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CTE Courses » Arts Media & Entertainment

Arts Media & Entertainment

Design, Visual and Media Arts

Media in the Digital Age - INTRODUCTORY
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Media in the Digital Age is the foundational course in the Design, Visual and Media Arts pathway incorporating the elements of art and the principles of design through historical perspectives, to compare cultural trends in project-based assignments. Students interpret and create imagery utilizing media and technology to advance their visual and media literacy and connect professional/career opportunities and the role of artists and designers in today’s global society. Practical connections to real-world relationships in technological and commercial art professions allow students to understand relevant pathways to career and/or college success. This course promotes critical thinking/problem solving, creativity, collaboration, communication skills and emphasizes the importance of the client-customer relationship.
Digital Media Design and Communication - CONCENTRATOR
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This course is an advanced study in media arts with an emphasis on two and three-dimensional design and representation through film, photography, and other digital media. The class is structured around the completion of digital media arts and design applications that synthesize and demonstrate learning from the course of study, and that incorporates themes and topics explored in other fine arts courses. Digital Media Design and Communication emphasizes the theories and elements of art and the principles of design, as well as their use and application in a variety of digital mediums to inform, persuade, and entertain. Students will develop an understanding of traditional and contemporary artistic expression, as well as an understanding of the historical and contemporary role of video/film media as a means of communication, and its influence upon society and culture. Students will work individually and in collaborative groups to design, create, critique, and present two and three-dimensional visual and digital media projects. Students will use technology with industry-recognized software, including, but not limited to, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, GarageBand, and iMovie. Additionally, students will further develop critical thinking, problem-solving, writing, critical analysis, and presentation skills.
Advanced Multimedia Technology - CAPSTONE
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This capstone course covers the fundamental principles and elements of visual communication, including historical development in the Western world. Students engage in a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of visual communication including theory, technology, and current practice. Advanced MultiMedia Technology develops self-motivation in students who wish to continue their education in the Graphic Design field, or who would like to contribute in a meaningful and tangible way to the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, or the local design community through service projects. Students familiarize themselves with design concepts beginning with hands-on problem-solving exercises, abstract visual experimentation, and proceed to interact with state-of-the-art graphic design tools: Adobe CSS; Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, and gain a basic understanding of technologies which provided the foundation for current methods.
 
Production and Managerial Arts
Professional Musical Theater - CONCENTRATOR
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This two-semester course provides a guided workshop in which students can practice and polish their musical-theatre audition and performance skills. It requires students to be self-disciplined and able to set and reach individual goals to make the best use of available resources. Students are required to give individual and ensemble performances on a regular basis and are expected to do homework outside of class, including research, report writing, and practice that engages the students in reflective and critical thinking. This course includes the study of the musical theatre form, history, and styles, as well as major figures in musical theatre. This course also provides students with the fundamentals and skills necessary for entry-level employment in the entertainment industry via online portfolios, audition/interview techniques, resumes, headshots, the building of promotional materials, and juries. Instruction comes from a combination of departments, including theatre, music, and dance.
Professional Actors Training - CONCENTRATOR
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This two-semester course provides a guided workshop in which students can practice and polish their musical-theatre audition and performance skills. It requires students to be self-disciplined and able to set and reach individual goals to make the best use of available resources. Students are required to give individual and ensemble performances on a regular basis and are expected to do homework outside of class, including research, report writing, and practice that engages the students in reflective and critical thinking. This course includes the study of the musical theatre form, history, and styles, as well as major figures in musical theatre. This course also provides students with the fundamentals and skills necessary for entry-level employment in the entertainment industry via online portfolios, audition/interview techniques, resumes, headshots, the building of promotional materials, and juries. Instruction comes from a combination of departments, including theatre, music, and dance.
Stage Directing and Production - CONCENTRATOR
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Students will learn specialized vocabulary; explore the set, lighting, and costume design, and reflect on design elements found in school and outside productions with design analysis and critiques. They will explore mood, the effect of color, and perspective.  Students will also incorporate problem-solving, leadership, team building, and time management to manage the stress associated with a theatre production and performance.  The course includes practical, critical, and cultural content and will place an emphasis on creative expression, aesthetic valuing, and the various aspects of design.
Stage and Studio Production - CAPSTONE
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Stage & Studio Production is a practical orientation to nine diverse aspects of technical theatre: sets, lighting, costume, make-up, media/sound, stage managing, house managing, graphics, and production assistance. Students will be introduced to stage technology (set design and construction, lighting and sound, props, costumes, and make-up) and performance production (house management, stage management, publicity and graphics, directing, and actings). Students will work on all school and some community theater productions. The reinforcement of basic skills is provided as part of the general instruction of this course. In particular, the course is designed to assist students in practicing communication skills by emphasizing the importance of speaking clearly using standard English, using listening skills to follow directions, and reading to gain information and to perform assignments and tasks as directed. Emphasis will be directed on leadership, collaboration, teamwork, troubleshooting, critical thinking, creative thinking, and time management.
Performing Arts 
Digital Music Production - CONCENTRATOR 
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This course is designed for students with a general music background who are interested in the creation of electronic/digital music. Students will focus on composition techniques and songwriting skills while learning elements of computer-based digital editing.  Through this course, students will also learn the history of electronic music and how this form of music has evolved in the 21st century. Digital Music Production focuses on core music elements in the field of computerized composition. Students will learn fundamental music skills such as ear training, music notation, and performance evaluation while using computers, mixers, and other pieces of music theory.