Arts Media and Entertainment

Year Course

Meets district fine arts graduation requirements

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

This course is designed for students wishing to gain the basic knowledge and techniques of photography. Content includes information on camera selection (e.g., composition, design principles, historical background), film developing, and print enlarging. Both studio and field work are explored. This includes operation of a SLR 35 mm camera; film exposure and development; darkroom procedures; proper and safe use of photographic chemicals; enlargement, printing, and development of photographs; dodging and burning techniques; expanded composition and design principles; and finishing and presentation.

Year Course

Meets district fine arts graduation requirements

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

Prerequisite: Photography 1

Advanced Digital Photography is a one-year course for students interested in hands-on photography using digital cameras and computers. Students will build on the elements of art and the principles of design learned in Photography 1. This course will familiarize students with digital photography methods through theory and hands-on practice with materials and equipment including DSLRs. Students will learn about workflow (i.e., assignment through postproduction), create a digital portfolio of original compositions, and develop the ability to determine aesthetic value by critiquing their own work and that of their classmates. Students will also learn the principles of photography, studying and emulating a variety of photographic styles, and use Photoshop and Lightroom.

Year Course (ECHS only)

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

Multimedia Foundations is a yearlong course for students wishing to explore technology as an art medium and career path. The purpose of the course is to prepare students to become pragmatic and analytical working artists by laying a foundation of digital skills. The curriculum is tied closely to real world applications and career options utilizing art-related technology. Multimedia Foundations prepares students for courses in Video Arts, Yearbook, broadcast media, and Web Design and development.

Year Course

Meets district fine arts graduation requirements

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

This course covers pre-production planning, writing and script editing, on-camera acting, technical work, critical analysis, post-production editing, and presentation to outside audiences. Students learn the history of film and video communication; the fundamentals of composition and movement; the aesthetic of light, color, and sound; and the art of storytelling, production design, and directing. Students also learn the art of digital editing and graphic design, creative design in commercial and broadcast productions, career exploration, and portfolio development. 

Year Course

Meets district fine arts graduation requirements

Fulfills “F” of UC/CSU A-G admission requirements

This is a project-based course focusing on the use of current industry software (e.g., Final Cut Pro) in digital video editing and production. Units will be designed around the creation of projects for students to design, build, create, or perform. Advanced Video Art is designed to be the capstone course in a pathway series (Design, Visual & Media Arts), which completes a comprehensive training in multimedia design. Students learn advanced camera, lighting and editing techniques as they work on individual projects or collaborate with other students on film shorts or video projects. They will produce short works based on scripts they have written and then publish them as part of their student portfolios.