Courses

Our foundation courses provide students with hands-on experience using a number of multimedia and content development software applications. Core courses help students develop a solid understanding of visual communication and provide a strong foundation of multimedia concepts and skills. Capstone courses offer a unique opportunity for students to interact with local businesses and clients while creating a collective portfolio of student work. Students enrolling in one or more Multimedia course/s must have good computer and file management skills.

Media 110 Intro to Multimedia Graphics
This course concentrates on the creative and practical exploration of computer graphics and page layout design. Students will explore basic concepts of digital media, terminology and acquire hands-on experience working with industry standard page layout and illustration software. Prerequisite: Good computer and file management skills. Media 110 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign software is required.

Media 111 Intro to Multimedia Web
Learn fundamental concepts and skills of multimedia content development and website design. Students will create multimedia elements with Flash, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and open source applications. Manipulate photographs, design animated web banners and graphic rollover buttons. Explore interface design and embed multimedia presentations in a web page. Prerequisite: Ability to use a web browser and word processing software. Media 111 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Design Premium Package software required.

Media 115 Introduction to Digital Video
This course introduces students to digital video, audio, motion graphics, and digital filming techniques. Students will plan, film, edit, and stream short digital videos on the internet. Prerequisite: CAT 116 or permission of instructor. Access to Adobe Premiere required.

Media 145 Directing and Production
Introduction to documentary styles, filmmaking, directing, and production management. Students will learn the critical production decisions involved in the documentary digital video process while producing short films. Overview of production methods such as idea development, research, proposal and script writing, budgeting, working with cast and crew. Students will discuss rights clearances, common challenges, and ethical issues. Prerequisite Media 115

Media 170 Intro to Graphic Design
Introduction to the formal elements of graphic design. Explore contemporary design issues and examine the history and psychology behind design communication. Use page layout software to create materials for publication and produce a final printed portfolio of student work. This course is not offered online. Online students should contact Mia Boster about online substitutions for this course. Access to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign software is required.
View sample student work from Media 170, Fall 2010
View sample student work from Media 170, Fall 2009

Media 175 Principles of Digital Photo
This course is designed to teach students the principles of digital photography with an emphasis on the discovery of solutions for artistic challenges to composition, lighting, color, and photographic technology. Students will explore the cultural influences of visual communication and the evolution of traditional photography into the digital age. Students must supply their own digital camera for this class. Media 175 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Photoshop software required.

Media 180 Web Animation
Learn to use motion graphics for the delivery of professional quality web content that includes bitmap graphics, vector animation, streaming media, audio, form input, and user interactivity. Students will gain proficiency in the use of basic and advanced features of graphic motion computer tools as well as the integration of Internet streaming technologies to enhance usability and marketability of Web sites. Pre-requisites: Media 111 or permission from instructor. Media 180 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Flash required.

Media 190 Web Authoring
Learn how to plan, create, and publish a website from start to finish. Use XHTML, CSS, and Dreamweaver to format accessible site navigation and web content layout. Learn information mapping and effective user interface design methods. Add multimedia and graphic elements to interactive web pages. Access to Adobe Dreamweaver and Photoshop required.

Media 191 Advanced Web Authoring
Develop a critical awareness of user interface design and usability standards. Use search engine optimization methodologies to increase website traffic. Explore the web graphic design process and create web interface designs and content with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Translate original web designs into fully functioning websites using XHTML and CSS programming. Prerequisites: Media 110, Media 190. Access to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver required.

Media 192 Web Content Management Systems
Plan, design, and deploy websites and online applications. Implement hand-coded XHTML and CSS to create powerful, efficient, and dynamic websites with industry standard web content management systems. Integrate social media content through a dynamic web portal engine. Prerequisites: Media 191. Access to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver required.

Media 201 Digital Image Editing
This course is designed to provide students with fundamental digital imaging skills. Students will learn to scan, optimize, enhance, colorize, and combine photographs. Emphasis will be placed on editing photographs, color management and acquiring a basic understanding of Adobe Photoshop. Media 201 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Photoshop required.

Media 202 Advanced Image Editing
This course is designed to provide students with advanced computer graphics training (Adobe Photoshop). Students will produce professional web and print materials for presentation, businesses or organization Prerequisite: Media 201. Media 202 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Photoshop required.

Media 203 Advanced Digital Photography
This course will take students beyond the basics of digital photography as they increase the depth of their aesthetic expression and photographic technique. Students will complete a series of directed projects designed to stimulate creative ideas, expand visual communication skills, improve composition and develop their own unique body of work using digital cameras and photographic technologies. Students must supply their own digital camera for this class. Prerequisite: Media 175. Media 203 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Photoshop required.
View student Erin Erb's photo gallery from Media 203
View student Nicole Harrison's gallery from Media 203

Media 204 Digital Illustration
Introduction to computer illustration with Adobe Illustrator. Learn basic through intermediate computer drawing skills, and use precision digital art production tools. Create professional quality vector graphics for printed materials, multimedia projects, and web presentation. Prerequisite: Media 110. Media 204 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Illustrator required.
Sample student projects from Media 204
Sample fantasy art from Media 204

Media 206 Database Driven Web sites
This course introduces the fundamentals of database driven website development using the MySql relational database platform and PHP programming language. Students will build and maintain a relational database, develop PHP web applications and deploy data driven website features such as forms and surveys. Additional course fee for database web service account. Prerequisite Media 190 or instructor permission. Media 206 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Dreamweaver required.

Media 210 Multimedia Web Production
Learn advanced web design, interface architecture, usability, and the integration of open source web applications. Students will work individually and in groups to create professional interactive websites, taking them from concept to completion using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver. Prerequisites Media 110, 111, 190, and 201 or instructor permission. Media 210 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Design Premium package software required.

Media 212 Graphic Design Portfolio
This capstone multimedia course will guide students through the process of creating print and web portfolios that meet a need for college transfer application or employment in related fields. Students will select, organize, develop, and present a collection of work that exhibits individual efforts, progress, and achievements in one or more areas. Prerequisites: Media 201 and 190 or instructor permission. Media 212 is also offered online. Access to Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver required.
View student Nicole Harrison's project from this class
View student Tara Crabtree's project from this class

Media 215 Advanced Digital Video
Learn advanced digital video production, editing, filming, and lighting in field situations. Explore multiple documentary genres, community outreach, videoblogging, and video podcasting. Work in teams to produce and edit video documentary shorts that capture a story to achieve informational or emotional ends. Prerequisite Media 115, Media 145