2011-2012 CATALOG

This is an archived copy of the 2011-2012 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.miracosta.edu

Media Arts & Technologies

The Media Arts & Technologies Program provides a focused sequence of courses for students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution or gain employment in the fields of Web and interactive design, graphic design, video production, or print-media creation and delivery. Career options include Web page design, Web/multimedia development, Web/multimedia programming, graphic design, video editing, video, production, media content development, information architecture, graphics production, interface design, and layout design. Specific career positions include Web designer, graphic designer, video editor, webmaster, Web programmer, Flash designer, art production assistant, video production assistant, special effects artist, background artist, product modeler, product animator, and storyboard artist.

Contact Information

Department Chair: Jill Malone

Dean: Al Taccone

www.miracosta.edu/IMT

Department: Media Arts & Technologies

Office: Building 4800, 760.795.6841

Full-Time Faculty

Karl Cleveland
Jill Malone
Jeff Uhlik

Associate Degrees

Associate in Arts Degrees

Graphic Design; Web Development and Design

Students may earn one of the above-named associate degrees by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta College's Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.

Certificates

Certificates of Achievement

Graphic Design

This certificate provides the design and technical skill training students need to gain employment in the graphic design field with organizations and small businesses that design and distribute publications in both print and electronic media. Students who complete this certificate are also prepared to start their own design businesses, work as freelancers, or gain a solid start in pursuing a four-year design degree. Students learn the key components of graphic design and publishing using current computer software applications as well as concept development through project planning and management. Employment opportunities include graphic designer, graphic artist, imaging specialist, photographic assistant, layout artist, and graphic production assistant.

Foundation courses:*

Required courses:
MAT 110/ART 247	Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop	3
MAT 120	Interactive Media Production	3
MAT 125	Web Design 1: Fundamentals	3
MAT 135	Graphic Design 1: Principles	3
Emphasis Courses (select 12 units):		12
MAT 150	Flash 1: Animation and Interactivity
MAT 155	Graphic Design 2: Typography
MAT 170/ART 248	Digital Imaging 2: Adobe Illustrator
MAT 180	Publishing 1: Adobe InDesign
MAT 185	Graphic Design 3: Design and Layout
Advanced Courses (select 3 units):		3
MAT 210/ART 252	Digital Imaging 3: Advanced Photoshop
MAT 230	Publishing 2: Output for Print
MAT 270	Advanced Design Studio
Required to graduate:		3
MAT 290	Portfolio Development
Recommended Electives (not required):
ART 100	Drawing and Composition
ART 260	History of Modern Art
or ART 260H	History of Modern Art (Honors)
Total Units		30

*	MAT 292, MAT 296 or MAT 298 may be substituted for courses within this certificate with approval of the MAT Program Director.

Certificate of Achievement

Video and Media Design

This certificate provides the skills students need to gain employment in the corporate, broadcast, technical, educational, and entertainment industries. Students learn how to create video programs and digital media content for broadcast, cable, DVD, Internet, and mobile delivery as well as for dedicated computer presentations. Students gain skills in all phases of video production, 3D and traditional animation techniques, special effects, DVD authoring, and project management. Employment opportunities include video editor, video production assistant, camera operator, product animator, DVD author, mobile content developer, special effects artist, and special effects animator

Foundation courses:

Required courses:
MAT 110/ART 247	Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop	3
MAT 120	Interactive Media Production	3
MAT 125	Web Design 1: Fundamentals	3
MAT 135	Graphic Design 1: Principles	3
Emphasis Courses (12 units): ^*		12
MAT 140	3D Animation 1: Maya
MAT 150	Flash 1: Animation and Interactivity
MAT 160	Video 1: Production
MAT 200	Video 2: Post-Production and Special Effects
Advanced course:		3
MAT 270	Advanced Design Studio
Capstone:		3
MAT 290	Portfolio Development
Total Units		30

*	MAT 292, MAT 296 or MAT 298 may be substituted for courses within this certificate with approval of the MAT Program Director.

Certificate of Achievement

Web Development and Design

This certificate provides the skills students need to gain employment in the dynamic field of Internet and mobile content design, development, and delivery. Students gain skills in all phases of Web site design, including page construction, site design, dynamic content delivery, e-commerce, Flash animation, Web video, and Flash development for games, advertising, and interactive and mobile content. Employment opportunities include Web page designer, Web site designer, information architect, mobile content developer, Web developer, Flash designer, and Flash developer.

