DIGITAL MEDIA ARTS PROGRAM
CURRICULUM
LENGTH: 48 Calendar Weeks
CLOCK HOURS: 720
SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS: 26.0
CLASS SIZE: Maximum size for a typical class: 24 students
CLOCK HOUR: A clock hour is defined as a period of 60 minutes with a minimum of 50 minutes of instruction.
Semester credit hours are calculated as one semester credit hour for every 20 clock hours involving classroom contact or every 30 clock hours of supervised laboratory instruction. Students are also expected to perform 180 hours of outside preparation/homework as part of this program.
The Digital Media Arts Program trains students in the field of quality digital video production, including proper production techniques, editing and technical operation, fundamental website design and in the preparation and delivery of media via the Internet.
All digital media students receive an orientation, training, and on-going support for the online learning system from the Director of Student Services or Learning Resources Coordinator, who are available by email or telephone. The online courses for the Digital Media Arts Program are open only to students who are enrolled in the full program and may not be taken separately.
FIRST MARKING PERIOD: Weeks 1-8
- Introduction to Digital Media Arts: Affectionately titled “video boot camp”, basic concepts in camera, lighting, audio and digital media terminology will be discussed as well the supplemental tools and techniques used in the digital media arts industry.
- Introduction to Digital Editing: Students explore the software interface, basic project management, editing terminology, working within a sequence and basic editing workflow.
- ENG Techniques: Students learn the video production process of electronic newsgathering (ENG) and camera shooting techniques by using a professional high-definition camera to develop field-shooting and audio gathering techniques.
- Career Perspectives I: Students learn the about the demand of today’s multi-media artist, how to work for clients in a professional environment and the tools and skills needed to work in the digital media arts field.
- Writing for Digital Media: Students learn how to properly format and write a two-column script for video production.
Clock Hours: 20 (12 lecture; 8 lab) | Credit Hours: .5
Clock Hours: 16 (8 lecture; 8 lab)
| Credit Hours: 0.5
Clock Hours: 36 (8 lecture; 28 lab)
Credit Hours: 1.0
On-Line: 24 (online)
Credit Hours: 1.0
On-Line: 24 (online)
Credit Hours: 1.0
TOTAL SEMESTER:
CLOCK HOURS: 120 (Classroom Hours 46/Lab Hours 26/Online Hours 48)
CREDIT HOURS: 4.0
Second Marking Period (Weeks 9-16)
- Digital Media Production I: Students shoot high-definition projects and utilize the school’s editing lab to complete their projects. Emphasis is placed on the importance of pre-production, production and post-production throughout the course.
- Digital Editing II: Students work within the software interface, working with transitions, fine-tuning editing techniques, utilizing text titles, using filters, creating basic motion and editing with audio.
- Principles of Graphic Design for Multi-Media: Students will learn how to develop logos and graphics that can be repurposed for multiple end uses. They will also explore the basic pitfalls of print vs. digital design as well as typography, color theory and basic layout principles.
- Introduction to Photoshop: Students work within the Photoshop interface, using the Adobe Bridge, retouching images, enhancing images, working with layers and selections, creating images for the web, managing color, working with text and working within various Photoshop panels.
Clock Hours: 36 (10 lecture; 26 lab) Credit Hours: 1.0
Clock Hours: 16 (8 lecture; 8 lab)
Credit Hours: 0.5
Clock Hours: 44 (14 lecture; 6 lab; 24 online)
Credit Hours: 2.0
Clock Hours: 24 (online)
Credit Hours: 1.0
TOTAL SEMESTER:
CLOCK HOURS: 120 (Classroom Hours 30/Lab Hours 42/Online Hours 48)
CREDIT HOURS: 4.5
Third Marking Period (Weeks 17-24)
- Introduction Motion Graphics: Students work within Apple's Motion program interface, working with behaviors and filters, animating text along a custom path, the importance of keyframes, using generators, exporting files for multi-media and round-tripping with Final Cut Pro.
- Digital Media Production II: Students produce, shoot and edit projects shot with high-definition cameras and work within the school’s editing labs to edit and create motion graphics for their projects.
