MAT 105: History of Graphic Design

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

The course surveys the origin and evolution of graphic design from the nineteenth century to the present day. It will explore the development and influence of graphic communication through genre, design, style, and format from historical, multi-cultural, and global perspectives. Topics include the influence of art and technology on graphic design, types of graphic representation, significant historical design movements, and the importance of graphic design in contemporary culture and a global economy.

MAT 110: Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

In this key foundation 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. This course involves considerable hands-on instruction and multiple projects.

MAT 120: Media Design 1: Production

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

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, UC
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course introduces the fundamentals of building webpages, including HTML coding, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), image optimization, web typography, interface design, basic JavaScript, and Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) for uploading websites. Students also learn about browser and platform issues, modern coding best practices, responsive design, and management techniques for personal websites.

MAT 135: Graphic Design 1: Principles

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

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.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces students to the concepts and design 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 145: UI/UX Design

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

This course provides an introduction to user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design and prototyping. Students learn user-centered design approaches to research, design, prototype, and test user interfaces for screen-based media, such as websites and apps. Topics include UX research and strategy, user personas and user scenarios, information architecture, interaction design, prototyping, usability testing, and industry tools and techniques. Students collaborate to design and prototype digital products.

MAT 150: Animation and Interactivity

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 120.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces students to 2D animation and interactive media design techniques and tools. Students learn to integrate animation, text, graphics, audio, and video to create rich, interactive user experiences. The course emphasizes design principles for time-based media and effective user interface and interaction design. Students produce animation projects and interactive applications for delivery on the Web and other platforms.

MAT 155: Graphic Design 2: Typography

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 135.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

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, UC
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

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 video production. Topics also 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.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This intermediate-level 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 including Dreamweaver and Photoshop. Topics include responsive web design, coding, image editing and optimization, animation, and producing websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

MAT 170: Digital Illustration 1: Adobe Illustrator

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

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.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

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: Digital Publishing: Adobe InDesign

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 110 and MAT 170.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

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.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

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: Programming for Animation, Interactivity, and Games

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 150.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall even years

This course emphasizes programming for interactive media, including 2D games and rich Internet applications. Students learn to code within the context of the visual arts using ActionScript, Processing, and/or JavaScript and explore the creative and technical aspects of designing interactive user experiences that integrate media, animation, and interactivity. Additional topics include user interface design, experience design, interactive storytelling, game design, animation techniques, and developing content for delivery across a variety of platforms and devices.

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

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 110 or MAT 160.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

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, as well as final project output for delivery through various presentation platforms.

MAT 210: Digital Imaging 2: Advanced Photoshop

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MAT 110.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in ART 252.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

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 develop higher-level compositing skills, utilize advanced color management tools, create a responsive design mockup for web and mobile devices, apply animation and sound, and generate 3D objects. Multiple projects reinforce acquired knowledge through preparation of digital files for print and online delivery.

MAT 220: Digital Illustration 2: Advanced Illustrator

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MAT 170.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

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.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

This course develops skills for building database driven, dynamically generated websites using PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress, with design considerations for accessibility and responsiveness. Students develop dynamic websites and content management system (CMS) web applications using modern design techniques as a basis for creating professional, commercial, or other dynamic, interactive applications. Topics include PHP scripting fundamentals, templating principles, and reusable modular code that integrates with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and the WordPress CMS. Students also learn how to customize and create WordPress themes, leveraging web design software such as Adobe Dreamweaver and open-source code editors to create professional, data-driven websites.

MAT 230: Advanced Publishing: Output for Print

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 180.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring odd years

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: UX and UI Design and Production

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 165.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This course emphasizes user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design and production. Students learn to plan, design, and develop complex, real-world, professional-level websites in a team environment using modern web standards, best practices, and workflows. Topics include site planning and research, content strategy, information architecture development, user personas and user scenarios, usability analysis and testing, programming and production techniques, and emerging industry trends.

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.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

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.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Students develop a professional portfolio that showcases their design, media, and/or artistic skills and completed projects. Topics also include developing a personal brand and related marketing materials, such as a website, resume, business card, and cover letter. The portfolio's content and format are determined by individual student goals in order to market themselves as a freelancer or prospective employee.

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
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

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.
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

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 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
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

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.