This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The Department of Kinetic Imaging prepares students to use video, animation and sound for the purpose of art-making, self-expression and experimentation. The program is designed for students who want to study video art, sound design and experimental two- and three-dimensional animation. Emphasis is placed on artistic uses of the media.
Student learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:
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Students will demonstrate the ability to create media art that is conceptually grounded and evidences individual reflection and critical inquiry.
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Students will be able to make appropriate choices of media and presentation to support the conceptual intent of their work.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to construct meaning, synthesize ideas, ask pertinent questions and identify resources. Students will be able to successfully bring critical analysis and review to collaborative critique sessions and also to written responses.
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Students will demonstrate an advanced level of skills in their use of technology and tools for the production of video, animation, sound and emerging media. This includes a wide range of technology in regards to both equipment and software.
Degree requirements for Kinetic Imaging, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| KINE 233 | Media Arts Survey | 3 |
| KINE 243 | Video Practices | 4 |
| KINE 245 | Animation Practices | 4 |
| KINE 247 | Sound Art | 4 |
| KINE 348 | 3D Computer Art | 4 |
| KINE 354 | Creative Code and Electronics | 4 |
| KINE 357 | Critical Issues in the Media | 3 |
| KINE 375 | Concept and Development Studio | 4 |
| KINE 474 & KINE 475 | Research and Production I and Research and Production II | 8 |
| • Major electives | ||
| Emphasis area electives (300 level or above) 1 | 22 | |
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| Art Foundation Program | ||
| ARTF 131 | Drawing Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 132 | Surface Research | 3 |
| ARTF 133 | Space Research | 3 |
| ARTF 134 | Time Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 139 | Project Studio | 2 |
| or ARTF 138 | Project Seminar | |
| ARTH 103 & ARTH 104 | Survey of Art I and Survey of Art II | 6 |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course. | 10 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Select courses in KINE or any School of the Arts area (except art education) or approved ENGL (creative writing) or WRLD (world cinema) that are applicable to an individual’s major course of study through adviser consultation. See electives list below.
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Electives
Emphasis area electives must be 300- to 400-level and include courses in the table below.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| KINE 319 | Screen Dance | 3 |
| KINE 343 | Video Concepts | 4 |
| KINE 345 | Animation Concepts | 4 |
| KINE 346 | Survey of Sound Design | 3 |
| KINE 347 | Sound Design | 4 |
| KINE 392 | Research/Individual Study | 1-4 |
| KINE 443 | Topics in Video Art | 4 |
| KINE 445 | Topics in Animation | 4 |
| KINE 447 | Topics in Sound | 4 |
| KINE 448 | 3D Computer Animation | 4 |
| KINE 454 | Live Coding | 4 |
| KINE 455 | Motion Graphics | 4 |
| KINE 457 | Socially Engaged Media | 4 |
| KINE 458 | Virtual Interactive Worlds | 4 |
| KINE 460 | Wearable Technologies | 4 |
| KINE 492 | Internship | 1-3 |
| KINE 491 | Studio Topics | 1-4 |
| ARTH, ARTS, CINE, COAR, CRAF, CREA, DANC, GDES, FASH, IDES, MHIS, MUSC, PAPR, PHTO, SCPT, THEA | ||
| Select a maximum of six credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Writing for Stage and/or Screen | ||
| Writing Poetry | ||
| Writing Fiction | ||
| Writing Creative Nonfiction | ||
| Advanced Poetry Writing | ||
| Advanced Fiction Writing | ||
| Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing | ||
| Topics in Writing | ||
| Global Film Studies | ||
| International Media Coverage: The Middle East | ||
| World Cinema Cultures | ||
| Film and the City | ||
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| ARTF 131 | Drawing Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 133 | Space Research | 3 |
| ARTF 139 or ARTF 138 | Project Studio or Project Seminar | 1 |
| ARTH 103 | Survey of Art I | 3 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| ARTF 132 | Surface Research | 3 |
| ARTF 134 | Time Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 139 or ARTF 138 | Project Studio or Project Seminar | 1 |
| ARTH 104 | Survey of Art II | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| KINE 233 | Media Arts Survey | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 8 | |
| KINE 243 | Video Practices | - |
| KINE 245 | Animation Practices | - |
| KINE 247 | Sound Art | - |
| KINE 348 | 3D Computer Art | - |
| KINE 354 | Creative Code and Electronics | - |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Select the remaining three of the following: | 12 | |
| KINE 243 | Video Practices | - |
| KINE 245 | Animation Practices | - |
| KINE 247 | Sound Art | - |
| KINE 348 | 3D Computer Art | - |
| KINE 354 | Creative Code and Electronics | - |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| KINE 357 | Critical Issues in the Media | 3 |
| Emphasis area electives | 4 | |
| Emphasis area electives | 4 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open elective | 1 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| KINE 375 | Concept and Development Studio | 4 |
| Emphasis area electives | 4 | |
| Emphasis area electives | 1 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| KINE 474 | Research and Production I | 4 |
| Emphasis area electives | 4 | |
| Emphasis area electives | 1 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| KINE 475 | Research and Production II | 4 |
| Emphasis area electives | 4 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.