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.
4268 6:30p-9:35p M AET 235 Keeshen J F
Above section 4268 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.
4269 6:30p-9:35p Th AET 204 Gast M W
Above section 4269 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.
2130 9:30a-12:35p T AET 107 Abode Jr P J
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2130 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
2131 2:00p-5:05p W AET 107 Javelosa D A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2131 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.
2132 2:00p-5:05p T AET 107 Javelosa D A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2132 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.
2133 2:00p-6:05p W AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 2133 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4270 5:30p-9:35p T AET 102 Nicola J I
Above section 4270 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.
NEW 3259 9:00a-1:05p F AET 102 Brown S S
Above section 3259 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
2134 9:30a-1:35p T AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 2134 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4271 5:30p-9:35p Th AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 4271 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.
4272 5:30p-9:35p M AET 102 Nicola J I
Above section 4272 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 20, Visual Development 3 units
• Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 2, 18, 91, 94.
This course explores the pre-production process used in the entertainment industry. Students will learn how to visually develop an idea for production. Areas covered by this course include story/concept development, art direction, writing, storyboarding, layout, sound design, and timing. Students will create an individual
story bible, style guide and animatic based on an assigned theme. The course will also examine the differences in film, broadcast and video game production, and their impact on the design process.
4273 6:30p-9:35p W AET 102 Keeshen J F
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4273 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.
2135 9:00a-1:05p Sat AET 108 Jones Joseph J
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2135 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4274 5:30p-9:35p T AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4274 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.
NEW 4577 6:30p–9:35p Th AET 108 Williams V J
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4577 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.
2136 1:00p-5:05p M AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2136 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.
2137 2:00p-6:05p Th AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2137 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.
4275 5:30p-9:35p M AET 108 Fria C T
Above section 4275 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.
This course uses Apple Final Cut Pro and Avid Express.
2138 9:30a-12:35p Th AET 123 Eggert M L
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 2138 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4276 6:30p-9:35p F AET 123 Gerds E L
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4276 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.
2139 9:30a-12:35p F AET 123 Heaton W B
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 2139 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4277 6:30p-9:35p M AET 123 Eggert M L
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4277 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.
4278 6:30p-9:35p T AET 123 Uzan D
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4278 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.
2140 9:30a-12:35p W AET 107 Rotblatt S J
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2140 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.
4279 6:30p-9:35p Th AET 107 Kaman G
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4279 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.
2141 1:00p-4:05p Sat AET 107 Duganne J A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2141 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4280 6:30p-9:35p T AET 107 Cameneti M A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4280 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.
2142 9:30a-12:35p Th AET 107 Duganne J A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2142 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.
2143 9:30a-12:35p T AET 123 Javelosa D A
Above section 2143 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
2144 9:30a-12:35p Sat AET 123 Beasley F
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2144 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4281 6:30p-9:35p W AET 123 Javelosa D A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4281 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 41, Advanced Digital Editing 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 31B, 40.
In this course students will combine skills acquired in the advanced digital media courses to design and implement sound for their portfolio projects. Areas covered include live audio recording, working with prerecorded audio elements, and inventing sounds using foley techniques. The principles of sound sweetening and multi-track layering will be addressed, as well as multi-track compositing. Students will also learn advanced digital video editing techniques of integrating video and audio elements into a finished piece.
2145 9:30a-12:35p M AET 123 Beasley F
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2145 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.
2146 9:30a-11:35a Th AET 104 Javelosa D A
Above section 2146 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.
4282 6:30p-9:35p M AET 202 Javelosa D A
Above section 4282 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 58, Motion Graphics I 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 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.
2147 2:00p-5:05p F AET 123 Heaton W B
Above section 2147 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.
2148 Arrange-6.5 Hours ONLINE-E Poirier N P
Above section 2148 meets for 8 weeks, Feb 11 to Apr 04, and is a Distance Education course conducted over the internet. For additional information, go to smconline.org (schedule of classes).
2149 Arrange-6.5 Hours ONLINE-E Nagel J G
Above section 2149 meets for 8 weeks, Apr 14 to Jun 06, and is a Distance Education course conducted over the internet. For additional information, go to smconline.org (schedule of classes).
ET 64, Digital Effects I 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 24, 94.
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.
4284 6:30p-9:35p F AET 108 Campbell R
Above section 4284 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.
2150 Arrange-4 Hours ONLINE-E Nagel J G
Above section 2150 meets for 8 weeks, Feb 11 to Apr 04, and is a Distance Education course conducted over the internet. For additional information, go to smconline.org (schedule of classes).
ET 84B, Special Topics – 3D Animation 1 unit
• Prerequisite: ET 24.
This short hands-on course allows students to focus on areas of specific interest that relate to the 3D production process. Students will work with the instructor to design projects that increase their skill with the Autodesk Maya software program.
NEW 3205 1:00p-5:05p Sat AET 106 Ponce F
Above section 3205 meets for 8 weeks, Feb 16 to Apr 05, at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 88A, Independent Studies in Entertainment Technology 1 unit
Transfer: CSU
Please see “Independent Studies” section.
Arrange-1 Hour AET Fria C T
Above section meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 88B, Independent Studies in Entertainment Technology 2 units
Please see “Independent Studies” section.
Arrange-4 Hours AET Fria C T
Above section meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 90A, Internship 1 unit
Transfer: CSU • 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 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 90B, Internship 2 units
Transfer: CSU • 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 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 90C, Internship 3 units
Transfer: CSU • 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 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.
4285 5:30p-9:35p Th AET 233 Brown S S
Above section 4285 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.
4286 4:30p-9:35p W AET 233 Karol-Crowther C I
Above section 4286 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 94, Color Theory and Application 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.
2157 2:00p-6:05p T AET 233 Post D J
Above section 2157 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.