Entertainment Technology

The following courses are open to all students. Please call (310) 434-4700 for information on admission to the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, which offers comprehensive course work and Interactive Media Level I and II, 3-D Digital Character Animation, and 2-D Animation. Some internships are also available.

ET 2, STORYTELLING    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.

This introductory course covers the fundamentals of storytelling. The course follows the path of storytelling through the ages, beginning with an overview of the history of story from its roots of pictorial and oral tradition, to its modern form of entertainment, the movies, the Internet, and computer games. Included will be a look at different cultures and how they used the story form to disseminate information and entertain. Students will examine the way western cultures tell a story and how storytelling was modernized through the invention of new technologies.

4204   6:30p-9:35p M   AET 235   Keeshen J F

Above section 4204 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 4, INTERACTIVE DESIGN FOR E-BUSINESS    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.

This lecture course covers the design of web sites combining the power of the web with information systems to improve the success of business, non-profit, educational, and government organizations. Students will study the use of private Intranets, shared Extranets, and the public Internet to connect organizations with their customers, vendors, suppliers, and employees. Topics will include electronic commerce, customer service, marketing, human resources, business to business applications, inventory control, and collaborative tools.

4205   6:30p-9:35p T   AET 204   Novak J L

Above section 4205 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 11, COMPUTER SKILLS AND SOFTWARE FOR ANIMATION AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA    3 UNITS

• Prerequisite: None.

This introductory course covers the computer skills, concepts, and essential software needed to work successfully in the fields of computer animation and interactive media. Students will learn the use of general computer skills such as file organization for projects, keyboard shortcuts, using local area networks, and using proper file suffixes. Digital image concepts such as vector and rastor images, color bit depth, and pixel dimensions will be introduced. Key software applications will be covered for rastor image editing, vector image editing, audio, web browsing, and spreadsheets.

1765   12:30p-3:35p M   AET 123   Lancaster W F

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 1765 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

4206   6:30p-9:35p T   AET 107   Cameneti M A

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 4206 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 12, PRINCIPLES OF INTERACTIVE DESIGN    3 UNITS

• Advisory: ET 11.

This computer-based course is designed for students with a knowledge of PC’s including files and folders, launching applications, opening and saving, cut and paste, entering text, use of the desktop, and an understanding of basic applications such as word processing. It is an introduction to interactive design for platforms such as the World Wide Web, CD-ROM, DVD, game machines, and interactive television. Students will learn to think critically about the design issues involved in interactive media, while considering the practical, technical, production, and budgetary constraints. Students will also learn about the history of interactive media, and gain hands-on experience in the basics of interactive design and production.

1766   9:00a-12:05p T   AET 108   Javelosa D A

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 1766 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

1767   9:00a-12:05p Th   AET 108   Javelosa D A

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 1767 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

4207   6:30p-9:35p W   AET 106   Javelosa D A

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 4207 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 13, INTERACTIVE DESIGN FOR CD-ROM, AND INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT I    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 12.

This computer-based course is focused on the design and implementation of successful multimedia titles for the CD-ROM, DVD, and interactive television platforms. Students will learn the fundamentals of design for these platforms including interactive story telling, navigation metaphors, technical constraints, gaming basics, and usability. Students will gain experience working with media (text, graphics, animation, video, and audio); using authoring environments; and writing scripts to control interactivity. An emphasis will be placed on incorporating media from the Internet into multimedia titles. Students will design and implement multimedia titles that can be included in their portfolios.

1768   9:00a-12:05p W   AET 108   Javelosa D A

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 1768 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

4208   6:30p-9:35p M   AET 106   Javelosa D A

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 4208 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 14, INTERACTIVE DESIGN FOR THE WEB I    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 12.

This computer-based course is focused on the design and implementation of successful web site design, web graphics and audio, HTML, dynamic HTML, and authoring tools. Design issues such as effective communication, technical constraints, typography, navigation, and information architecture will be addressed. Students will design and implement web sites that can be included in their portfolios.

1769   1:30p-4:35p W   AET 123   Baduel Z M

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 1769 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

4209   6:30p-9:35p Th   AET 107   Reilly J B

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 4209 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 31, VIDEO EDITING   3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Advisory: ET 11.

