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Computers and Multimedia (CAT)
The computers and multimedia program at Dakota Wesleyan University provides students a strong and varied set of practical and analytical skills using computers in a wide variety of applications. The multimedia component of the program includes desktop publishing, Web publishing, computer graphic arts, digital photography, digital video production, interactive applications, and publishing on videotape, CD, DVD and the World Wide Web. The technology minors focus on management of networks and hardware.

Computer Requirements
Multimedia majors will be required to have Macintosh laptop computers with Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Creative Suite and Virtual PC with DWU’s standard PC programs installed.

Multimedia Major
Graduates will be prepared for a variety of professional and allied positions in the media, broadcasting, video production and postproduction, computer graphics, publishing, education and business. Students will produce graphics using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Students will develop and produce interactive CDs using Macromedia Director. Students will concept, script, shoot and edit video productions using Apple Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects.

CAT 105 Elementary Computer Applications

3

CAT 202 Computer Graphics

3

CAT 206 Word Processing and Presentations

1

CAT 207 Spreadsheet Concepts and Design

1

CAT 208 Database Management

1

CAT 247 Internet Concepts and Web Page Design

3

CAT 342 Motion Graphics with FLASH

3

CAT 345 Desktop Publishing

3

CAT 347 Multimedia/Video

3

CAT 447 Multimedia II

3

CAT 448 Authoring with Macromedia Director

3

CAT 449 Advanced Digital Video Production

3

CAT 450 Practicum

1-3

CAT 470 MultiMedia Capstone

3

ART 101 Introduction to Basic Design

3

ART 205 Photography I

3

Elective (upper level)
3
Total

43-45

CAT Minor
Students completing the CAT minor will be able to serve as a computer and technology resource person. Students will be able to assist with needs assessment, resource identification, acquisition and allocation, and systems management and maintenance.

The CAT minor consists of four required core courses and three electives. The core courses provide students with a solid foundation of practical skills in using computers and integrating technology, while the electives afford students the opportunity to pursue individual interests in specific departments or disciplines.

Students must show competency in CAT 105 (complete CAT 105, pass competency exams or hold MOS certification) before beginning classes in the minor.

CAT 206 Word Processing and Presentations

1

CAT 207 Spreadsheet Concepts and Design

1

CAT 208 Database Management

1

CAT 247 Internet Concepts and Web Page Design

3

CAT 249 Computer Hardware, Networks and Telecommunications

3

CAT 323 Management of Computer Systems and Networks

3

Electives *
9
Total

21

* In addition to the core courses, each minor must include at least nine credit hours of electives selected in consultation with the department of computers and multimedia and the student’s major department. Certain departments, such as business and education, may require students to take specific CAT electives in order to satisfy departmental requirements.

Desktop Publishing Minor
Students completing the desktop publishing minor will be prepared to assist their colleagues in designing and producing a wide variety of printed material such as letterhead and identity products, brochures, catalogs and books.

CAT 202 Computer Graphics

3

CAT 206 Word Processing & Presentations

1

CAT 247 Internet Concepts and Web Page Design

3

CAT 345 Desktop Publishing

3

CAT 399 Special Topics - Advanced

3

CAT 460 Independent Study

3

ART 101 Introduction to Basic Design

3

     Total

19

MultiMedia Minor
Students completing the multimedia minor will be prepared to develop, prepare and present a wide variety of multimedia messages. Students will deliver messages via print, video, CDs, DVDs and on the Internet.

CAT 202 Computer Graphics

3

CAT 247 Internet Concepts and Web Page Design

3

CAT 342 Motion Graphics with FLASH

3

CAT 347 MultiMedia/Video

3

CAT 448 Authoring with Macromedia Director

3

ART 101 Introduction to Basic Design

3

     Total

18

K-12 Educational Technology Endorsement
This endorsement requires a teaching major in 7-12, K-8 or K-12 and passage of the appropriate PRAXIS II test. The following courses are only suggested content in preparation for passing the PRAXIS II series test. These classes are not required for this endorsement; see your adviser or the education department chair for any clarification.

