Curriculum
The following are the required courses for this major. Students who attend Orientation and meet with the Education Department can obtain personalized academic counseling to complete the program. Transfer credits, changes in curriculum, and other factors may affect the academic plan for individual students. The FIDM Education Department can provide additional information.
Prerequisite:
A prior Associates degree or 45-60 semester units (67-90 quarter units) of transferable academic coursework. Students entering the program with fewer than 60 semester units (90 quarter units) will have additional coursework to complete.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
Creative Industry Studies, Digital Media Core
BUMT 3820
Business Law+
UNITS: 3
Students develop an understanding of corporate formation and procedures, limited liability companies and special business forms. This course examines social, ethical, and political implications of law and its application to business transactions as well as intellectual property law.
DIGI 1300
Editing I
UNITS: 3
This course provides an essential understanding of digital video, compositing, special effects, and motion editing. Students learn basic editing skills which enable them to work with professional broadcast equipment in post-production environments.
DIGI 1350
Storytelling
UNITS: 3
Students are introduced to storytelling from both a technical and creative perspective. Students study all aspects of storytelling, with a focus on story structure. The concepts introduced in this class are reinforced throughout the curriculum, particularly within the context of editing.
DIGI 1550A
Motion Graphics I
UNITS: 3
This course trains students in basic techniques of storyboard animatics and motion graphics creation through the use of software programs utilized by design and animation companies worldwide. The emphasis is on design from a problem-solving point of view. The course also examines the production timeline and graphical requirements of a multimedia project by demonstrating the manipulation of digital images in a studio environment. Upon completion of this course, students gained a thorough understanding of input/output techniques, special effects, image compositing, and motion graphics.
Prerequisite: GRPH 1050
DIGI 1550B
Motion Graphics II
UNITS: 3
This advanced motion graphics course builds on concepts learned in the foundational course and employs those concepts in conjunction with advanced techniques. In this course, students gain a thorough understanding of advanced techniques as they are applied in the continuing exploration of special effects, image compositing, and motion graphics.
Prerequisite: DIGI 1550A
DIGI 1550C
Motion Graphics III
UNITS: 3
This course introduces students to visual effects and furthers their knowledge of compositing for film and television. Students rely on their understanding of storytelling, design, and editing, and learn how to develop and choose effects that enhance their projects. Students also learn how to integrate rendered imagery into the post-production process. At the end of this course, students better understand the core principles of compositing and visual effects and how to incorporate them into projects for maximum impact.
DIGI 1700
Editing II
UNITS: 3
This course provides a more in-depth exploration of the imaginative and technical side of editing. Students examine and apply intermediate editing concepts and techniques. Students edit industry-standard promotional trailers, and become familiar with the entire pipeline from concept to delivery. Prerequisite: DIGI 1300, DIGI 1350
DIGI 1770
Digital Photography for Digital Media
UNITS: 3
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital photography, including camera mechanics, particularly pertaining to digital media. Students learn framing and composition techniques and display mastery of those techniques through hands-on application in multiple projects. Students shoot and present their work in various delivery platforms. The course reinforces design concepts applicable to all media.
DIGI 2100
Editing III
UNITS: 3
This course builds on students experience with editing in a non-linear editing platform. Students become familiar with advanced editing techniques and focus on the technical aspects of editing in addition to the aesthetic understanding they have developed to date. Topics include delivery requirements, formats, codecs, frame rates, aspect ratios, and frame flexing. Prerequisites: DIGI 1300, DIGI 1350, DIGI 1700
DIGI 2430
Finishing Techniques
UNITS: 3
This course explores color correction and other finishing techniques that students can apply to a wide variety of projects. Students work with color tools inside of DaVinci Resolve, the industry standard tool for color correction, to learn to properly color correct/color grade shots. Topics include how to work with various scopes, how to build custom primary and secondary color correction setups, and how to share projects with Adobe Premiere.
DIGI 2680
Interactive Design: Web Development
UNITS: 3
Students learn about developing websites from both a creative and technical perspective. Students will gain an understanding of both the design and coding aspects of the development process. Emphasis is on functionality, accessibility/ease of use, design, and cross-platform utility. This course builds upon knowledge gained in Integrative Design: App Development.
Prerequisite: DIGI 2580
DIGI 2720
Marketing for Digital Media
UNITS: 3
This course introduces students to content creation in line with todays predominant marketing platform social media and the Internet. Students will learn about the various platforms used to promote products and/or services and the specifications for creating content appropriate to that platforms digital delivery system and demographic.
