Digital Arts

3D Animation & Design I
In this course, students will be introduced to motion graphics, animation, 3D modeling, motion capture, digital lighting effects, and core 3D printing processes. They will create their designs using various Adobe and open-source apps and then bring them to life with 3D printers in the Phyllis M. Taylor Maker Lab.

3D Animation & Design II
3D Animation & Design II is a continuation of the level I course. In addition to the programs used in Level I, students in this Level II course will continue to work on various types of computer animation, design, and printing. Students will learn more advanced programs used in colleges and businesses.

Digital Music Production
Digital Music Production is a highly creative process. The Digital Music Production course aims to equip students with the necessary tools to translate their ideas from their minds into a digital audio workstation. Technology is always present in their creative processes, including recording, editing, mixing, and posting the finished product. After an overview of music production technology, the students learn how to produce a song and a podcast episode. Toward the end of the course, working together in collaboration, students use their talent and knowledge to create and submit complete produced songs or podcast episodes.

Introduction to Coding
In this course, students will learn the basics of computer science in an engaging way.  They will learn how to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems related to how computers operate. This includes an understanding of computer hardware and programming using the Swift code language. Digital citizenship and the impact of technology on society will also be examined. This is a project-based class.  Grades will be based on student participation, project submissions and successful code generation.

Media Arts I
This digital art course is designed to introduce students to multimedia creation. Using various programs from the Adobe Creative Suite, students will explore different methods of expressing themselves by creating original works of digital art. Elements of art and principles of design are examined and inform the process of creation in order to develop compelling works. Photo editing, digital painting, compositing, illustration, and graphic design are a few of the subjects covered. The course will develop technical computer skills relevant to any career choice. Media Arts students participate in an art exhibit at the end of the course.

Media Arts II
This course is designed as a follow-up to Media Arts I. Students will dive deeper into the world of digital media art and continue to develop creative problem-solving skills. Illustration, graphic design and visual storytelling are some themes covered. This course gives students more experience with the Adobe Creative Suite. Media Arts II students participate in an art exhibit at the end of the course.

Photography
This course examines a variety of techniques to improve their photography skills. Students learn how to operate digital SLR cameras, identifying its features and uses in various situations. Fundamental elements of photography, including composition, exposure and depth of field are explored through lab activities and projects. Techniques for framing, dealing with background and lighting, and composition in portraiture are presented. Image editing and correcting flaws are examined through Photoshop software in the computer lab.

Television Production I
Television Production I prepares students to learn the fundamentals of television journalism. Students gain practical skills in our state-of-the art digital television studio. They receive “hands-on” training recording video, editing and utilizing graphics and music to enhance video production. They also develop interviewing, reporting, and writing skills. This course gives them an opportunity to become global citizens with daily attention on current affairs/news. This class emphasizes the basics of broadcasting but also emphasizes leadership, teamwork, planning, and learning about a growing field.

Television Production II
Students in Television Production II, will be part of the news team that helps create our live student newscast WMCA. The course emphasizes production value. Students work in groups and individually on news reports and learn all roles involved in producing a live weekly show by rotating positions throughout the semester. TV II students will also enter national/local broadcast journalism competitions. This class prepares students for work in major professional stations. Students visit a professional television studio and acquire the skills to use advanced television and film editing equipment.