Media Aesthetics and Creativity
University of Tampa – COM 222 (2017-Present): The class explores how original ideas develop, how to communicate ideas using visual mediums, and how creativity can be used effectively in multiple disciplines, and in real world applications. We experiment with ways to tap into the creative wellspring, and students are challenged to test their ability to abstract the essence of objects so they may recreate objects and ideas in an innovative and authentic way. We discuss aesthetic principles related to two- and three-dimensional art and time-based media, and we compare and contrast different, narrative ways of telling the story. Students also learn how to analyze the principles behind a design or work of art. Theories of “seeing” are discussed, and influences from eighteenth century Western philosophy, to popular media images, to psychology and neuroscience are considered. Most importantly, the class helps students explore their creative process, discover the sources of their creativity, and develop their identities as a creative thinkers and producers of media.
Digital Media and Design for Communication
University of Tampa – COM 302 (Present): The course focuses on the strategic use of digital tools for communication, including development of corporate identification, layout of print collateral, creation of video, and print and web graphics. Using the Adobe Creative Suite, students develop branding and corporate identification materials, produce print collateral that meets professional criteria, effectively incorporate copy, typography and layout principles, produce and appropriately optimize effective images for print and Web communication, and produce a simple website that includes graphic and video content for strategic marketing purposes.
Filmmaking: The Art of Visual Storytelling
Duke University – (2017): An introductory course for academically gifted 9th through 12th grade students. The sessions focus on concepts in film theory and video production applied by working in small, collaborative groups. Group work is modeled to allow maximum interaction with other creative students and address the educational, emotional, and social factors impacting the lives of gifted young persons. Job responsibilities include syllabus development, purchasing hardware and software, designing and teaching challenging academic modules, planning and conducting daily academic activities, implementing classroom behavioral guidelines, monitoring student progress, and writing student evaluations.
Audio/Video/Film Production and Writing
University of North Carolina – COMM 230 (2015-2017): Through lectures, readings, discussions, screenings, workshops, but mostly hands-on projects, the course provides an intermediate purview of the basic principles and equipment used in video/film production. The course engages students in all steps of the video production process, and provides a forum for gaining technical skills and experience, working collaboratively, exploring different styles and forms of creative expression, and developing critical approaches to media making.
Survey of Digital Video
St. Petersburg College – DIG 2030 (2006-2015, 2018, 2019): A digital media foundation class concentrating on visual theory and filmic language, history of digital video, video as art, lighting like the masters, tools for production and hands-on projects, camera choreography, classical three-act script structure, producing, and working as a crew.
Studio Directing
St. Petersburg College – DIG 2290 (2014-2015, 2019): Advanced studio television course introducing the terminology, and operation of video production equipment in a television control room and studio environment, including broadcast studio cameras, digital studio production switcher, character generator console, digital audio mixer, videotape recorders, production microphones, studio lighting and lighting board operation, and basic engineering concepts of camera control units, time based correctors, and calibration through waveform and vectorscope monitors.
Basic Video Camera
St. Petersburg College – DIG 2200 (2019): A video production course with hands on instruction designed to introduce the concepts of basic videography such as f-stops and shutter speeds, frame rates, camera movement and stabilization, and broadcast specifications. Students learn to adapt to several types of pro-sumer video cameras, composition styles, lighting techniques and safety concerns, and learn to combine all of these aspects of production into shooting professional video.
Scripting for Video
St. Petersburg College – DIG 2410 (2006) Tapping the creative wellspring for scripting narrative, commercial, documentary, corporate, educational, and non-profit content. The sessions include strategies for pricing and marketing.