CAT 206 Word Processing and Presentations

1

CAT 207 Spreadsheet Concepts and Design

1

CAT 208 Database Management

1

CAT 216 Integrating Technology for Teachers I

1

CAT 316 Integrating Technology for Teachers II

1

CAT 416 Integrating Technology for Teachers III

1

CAT 247 Internet Concepts and Web Page Design

3

CAT 249 Computer Hardware, Networks and Telecommunications

3

CAT 317 Integrating Technology for Teachers - Advanced

3

CAT 323 Management of Computer Systems and Networks

3

CAT 450 Practicum
3
Total
21

Course Descriptions
105 Elementary Computer Applications 3 hours F,S
This class introduces the beginning computer user to the basics of computers and the use of computer applications. It includes hands-on experience and instruction in using word processors, spreadsheets, databases, communications, presentation software, the Internet, operating systems, and other applications and resources. This course is taught in six modules. Students may test out of each module with 80 percent proficiency.

170 Introduction to Computer Applications 3 hours TBA
This course introduces the basic concepts and skills of computer applications. CAT 170 is open only to high school students in an approved DWU dual-credit program. Refer to “Academic Programs” or contact the office of academic affairs for further information.
Comparable to: CAT 105

171 Advanced Computer Applications III 1 hour TBA
This course offers further introduction to the concepts and skills of computer applications through projects and assignments. CAT 171 is open only to high school students in an approved DWU dual-credit program. Refer to “Academic Programs” or contact the office of academic affairs for further information.
Prerequisite: CAT 170
Comparable to: CAT Elective

202 Computer Graphics 3 hours F
This course provides hands-on experience and instruction in using the computer as a tool for basic creative expression, with practical applications in business and ad design.
Prerequisite: CAT 105 or consent of instructor.

206 Word Processing and Presentations 1 hour TBA
Students will explore advanced features of Microsoft Word for desktop publishing and Web pages. Students will also learn how to integrate Word with other Microsoft Office applications. Some Visual Basic for macros will be covered. Creating custom presentations with special effects (sound, video, animation) will also be taught in this course using Microsoft PowerPoint.
Prerequisite: CAT 105.

207 Spreadsheet Concepts and Design 1 hour TBA
The Microsoft Excel application will be used to manage data using spreadsheets in this course. Students will analyze numbers with advanced formulas and functions, and create visual representation with advanced charting techniques. Data consolidation with multi-page workbooks and organizing information with database functions will also be covered.
Prerequisite: CAT 105.

208 Database Management 1 hour TBA
Students will use the Microsoft Access application to create relational databases to organize and manipulate data. Students will use advanced concepts and features to create and modify forms, reports, and tables. Students will also explore various types of queries for data selection.
Prerequisite: CAT 105.

216 Integrating Technology for Teachers I 1 hour F,S
This course introduces aspiring teachers to some of the technology that is available for the classroom teacher. Students will begin work on their Personal Electronic Portfolios (PEP) and will construct a WebQuest that could be used when they start teaching. Students will use a Web editor, Microsoft FrontPage, for these assignments. Students will examine techniques for manipulating digital images and techniques for including them in their PEPs and WebQuests.
Prerequisite: CAT 105.
Corequisite: EDU 201.

247 Internet Concepts and Web Page Design 3 hours F
Students are trained in using the Internet and designing Web pages. File transfer, browsers, evaluation of sites, copyright, and principles of layout and design are included. Students will review HTML and will use Macromedia Dreamweaver to create Web pages. Other authoring applications and scripting methods are reviewed. Students are strongly urged to have a laptop computer for this class. Other programs taught/used: Microsoft Paint.
Prerequisite: CAT 105.

249 Computer Hardware, Networks and Telecommunications 3 hours S
This course provides training in the selection, design, installation, modification, troubleshooting, and maintenance of computer hardware, networks and telecommunication systems.
Prerequisite: CAT 105.

305 Computerized Accounting Applications 3 hours F
This course provides a review of the use of several spreadsheet and accounting programs in solving a variety of business problems.
Prerequisite: CAT 105.

