Associate in Arts (A.A.) ☸

Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Media Communications

Religious modifier: the symbol of the Archangel Gabriel

Concentration in Film Studies and Animation

Degree Level: Associate

Institution Type: Religious / Vocational

Category: Media Communications

Faculty: Media Communications

Program type:  faith-based academic program 

Instructor: Luc Toutounghi

Location: Fully Online

Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)

Religious credits: 12 credits (of whom 6 credits counted in General Education course World Religions, see BELOW)

Faith-based core curriculum credits: 18 credits

General Education: 30 credits (+ 6  credits in World Religions, see ABOVE Religious credits) = 36 credits

Total Credits: 60 Semester Credit Hours (6 credits in religious studies - 18 credits in core curriculum - 36 credits in General Education, of whom 6 credits in World Religions)

Religious Purpose Statement

Associate in Media Communications (Concentration in Film Studies and Animation) ☸

The Associate in Media Communications program at Archangel Gabriel University is a religiously oriented degree designed to prepare students for vocational service in the field of Christian and faith-based media. The program’s core concentration in Film Studies and Animation provides a creative and spiritual framework for using visual storytelling as a means of ministry, education, and moral communication.

Rooted in the ecumenical Christian tradition, the program integrates theological reflection, ethical discernment, and artistic expression. Students are encouraged to see media not merely as a profession, but as a calling — a sacred trust to convey messages that inspire faith, compassion, and truth.

Through this course of study, students develop the skills to serve effectively in church and ministry communications, Christian education, and faith-based media organizations. The degree fulfills a distinctly religious and vocational purpose, equipping graduates to advance the mission of the Church universal through film, animation, and other creative media that promote spiritual growth and social renewal in accordance with Christian values.

Program Overview

The Associate in Arts in Media Communications with a core curriculum in Film Studies and Animation provides foundational academic and creative training for careers in media arts. This A.A. degree prepares students for university transfer to a bachelor's degree in this atheneum or entry-level media production, storytelling, and animation roles across digital platforms. The program fosters spiritual maturity, discernment, and technical skill, empowering graduates to serve faithfully in church media ministries, faith-based organizations, and other vocations that advance the Gospel through digital and traditional communication platforms.  This degree fulfills a religious and vocational mission by preparing graduates to be faithful communicators, using modern media as tools of ministry, education, and service to the broader Christian community and society at large. This program fulfills a distinctly religious and vocational purpose, equipping graduates to serve in church media ministries, Christian educational settings, and faith-based organizations where film and digital communication are used to advance the mission of the Church and the moral renewal of society.

Program Description

The Associate in Media Communications with a concentration in Film Studies and Animation offers an integrated curriculum combining foundational courses in communication theory, media production, and theological studies. Students explore the relationship between faith, culture, and media, gaining both technical proficiency and a strong moral framework for creative expression.

The program emphasizes media as a ministry of service—preparing students to become communicators of hope, truth, and reconciliation through responsible storytelling and ethical media practice. Academic instruction is complemented by spiritual formation, mentoring, and practical experiences that encourage discernment of personal calling within the field of media and digital arts.

Graduates will be equipped for vocational service in:

• Church and ministry communication departments
• Christian and nonprofit media organizations
• Faith-based film and animation projects
• Educational and community outreach programs

Program Objectives

The concentration in Film Studies and Animation provides students with the creative and theological foundation to use visual arts as instruments of ministry, education, and evangelization. Through the study of narrative structure, digital production, animation, and Christian ethics, students learn to communicate messages that reflect truth, beauty, and compassion in alignment with moral values of tolerance.

Graduates will:

• Understand fundamental principles of media, communication, and visual storytelling
• Analyze film and animation from cultural, aesthetic, and technical perspectives
• Apply introductory techniques in animation, editing, and film production
• Transfer seamlessly to bachelor’s programs in media, film, or communication in this Atheneum
• Integrate Christian faith and ethical principles into media communication and production.
• Demonstrate technical and artistic proficiency in film and animation for faith-based and educational purposes.
• Critically analyze media narratives from theological, cultural, and moral perspectives.
• Communicate messages that promote spiritual growth, compassion, and social justice.
• Serve effectively in vocational and ministry contexts using media as a tool for outreach and transformation.

General Education Requirements (36 Credits)

• ENC 1101 – English Composition I (3): Develops academic writing skills with an emphasis on structure, clarity, and argumentation.
• ENC 1102 – English Composition II (3): Expands on ENC 1101 with a focus on research writing and critical analysis.
• MAC 1105 – College Algebra (3): Covers algebraic functions and their applications, supporting analytical thinking or 
• STA 2023 – Statistical Methods (3): Introduces statistical reasoning and data analysis techniques.
• PHI 2010 – Introduction to Philosophy (3): Introduces major philosophical themes and methods of logical inquiry.
• HUM 2020 – Humanities (3): Surveys cultural, literary, and artistic expressions through human history.
• BSC 1005 – Biology (3): Provides foundational biological knowledge, emphasizing relevance to daily life.
• REL 2300 – World Religions (6): Explores global religious traditions and their cultural impacts.
• SPC 1608 – Public Speaking (3): Develops oral communication and presentation skills.
• PSY 2012 – General Psychology (3): Introduces psychological theories and human behavior.
• ECO 2013 – Principles of Macroeconomics (3): Examines large-scale economic principles and government policy.
• MUL 2010 – Music Appreciation (3): Enhances listening skills and understanding of music genres and history.

Media Core Courses (18 Credits)

• DIG 2000 – Introduction to Digital Media (1): Introduces the foundational tools, techniques, and concepts of digital media production. Students explore media theory, interactivity, digital storytelling, and software used in the creation of digital art, web content, and multimedia. This course sets the groundwork for further study in animation, video, and digital arts.
• FIL 2000 – Introduction to Film Studies (3): Examines cinema as an art form and cultural product.
• DIG 2109 – Introduction to 2D Animation (2): Covers principles and tools for creating frame-by-frame and vector-based animations.
• DIG 2110 – Fundamentals of 3D Animation (3): Introduces 3D modeling, rigging, and basic animation workflows.
• FIL 2432 – Film Analysis and Criticism (2): Teaches techniques for critiquing film aesthetics, genres, and themes.
• COM 2300 – Media Writing and Visual Storytelling (3): Develops skills in scripting, storyboarding, and narrative design for screen media.
• DIG 2205 – Digital Video Editing (2): Focuses on post-production workflows using industry-standard software.
• DIG 2280 – Portfolio Development for Media Artists (2): Guides students in curating a professional portfolio for academic or career advancement.

Religious Studies (6 Credits)

• Choose any between religious courses till 6 credits