DMA Transfer Course Guide

Course Guide for Prospective Transfer Students to UCLA Design|Media Arts

This guide is intended to help address the question, “what classes can I take that might transfer to UCLA Design|Media Arts?” We hope to help you identify the best match coursework at your current institution that lines up with the learning outcomes of the DMA undergraduate curriculum, to aid in your optimal preparation for the major as well as setting up the best chance that your courses will be approved for credit.

The below table lists all of the lower division required courses in the major, as well as learning expectations re: relevant experience and knowledge base. You can use the information in the table to compare with courses available at your institution to determine a best match for learning outcomes and experience.

The Department of Design|Media Arts at UCLA does not formally articulate major preparation courses for transfer: as a program centered in experimental research inquiry into design, media, and technology, these types of courses are not always readily available at other institutions so each student’s portfolio supplement is considered on an individual basis. Applicants are welcome to submit work done independently, in the community, etc. as well as projects generated in classroom settings.

While it may be beneficial to complete the courses listed as recommended preparation, there is no guarantee they will transfer as exact UCLA equivalents. Substitutions for lower division requirements will be determined by the department in the summer following admission. Syllabi and other descriptive course documentation will be required for consideration.

COURSE TITLE + Learning Expectations

MEDIA HISTORIES (DESMA 8)

• Explore optical media and aesthetic movements covering the past two centuries

• Understand how such movements can inform generative work

• Understand how these media become essential in emerging era of digital humanities

• In general, courses in Art History, Film/TV, or media studies that cover the 20th century may be approved

DESIGN CULTURE (DESMA 10)

• The student should have a basic understanding of design from a cultural and social (perhaps design historical) perspective. Graphic design or introductory art history courses are insufficient.

• Learn to understand how design influences everyday life

• Understand the various types of design and the motives guiding its planning, marketing, reception, and uses

• Explore the connections between design and technology in the context of historic, economic, and cultural factors

DIGITAL IMAGE* (DESMA 21)

*former course name: Drawing & Color

• A personal and expressive language of representation

• Emphasis on line, shape, volume, mark-making (pattern), color, grid, perspective

• Gain foundational skills in observation and graphical representation of three-dimensional forms and spatial relationships

• Analyze visual elements like color, composition, texture, perspective, and value to build visual literacy, expand terminology, and develop new interpretive approaches

• Gain proficiency with digital drawing, drafting, and hybrid drawing workflows

• Effectively communicate abstract and concrete ideas effectively through image-making

• Critique formal and conceptual elements of peer work to strengthen communication skills and expand visual analysis skills

• Learn effective methods for documenting, saving, compressing, and organizing projects and digital files

• Experience using Illustrator and Photoshop

FABRICATION & MATERIALS* (DESMA 22)

*former course name: Form

• Critically engage the relationships between ideas, software, material, and process

• Learn to create physical projects using various traditional and digital techniques

• Experience using a laser cutter, 3D printer, hand and power tools, sewing, foundational paper, wood, foam, and/or fabric construction techniques

• Gain confidence with fabrication tools and equipment, emphasizing safe and respectful use of shared studio spaces

• Use sketching and other tools to develop and design three-dimensional projects

• Develop a vocabulary for discussing sculpture and 3D designs

• Engage in teamwork, peer critiques, and creative exploration of sculptural concepts, encouraging innovation and personal expression

VIDEO & MOTION* (DESMA 24)

*former course name: Video

• Understand fundamental principles and concepts of video and motion

• Develop a vocabulary for discussing video, motion graphics, and animation in the contexts of design, media arts, film, animation, and fine arts

• Acquire the technical skills for producing motion work using industry-standard software (ex. After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Audacity Cinema 4D, and/or Blender)

• Gain an understanding of professional practices, production pipelines, and career roles in video and motion spheres

• Explore the work of fine artists and independent filmmakers who use motion in their work

• Create motion-based projects that can be included in personal portfolios

TYPOGRAPHY (DESMA 25)

• Understand typography, its legibility and meaning of form

• Create grids and set columns

• Experience using InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Illustrator

• Understand visual editing and aesthetics of typography, make perfect column setting

• Book typography (typography, column-setting, text)

• Expressive typography (storytelling, meaning, communication, and form)

INTERACTIVITY (DESMA 28)

• Write code within the context of the visual arts

• Experience using Processing, p5.js, Java, and/or JavaScript

• Create interactive software, animation, and images with code

Questions? Please email us at admission@arts.ucla.edu.