The following courses are open to enrollment by any student who has been accepted to the college except where prerequisites are indicated. Please call (310) 434-3700 or visit the Academy website at http://academy.smc.edu for information on admission to the Entertainment Technology program which offers courses in Animation, Game Development, Post Production, Visual Effects and Web Design. Internships are also available.
ET 2, Storytelling 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.
This introductory critical thinking class covers the fundamentals of storytelling and story structure. Students will explore a general history of storytelling, from its pictorial roots of cave paintings to its modern forms in entertainment media. This class includes an overview of different cultures and how these cultures use story to entertain and disseminate social values. Emphasis will be on how story is used in modern Western society and how storytelling impacts moral issues. Guest lectures from the entertainment industry will come to share with the class their ideas on storytelling in modern media. Students will learn to prepare and tell effective stories.
4244 6:30p–9:35p M AET 235 Keeshen J F
Above section 4244 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 3, Principles of Project Management 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.
Effective project management plays a key role in the execution and completion of interactive media projects. In this introductory course, students will learn step-by-step how a project develops and evolves through the project management process. Topics include planning, time management, risk management, team management, contract administration, and budgeting. Students will identify the components of a project management team, project manager roles and responsibilities, and organizational structures in interactive media. Case studies and problem solving will provide insight into practical applications of project management techniques.
4245 6:30p–9:35p Th AET 204 Elson M J
Above section 4245 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 11, Computer Skills for Digital Media 3 units
Transfer: CSU • 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.
2159 9:30a-12:35p Sat AET 103 MacGillivray I J
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2159 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4246 6:30p–9:35p T AET 107 Abode Jr P J
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4246 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 13, Game Prototyping 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Advisory: Entertainment Technology 42.
This computer-based course is focused on the design and implementation of successful prototypes for gaming platforms and the Internet. Students will learn the fundamentals of software authoring 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. Students will design and implement game and software titles that can be included in their portfolios.
This course uses the Gamemaker gaming engine.
2160 2:00p-5:05p T AET 106 Javelosa D A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2160 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 14, Web Design I 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Advisory: Entertainment Technology 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.
2161 2:00p-5:05p W AET 123 Cavanaugh J Y
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2161 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 16, Web Design II 4 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 14.
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.
4247 5:30p–9:30p W AET 107 Cavanaugh J Y
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4247 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 18, Storyboards 2 units
Transfer: CSU • Pre- or Corequisite: Entertainment Technology 2.
This introductory course explores the fundamentals of the storyboarding process used in the entertainment industry. Students will learn the basic principles of how story is applied to a visual medium. Through lectures, assignments and critiques, students will master the techniques of staging, composition and camera movement. The class will also analyze and discuss the various applications of storyboards in broadcast media, animated short and feature-length films, videogames and visual effects.
2163 1:00p-5:05p W AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 2163 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4248 5:30p–9:35p W AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 4248 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 19A, 2D Animation I 2 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.
This introductory course focuses on the basic principles of drawn animation. Through a series of lectures and projects, students will learn animation fundamentals such as squash and stretch, anticipation, follow through, overlapping action, arcs, timing and posing. The material covered in this class serves as a foundation for the advanced animation courses.
Entertainment Technology 19A is the same course as Graphic Design 74. Students may receive credit for one, but not both.
2164 9:30a-1:35p T AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 2164 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4249 5:30p–9:35p Th AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 4249 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 19B, 2D Animation II 2 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 19A, 92.
This course focuses on the underlying principles of character animation. Techniques such as timing, weight, anticipation, squash and stretch, overlapping action, exaggeration and staging are covered. Students will also be introduced to the basics of lip-synch and performance animation.
4250 5:30p–9:35p M AET 102 Nicola J I
Above section 4250 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 24, 3D Fundamentals 4 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 19A, 37.
This introductory course provides a basic overview of the tools used in the creation of 3D digital animation. Topics covered include modeling, character rigging, 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.
This course uses Autodesk Maya.
2165 9:00a-1:05p Sat AET 108 Jones Joseph J
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2165 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
2166 1:00p-5:05p M AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2166 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 24B, 3D Character Animation 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 19B, 24.
This course focuses on the basic principles of character animation as applied to 3D characters. Techniques such as posing, timing, weight, anticipation, squash and stretch, overlapping action, and staging are covered. Students will also be introduced to the basics of performance animation. In addition to completing weekly exercises, students will apply the skills they learn to create an individual project.
This course uses Autodesk Maya.
4251 6:30p–9:35p Th AET 108 Williams V J
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4251 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 25, 3D Modeling and Rigging 4 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 24.
