Arts, AV Technology, and Communications Courses

Principles of Arts, AV Tech, and Communications

Grade: 9-12             Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: CT7200       PEIMS: 13008200

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

This course is an introductory course that gives the students a general overview of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in the arts, audio/video, and communications industry.  Students will be provided experiences in the following areas of instruction: Communications strategies, technology applications (email, writing, publishing, presentation, spreadsheet, database), safety regulations, ethical conduct, leadership, career opportunities, group/teamwork activities, equipment usage, formal and informal professional presentations.  Various software will be available for the student including ISM (Independent Student Media) from Hollywood, California.

3-D Modeling and Animation

Grade: 9-12            Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 7835             PEIMS: 03580510

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

3-D Modeling and Animation consists of computer images created in a virtual three-dimensional (3-D) environment. 3-D Modeling and Animation has applications in many careers, including criminal justice, crime scene, and legal applications; construction and architecture; engineering and design; and the movie and game industries. Students in this course will produce various 3-D models of real-world objects.

Digital Media

Grade: 9-12             Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: CT7503       PEIMS: 13027800

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

In Digital Media, students will analyze and assess current and emerging technologies, while designing and creating multimedia projects that address customer needs and resolve a problem. The knowledge and skills acquired and practiced will enable students to successfully perform and interact in a technology-driven society. Students will enhance reading, writing, computing, communication, and critical thinking and apply them to the IT environment.

Animation I

Grade: 10-12             Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: CT7204    PEIMS: 13008300

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

Careers in animation span all aspects of motion graphics.  Students in this course will be provided with the following components; professional communication strategies, problem solving methods, technology applications, safety, leadership, computer hardware components, various software programs, sound editing, design elements, character design, lighting and camera shots, flip books, claymation, symbol usage, editing, and creation of animation projects plus storyline.

Animation II

Grade: 11-12  Credit: 2 – full year

RISD: CT7213       PEIMS: 13008410

Prerequisite: Animation I

Endorsement: B&I

Advanced Course

This course is a continuation of Animation whereby students in this course expand on curriculum to create two and three-dimensional animations.  Students will develop advanced technical skills by using the following production techniques, transitions, edits, framing, lighting, cycles, layers, line, color, shape, texture, color theory, and additive color theory.  Students will also be exposed to pre-production and postproduction processes, modeling characters, animating lighting, and developing rigs for animation with visual effects as rain, snow, and fire. 

Practicum in Animation

Grade: 11-12     Credit: 2 – full year

RISD: CT7216         PEIMS: 13008450

Prerequisite: Animation I

Endorsement: B&I, Multi

Advanced Course

This course is a continuation of Animation I whereby students expand on curriculum to create two- and three-dimensional animations. Students will develop advanced technical skills by using the following production techniques, transitions, edits, framing, lighting, cycles, layers, line, color, shape, texture, color theory, and additive color theory. Students will also be exposed to pre-production and post-production processes, modeling characters, animating lighting, and developing rigs for animation with visual effects such as rain, snow, and fire. Students engage in job specific training through on-site lab or on-the-job training.

Audio Video Production I

Grade: 9-12             Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: CT7205       PEIMS: 13008500

        WT7205 (RHS Magnet Only)

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

This course places emphasis on pre-production, production, and post-production audio and video applications. Major components include communications strategies, design systems, ethical decision making, writing audio scripts, audio music, tape, tapeless file formats, analog/digital formats, framing, focusing techniques, camera and tripod movements, linear systems, digital platforms, production processes, animation effects, and utilization of computer-based productivity tools.

Audio Video Production II

Grade: 10-12         Credit: 2 – full year

RISD: CT7206       PEIMS: 13008610

          WT7206 (RHS Magnet Only)

Prerequisite: A V Production I

Endorsement: B&I

Advanced Course


A continuation of Audio Video Production with students applying learned professional communications strategies, leadership, and use of AV technical skill for efficiency. Components include setting up editing systems, trouble shooting, wireless transmission systems, recording system metering, props, sound effects, distribution, talent work and crew contracts, freelance self-promotion techniques, time-based mathematics, studio productions, and standards established by the Federal Communications Commission.

Practicum in AV Production I

Grade: 11-12           Credit: 2 – full year

RISD: CT7211     PEIMS: 13008700

        WT7211 (RHS Magnet Only)

Prerequisite: AV Production II

Endorsement: B&I, Multi

Advanced Course

Instruction is designed to provide job-specific training for entry-level employment in on site laboratory or on the job training. Students will script, shoot, edit, direct, and produce in video media settings.   Students will be expected to develop an increased understanding of the industry using state of the art equipment and technology through advanced audio, video, or animation format.  

Practicum in AV Production II

Grade:12               Credit: 2 – full year

RISD: CT7247     PEIMS: 13008710

Prerequisite: Practicum in Audio Video Production I

Endorsement: B&I, Multi

Advanced Course

Berkner High School STEM Academy, Lake Highlands High School and Richardson High School ONLY

In Practicum of AV Production II, students will be expected to develop an increasing understanding of the industry with a focus on applying pre-production, production, and post-production audio and video products in a professional environment. This course may be implemented in an advanced audio/video or audio format. Instruction may be delivered through lab-based classroom experiences or career preparation opportunities.