This introductory course is designed for students interested in the techniques, skills, and theories of editing. The class will provide hands-on experience that will enable students to put theories into practice. Students will learn editing techniques used to enhance, pace, and set the mood for any video project. Students will edit several projects.

1775   9:00a-12:05p F   AET 123   Heaton W B

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 1775 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

4218   6:30p-9:35p M   AET 123   Eggert M L

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 4218 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 34, WEB ANIMATION I    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Advisory: ET 11.

This class focuses on all aspects of web animation, giving special attention to characters and graphics, as well as interactivity and light programming. Students learn the tricks of controlling file size, special approaches for importing and creating animation, and all other production techniques needed for building complete web animation projects.

1776   1:00p-4:05p M   AET 106   Reilly J B

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 1776 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

4219   6:30p-9:35p F   AET 106   Brady T D

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 4219 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 38, DIGITAL IMAGING FOR DESIGN II    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 37.

Building on fundamental skills, students learn to implement the more advanced features of programs to create and manipulate images specifically for use in multimedia, digital video, 2-D animation, and 3-D animation. Topics include creating textured titles, designing interfaces, compositing with layers, combining techniques to create special effects, preparing images for NTSC, and designing type.

1777   9:00a-12:05p M   AET 108   Duganne J A

   Arrange-2 Hours        

Above section 1777 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 50A, ANIMATION PORTFOLIO    1 UNIT

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 91, 92, 95.

This course is designed for advanced art students creating a portfolio demonstrating drawing ability applicable to animation. Students will create and polish work that successfully presents their skills in figure and animal drawing demonstrating both quick and long pose drawing as well as an understanding of the use of volume and perspective. Portfolio quality is emphasized for both content and presentation. Minimum standards of quality will be established for a successful portfolio. This course is offered on a credit/no credit basis.

4224   5:30p-9:35p T   AET 233   Brown S S

Above section 4224 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street. Class meets for 8 weeks, Feb 17 to Apr 6.

4225   5:30p-9:35p T   AET 233   Brown S S

Above section 4225 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street. Class meets for 8 weeks, Apr 20 to Jun 8.

ET 50I, INTERACTIVE MEDIA LEVEL I PORTFOLIO    1 UNIT

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 14.

This course is offered on credit/no credit basis.

This course is designed for students creating their first portfolio of interactive media. Students will create print and web portfolios that successfully present their graphic design, web sites, CD-ROM work, and/or web animation. Portfolio quality is emphasized for both content and presentation, minimum standards of quality for a successful portfolio will be covered. Successful completion of this course is required for entry into the Interactive Media Level II program.

4226   6:00p-8:05p T   AET 106   Pytlewski G L

Above section 4226 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street. Class meets for 8 weeks, Feb 17 to Apr 6.

ET 58, MOTION GRAPHICS 1    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 11 and 37.

This course introduces students to the motion graphics capabilities of Adobe After Effects. Projects assigned during the course will increase students’ skill with both the creative and the technical challenges posed by motion graphics, each project based on common professional uses of After Effects. Working with the instructor, students will develop final projects that focus on their particular area of interest within the field of motion graphics. All projects completed in this course will be included in the student’s portfolio.

1779   1:00p-4:05p F   AET 123   Heaton W B

Above section 1779 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 61, HISTORY OF ANIMATION    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.

This course will explore the history of animation through its earliest beginnings to the present. In addition to the chronological order of events, this course will look at the multi-faceted aspects of this relatively modern art form. Included will be the study of individual animators and studios, different art techniques, and 2-D and 3-D materials. The class will examine the principles of movement and how they apply to the zoetrope and the computer.

1780   Arrange-6 Hours    ONLINE-E    Keeshen J F

Above section 1780 is a Distance Education course conducted over the internet. For additional information, go to smconline.org (schedule of classes). Class meets for 8 weeks, Feb 17 to Apr 9.

1781   Arrange-6 Hours    ONLINE-E    Keeshen J F

Above section 1781 is a Distance Education course conducted over the internet. For additional information, go to smconline.org (schedule of classes). Class meets for 8 weeks, Apr 19 to Jun 11.

