DU students will now have a new degree option: emergent digital practices.
The degree combines the digital media studies (DMS) and electronic media arts and design programs (eMAD).
Professors hope the new degree program appeals to students who want to work on the cutting edge of technology and innovation, generating new forms and practices of collaboration, interaction, research and creative expression that will define the 21st century. The program will offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“It’s about big ideas and hands-on practice,” says Trace Reddell, director of digital media studies. “Think of a program that builds on the energy and inspiration of recent TEDxDU events. People are beginning to realize that we don’t just need new technology to solve our problems. We need creative, knowledgeable and engaged problem solvers.”
“We want to encourage students who can not only generate ideas for their employers, but also are capable of creating works for themselves, galleries or nonprofits,” says Chris Coleman, associate professor of digital media studies.
Students in the new program will begin by learning the foundations needed in the digital environment and then progress through more advanced curriculum. The emergent digital practices program builds toward individual and collaborative capstone experiences ranging from works of art and performances to scholarly projects. These will demonstrate the students being part of the emergent world.
“We want to prepare students to be leaders in a world that few of us can imagine at the present time,” Reddell says.
The program allows students to pursue a BA or an MA. It also allows students to work on a bachelor’s or master’s degree of fine art as well.
Students in the BA or MA program will be required to double major in a non-art subject, which allows more opportunity for interdisciplinary study. Students working on a BFA or MFA will be required to take more art history courses and more upper-level electives to add to their fine arts practice.
Current DMS or eMAD students can continue their current degree program or transition into the new degree program. The dissolution of the DMS and eMAD programs will occur once all current students in those programs have finished their degrees.