316 Integrating Technology for Teachers II 1 hour F,S
This course continues and expands on materials introduced in CAT 216. Students will continue to develop their Personal Electronic Portfolios (PEP) and will add some of their class work to the PEP. Students will construct and deliver a lesson plan with technology. They will also use and develop their skills in presentation software including Microsoft PowerPoint.
Prerequisite: CAT 216.

317 Integrating Technology for Teachers - Advanced 3 hours TBA
Continuing CAT 216/316/416, students will investigate more background information and issues concerning methods of teaching with technology. A laptop computer is required for this class.
Prerequisite: CAT 416.

323 Management of Computer Systems and Networks 3 hours TBA
This class introduces principles of systems analysis, design of information systems, and network operations and management. Needs assessment, resource identification, acquisition and allocation, and systems management and maintenance options are included.
Prerequisite: CAT 249 or consent of instructor.

342 Motion Graphics with Flash 3 hours F08
Flash is one of the most significant applications in new media history. It has been embraced by a wide spectrum of developers. Flash is primarily an authoring application for Web developers, enabling the creation of high-impact, fully interactive Web sites. It can also be used for kiosks, presentations and CDs. Other programs taught/used: Photoshop, Illustrator. A laptop computer with Flash installed is required for this class.
Prerequisites: ART 101 and CAT 202.

345 Desktop Publishing 3 hours S
This class provides instruction and experience in desktop publishing. Students will design, create and edit documents using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe PageMaker and Adobe InDesign. Other programs taught/used: Photoshop LE.
Prerequisite: CAT 206 or consent of instructor.

347 Multimedia/Video 3 hours F08
Multimedia/Video will train students to concept, script, shoot and edit video productions using Apple Final Cut Pro. Students will also prepare QuickTime movies for use in other programs such as iDVD, PowerPoint and on Web pages. Students will shoot their own video using Canon GL1 or GL2 digital video cameras. Students majoring in multimedia must have a Macintosh laptop with Final Cut Pro installed. Other students may use any of the Macintosh computers in the multimedia lab. Other programs taught/used: Adobe Photoshop.

399 Special Topics – Advanced 1-3 hours TBA
This course provides a forum in which students and instructors may pursue advanced topics not regularly covered in the multimedia curriculum. Students interested in arranging a special topics course should contact the department of multimedia.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

416 Integrating Technology for Teachers III 1 hours F,S
This course is the culminating experience in the Integrating Technology for Teachers series. Students will finish their Personal Electronic Portfolios (PEP). Students will study current technology that they will most likely encounter as they begin teaching. Students will research and present to the class where to find technology answers. Students will also research and present grade or subject level specific information on programs that employ technology in the classroom. Students will study and practice how to set up and use technology in the classroom. This course is taken the semester before student teaching.
Prerequisite: CAT 316.

447 Multimedia II 3 hours S09
This class provides an in-depth study of still and moving images, using them in various types of media. Students will produce and record a short video on videotape and CD.
Prerequisites: ART 101, CAT 202 and CAT 347.

448 Authoring with Macromedia Director 3 hours S10
Students create or gather text, images, sound or movies, and develop interactive presentations which can be played from computer hard drives, CDs and the Internet. Students will learn Director and will author several programs and a Shockwave movie. Other programs taught/used: Illustrator, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro and Flash.
Prerequisites: ART 101, CAT 202 and CAT 342.

449 Advanced Digital Video Production 3 hours F09
This is a study in capturing, manipulating and publishing still and moving images, and producing them in a variety of deliverable formats such as videotape, CD and DVD. Students must have a laptop computer with Apple Final Cut Pro installed. Other programs taught/used: Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects or Motion.
Prerequisite: CAT 447.

450 Practicum 3 hours TBA
The practicum provides students the opportunity to integrate computers and multimedia in a real-world environment.
Prerequisites: Completion of six courses in the CAT minor or major and consent of instructor.

460 Independent Study 1-3 hours TBA

470 Multimedia Capstone 3 hours TBA
The multimedia capstone provides students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery over all phases of the university experience. Students will produce a complete multimedia portfolio including graphics, audio, video, and an interactive CD/DVD/Web component for a client. This client multimedia portfolio will be presented to the client during a public showing sponsored by the multimedia department.

 
         
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Last updated: 9/14/08
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