ET 64, INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL EFFECTS    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 11.

This introductory course provides a basic overview of the tools available in Side Effect’s Houdini software package for the creation of digital effects. Topics covered include modeling, particles, look development, shading, lighting and rendering. This course emphasizes the fundamental concepts of digital effects as well as an understanding of the software.

4228   6:30p-9:35p F   AET 108   Cunningham W M

Above section 4228 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 89, FIGURE DRAWING    1 UNIT

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Art 21A.

This course is designed for the advanced drawing student. Students completing this course will have a familiarity with all major issues involved in drawing and visualizing the figure as an animate, 3-D form, and will have developed perceptual and manual skills equal to the challenge of understanding the human body as a structure in space, in both static and dynamic modes. Comprehension of figure structure will be both anatomical and perspectival with special emphasis on developing a model of the human figure that can be easily visualized in the imagination and adapted for use in animation and related disciplines.

4229   5:30p-9:35p W   AET 233   Post D J

Above section 4229 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street. Class meets for 8 weeks, Feb 18 to Apr 7.

4230   5:30p-9:35p W   AET 233   Post D J

Above section 4230 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street. Class meets for 8 weeks, Apr 21 to Jun 9.

ET 91, PERSPECTIVE FOR ANIMATION AND INTERACTIVE DESIGN    2 UNITS

• Prerequisite: None.

This is an introductory course in three-dimensional drawing for animators and web designers. Emphasis is on simplified systems of perspective drawing to be utilized in layout backgrounds and web pages. One-, two-, and three-point perspective using mechanical as well and freehand techniques. Perspective will be applied to interiors, furniture, props, characters and layouts with text.

1786   9:00a-1:05p Th   AET 102   Schlenker J D

Above section 1786 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 92, FIGURE IN MOTION    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.

This is the foundation course for traditional and computer animators to understand and draw the figure in motion. This course teaches the student to visualize and quick sketch the figure in three-dimensional as it moves through space. Emphasis is placed on construction, volume, key poses and gestures as the figure moves in a given action. Students will also develop portfolio drawings necessary for job interviews in the industry.

4231   5:00p-10:05p M   AET 233   Brown S S

Above section 4231 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 94, COLOR THEORY    2 UNITS

• Prerequisite: None.

Students in this course will study the development of color perception, harmony, expression, visualization, and the application of color in traditional and digital imagery using a 2-D, 3-D, or 4-D format through a series of problem-solving exercises and projects.

1787   9:00a-1:05p Th   AET 233   Coco D E

Above section 1787 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 95, COSTUMED FIGURE AND ANIMAL DRAWING    3 UNITS

• Prerequisite: None.

Students who successfully complete this advanced course will have a working understanding of animal anatomy and movement and its comparison to human anatomy and movement as related to drawing. The student will have developed skills in proportional and perspective analysis of animal forms and be able to sketch a variety of animals from both life and through visualization techniques. A basic understanding of rendering surface tones and textures will also be established.

1788   10:00a-3:05p W   AET 233   Coco D E

   10:00a-3:05p W   AET 233   Post D J

Above section 1788 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

ET 97, ADVANCED FIGURE IN MOTION    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 92.

This course is a continuation of the study of the animation of the figure in motion. Emphasis will be placed on the expression and fluidity of movement, composition, proportion, perspective, and the introduction of color. Character will be defined by the inclusion of detail, gesture, texture, and expression.

4232   4:30p-9:35p Th   AET 233   Karol-Crowther C I

Above section 4232 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.

The following classes are included in the Interactive Media Level II, 3-D Character Animation, and 2-D Animation programs which require passing a portfolio course (ET50i for interactive, ET50a for animation) or submitting a portfolio in lieu of the class. For more information, please call (310) 434-3700, or visit the Academy web site at http://academy.smc.edu/.

ET 16, INTERACTIVE DESIGN FOR WEB II    4 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 14 and 50i.

This advanced course builds on the fundamentals presented in ET 14, and focuses on the skills needed to make complete, commercial quality web sites. Working in teams, students will participate in a directed design and implementation of a medium size web site. Technical topics include Cascading Style Sheets, advanced page slicing, layer based menus, compatibility issues, optimization, testing, and incorporating audio/video. Other topics include client management, information design, production methodology, teamwork and budgeting. Students will also explore contemporary interactive design issues, and develop an individual interactive design project.