Foundation courses:

Required courses:
MAT 110/ART 247	Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop	3
MAT 120	Interactive Media Production	3
MAT 125	Web Design 1: Fundamentals	3
MAT 135	Graphic Design 1: Principles	3
Emphasis courses (select 12 units): ^*		12
MAT 150	Flash 1: Animation and Interactivity
MAT 165	Web Design 2: Tools and Techniques
MAT 190	Flash 2: ActionScript
MAT 235	Web Design 3: Site Design and Architecture
CSIT 146	Internet Presence for the Small and Medium Business
Advanced courses (select 3 units): ^*		3
MAT 225	Dynamic Web Development
MAT 270	Advanced Design Studio
Required to graduate:		3
MAT 290	Portfolio Development
Total Units		30

*	MAT 292, MAT 296 or MAT 298 may be substituted for courses within this certificate with approval of the MAT Program Director.

Certificate of Proficiency

Print Publishing

This certificate provides the focused skills students need to gain employment in print publication. Students gain specific skills in graphic design, image creation and manipulation, page layout, illustration techniques, and final output techniques. Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue employment opportunities as graphic artists, imaging specialists, digital imaging assistants, layout artists, and graphic production assistants.

Required courses:
Five of the following:		15
MAT 110/ART 247	Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop
MAT 135	Graphic Design 1: Principles
MAT 170/ART 248	Digital Imaging 2: Adobe Illustrator
MAT 180	Publishing 1: Adobe InDesign
MAT 210/ART 252	Digital Imaging 3: Advanced Photoshop
MAT 230	Publishing 2: Output for Print
Total Units		15

Certificate of Proficiency

Video and Animation

This certificate forms a solid foundation in the skills students need to create video, special effects and animation media programs for delivery in traditional formats, over the Web, or via mobile devices. Career opportunities include video editor, video production assistant, special effects artist, background artist, product modeler, product animator, and storyboard artist.

Required courses:
MAT 140	3D Animation 1: Maya	3
MAT 150	Flash 1: Animation and Interactivity	3
MAT 160	Video 1: Production	3
MAT 200	Video 2: Post-Production and Special Effects	3
Total Units		12

Certificate of Proficiency

Visual Communication

This certificate forms a solid foundation in graphic design proficiency. These skills are essential in all types of visual media where a message must be conveyed to a specific target market. This certificate is designed to be completed in conjunction with other MAT certificates to enhance a student's ability to create more effective and dynamic communication.

Required courses:
MAT 135	Graphic Design 1: Principles	3
MAT 155	Graphic Design 2: Typography	3
MAT 185	Graphic Design 3: Design and Layout	3
ART 251	Digital Photography	3
ART 260	History of Modern Art	3
or ART 260H	History of Modern Art (Honors)
Total Units		15

Certificate of Proficiency

Web Design

This certificate provides the focused skill sets students need to gain employment in Web site design. Depending on which courses are selected, students gain specific skills in Web markup and scripting languages, graphics production, Web animation techniques, database technologies, and Web site architecture and design. Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue employment opportunities as Web page designers, Web developers, Flash designers, Flash developers, content developers, and interface designers.

Required courses:
Five of the following:		15
MAT 125	Web Design 1: Fundamentals
MAT 150	Flash 1: Animation and Interactivity
MAT 165	Web Design 2: Tools and Techniques
MAT 190	Flash 2: ActionScript
MAT 225	Dynamic Web Development
MAT 235	Web Design 3: Site Design and Architecture
CSIT 146	Internet Presence for the Small and Medium Business
Total Units		15

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses listed in this catalog apply to the fall 2011, spring 2012, and summer 2012 terms. Courses are numbered numerically within alphabetically arranged subject areas.

The bolded first line begins with a capitalized abbreviation that designates the subject area. This subject-area designator is followed by the official course number and a descriptive title. The next lines indicate the course's unit value, prerequisites, corequisites, advisories, repeatability rules, enrollment limitations, UC/CSU credit acceptance, and lecture and lab hours followed by a Taxonomy of Program number in parentheses.

Prerequisites: This is a requirement that must be met before a student can enroll in the course.
Corequisites: This is a course the student must take in the same semester.
Advisories: This is recommended preparation the student is advised but not required to have before or in conjunction with the course.
Repeatability Rules: When a course belongs to a group of related courses, students can complete one course or a combination of courses within the group for a maximum of four completions.
Enrollment Limitations: Some courses place limitations on enrollment. These limitations prevent students from duplicating course work or from enrolling in two sections of the same course in any given semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU means the course is accepted for transfer at any California State University (CSU) campus; UC means it is accepted for transfer at any University of California (UC) campus. Some courses can be used to satisfy general education or major requirements while others transfer as elective credit. UC Credit Limitation means credit for the course may have UC transfer restrictions; these restrictions are identified at the end of the course description.
Lecture and Lab Hours: These are the number of hours the course meets for lecture and/or lab per week.
Taxonomy of Program (TOP) Number: The TOP number is identified in parentheses after the lecture and lab hours. This number serves an administrative purpose and is not intended for student use.

