Course Description
Note: This course is considered to be a senior level elective. It is expected that the student will devote a significant amount of time outside of class on research, programming and project activities.
This course is a survey of the interrelationship of state-of-the-art communication and computer technology. Hardware, software, and system design issues in the multimedia presentation of information. Multimedia standards. Audio and video compression techniques. Hypermedia database systems. Programming and the use of multimedia authoring systems. Survey of representative hypermedia applications.
Textbooks
Please visit the library proxy to gain access to Fundamentals of Multimedia for free. Please don't let the math scare you off! We will be skipping the heavy mathematical derivations and complex functions. Our focus in this course is on understanding the core digital concepts, multimedia architecture, and practical implementation. The math required for our work will be limited to basic, everyday arithmetic (such as calculating file sizes, storage requirements, and resolution math).
Topics
- Fundamentals of Multimedia Information
- Multimedia Hardware
- Multimedia Software
- Multimedia Platforms
- Multimedia Programming
- The creative process: hardware, software, development team and methodology
- Media Types Media Objects (Implementations and methods)
- Multimedia and the Internet
- Multimedia Systems survey (science, entertainment, gaming, etc.)
- Design Issues
- Compression & Encoding Techniques
Prerequisite
CISC 3130 ("Data Structures" formally CIS 22)
Grading
- 40% Projects: PowerPoint Kiosk, Wick Editor, HTML5 Mobile, Editing Media Files, etc
- 30% Final Exam
- 20% Midterm
- 10% Class Participation (asking questions, going over material, Presentations)
Academic Integrity
The faculty and administration of Brooklyn College support an environment free from cheating and plagiarism. Each student is responsible for being aware of what constitutes cheating and plagiarism and for avoiding both. The complete text of the CUNY Academic Integrity Policy and the Brooklyn College procedure for policy implementation can be found at Brooklyn College policies. If a faculty member suspects a violation of academic integrity and, upon investigation, confirms that violation, or if the student admits the violation, the faculty member MUST report the violation.
Center for Student Disability Services
In order to receive disability-related academic accommodations students must first be registered with the Center for Student Disability Services. Students who have a documented disability or suspect they may have a disability are invited to set up an appointment with the Director of the Center for Student Disability Services, Ms. Valerie Stewart-Lovell at 718-951-5538. If you have already registered with the Center for Student Disability Services, please provide your professor with the course accommodation form and discuss your specific accommodation with him/her.
AI Usage Policy
AI is helpful as a tutor in the course. However, all essays, and questions (including math related), that you submit, are expected to be written by you directly. There will be some programming or media creation assignments where AI is either encouraged or expected to be used. The AI that the college recommends is Copilot from your CUNY M365.
Student Bereavement Policy
Withdrawal
The withdrawal deadline for Fall 2026 is Friday, November 6.
Useful HTML5 Links
- Bootstrap
- Using jQuery Mobile
- jQuery Tutorial
- Example from HTML5 The Missing Manual
- Mobilizing websites with responsive design and HTML5 tutorial
- "Mobifying" Your HTML5 Site
- HTML5 Tutorial
- HTML5 Hype
- HTML5 Media
- HTML5 Images
Dropbox Folder
You will need a Dropbox account for the class. Create a folder titled Last,First and CISC 3630. So if your name is John Doe make a folder called: Doe, John CISC 3630. Once the folder has been created, please Invite me (right click the folder and select Share (Share with Dropbox)) to the folder with my Dropbox email address of dropbox@lawrencegoetz.com
Class Discussions
Bring up topics to discuss in class. I would like to have discussions about various Multimedia topics. Please look at computer news sites to bring up timely news.
Course Schedule
| Class | Topics | Readings | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/2 |
Multimedia History Data Types |
Read from the following:
|
|
| 9/9 |
Authoring Sample Kiosk we did in class a previous term. |
Read Before Class: Overview of Multimedia Authoring We will discuss the Dynabook and The Memex today in class. |
Due Sept 30th |
| 9/16 |
Multimedia Development |
Read Unit 3,4 |
|
| 9/23 |
Text Web Design Intro |
1.5 Text in Multimedia Read before class: HTML Introduction Read after class: |
|
| 9/30 |
Media on the Web BootStrap videos Please watch videos 1 through 9 Tutorials for your curiosity: |
Read Chapters 5 & 7 from this Book Tips: |
|
| 10/07 |
Graphics |
1.2 Graphics and Image Data Representations Glace at these. JPG: 1, 2 |
Watch these videos (Before 10/14):
Midterm on 10/28 - 2026 Edtion of the topics Review Topics/Questions |
| 10/14 | Graphics Continued - JPEG Example |
From this Book - Read from Chapter 1 pages in the book 1-9, you can gloss over the rest ignoring all the math equations that you cannot read or understand. But try to look to get the gist of things. From this Book - Read from Chapter 8 pages in the book 153 (8.2)-158 From this Book - Read from Chapter 2 pages in the book 31-41 Do not be concerned with the complex math equations or even if you cannot read the equation. Focus on the general concepts. |
|
| 10/21 | 3D Graphics | 3D Slides | Reminder Midterm next week |
| 10/28 Midterm | 2026 Edtion of the topics
Review Topics/Questions |