5:30p-9:35p M + Arrange-2 Hours    Frydman D I

ET 18A, STORYBOARDS I    2 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 50A.

This course covers techniques of storyboards for live action and animation. It explores uses of storyboards in planning commercials, television animated series and live action.

ET 18A is the same course as Graphic Design 72. Students may receive credit for one, but not both. Students seeking waiver of ET 50A prerequisite must submit the Academy Portfolio Challenge petition and portfolio.

12:30p-4:35p W   Schwartz D

ET 18B, STORYBOARDS II    2 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 18A and 50A.

This course continues the storyboard process by utilizing the tools and concepts learned in the beginning storyboard class and adding new techniques. Students will exercise their skills in the art of storyboarding to create more sophisticated and professional stories and storyboards. A review of storyboarding for TV commercials, features, and animated TV series and shorts will be included. Students will also explore the new areas for storyboarding in special effects, live action stunts, theme park rides, and web page designs.

5:30p-9:35p W   Keeshen J F

ET 19A, 2D ANIMATION I    2 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 50A.

This course introduces the basic principles of animation that are used as a foundation for the advanced animation and computer classes. The student will learn how to plan a scene for animation, which includes thumbnails, exposure sheets, layouts, staging and motion composition. Animation principles covered include stretch and squash, timing, anticipation, overlapping motion, follow through, lip synching, and animating to a beat.

ET 19A is the same course as Graphic Design 73. Students may receive credit for one, but not both. Students seeking waiver of ET 50A prerequisite must submit the Academy Portfolio Prerequisite Challenge petition and portfolio.

9:00a-1:05p T   Keeshen J F

ET 19B, 2D ANIMATION II    2 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 19A.

This course furthers the student’s knowledge in the principles of character acting and explores the world of special effects. Students will create advanced projects in character lip synching and gesturing. Timing and acting of character dialogue will be emphasized. The animation of effects depicting various weather conditions will be included. The history of character animation will be continued.

5:30p-9:35p Th   Nicola J I

ET 24, 3-D ANIMATION I    4 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 11 and 50A.

This introductory course provides a basic overview of the tools available in Alias/Wavefront’s Maya software package for the creation of 3D digital animation. Topics covered include modeling, character set-up, animation, shading, lighting and rendering. This course emphasizes the fundamental concepts of 3D digital animation as well as an understanding of the software. In addition to completing weekly exercises, students will apply the skills they learn to create an individual project.

1:00p-5:05p T + Arrange-2 Hours    Fria C T

5:30p-9:35p Th + Arrange-2 Hours    Jones J

ET 25, 3-D ANIMATION II: CHARACTER RIGGING    4 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 24.

The project begun in this course will be completed in ET 26.

This course begins a detailed overview of the production process used in creating digital character animation. Using Alias/Wavefront’s Maya software package, students will create an animated project from initial design to final character animation. Areas covered by this class include character modeling, previsualization, advanced character set-up and animation, facial animation, and soundtrack synchronization.

1:00p-5:05p Th + Arrange-2 Hours   Fria C T

5:30p-9:35p M + Arrange-2 Hours    Fria C T

ET 26, 3D ANIMATION III: RENDERING    4 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 25.

This course continues an overview of the digital animation process begun in ET 25.

Students will complete an animated project using Alias/Wavefront’s Maya software package. Advanced shading, lighting, rendering and compositing techniques will be covered. Students will also be introduced to topics such as particles, dynamics and scripting.

5:30p-9:35p W + Arrange-2 Hours   Fria C T

ET 30A , ANIMATION PROJECT 1    2 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 19B, 25

The project created in this course will be completed in ET 30B.

This course covers the design and pre-production of a faculty-supervised project for professional portfolio development. Students will develop an original animation project from initial concept to final models. Areas covered by this course will include story development, character and environment design, storyboarding, sound design, and animatics. The project created in this course will be completed in ET 30B.

