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 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.60)

In this course students use Adobe Photoshop to create digital imaging designs of professional quality. Through the manipulation of photographic and other raster graphic images, students generate unique artwork that involves photo editing, tonal and color correction, masking, layer adjustments, painting techniques, blending modes, and advanced compositing. Students study layout and design techniques, application of color using CMYK and RGB, and appropriate typography practices.

MAT 120: Media Design 1: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.60)

In this course students use Adobe Illustrator to create and manipulate vector graphic images into personal artwork and commercial output. Students generate effective typography and vector shapes, utilize a variety of color palettes and libraries, develop unique brushes and patterns, and convert raster images into vector art. Through hands-on instruction and multiple projects students transform objects, manipulate perspective, utilize blends and gradients, understand the differences between CMYK and RGB, and import and export different graphic file formats.

MAT 175: Web Design: JavaScript and jQuery

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MAT 125.
Advisory: MAT 165
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0707.10)

This course introduces web design students to JavaScript and jQuery for interactive web development, including how JavaScript can be used in conjunction with HTML and CSS to add interactivity, animation, visual effects, and advanced functionality to web pages. Students explore interface design and core programming concepts in JavaScript and jQuery to create rich user experiences, manage dynamic content, create animation, and make web pages more interactive and intuitive. Students learn to design and script user interface elements common on websites, such as content sliders, interactive galleries, and more. Students also learn to use the HTML5 canvas element with JavaScript to draw, animate, and create interactive graphics for HTML5 games or web applications. Topics also include integrating and customizing jQuery plugins, working with AJAX, and using API interfaces to web services, such as maps and social media.

MAT 180: Publishing 1: Adobe InDesign

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 110 AND MAT 170
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.50)

This course introduces students to Adobe InDesign, the page layout software program used by professional graphic artists to publish ads, business cards, brochures, postcards, newsletters, magazines, books, and more. It involves considerable hands-on instruction and projects similar to those faced by today's designers. Students learn how to prepare documents for professional publication, how to format type, import images, use styles, generate tables, create swatches, and apply shortcuts. Students learn typographic and publishing techniques, basic design principles, and how to apply spot and process color. Students will examine, troubleshoot, and package digital files for output to a commercial press and for the Web.

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.

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.

MAT 210: Digital Imaging 3: Advanced Photoshop

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MAT 110.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in ART 252.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.60)

This course builds upon knowledge and skills gained in MAT 110. Students use Adobe Photoshop to 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.

MAT 215: Web Design: Mobile Sites and Apps

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MAT 165.
Advisory: MAT 150.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.30)

This course introduces web design and development students to design considerations and development techniques for creating mobile websites and web applications. Students explore the use of web technologies, including HMTL5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, and Flash/ActionScript, to design and produce websites and apps optimized for delivery on mobile and tablet devices. Topics include mobile media design, understanding mobile platforms, browsers, and device capabilities, responsive design, media queries, jQuery Mobile, the PhoneGap framework, and Flash Air for Android and iOS apps.

MAT 220: Digital Imaging 4: Advanced Illustrator

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MAT 170.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.60)

This is an advanced course for MAT students who are planning to pursue a career in graphic design. This course builds upon concepts gained in MAT 170 and addresses advanced vector design skills for developing logos, three-dimensional packaging, signage, advertisements, business cards, digital illustrations, and vector graphics for the Web.

MAT 225: Web Design: PHP and WordPress

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 websites using current dynamic scripting languages, content management system (CMS) applications, and presentation semantics with PHP, WordPress, and CSS, respectively. Students develop dynamic websites and CMS web applications as a basis for creating professional, commercial, or other dynamic, interactive applications. Topics include PHP scripting fundamentals, integrating dynamic content with HTML and CSS, understanding WordPress as a CMS, customizing and creating WordPress themes and plugins, leveraging web design software, such as Dreamweaver and/open-source code editors to create professional data-driven websites, and designing dynamic websites with issues of accessibility and device responsiveness in mind.

MAT 230: Publishing 2: Output for Print

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 180
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0614.50)

This advanced publishing course takes students through the process of producing and printing a press-ready publication at a professional printing company. Students explore print technologies (e.g., offset printing, variable-data printing, and direct digital printing), learn the steps required for prepress, production, binding, trimming, and finishing, and apply prepress techniques using Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. The course includes a professional print bureau tour.

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.

MAT 240: 3D Animation 2: Motionbuilder

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 140.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (0614.40)

This course introduces students to the advanced concepts and execution of three-dimensional character animation and rendering using Autodesk MotionBuilder, a major software used primarily in game, film, and television production. Topics include character rigging, facial and skeletal animation, forward and inverse kinematics, motion capture, 3D editing, Maya integration, and rendering considerations. The course also covers proper formats for delivery through various mediums.

MAT 255: Business of Media Arts

Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour. (0614.00)

This course covers business principles for the media arts industry and addresses such topics as market specialization, marketing tools, client interface, pricing creative services, proposals, contracts, and copyright issues.

MAT 270: Advanced Design Studio

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Audition with portfolio and instructor approval.
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.

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 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU

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 & Technologies

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

This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Media Arts and Technologies that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.

MAT 298: Directed Study 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.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours
Laboratory 6 hours
Laboratory 9 hours. (0614.00)

This course allows students to pursue a special area of interest in order to achieve specific goals beyond the scope of existing courses within the discipline. Students work independently and interact directly with an instructor on an individual basis and as prescribed by the Directed Study Agreement.

MAT 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU

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.