Media Technology & Communications

Traditional Photography I

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

This course is designed to provide students with basic theory and technical skills in chemical process black and white photography. Students will study the technical aspects of photography working with manual and automatic exposure 35mm SLR cameras and photographic equipment. Topics include manual exposure control, depth of field, photographing action subjects, pictorial composition, developing, printing, mounting, and display. Students will be encouraged to develop artistic expression through the use of photography medium. This is a project-oriented course requiring students to complete a number of technical projects with specific requirements. Cameras, equipment, and some chemical process photographic materials are supplied. Students may need to supply extra film and/or B&W photo paper.

Digital Photography I

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard 

This introductory course delves into the world of capturing compelling images with a digital camera. You will learn the essentials of manual camera operation while exploring composition techniques through a variety of creative and challenging photographic tasks. You will explore different light sources and ways light can create different effects through a variety of studio set-ups and by "painting" with light. You will learn how to refine your images using the industry standard Adobe Programs, such as Photoshop, while maintaining a portfolio of your work. 

Graphic Arts

Open to: All

Prerequisite: None

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

Graphic Arts provides students with a fundamental knowledge of the graphic communications industry. Students in this course will develop occupational skills through a variety of hands-on experiences that require them to produce a number of print media projects. Some of the topics studied include graphic design principles, sketching techniques, digital art preparation, elements of art, and basic page layout methods for publishing. Students will work with industry standard software, specialized tools, scanners, and digital cameras.

Traditional Photography II

Open to: All

Prerequisite: Traditional Photography I

Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

This course will continue to instruct students in more advanced fundamentals of traditional photography and will broaden the students’ technical skills and aesthetic knowledge. Technical areas will cover advanced SLR and darkroom techniques, alternative chemical processes, and lighting. This course is perfect for students who want to push their photographic skills to the next level, curious about the history and hands-on nature of traditional photography, and interested in exploring unique artistic possibilities through alternative processes. Students will work on building their photographic vision and portfolio. Owning a SLR camera is encouraged but not required. Cameras, equipment, and most chemical process photographic materials are supplied. Students may need to supply extra film and/or B&W photo paper.

Digital Photography II

Open to: All

Prerequisite: Digital Photography I

Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

This course will continue to instruct students on the concepts of digital photography with a heavy emphasis on digital imaging for commercial and/or fine art applications. Students will advance their knowledge of the DSLR camera and develop competence in the use of Adobe Photoshop to produce a series of digital images that are geared to stimulate the student's creative capacities for personal expression. Students will continue to maintain and build on their digital portfolio. Cameras and photo paper will be supplied. 

Production Graphics

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: Graphic Arts & Digital Imaging

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

This course focuses on the production of graphic communications products. Students in this course will study advanced page layout techniques, desktop publishing methods, and modern print production technology. Experiences include basic digital pre-flighting, digital printing, bindery, finishing, screen printing, and heat transfer printing. Each student will become involved in all phases of designing and producing the promotional media for the Spring Musical production and have the opportunity to design and screen print t-shirts and other garments.

Multimedia Communications

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Prerequisite: Graphic Arts & Digital Imaging

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

This is a project-based course for the highly motivated student who is interested in multimedia communications, 2D and 3D animation, and basic web page design. The primary focus of this course is on digital arts development and application of computer technology to produce interactive presentations. Students will work with industry standard software and digital imaging technology to create professional quality multimedia presentations, animations, and web pages that incorporate text, digital photographs, sound, and animation. Students in this course will be required to conceive and produce several multimedia presentations and an interactive web page.

Jewelry Making & Metalsmithing

Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors

Prerequisite: Drawing I, Ceramics I, Basic Photography, or Digital Imaging

Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit

Level: Standard

Students will be introduced to the basic techniques and safety requirements of metalsmithing and jewelry making. Students will gain knowledge in jewelry theory and practice through experiences in a variety of jewelry media areas. Activities will include: ring design, wire wrapping, macramé, sheet metal forming, 3D design, planishing, chasing & repousse, soldering (including flux and pickle), measurement, sanding, stamping, cleaning, texturing, polishing/finishing, and stone setting. Techniques will be introduced and students will be tasked with designing a project to demonstrate each new skill acquired in an individually personalized manner. Jewelry projects will encourage students to further expand their hands-on inquiry into design and problem solving while promoting the development of a resourceful mindset.