DIGI 2820
Intellectual Property and Law
UNITS: 3
In this course, students examine general business practices vital to the success of a digital media artist. Students explore the principles of finance, accounting, insurance, taxes, management, marketing, and negotiation. Additionally, students are introduced to the concept of intellectual property, including copyright, trademark, and basic business/contract law.
Prerequisite: DIGI 2150
DIGI 2950
Digital Media Portfolio
UNITS: 3
This is an advanced class in portfolio development. Students design, produce, and gain experience presenting their work in a professional working environment. They also write a comprehensive resume and present their portfolios before the class. Prerequisite: DIGI 2580
GNST 2420
Survey of Western Art II
UNITS: 3
A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Art movements such as Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Abstraction, and Surrealism are studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the artist's role in society and the effect of society on art.
GNST 2530
Principles of Kinesiology+
UNITS: 3
The emphasis of this course is to scientifically examine the musculoskeletal and physiological systems of the body in motion and at rest. The principles of biochemical, pulmonary, and circulatory systems related to movement and exercise and the contemporary issues of neuromuscular health are investigated.
GNST 2530L
Principles of Kinesiology Lab+
UNITS: 1
This lab includes field excursions, observation journals, and interviews with practitioners in the field of kinesiology, including physical therapists, sports medicine physicians, and professional trainers.
GNST 3200
Consumer Social Behavior
UNITS: 3
Students examine the process of creating consumer demand through case studies and focus groups.
GNST 3400
Social Psychology+
UNITS: 3
A course that examines social psychology and how the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of individuals are created and modified by the social and cultural conditions in which they live. Issues of social influence, cooperation and conflict, conformity, perception, change, and leadership are explored.
GNST 3410
History & Development for Film & TV
UNITS: 3
A survey course that examines television and film in America as an art form and charts its historical and technical development. Students study classic and contemporary mediums and filmmakers, explore the social implications of film and television, analyze film technique, as well as set decoration.
GNST 3500
Professional Presentation+
UNITS: 3
A course in effective organizational communication, with emphasis on advanced oral communication skills, including interviewing. Students examine the dynamics of individual and group communication as preparation for full-scaled, business-specific informative and persuasive speeches, in which they use computer technology, visual aids, and statistical data to enhance the impact and clarity of their presentations.
GNST 3600
Future Trends in Society
UNITS: 3
Students explore the demographic trends, shifts in technology, and varied communication avenues of the current socioeconomic landscape as a means of anticipating the cultural expectations, values, and practices that will give rise to new products, methods of marketing/communication, and business trends. Prerequisite: GNST 3400
GNST 3700
Multicultural Perspectives Through the Short Story++
UNITS: 3
Through the literary vehicle of the short story, students examine issues of coexistence, integration, and assimilation in the international arena. In considering diversities such as race, ethnicity, class, family, gender, and language, they gain the tools for evaluating, with new awareness, their own identity and value system within a multicultural context.
GNST 3750
Mapping Your World: Introduction to Global Production
UNITS: 3
This geographical survey of the worlds major regions covers population distribution, natural resources, and relationships between different regions in reference to trade and environment, with a focus on current geo-political issues.
GNST 3800
Icons of Culture: The Context of Meaning
UNITS: 3
Students explore universal design concepts underlying the applied arts, the decorative arts, and architecture/architectural form. Using the language of aesthetic analysis, they relate formal elements of color and structure, pattern and motif, and icon and symbol to the origins, development, and diffusion of a wide range of designed objects from many cultures and historical periods. In the process, they gain insight into the durability, adaptability, and resonance of concepts and images that have achieved iconic status in the world of design.
GNST 3900
Issues in Contemporary Society+
UNITS: 3
A General Studies capstone course addressing current issues in social diversity, globalization, business ethics, and civic responsibility. Students combine critical analysis, scientific inquiry, and technological skill to research and prepare a clear written and oral presentation on a challenging, advanced question of their own choosing.
GRPH 1420
2-D Design
UNITS: 3
This course introduces the formal elements of line, shape, color, texture, and composition as well as the graphic principles of balance, scale, emphasis, repetition, and unity. Students also explore all aspects of two-dimensional design and imagery, which is essential to achieve a solid design.
GRPH 1720
Typography
UNITS: 3
This course explores the fundamental traditions of typography combined with computer technology. It provides the foundation from which the students can develop both an understanding of typography and a personal aesthetic.
Total Units of Credit: 91
+ Available as an online (distance learning) course
++ Periodically offered as an online (distance learning) course
