Student advisement for IML courses and programs is open to all students throughout the academic year.
Advisement Hours
Regular advisement hours are from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. If you would like to make an advising appointment, please contact the advisor directly (see contact info in sidebar).
Walk-in appointments are welcome during available hours, but students are encouraged to make an appointment if possible. Making an appointment ensures that students receive the advisor’s full attention.
Advising Office Location
The IML advisor’s office is EGG 212, in the main IML building. To get there, leave campus from Taper Hall going north, and take University Ave towards Adams Boulevard. Keep walking straight, and University Ave will dead-end at 27th Street. At the dead-end, there will be a parking lot straight ahead – the IML is just on the other side of this parking lot.
To enter the building, press the white button by the front door to be buzzed in. Go up the main staircase, and EGG 212 is at the far end of the second-floor hallway.
Students from any major or discipline at USC may take courses at the IML. Whether you are part of the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, or you belong to one of USC’s many professional schools, we hope that you will take full advantage of the IML’s innovative courses.
Choosing a Course
For new students, we highly recommend any of the following introductory courses:
- IML 140: Workshop in Multimedia Authoring
IML 104: Introduction to Digital Studies
IML 201: The Languages of Digital Media
IML 295: Race, Class and Gender in Digital Culture
Learn more about these courses on the “Courses” page. Students who have already completed an introductory course may choose to enroll in any of the IML’s upper-division courses. It is recommended, however, that they consult an academic advisor to assist them in choosing the appropriate course. This is especially important for students who wish to pursue the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship or the Minor in Digital Studies.
An important note: if you are considering an IML program, DO NOT take any IML courses for Pass/No Pass registration. All IML coursework for the Honors Program and/or Minor must be taken for a letter grade.
Declaring a Program
Students who are planning to take more than one IML course should consider pursuing an IML program. Most students choose to declare a program after taking their first IML course – students may also wait longer if necessary, but it is not encouraged. Declared students will receive first priority in advising, as well as first consideration in student research opportunities.
To declare an IML program, please contact the IML advisor, or make an advising appointment (see “Advisement” tab).
While the IML does not currently have degree or certificate offerings at the graduate level, students from all disciplines are encouraged to take an elective IML course during their time at USC.
Choosing a Course
For students who are new to digital media, we highly recommend any of the following introductory courses:
- IML 500: Digital Media Tools and Tactics
IML 501: Seminar in Contemporary Digital Media
For students with an interest in digital media and education, specifically those who intend to teach at the university level, we highly recommend the following course:
- IML 555:Digital Pedagogies
Learn more about these courses on the “Courses” page. Graduate students are also permitted to enroll in 400-level coursework at the IML. However, students are encouraged to consult their faculty advisors or department chairs prior to enrolling in any 400-level course, as certain graduate programs may restrict 400-level enrollment.
Student Resources Wiki – All students may access this instructional wiki to find software tutorials.
USC Schedule of Classes – Refer to the USC Schedule of Classes for a complete listing of courses offered each semester.
Honors Program Requirements – Students who are pursuing the Honors Program may refer here for program requirements.
Digital Studies Minor Requirements – Students who are pursuing the Digital Studies Minor may refer here for program requirements.
IML Facebook Page – check here for event and announcement updates from the IML.
IML Twitter – get tweets from IML staff and faculty.
Welcome! My name is Sonia Seetharaman, and I am the Academic Program Coordinator for the Institute for Multimedia Literacy.
In addition to working closely with IML faculty and staff facilitating the day-to-day operations of the IML, I also oversee all student relations and academic advising for the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program and the Minor in Digital Studies.
Here is a little background about me:
I grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio and attended Solon High School. Early on, I developed a strong affinity for the sciences, but I also cultivated a passion for literature, photography, and music.
I came to USC in 2004 as an undergraduate student because I was, and still am, particularly intrigued by USC’s emphasis on “breadth with depth.” As a top-tier research university with 17 professional schools, I knew that USC could provide a multilateral education uniting all of my diverse interests. “Breadth with depth” is proof that USC openly embraces and encourages this type of scholarship.
I graduated in 2008 with a B.A. in Biophysics and a minor in French. I was also part of the first cohort of USC graduates to earn the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship designation, for my interactive documentary thesis exploring mirrored notions of duality in science and religion (see my student interview here).
I can honestly say that my participation in the Honors Program, and my interactions with IML faculty and staff during that time, were the most challenging and rewarding part of my undergraduate experience. That is why I returned as coordinator and advisor to the IML – to guide future USC students through that amazing experience.
In the Fall of 2012, I will be enrolling once again at USC (a Trojan twice over!) to pursue my masters degree in Art and Curatorial Practices in the Public Sphere. I will, however, still be advising at the IML – so drop by and say hi! I am always happy to meet new students, or to get reacquainted with IML veterans. My door is always open!
-Sonia