Digital Audio Technology I

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 1 - full year

RISD: CT7217 PEIMS: 13009950

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: Business & Industry


Digital Audio Technology I was designed to provide students interested in audio production careers such as audio for radio and television broadcasting, audio for video and film, audio for animation and game design, music production and live sound, and additional opportunities and skill sets. Students will be expected to develop and understanding of the audio industry with a technical emphasis on production and critical-listening skills.

Game Programming and Design

Grade: 10-12           Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: 7827       PEIMS: 03580380

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Endorsement: B&I

BHS STEM, Lake Highlands, and Richardson High Schools ONLY

Game Programming and Design will foster student creativity by presenting students with opportunities to design, implement, and present meaningful programs through a variety of media. Students collaborate with one another, their instructor, and electronic communities to solve gaming problems. By acquiring knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select technology appropriate for a task, create solutions, and evaluate results.

Video Game Design

Grade: 11-12           Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: CT7234       PEIMS: 13009970

           MT7234 (RHS Magnet only)

Prerequisite: Prin. Arts, AV Tech, Com

Endorsement: B&I

Berkner High School STEM Academy, Lake Highlands High School and Richardson High School ONLY

Video game design will allow students to explore one of the largest industries in the global marketplace and the new emerging careers it provides in the field of technology. Students will learn gaming, computerized gaming, evolution of gaming, artistic aspects of perspective, design, animation, technical concepts of collision theory, and programming logic. Students will participate in a simulation of a real video game design team while developing technical proficiency in constructing an original game design.

Video Game Programming

Grade: 11-12         Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: CT7235       PEIMS: N1300994

           MT7235 (RHS Magnet only)

Prerequisite: Video Game Design

Endorsement: B&I

Berkner High School STEM Academy, Lake Highlands High School and Richardson High School ONLY

Video Game Programming expands on the foundation created in Video Game Design through programming languages such as: C# programming, XNA game studio, Java, and Android App. In this course, students will investigate the inner working of a full functional role-playing game (RPG) by customizing playable characters, items, maps, and chests and eventually applying customizations by altering and enhancing the core game code.

Advance Video Game Programming

Grade: 9-12          Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: CT7219       PEIMS: N1300995

           MT7219  (RHS Magnet only)

Prerequisite: Rec. Comp. Program I, AP Computer Science

Endorsement: B&I, Multi

Advanced Course

Berkner High School STEM Academy, Lake Highlands High School and Richardson High School ONLY

Advanced Video Game Programming students will be introduced to mobile application design and programming using Java and Eclipse for Android devices. Time will be spent learning basic Java programming and working with Android Studio to develop real working apps. Using Unity as an introduction to 3D game development, students will have exposure to and an understanding of: object-oriented programming concepts; game development skill with programs such as Unity; 3D modeling with programs such as Blender; image manipulation with programs such as GIMP; concepts related to the design process; and the ability to communicate and collaborate on group-based projects.

Practicum in Graphic Design and Illustration - Video Game

Grade: 12 Credit: 2 - full year

RISD: CT7224 PEIMS: 13009000

Prerequisite: Video Game Programming

Endorsement: Business and Industry

Advanced Course


BHS, RHS, LHHS ONLY

In addition to developing technical knowledge and skills needed for success in the Video Game Design Program of Study, students will be expected to develop a technical understanding of the industry with a focus on skill proficiency. Instruction may be delivered through lab-based classroom experiences or career preparation opportunities.

Professional Communications - on level and Dual Credit

Grade: 9-12      Credit: .5 – one semester

RISD: CT1609   PEIMS: 13009900

          CT1609D – (Dual Credit)

Prerequisite: None

Endorsement: B&I

Advanced course – Dual Credit ONLY

QP - 10 (spring semester) Dual Credit ONLY

Professional Communication blends written, oral, and graphic communication in a career-based environment. Careers in the global economy require individuals to be creative and have a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong and solid academic foundation, and a proficiency in professional oral and written communications. Students will be expected to expand the ability to write, read, edit, speak, listen, apply software applications, manipulate computer graphics, and conduct internet research. (TEA Speech credit option.)

OnRamps Arts and Entertainment Technology

Grade: 10 -12           Credit: 1 – full year

RISD: U7819             PEIMS: 03580400

Prerequisite: None

Recommended: Graphic Design or Fine Arts course

Endorsement: None

QP - 10


UT Course Code: AET 304

(Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have an opportunity to receive RISD credit for graduation and college credit from the University of Texas.)

This course presents a broad overview of digital media technologies, software, and applications along with the fundamental concepts of digital representations of images and signals. Students study an assortment of entertainment concepts or experiences, discover the underlying technology involved, and learn how this technology is delivered to the participant. In pursuit of answers to such questions, students also consider the cultural, philosophical, ethical, and practical aspects of entertainment technology.