Major & Minor Requirements

Major in Computational Media
Requirements

The major includes 14 courses – 7 from Computer Science and 7 from Visual and Media Studies.

On the Computer Science side, students must take 4 core courses from COMPSCI 201, 230 or 330, 210 or 250, and a course on computer systems or 370 (Artificial Intelligence) or 371 (Machine Learning).  In addition, 3 electives, which may consist of any COMPSCI course at the 200 level or above, with at most one Research Independent Study. At least two of the 7 Computer Science courses (core or elective) must be 300-level or above. Prerequisites include COMPSCI 101/102/116; MATH 111; and  MATH 112 or a 100-level STA or higher.

On the Visual and Media Studies side, requirements include VMS 202D: Introduction to Visual Culture; one Theories course, 327S: Theories of Visual Studies or LIT 328S: Media Theory, or an approved alternative; two AAHVS practice-based courses or approved alternatives at the 200-level or above; 3 additional 200+ VMS electives, including approved cross-lists; and one approved Technical Project Experience. All majors are also required to submit a Major Portfolio documenting their work.

Note that you must be a junior or senior, or have signed up for the major as a sophomore, to enroll in 500-level and above courses without permission. See the Trinity Guidelines for details.

Minor in Computational Media

Requirements

The minor includes two VMS/CMAC practice courses; two VMS/CMAC thematic courses, and one COMPSCI course at the 200-level or above.

Course Selection Details 

Art, Art History & Visual Studies

Students in the Computational Media major and minor are expected to take a mix of theory and practice courses in VMS, CMAC, or ISS for their electives. Courses counting towards the major and minor should be at the 200 level or above, and the majority should be with core faculty in AAHVS (see the departmental website). Typically "practice" courses that have a digital computational method in title (web development, data visualization, mapping, constructing virtual worlds, digital imaging, game design etc.), while "theory" courses may be historically or thematically focused in areas of visual and media studies, technology and cultural studies, media history, digital humanities, etc. A few courses could go either way because they contain a mix of elements, such as project-based courses in a lab or through Bass Connections, or some special topics. Consult with your advisor in VMS if you have questions on how specific courses might apply to your program requirements, and for general advice about how to plan your schedule.

Computer Science Courses

For questions about Computer Science courses in the IDM and minor, you should consult the Computer Science department directly.

Project Requirement (Major)

The project requirement for the major may be fulfilled in numerous ways, including though Bass Connections, Data+, Story+, Code+ and various lab-based projects. You will be expected to write a project report documenting the project and your role its creation in order to receive credit towards the degree requirements. 

Distinction (Major)

Students wishing to pursue Distinction in the Computational Media IDM follow the same requirements as those in Visual and Media Studies for registration. Typically this is a two semester project, and ideally would include advisors from both sponsoring programs. The Distinction project itself must include both practice-based and written components.

Portfolio

All majors will be expected to compile a major portfolio documenting progress through the program. This will be compiled over time and will be completed as part of the final program review before graduation.

Advising Form (Fillable PDF)