.

IM271: The Creative Pitch is the second in the second year sequence that focuses on strengthening teamwork skills. Students are now broken up into teams of two--- a copywriter and an art director. They pitch ideas and produce creative solutions for Public Service campaigns.

IM282: Integrated Media Focus classes are designed to offer students a wide variety of intensive, workshop-style classes from which to choose. Mix and match to suit your interests and schedule. We encourage students to cross over into another area to gain additional skills and breadth. There are almost a dozen two-credit classes to choose from, such as Digital Illustration, Voice-Over Techniques, Video Editing, After Effects, Street Photography, Digital Camera Operation, Sound for Picture, Photoshop, WordPress, Online Portfolio Development,, etc. Two classes are required.

SPRING TERM: Second year / sixth quarter students

IM290: IM Portfolio is the capstone course for all IM students. Four sections are offered, and each option area has a unique approach to preparing this critical evidence of each student's strengths. Design and photo majors make customized web sites as well as beautifully crafted print portfolios. Broadcasting snd video students work on their reels. All students have work ready to be sent or viewed digitally. An end-of-year portfolio show and film festival is held in June.

IM272: Integrated Media Practicum classes offer students experience with client-sponsored projects. Instructors serve as creative directors as the students practice serving internal and external clients. Each term the projects vary, but there are always budgets to stay within, timelines to meet and presentations to make. There are four sections of Practicum each term, and each has its own client or focus. Students also have the option of working at an internship. Students also have the option of working at an internship.

RB253 or GD252 or DP252 or TV253: This is the last class in each student's option, and each serves as a capstone experience. Typically, these courses afford students with the flexibility to deeply explore a project of particular interest. Read more about these by clicking on each option in the sidebar on the left of your screen.