This course begins a detailed overview of the production process used in creating digital character animation. Using the Autodesk 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. The project begun in this course will be completed in ET 26.
This course uses Autodesk Maya.
4252 5:30p–9:35p T AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4252 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 26, 3D Rendering 4 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 25.
This course continues an overview of the digital animation process begun in Entertainment Technology 25. Students will complete an animated project using Autodesk’s Maya software package. Advanced shading, lighting, rendering and compositing techniques will be covered.
Students will complete an animated project using Autodesk’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.
2167 2:00p-6:05p Th AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2167 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 30, Animation Project 4 units (4,4,4)
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 20, and 25.
This course covers the design and production of a faculty–supervised project for portfolio development. Students will develop an animated project from an original concept to final output. Areas covered by this course will include story development and design, modeling, rigging, animation and rendering. This course will enable students to develop an effective demonstration reel.
4253 5:30p–9:35p M AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4253 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 31A, Digital Video Fundamentals 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Advisory: Entertainment Technology 11.
This introductory course familiarizes students with the fundamental aspects of digital video production. Covering acquisition formats, authoring formats and delivery formats, the class provides a strong foundation for working with digital picture (both motion picture and still pictures) and digital sound in non-linear digital video post production. Topics will include digital vs. analog, time code, frame rates, frame size, frame aspect ratio, pixel aspect ratio, data transfer rates, key frames, NTSC and PAL television standards, image composition and acquisition, video capture and compression. The technical aspects of video hardware and computer hardware will also be covered.
2168 9:30a-12:35p F AET 123 Heaton W B
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 2168 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
2169 2:00p-5:05p Th AET 123 Eggert M L
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 2169 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4254 6:30p–9:35p F AET 123 Gerds E L
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4254 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 31B, Digital Video Editing 3 units
• Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 31A.
This course focuses on the fundamental techniques, skills, and theories of editing as well as the technical requirements for assembling a digital video project. Through a series of hands-on projects, students will put traditional theories of picture and sound editing into practice. The course will also cover the history of nonlinear editing and provide an overview of the post production process.
4255 6:30p–9:35p M AET 123 Eggert M L
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4255 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
NEW 4589 6:30p–9:35p F AET 123 Eggert M L
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4589 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 32, Digital Compositing 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 31A, 37.
Digital compositing is the process of digitally manipulating a combination of source images to produce a seamless whole. This course provides a complete overview of the compositing process as it is used in film/television, visual effects, and multimedia. Areas covered include image creation and manipulation techniques as well as design and color fundamentals. Through a series of exercises and projects, students will develop the aesthetic and technical skills necessary for integrating diverse visual elements into cohesive imagery.
4256 6:30p–9:35p T AET 123 Uzan D
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4256 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 34, Web Animation I 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Advisory: Entertainment Technology 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.
NEW 3240 9:30a–12:30p W AET 106 Roblatt S
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 3240 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4257 6:30p–9:35p M AET 106 Kasra M
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4257 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 36, Web Animation II 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 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.
4258 6:30p–9:35p Th AET 106 Kaman G
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4258 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 37, Digital Imaging for Design I 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Advisory: Entertainment Technology 11.
Using Adobe Photoshop, this computer class teaches students how to scan, manipulate, and enhance digital images for graphic reproduction and use on the web. Includes retouching, color adjustment and color correction techniques.
Entertainment Technology 37 is the same course as Graphic Design 64. Students may receive credit for one, but not both.
2170 2:00p-5:05p Th AET 106 Duganne J A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2170 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4259 6:30p–9:35p T AET 106 Cameneti M A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4259 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 38, Digital Imaging for Design 2 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 37.
Building on previously developed, advanced Photoshop skills, this course will navigate students through the more highly advanced features of the program to create and manipulate images specifically for use in multimedia, digital video, 2D animation, and 3D animation. Topics include intense and extensive investigations into alpha channel creation and development, lighting effects generation within alpha channels and layer effects, displacement and bump mapping techniques, texture mapping relating to alpha channel and creature surface decoration, and the utilization of techniques incorporating Illustrator and Photoshop together.
2171 1:00p-4:05p Sat AET 106 Duganne J A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2171 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 39, Digital Audio for Games 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Advisory: Entertainment Technology 11.
This Windows-based 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. The course will focus on audio for games, digital media, and electronic music implementation. Practical experience will be balanced by an emphasis on understanding the fundamentals of the technology and its applications within the interactive game industry. Topics covered will include principles of good audio design; the essential hardware and software tools of music production in a digital environment; characteristics and differences between various audio formats; basic principles of sound waveform editing; and recording techniques for interactive and video integration.
This course uses Sony Sound Forge, Vegas, and Acid Pro.
