The New Media Program at the University of Maine offers an interdisciplinary course of study in the systems, technologies, history, art, design, and theory of information artifacts and networks. The curriculum enables students to investigate the creative and applied processes essential to this area of study. It prepares students to be technologically capable innovators, articulate thinkers, and creative new media developers.
Today, information is becoming fluid, continuous, and instantly accessible, which has caused a shift in the ways that we create, understand, and distribute information. Information networks are reconfiguring the forms of human relationship, collaboration, and communication. The advent and convergence of new ideas, technologies, and information systems has also rekindled the relationship of applied and creative arts and sciences. This renewed bond presents new collaborative opportunities for artists, scientists, communicators, and other creative thinkers. Our program provides an interdisciplinary, experiential approach to learning that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and entrepreneurship.
UMaine New Media is taught by a core faculty with expertise in art, graphic design, computer science, engineering, cultural studies, creative writing, and journalism. Cooperating professors from fine art, computer science, music, psychology and English add further dimensions.
All first-year majors share a common experience studying applied process and theory. In subsequent years, majors focus on one of the following three areas of concentration:
- Information Design — The study of content creation and design,
including digital photography, audio and video, interface design and
interactivity.
- Information Culture — The study of the origins, history, philosophy, ethics and criticism of new media.
- Information Systems and Technologies — The study of technologies
that underpin new media, such as networking, programming, and database design.
From time to time students from each area of concentration are brought together in courses that explore the collaborative process. A two-part, six-credit senior capstone experience completes the BA. Here, students from each concentration design and produce advanced projects that incorporate such media as Web sites; animated, feature or documentary videos; open source code banks; social, cultural and creative networks; experimental narratives; and interactive games.
New Media majors are encouraged to complete a minor in another field. New Media students also may apply to work in the New Media and Internet Technologies Lab. This is a collaborative environment that designs and produces sophisticated prototypes and projects ranging from Web sites and interactive CD-ROMs to kiosks and video documentaries.
Each New Media major is encouraged to provide his or her own personal laptop computer capable of performing essential functions that are taught in core New Media courses. Purchase of additional hardware and software may be necessary depending on the student’s specialized interests. Minimum specifications for new media computers are available by writing or calling the New Media program office, 426 Chadbourne Hall, (207) 581-4358.
Requirements
New Media majors must complete a total of 39 core and elective credits. A “C” or better is required in all courses that satisfy New Media major program requirements. COS 120 - Visual Basic and ENG 317 - Technical Writing are outside-the-major requirements.
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