Graphic Design and Multimedia Arts Program of Study

Middle School Course Sequence

Digital Design 6 (semester) ELE312
The course is an introduction to digital design and technology. It allows students to understand the basics of digital design and helps them develop skills from computer aided design to being a good digital citizen covering topics such, digital citizenship, graphic design, video editing, and photo editing. 

Prerequisite: None

Graphic Design 7/8 (semester) ELE311
Grade 7/8, 0.5 high school credit, On-Level GPA Course 

This course is designed to introduce students to and explore the field of Graphic Design.  Students will work with industry standard software that will allow them to produce designs for many of the different fields of graphic design. In this course there is an emphasis on understanding and creating with the principles and elements of design.  Students will work with Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office products. 

Prerequisite: None

Photojournalism 7/8 (semester)                         ELE602
This course introduces students to the world of photography as journalism. The laws, ethics, and history of photography complement the major units of study in the course. Students will have the opportunity to use industry standard computer-aided publishing tools such as the Adobe suite. Through hands-on real-world rigorous projects, students will gain experience working as a professional photojournalist and photo editor.  Students who have exceptional quality work will have the opportunity to be considered to be published in the yearbook and online news media. 

Prerequisite: None

Principles of Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications (year-long) PAVTCA/B

Grade 8, 1.0 high school credit, On-Level GPA Course

This course is designed to give students an introductory experience working with multimedia technology. Students will develop decision-making skills, use creative thinking, and obtain hands-on experience working with a variety of multimedia tools to create interactive multimedia presentations, graphics, photography, movies, and sounds. Students will explore careers in broadcast, video production, fashion, and graphic design. 

Prerequisite: None

Yearbook 8 (year-long) ELE604

Students enrolled in Yearbook will create, design, and produce their school’s yearbook. In this course students will gain skills in page design, advanced publishing techniques, copywriting, editing, and photography while producing a creative, innovative yearbook which records school memories and events. There is an emphasis on journalism skills in this class. Participants gain useful, real world skills in time management, marketing, teamwork, and design principles. 

Yearbook participants are expected to spend time outside of school hours to cover campus events and complete required assignments by the deadline. Students will attend various workshops offered by Jostens throughout the year. 

Prerequisite: Photojournalism and application