2:00p-4:05p M   Fria C T

2:00p-4:05p M   Keeshen J F

ET 30B, 3D DIGITAL ANIMATION PROJECT 2   2 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 30A.

Project materials completed in ET 30A should be brought to the first class meeting.

This course continues the production of a faculty supervised project for professional portfolio development. Students will complete an original animation project begun in ET 30A. Areas addressed by this course include previsualization, animation, shading, and final output. Project materials completed in ET 30A should be brought to the first class meeting.

6:30p-9:35p T + Arrange-2 Hours    Fria C T

ET 36, WEB ANIMATION II    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 34.

This course focuses on advanced techniques in Flash, a vector-based graphic and animation package that creates advanced web-based applications that include scripted behaviors and interactions. Students learn advanced techniques for interactive scripting, web interface design, advanced visuals, games and motions graphics. Techniques for communicating between interactive application and the browser and/or server are also covered, The goal of this course is to provide professional level skills for web animation and interface development. Students will create a large final project incorporating advanced techniques discussed in the course.

6:30p-9:35p Th + Arrange-2 Hours    Kaman G

ET 40, DIGITAL AUDIO DESIGN   3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 11.

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of digital audio design and provide them with the basic tools to use the technology appropriately, creatively, and effectively. A large element of hands-on practical experience will be balanced by an emphasis on understanding the fundamental theoretical principles of the technology and its applications within the entertainment industry. Topics covered will include the basic characteristics and differences between analog and digital audio; principles of good audio design; the essential hardware and software tools of music production in a digital environment; characteristics and differences between the main digital audio formats; basic principles of sound waveform editing; and multi-track editing and recording techniques for multimedia and video integration.

9:00a-12:05p W + Arrange-2 Hours    Beasley F

6:30p-9:35p T + Arrange-2 Hours    Beasley F

ET 41, ADVANCED DIGITAL EDITING    3 UNITS

Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: ET 31 and 40.

The student will combine skills acquired in animation and interactive courses to design and add the sound tracks necessary to complete advanced projects. Sounds from live mike recordings, prerecorded elements and invented sounds using foley techniques will be included. The principles of sound sweetening and multi-track layering will be addressed, as well as multi-track compositing, mixing voice over, sound effects, and adding music to a master track. Students will also learn advanced digital video editing techniques, integrating video, animation, 3-D animation, and blue screen elements into a finished piece.

6:30p-9:35p Th + Arrange-2 Hours   Van Slyke D F

ET 51I, INTERACTIVE MEDIA LEVEL II PORTFOLIO    1 UNIT

• Prerequisite: ET 16.

This course is designed for advanced interactive students creating a professional portfolio. Students will create print and web portfolios that successfully present their graphic design, web sites, CD-ROM work, and/or web animation. Portfolio quality is emphasized for both content and presentation. Minimum standards of quality will be established for a successful portfolio.

6:00p-8:05p T   Pytlewski G L

Above section 4227 meets for 8 weeks, Apr 20 to Jun 8.

ET 90A, INTERNSHIP    1 UNIT

• Prerequisite: 2.0 grade point average and an approved internship with instructor prior to enrollment.

The Internship Program is designed to provide the student with on-site practical experience in a related field. Students spend a minimum of 60 hours during the term in a supervised facility. Exit internship evaluation, time log, and oral are required.

Arrange-3 Hours    Javelosa D A

ET 88A, INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY    1 UNIT

Transfer: CSU

Arrange-1 Hour    Javelosa D A

ET 90B, INTERNSHIP    2 UNITS

• Prerequisite: 2.0 grade point average and an approved internship with instructor prior to enrollment.

The Internship Program is designed to provide the student with on-site practical experience in a related field. Students spend a minimum of 120 hours during the term in a supervised facility. Exit internship evaluation, time log, and oral are required.

Arrange-6 Hours    Javelosa D A

ET 90C, INTERNSHIP    3 UNITS

• Prerequisite: 2.0 grade point average and an approved internship with instructor prior to enrollment.

The Internship Program is designed to provide the student with on-site practical experience in a related field. Students spend a minimum of 180 hours during the term in a supervised design facility. Exit internship evaluation, time log, and an oral are required.

Arrange-9 Hours    Javelosa D A

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