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Digital Media Studies Courses

IBMYP TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN

Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9,10
Credit per semester: 1.0 (Computer Ed/Tech)
Prerequisite: Recommended for students taking multiple core honors classes in 9th and/or 10th grade

This course delivers hands-on, process-oriented instruction in computer applications and design projects. Using the “Design Cycle,” project work focuses on inquiring, developing ideas, taking action, and evaluating. The course also provides basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, Digital Citizenship, Computer Literacy, and Career Exploration.

Students will use powerful multimedia programs throughout the semester to create music, videos, and images of their own design.

This class provides a foundation for subsequent courses including Video Production, Digital Photography, and Digital Audio & Music


IBMYP TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN H

Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9,10
Credit per semester: 1.0 (Computer Ed/Tech - Honors)
Prerequisite: Recommended for students taking multiple core honors classes in 9th and/or 10th grade

This course delivers hands-on, process-oriented instruction in computer applications and design projects. Using the “Design Cycle,” project work focuses on inquiring, developing ideas, taking action, and evaluating. The course also provides proficiency in computer applications including multimedia applications such as Photoshop and video/audio editing software. This honors-level course helps prepare students to succeed in Higher Level courses.


COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 11-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Computer Ed/Tech)
Prerequisite: None

Computer Applications meets the D11 computer education graduation requirement and gives opportunities to certify in Microsoft Applications. Certifying would also complete the College and Career Readiness Demonstration, which is a requirement to graduate (CCRD)

Practical uses for Microsoft Office applications for personal and business use are stressed in the areas of word processing, visual presentation, and spreadsheets. This course also includes units in Outlook, Digital Citizenship, Computer Literacy, and Career Exploration.


2D COMPUTER ANIMATION

Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit per semester: 1.0 (Computer Ed/Tech, PWR, PA, or Elective)
Prerequisite: None

An introduction to traditional animation and video animation. This course covers essential knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary fields of study. Students will digitally create 2D animations for videographics using industry-standard professional tools and software. Students will explore design processes related to 2D animation. Students will be prepared for nationally recognized certifications in animation.


3D COMPUTER ANIMATION

Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit per semester: 1.0 (Computer Ed/Tech, PWR, PA, or Elective)
Prerequisite: None

An introduction to 3D animation for video games and User Interfaced Experiences. This course covers essential knowledge skills in concepts required for post-secondary fields of study. Students will digitally create 3Danimations for cinema and video using industry-standard professional tools and software. Students will explore the design process related to 3D animation. Students will be prepared for nationally recognized certifications in animation.


GAME PROGRAMMING AND DESIGN 1,2

Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Computer Ed/Tech; Postsecondary Workforce Readiness)
Prerequisite: None

Students will use non-programming problem-solving techniques to design, create, and test computer games using Game Maker Studio and Unity. The semester begins by learning how to use algorithms and heuristics to solve problems, these techniques will be essential to solving gaming problems. Students will learn how to use Photoshop and Illustrator to create custom gaming backgrounds, sprites, and animations. Final projects include a game designed and programmed by the students from scratch.

Students will get a chance to continue working with Unity and image editing software, but will also have the chance to learn about 3D modelling and design, sound creation, and user interface design. The course introduces professional design techniques for the creation of engaging storylines with believable characters. The final project of the course is a student-produced game created as part of a group.


GAME PROGRAMMING AND DESIGN 3 and 4

Course Length: 1 Semester each
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits per Semester: 1 (Postsecondary Workforce Readiness or Computer Ed/Tech)
Prerequisite: Game Programming 1 or 2, Java Programming Honors 1 or 2, or IB Computer Science

This course focuses on the design of games in 2D and 3D environments using modeling tools and game engines that support scripting for 3D environments. Assets modeled in 3D space will be used in the creation of computer programs written by the students. These courses extend the programming design skills introduced in Game Programming 1,2 or Java Programming Honors or IB Computer Science. Game Programming 4 moves students toward completely independent creations of games and animations in 3D environments.


IB COMPUTER SCIENCE 5,6 STANDARD LEVEL

IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.

Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Computer Ed/Tech)
Prerequisite: Game Programming 3 or 4

The IB Computer science SL course requires an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computational thinking as well as knowledge of how computers and other digital devices operate. The course, underpinned by conceptual thinking, draws on a wide spectrum of knowledge, and enables and empowers innovation, exploration and the acquisition of further knowledge. Students study how computer science interacts with and influences cultures, society and how individuals and societies behave, and the ethical issues involved. During the course the student will develop computational solutions by: Identifying a problem or unanswered question; designing, prototyping and testing a proposed solution; and liaising with clients to evaluate the success of the proposed solution and make recommendations for future development.


VIDEO PRODUCTION 1,2 (Honors option available)

Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits per Semester: 1.0 (Postsecondary Workforce Readiness)
Prerequisite: None

This introductory course is project-based and collaborative. The students demonstrate proficiency through a variety of hands-on productions that are shot on HD camcorders, uploaded and edited with Final Cut Pro—an industry- standard video editing application—and finally exported into a usable format for the intended audience. Students learn and practice professional video production techniques, including preproduction, production, and post-production phases. Quality (of audio, lighting, shots, composition, effects, story, and editing) is stressed throughout the course. Students will also explore the ways video communicates with viewers and the methods by which it does so effectively.

Media literacy, project planning, and creative production are equally balanced. This course is appropriate for students preparing for careers in communications and media production, as well as for those students who desire to create personal videos of professional quality. Introduction to Video articulates to Pikes Peak State College (RTV 208) and is college-level in many respects.

