Courses
A number of courses in Communication Studies and Digital Media Arts help students develop the skills to undertake video projects.
COM 325 | Media Literacy
This course explores the communication process, the relationship between media and culture, visual communication, and aesthetics. It focuses on improving the student’s ability to analyze, think critically, and produce effective mediated messages. The assigned readings, classroom work and real world community service projects help students master their own media literacy knowledge and skills.
COM 491/492 | Video Institute
This course functions as a workshop in which students work one-on-one with Dr. Irwin as they develop and complete their own individual video projects and documentaries.
Additional courses serving students in the Video Institute are:
COM 361 | Introduction to TV Production
COM 461 | Advanced TV Production
DMA 387 | Digital Video Production
DMA 487 | Advanced Digital Video Production
Training
Workshops for Interested Canisius University Students:
A variety of workshops are offered each semester and are taught by our faculty in Communication Studies and Digital Media Arts, advanced Video Institute students, and the staff of the Canisius University Media Center. These workshops compliment structured courses in our curriculum, and help train students from disciplines both in and outside of Communication Studies and Digital Media Arts. Workshops focus on various topics, including
basic and advanced camera operation, lighting and sound for interviews, and editing with Final Cut Pro, among others.
Student Involvement with Canisius University Television (CCTV)
Students obtain “hands-on” experience through their involvement in producing weekly television programs that air campus-wide. Members of this student club develop an understanding of both on-air and behind-the-scenes aspects of television production including audio production, directing, lighting and producing.
CCTV also assists with videotaping on-campus events, including the annual Mr. Canisius competitions, Little Theatre shows, and other events. These opportunities give students real-life field production experience. Also, club members are involved in the video streaming of Canisius University Basketball games from the Koessler Athletic Center (KAC) and have recently begun web casting the Golden Griffin Hockey games from the Buffalo State Ice Arena or the Amherst Pepsi Center.
Mentoring by Communication Studies/Digital Media Arts faculty and Media Center staff.
Faculty and staff are available to mentor students on individual and group projects, as well as supervise student videotaping of events on campus such as International Fest, the Canisius University Writers Series, musical performances, sporting events, and other campus-wide activities throughout the year.