The course description summarizes the purpose and key topical areas of the course, and it includes special requirements if any exist. Some course descriptions end with information about whether the course was "formerly" another course, how many times the course may be repeated, if the course is offered pass/no pass, or what the UC credit limitation is.

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses

MAT 110: Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in ART 247.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0614.60)

In this course, students utilize the computer as a tool to create and manipulate photographic and other raster graphic images. Students will explore digital imaging techniques through the use of the photo manipulation software Adobe Photoshop. Students will learn to use photo editing and color correction tools, activate selection tools and extraction functions, utilize quick masks and alpha channels, manipulate work paths, incorporate adjustment layers and layer masks. They will also apply filters and blending modes to create special effects, incorporate clipping groups, understand the differences and similarities of CMYK and RGB, and work with a variety of file formats. This course involves considerable hands-on instruction and multiple projects. (Formerly CIS 246.)

MAT 120: Interactive Media Production

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.10)

This course introduces the fundamental skills needed for the design and production of multimedia projects and interactive programs. Topics include capturing and editing video, images, and audio, basic 3D modeling and animation, and interactive program design and development. The course also covers proper formats for playback through various presentation platforms and the basics of network protocol.

MAT 125: Web Design 1: Fundamentals

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.30)

This course introduces the fundamentals of building Web pages, including XHTML coding, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), effective images/backgrounds, interface design, and File Transfer Protocols (FTPs) for uploading websites. Students also learn management techniques for personal websites, browser and platform issues, and the basics of network protocols. (Formerly IMT 125.)

MAT 135: Graphic Design 1: Principles

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0614.10)

This course introduces the visual communication principles and concepts of successful graphic design. Topics include form, color palettes, text/image relationships, typography, grid structures, and layout design. The course develops and refines each student's personal design sensibility by applying appropriate and creative design presentations within cultural and historical contexts. (Formerly IMT 135.)

MAT 140: 3D Animation 1: Maya

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 120.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.40)

This course introduces students to the concepts and execution of 3D modeling, animation, and rendering using Autodesk Maya. Topics include storyboard development and visualization, efficient modeling and texturing techniques, 3D environment design (including lighting and camera angles), object and camera animation, and rendering considerations. The course also covers proper formats for delivery through various mediums. (Formerly IMT 140.)

MAT 150: Flash 1: Animation and Interactivity

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 120.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0614.40)

Students approach web design using the latest animation and interactive media design techniques and tools. They learn to integrate animation, text, graphics, audio, and video to create rich, interactive user experiences. The course emphasizes effective interface design and design principles for time-based media. (Formerly IMT 145.)

MAT 155: Graphic Design 2: Typography

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 135.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0614.10)

This course covers the essential concepts of typographic design and its incorporation into all forms of visual communication. Topics include historical development and cultural impacts, type design, ligature, word/image fusion, and structural and experimental design. Students develop a solid understanding of how to use type and letterforms to improve the quality of comprehension and communication. (Formerly IMT 155.)

MAT 160: Video 1: Production

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 120.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.10)

This course offers detailed coverage of the video production environment. It covers the process of creating and editing video programs from concept and storyboards through shooting and recording, culminating in acquiring, editing, and mastering a digital program. Topics include proper formats for delivery through various mediums. (Formerly IMT 175.)

MAT 165: Web Design 2: Tools and Techniques

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 125.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course builds on the skills developed in MAT 125. It introduces students to techniques for designing websites using industry-standard web design and development tools (Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Flash). Topics include web-page design, image editing, animation, and producing and programming websites using XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript. (Formerly IMT 180.)

MAT 170: Digital Imaging 2: Adobe Illustrator

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in ART 248.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0614.60)

In this course students utilize the computer as a tool to create and organize text and vector graphic images into personal and commercial output. Students will produce and manipulate vector graphic images through the use of the software program Adobe Illustrator. Students will generate effective typography, utilize a variety of color palettes and libraries, develop unique brushes and patterns, apply transparency and other special effects, transform objects and manipulate perspective, utilize blends and gradients to produce airbrush effects, make use of pathfinder tools, understand the differences and similarities of CMYK and RGB, and import and export different graphic file formats. Involves considerable hands-on instruction and multiple projects. (Formerly CIS 248. )

MAT 180: Publishing 1: Adobe InDesign

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0614.50)

This course introduces students to the page layout software program used by professional graphic artists to create ads, business cards, brochures, data sheets, postcards, newsletters, magazines, books, posters, CD covers, and more. It involves considerable hands-on instruction, short exercises, and projects similar to everyday challenges faced by professional designers. Students learn the program's user interface, how to create and edit documents, and how to arrange elements in multiple-page publications. Students learn how to format type, import images, use layers, save styles, create tables, utilize color palettes and libraries, and apply keyboard shortcuts. Students learn typographic and publishing terms, basic design principles, and how to manage process and spot color. Students will examine, troubleshoot, and package digital files for output to a service bureau, commercial printer, or destination publication. (Formerly CIS 179.)

