Interdisciplinary Film & Digital Media
Mission
The pending Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media Program (IFDM) at the University of New Mexico is a model of interdisciplinary education for the twenty-first century that will give our students necessary critical, creative, and technical skills to apply digital technologies in innovative and productive ways. This program builds on ARTS Lab (Arts Research Technology and Science Laboratory), established in 2005 under Governor Richardson’s Media Industries Strategy Plan (MISP). Coordinating ARTS Lab with existing strengths at UNM in Fine Arts, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, and Anderson Schools of Management, along with other schools and colleges, the Film and Digital Media Program has four objectives:
- Integrate Filmmaking and Digital Media
- Build a Native New Mexican Hollywood
- Train the Citizens of New Mexico
- Foster Research
The Program
This program is being designed to offer students an IFDM degree that can be customized to meet a variety of interests and needs. Whether a student is interested in computer-based applications like simulations or animation, production level courses that focus on directing, writing or producing, or business applications that emphasize the legal, marketing and accounting aspects the digital film industry, the Interdisciplinary Film & Digital Media Program curriculum can be structured to serve these needs.
Students in the program may pursue their interests in one of four different colleges within the University. For instance you may earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree through the College of Fine Arts in one of two IFDM concentrations: Critical Studies or Production. Or, you may earn a Bachelor of Science degree through the School of Engineering in either Computer Engineering or in Computer Science with a concentration in Digital Media. The UNM Anderson School of Management and the College of Arts & Sciences will also have degree tracks for the IFDM program.
IFDM Major Tracks at UNM (proposed)
College of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Production or Critical Studies
School of Engineering
Bachelor of Science degree with Digital Media Concentration in either Computer Science or Computer Engineering
College of Arts & Sciences
Bachelor of Arts degree in Production, Visualization or Critical Studies
Anderson School of Management
Major Track titles are pending
All students admitted to the program have to complete a University core curriculum that includes subjects like Math, English and Science. Students will also have a set of ten Common Core courses [ PDF ] [WORD ] for the IFDM program regardless of which degree they want to pursue. These IFDM core classes are taken in order from the time a student is admitted as a pre-major into the program. Additional specific courses [ PDF ] [WORD ] are required for selected degree tracks that are determined by each college. The final courses of the program include capstone courses, in which students work in interdisciplinary teams to complete projects relevant to their IFDM concentrations.
For more information on the program requirements and information on how to apply, click here.
Partnerships and Facilities
Currently IFDM classes and operations are located at various sites around campus. The fall 2007 courses and speakers series are taught at the ARTS Lab, and operations are hosted at the Center for the Arts on UNM’s main campus. By December 2008, the IFDM operations and core classrooms and labs will be consolidated to the old Architecture and Planning Building on Central Avenue. Other proposed facilities includes a future Research and Advanced Learning facility that is being developed as part of the Mesa del Sol Civic Center, and will be located adjacent to Sony Imageworks and Q Studios.
The University of New Mexico is a member of Sony Imageworks Professional Academic Excellence (IPAX) program.
Timeline
The pending Interdisciplinary Film & Digital Media Program is a current priority of the University of New Mexico, and is under consideration for curriculum approval.
The first of the IFDM Core courses, IFDM 105 Inter/New Media Studies and Speaker Series, was being offered during the fall 2007 semester. The second Core course, IFDM 152 Computer Science Fundamentals is offered during the current spring 2008 semester.
News
The University of New Mexico is currently seeking applicants for the position of IFDM Director. If you know of a uniquely qualified candidate who might be interested in this opportunity, let them know. Minimum qualifications and application instructions can be found by clicking here. For best consideration, application materials should be submitted by March 12, 2008.
For potential students, the second IFDM application cycle is open. Applications to be a pre-major is the IFDM program for Fall 2008 semester are now being accepted. For application, click here.
