Course Outline
The Digital Media program is comprised of two one-year courses designed to prepare students for further education and careers in digital video production and animation. Students are trained to use industry-standard software, including Adobe Flash, Apple Final Cut Pro, Motion, Blender, Audacity, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
Video Production (a.m. session)
Emphasizing hands-on production experience, this one-year course teaches the fundamentals of video production, including the techniques and the aesthetics of shooting, lighting, and editing. Students study video technologies, basic equipment operation, video composition, basic lighting and audio, motion graphics, production planning, and non-linear editing. Students work both individually and in teams to learn pre-production, production, and post production stages of video creation, distribution, and evaluation.
Units of study include:
Introduction to Time-Based Media
Media Analysis
Copyright Issues
Macintosh Basics
Principles of Composition
Color Theory
Typography
Raster Image Editing
Basic Camera Operation
Non-linear VideoEditing
Scriptwriting and Storyboarding
Documentary Production
Fictional Narrative
Basic Audio Editing
Compositing Techniques
Motion Graphics
Portfolio/Demo Reel Creation
Animation (p.m. session)
This one-year course introduces the basic terminology, concepts, and techniques of animation. Students learn historical perspective, current technologies, applications of animation, and basic principles of 2D and 3D animation. Students work hands-on, using a variety of animation techniques to create a portfolio of work designed to assist them in their pursuit of further education in the field.
Units of study include:
Introduction to Time-Based Media
Media Analysis
Copyright Issues
Macintosh Basics
Design Fundamentals
Color Theory
Typography
Basic Vector Drawing
Storyboarding
2D Animation Techniques
Animated Logos
Animated Short Production
Stop Motion/Claymation
Rotoscoping
3D Modeling and Animation
Portfolio/Demo Reel Creation
Required Text and Materials
Textbooks and manuals will be provided by the instructor for use in the classroom, with the exception of textbooks required for college classes. Students are required to purchase a minimum of two to three flash media drives to backup and transfer their files, and several mini DV tapes for the Video Production course if they wish to retain their raw footage. Other required supplies include a 2 inch (or larger) 3-ring binder with a minimum of 5 tab dividers, pen and pencil.
Grading Policy
Projects (40%): Project grades will be based on a number of factors including: creativity, ability to follow specifications, utilization of design principles, neatness, organization and completion of assignments on time.
Tests/Notebook (30%): A number of short quizzes will be given based on material handed out and discussed in class. Certain projects may also count as tests depending on the assignment. A final exam is given at the end of the course composed of a written portion and a practical portion. Maintaining a notebook that includes all handouts, quizzes and notes taken during demonstrations is also required. The notebook will be collected every few weeks and graded.
Class Participation (30%): A weekly grade is given for class participation. Each day of the week is worth 20 points, for a possible total of 100 points per week. Grades will be based on satisfactory completion of cleanup assignments, attitude, attendance, cooperation, attentiveness and responsible use of equipment. If a student is absent, he/she will receive a zero for that day (unless legally excused).