- Photoshop II: Students explore Photoshop filters, cropping photos for print and television, painting with brushes, creating custom brushes, working with masks and working with selections and layers. Clock Hours: 24 (online) Credit Hours: 1.0
Clock Hours: 36 (20 lecture; 16 lab) Credit Hours: 1.5
Clock Hours: 60 (10 lecture; 26 lab; 24 online)
Credit Hours: 2.5
TOTAL SEMESTER:
CLOCK HOURS: 120 (Classroom Hours 30/Lab Hours 42/Online Hours 48)
CREDIT HOURS: 5.0
Fourth Marking Period (Weeks 25-32)
- Introduction to Web Design: This course teaches students the fundamentals of building a basic website using Adobe Dreamweaver. Topics include: basic web layout using HTML and CSS, as well as website hosting and domain names.
- Motion Graphics II: Students use Apple’s Motion to work within the software's interface, using particles and replicators, painting within Motion, using blend modes, round-tripping with Illustrator and Photoshop, working within a 3D environment and utilizing cameras and lights in Motion.
- Introduction to Podcasting: Students produce, create and post their own podcast as well as learn how to promote it using social networking sites.
Clock Hours: 60 (10 lecture; 26 lab; 24 online) Credit Hours: 2.5
Clock Hours: 36 (16 lecture; 20 lab)
Credit Hours: 1.0
Clock Hours: 24 (online)
Credit Hours: 1.0
TOTAL SEMESTER:
CLOCK HOURS: 120 (Classroom Hours 26/Lab Hours 46/Online Hours 48)
CREDIT HOURS: 4.5
Fifth Marking Period (Weeks 33-40)
- Introduction to Flash: Students learn how to use the program’s tools to create a basic Flash banner animation.
- Website Design Lab: Students are provided ample lab time to continue building websites and other web related elements including an email newsletter, animated banners and how to write a website proposal.
- Introduction to Compression: Topics include: learning how to compress media using Apple's Compressor, compression for DVDs, web/streaming servers, video iPod and MPEG-4/H.264 formats.
- Troubleshooting and Managing a Website: Students learn how to troubleshoot and manage websites. Topics include: site mapping, navigational development, managing dynamic web content, application development, content management systems, cross-platform compatibility, online transactions, Internet security and the online distribution and updating of web content.
Clock Hours: 36 (10 lecture; 26 lab) Credit Hours: 1.0
Clock Hours: 36 (4 lecture; 32 lab)
Credit Hours: 1.0
Clock Hours: 24 (online)
Credit Hours: 1.0
Clock Hours: 24 (online)
Credit Hours: 1.0
TOTAL SEMESTER:
CLOCK HOURS: 120 (Classroom Hours 14/Lab Hours 58/Online Hours 48)
CREDIT HOURS: 4.0
Sixth Marking Period (Weeks 41-48)
- Portfolio/Demo Reel: This course prepares students for employment by creating and designing a portfolio or sample reel showcasing their best work and overall capabilities. Students will create portfolios and demos that function as their visual resumes as they prepare to enter the field of web design and digital media.
- Authoring a DVD: This course focuses on the world of DVD authoring within DVD Studio Pro and iDVD. This course guides students through creating simple menus, programming targets, adding chapter markers and burning the final DVD.
- Career Perspectives II: Students create resumes and cover letters and practice interviewing tips/techniques and job-hunting skills needed in preparation for seeking employment in the digital media arts field.
- Advanced Projects: This course simulates a real-world job situation within the digital media industry. Students are challenged to create and design projects using the skills they've learned based on a client’s needs and deadlines.
Clock Hours: 36 (6 lecture; 30 lab)
Credit Hours: 1.0
Clock Hours: 20 (8 lecture; 12 lab)
Credit Hours: 0.5
Clock Hours: 16 (lecture)
Credit Hours: 0.5
Clock Hours: 48 (online)
Credit Hours: 2.0
TOTAL SEMESTER:
CLOCK HOURS: 120 (Classroom Hours 30/Lab Hours 42/Online Hours 48)
CREDIT HOURS: 4.0