MAT 185: Graphic Design 3: Design and Layout

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 135.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0614.10)

This course covers the process of creating effective, efficient, and dynamic layouts to solve complex design problems. Students explore every stage of the design process, including concept development, intuitive design, and structural hierarchy and grid design. The course emphasizes developing a creative problem-solving approach and refining a personal design sense. (Formerly IMT 150.)

MAT 190: Flash 2: ActionScript

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 150.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.10)

This course expands upon the basic concepts covered in MAT 150. It emphasizes ActionScript, user interface functionality, advanced techniques, and efficient program development as they relate to creating interactive user experiences. The course also stresses development issues for multi-platform playback.

MAT 200: Video 2: Post-Production and Special Effects

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 110 or ART 247; MAT 160.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.40)

This course offers detailed coverage of the video post-production environment. Students learn techniques for creating complex video sequences by combining video, animated graphics, Foley effects, advanced editing techniques, green screen, and other special effects using industry-standard software. The course emphasizes instruction in advanced video editing techniques, and it covers final project output for delivery through various presentation platforms. (Formerly IMT 170.)

MAT 210: Digital Imaging 3: Advanced Photoshop

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ART 247 or MAT 110.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in ART 252.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0614.60)

This course builds upon knowledge and skills gained in MAT 110 or ART 247. Students acquire advanced digital imaging techniques for image design and production. Through specific projects, students utilize higher-level compositing techniques, apply advanced color management tools, and generate 3D objects within a 3D workspace. Multiple projects reinforce acquired knowledge through preparation of digital files for print and online delivery. (Formerly CIS 253.)

MAT 225: Dynamic Web Development

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 165.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0707.00)

This course develops skills for building database driven, dynamically generated web applications using current database technologies, such as PHP and MySQL. Students develop their own database-driven web applications as a basis for creating e-commerce, e-learning, or other dynamic, interactive applications. Topics include how to create web-page designs that seamlessly integrate dynamic and interactive content and how to leverage web-design software, such as Dreamweaver, to create professional, data-driven websites. (Formerly IMT 220.)

MAT 230: Publishing 2: Output for Print

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0614.50)

Students in this class will become familiar with print publication in the digital age. Students will explore how work flows from one member of a graphic design team to another, and students will learn basic concepts and terms used by professionals in the industry. Students will learn how to accurately reproduce color using print media, how to plan and troubleshoot a project, how to construct digital art files for release to a print bureau, and how to proofread various kinds of prototypes. Students will practice prepress techniques using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign and will complete take-home projects similar to everyday challenges faced by professional designers. (Formerly CIS 249.)

MAT 235: Web Design 3: Site Design and Architecture

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 165.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0614.30)

Students use industry-standard Web development tools and techniques to design complex, professional-level websites. The course emphasizes site architecture, content rationale, interface design, and usability as well as creating an enriching user experience within a team development environment. (Formerly IMT 230.)

MAT 270: Advanced Design Studio

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition at first class meeting with portfolio and instructor consent.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0614.00)

This capstone course provides advanced students firsthand experience in the function of a professional studio environment where they create real-world projects for real-world clients. Students experience client relations, project development and management, problem solving, team management, asset management, and project delivery considerations. (Formerly IMT 270.)

MAT 290: Portfolio Development

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: It is recommended that students complete most courses within a MAT certificate or degree program before enrolling in MAT 290.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (0614.00)

Students develop a personal portfolio that showcases their media and design skills and completed projects. The portfolio's format is determined by individual student goals and current available technology. The portfolio can be used to market the student as a prospective employee of a digital media company or as a self-promotion piece.

MAT 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 60 non-paid or 75 paid hours of work per unit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(0614.60)

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

MAT 296: Topics in Media Arts Technology

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (0614.00)

A study of relevant topics in the discipline not covered in the current selection of courses. Designed to meet special needs; content determined by participating faculty members in consultation with students and the community. (Formerly IMT 296.)

MAT 298: Directed Studies in Media Arts Technology

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor and department chair approval and successful completion of 12 units of college work with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
Repeatability Rule: May be taken for a total of 3 units.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours.
Laboratory 6 hours.
Laboratory 9 hours. (0614.00)

Individualized study, project, or research in area of particular interest to the student and not included in the regular courses of the college. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 3 units.)Formerly IMT 298

MAT 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Employed in a position related to major; complete 60 non-paid or 75 paid hours of work per unit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(0614.60)

Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.