For Honors credit: The Introduction to Video (Honors) course is an extension of Video Production 1,2 (see above). It’s intended for highly motivated and capable students who are prepared to meet the challenge of additional projects and assignments. There will be a reflective writing component as well.


ADVANCED VIDEO PRODUCTION 1,2 (Honors option available)

Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Postsecondary Workforce Readiness)
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Video Production 1,2 and Instructor Approval

This course builds on the skills developed by students in Video Production. It is a laboratory-workshop class of students who produce TerrorTV, Palmer’s videomagazine, which is broadcast to the school weekly, and on Channel 16, the D-11 cable channel. The duties of the students include writing, videotaping, editing, and performing in segments that include news, skits, events and personalities connected to life at school. Students will be expected to produce both individually and in groups. This course is appropriate for students who are preparing for careers in communications and media production, as well for those who want to develop advanced communication and collaboration skills that are valuable in college as well as in the workplace. Available for honors credit. Advanced Video articulates to Pikes Peak State College (RTV 218) and is college-level in many respects.


BROADCAST VIDEO PRODUCTION 1,2 (Honors option available)

Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 12
Credit per semester: 1.0 (PWR)
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Advanced Video Production and Instructor Approval

This course builds on the skills developed by students in Advanced Video Production 1-2. Third-year students in the video program are the senior producers of TerrorTV. At this level, they must meet higher expectations for evaluating segments for inclusion in the show, demonstrate superior collaboration and leadership skills and a commitment to broadcast quality television production standards. Available for honors credit. Introduction to Video articulates to Pikes Peak Community College (MGD 164) and is college-level in many respects.


BEGINNING FILMMAKING 1,2 (Honors option available)

Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit Per Semester: 1.0 (Postsecondary Workforce Readiness or Humanities)
Prerequisite: None

This project-based course is focused on creating & making short films. Career & workforce readiness will be a part of the curriculum. A study of media & popular culture is also part of the class to enable students to understand the genres place & popularity, including an extended unit or documentaries & associated research skills in creating this genre of short film. Students will learn about the concepts, tools, & activities essential to getting started in filmmaking, video broadcasting, & media production (including screenwriting, storytelling, editing). Students will study video technologies, equipment operation, composition, lighting, sound recording, & audio production planning. Students will use production equipment in a classroom, virtual studio, and/or field environment & apply numerous studio & field production techniques. The class is geared toward application of hands-on approaches to video, film, & media broadcasting, as well as a study of short films & documentaries from which to learn. Students will receive instruction in using digital camcorders & professional video editing software, & then demonstrate their learning & skills in full production projects over the course of the class. Students will be able to work individually on some projects & collaborate in small groups as they create short films, videos, & audio projects. Final Cut Pro is the software used for editing.


DIGITAL AUDIO AND MUSIC PRODUCTION 1,2

Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Humanities)
Prerequisite: None

In this course students will be introduced to the hardware and software tools needed to create high-quality digital recordings. Logic Pro is the production/editing software used. Students will learn the basics of digital audio interface, how to build/create a song, and then how to arrange, edit, and mix their projects. The course includes editing audio, recording & editing MIDI, beats, as well as adding filters and tempo changes. There will be elements of creating specific genres of music, producing Foley effects for video, as well as opportunity for students to create songs of their choice.

Keyboards, microphones, and other equipment are available to the members of the class. This course is open to all students who want to be introduced to digital audio creation and recording technology. You do not have to be a musician or singer to enjoy and learn from this class. Digital Music and

Audio Production 1 and Digital Music and Audio Production 2 both articulate to Pikes Peak State College and are college-level in many aspects.


DIGITAL AUDIO AND MUSIC PRODUCTION 3 and 4

Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Postsecondary Workforce Readiness)
Prerequisite: Digital Music and Audio Production 1 & 2

Students will move from a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) into more career-oriented skills and experiences. Using DAW proficiencies achieved in earlier courses, students will explore available careers in audio technology and learn real- world studio operations. Students taking this course may be able to work in apprenticeships with approved partners, growing in understanding of audio operations and adding to skills already achieved. New skills include setting up analog and digital audio for live events, stage productions as well as competencies associated with and studio recording. Studies include acoustics, audio-board interfaces & operations, microphone placement, monitor-speaker function and placement, wired and wireless audio systems, cabling, trouble-shooting and problem solving. Expectations include career research, practical studio experience, mentoring Digital Audio I & II students, creating a portfolio of work, and live audio management of school or other productions.

Students’ projects will build their resumes and prepare them for post-secondary studies and/or workforce placement.


JOURNALISM 1,2

Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Humanities or Elective)
Prerequisite: None

This is an introductory course to the fundamentals of journalism. Course content includes basic news writing, features, editorials, straight news, newspaper layout, copy reading, some photojournalism, and techniques of production. The course is a prerequisite for working on the staff of the school newspaper. Class members will be given the opportunity to report for the school newspaper.


JOURNALISM 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Course Length: Up to 6 Semesters
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Humanities or Elective)
Prerequisite: Journalism 1,2; Application Required

The newspaper course is a laboratory-workshop class of students responsible for the publication of the school newspaper. Each staff member assumes and/or delegates responsibility for the following: reporting and writing assigned stories, planning and editing sections, planning page layouts and content, assigning and taking pictures, and copy- proofreading stories. These responsibilities are determined by the staff member's position.