4260 6:30p–9:35p W AET 106 Javelosa D A
Above section 4260 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 40, Digital Audio Design 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Skills Advisory: Entertainment Technology 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.
This course uses DigiDesign Pro Tools.
2172 9:00a-12:05p Sat AET 123 Beasley F
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2172 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
2173 9:30a-12:35p T AET 123 Javelosa D A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2173 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 42, Principles of Game Development 2 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.
This course is an introductory overview of the electronic game development process that underlines the historical context, content creation strategies, and future trends in the industry. The course will also explain how games are produced, tested, and released.
2175 9:30a-11:35a Th AET 104 Javelosa D A
Above section 2175 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 44, Game Design/Play Mechanics 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Advisory: Entertainment Technology 42.
This course covers the fundamentals of game design. The focus is on building a solid understanding of play mechanics: the formal elements of play, the dramatic elements that make a game meaningful to its players, and the system dynamics that shape the overall experience. Lectures will use historical and current games and genres to illustrate key concepts. Topics include strategy and tactics, resource management, emergent complexity, puzzles and puzzle development, and the business of games. Students will learn the process of design through prototyping, playtesting and revising their own original game concepts.
4261 6:30p–9:35p M AET 117 Javelosa D A
Above section 4261 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 59, Motion Graphics II 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 58.
This course focuses on common professional uses of advanced motion graphics techniques. Areas covered include velocity controls and interpolation, spatial resolution and temporal resolution, expressions, parenting, advanced text animation, advanced plug-ins, keying, and color adjustment. Through the projects completed in this course, students will increase their creative and technical skills to develop their professional portfolio.
2177 2:00p-5:05p F AET 123 Heaton W B
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 2177 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. The influences of economics and social/political pressures on the art form will be examined. Included will be the study of individual animators and studios, big and small; different art techniques, materials 2D and 3D. The class will also examine the principles of movement and how they apply to the zoetrope as well as the computer.
Entertainment Technology 61 is the same as GR DES 74. Students may receive credit for one but not both.
2178 Arrange-6.5 Hours ONLINE-E Poirier N P
Above section 2178 meets for 8 weeks, Aug 27 to Oct 19, and is a Distance Education course conducted over the internet. For additional information, go to smconline.org (schedule of classes).
2179 Arrange-6.5 Hours ONLINE-E Davis J A
Above section 2179 meets for 8 weeks, Oct 22 to Dec 14, and is a Distance Education course conducted over the internet. For additional information, go to smconline.org (schedule of classes).
ET 63, Digital Tracking and Integration 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 24, 91.
This course focuses on the techniques of combining digitally created elements with live-action footage. Areas covered include camera tracking, matchmoving, rotoscoping, motion capture and green screen photography. Through a series of exercises and projects, students will learn to seamlessly integrate computer generated elements with digital video. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving as well as software training.
4262 6:30p–9:35p W AET 108 Williams V J
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4262 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 72, Career Exploration 2 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.
This course provides an overview of various career opportunities within the entertainment industry. By examining the production and postproduction processes of the animation, internet, videogame, film and television industries, students will be able to identify potential career paths. The course will investigate the skill requirements of entry-level career positions and assist students in preparing to apply for these positions.
2180 Arrange-4 Hours ONLINE-E Nagel J G
Above section 2180 meets for 8 weeks, Aug 27 to Oct 19, and is a Distance Education course conducted over the internet. For additional information, go to smconline.org (schedule of classes).
2181 Arrange-4 Hours ONLINE-E Nagel J
Above section 2181 meets for 8 weeks, Oct 22 to Dec 14, and is a Distance Education course conducted over the internet. For additional information, go to smconline.org (schedule of classes).
ET 88A, Independent Studies in Entertainment Technology 1 unit
Transfer: CSU
Please see “Independent Studies” section.
Arrange-1 Hour AET 227D Fria C T
Above section 2182 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
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 AET 227D Fria C T
Above section 2183 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
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 AET 227D Fria C T
Above section 2184 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
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 AET 227D Fria C T
Above section 2185 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 91, Perspective Drawing 2 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.
This course focuses on the principles of three-dimensional drawing. Emphasis is placed on fundamental concepts such as diminution, foreshortening, convergence and shading. Concepts such as horizon lines, vanishing points, and picture planes will be covered. Perspective drawing methods will be applied to rendering interiors, exteriors, objects and figures.
4264 5:30p–9:35p Th AET 104 Post D J
Above section 4264 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.
4265 4:30p–9:35p W AET 233 Karol-Crowther C I
Above section 4265 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.
2186 1:00p-5:05p Th AET 233 Post D J
Above section 2186 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.