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.
4226 6:30p-9:35p M AET 235 Keeshen J F
Above section 4226 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.
4227 6:30p-9:35p Th AET 204 Gast M
Above section 4227 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.
2219 2:00p-5:00p M AET 107 Javelosa D A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2219 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4228 6:30p-9:35p W AET 107 Javelosa D A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4228 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.
2220 10:30a-1:35p T AET 107 Staff
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2220 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 15, 3D Game Prototyping 4 units
Transfer: CSU • Skills Advisory: Entertainment Technology 13, 24.
This course continues to cover the fundamentals of game design and prototyping as applied to the development of electronic media using 3D software authoring tools. The course will focus on software driven play mechanics to execute the system dynamics, as well as the formal and dramatic elements that go into electronic gaming. Lectures and demonstration will illustrate key concepts as found in the large variety of platforms and game genres. Topics also include authoring strategies and methodologies, resource management, stages of entertainment software development, and the business of the interactive entertainment industry. Students will become familiar with the integration of digital audio, character animation and 3D environments into a software engine prototype. Students will also learn digital authoring techniques for prototyping, playtesting, and revising their own original game concepts.
This course uses the Unreal Developer Network.
2221 2:00p-5:05p T AET 107 Staff
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2221 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.
2222 9:30a-1:35p W AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 2222 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4229 5:30p-9:35p T AET 102 Klautky E K
Above section 4229 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.
2223 9:30a-1:35p T AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 2223 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4230 5:30p-9:35p Th AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 4230 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.
4231 5:30p-9:35p W AET 102 Keeshen J F
Above section 4231 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.
2224 2:00p-6:05p T AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2224 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4232 5:30p-9:35p W AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4232 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.
2225 9:30a-12:35p Sat AET 108 Jones Joseph J
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 2225 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.
2226 2:00p-6:05p Th AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2226 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 25B, 3D Character Creation 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: Entertainment Technology 25.
This course covers digital character creation techniques from basic design principles to advanced digital sculpting techniques. The first part of the course explores the aesthetic and psychological aspects of design that will enable students to create compelling and original character and creature concepts. The second part of the course focuses on the technical aspects of creating characters in Maya. Students will advance from creating basic cartoon characters to high-end, film-ready creatures using fluids, hair, cloth, dynamics and digital sculpting tools to achieve the highest level of realism and energy in their digital sculptures.
This course uses Autodesk Maya and Pixologic ZBrush.
2227 9:30a-12:35p Sat AET 107 Ponce F
Above section 2227 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.
4233 5:30p-9:35p M AET 108 Fria C T
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4233 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.
2228 9:30a-12:35p Th AET 123 Eggert M L
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 2228 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4234 6:30p-9:35p F AET 123 Eggert M L
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4234 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.
2229 9:30a-12:35p F AET 123 Heaton W B
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 2229 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 32, Digital Compositing 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Skills Advisory: 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.
4235 6:30p-9:35p T AET 123 Uzan D
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 4235 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.
2230 9:30a-12:30p W AET 107 Rotblatt S J
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2230 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.
2231 9:30a-12:35p Th AET 107 Duganne J A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2231 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
4236 6:30p-9:35p T AET 107 Cameneti M A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 4236 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 or Graphic Design 64.
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.
2232 1:00p-4:05p Sat AET 108 Duganne J A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2232 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 40, Digital Audio Fundamentals 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 recording techniques for multimedia and video integration.
This course uses DigiDesign Pro Tools.
2233 9:00a-12:05p Sat AET 123 Beasley F
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2233 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
2234 9:30a-12:35p T AET 123 Javelosa D A
Arrange-2 Hours
Above section 2234 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 42, Principles of Game Development 3 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. This course will also cover the history of game platforms up to the most recent systems, and the expanded growth in Mobile, Casual, and Serious game development.
2235 9:30a-12:35p Th AET 102 Javelosa D A
Above section 2235 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
2236 2:00p-5:05p W AET 102 Javelosa D A
Above section 2236 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.
4237 6:30p-9:35p M AET 102 Javelosa D A
Above section 4237 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.
2237 2:00p-5:05p F AET 123 Heaton W B
Arrange-1 Hour
Above section 2237 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.
2238 Arrange-6.5 Hours ONLINE-E Poirier N P
Above section 2238 meets for 8 weeks, Aug 31 to Oct 23, and is a Distance Education course conducted over the Internet. Go to smconline.org for details.
4238 6:30p-9:35p T AET 235 Sito T R
Above section 4238 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 63, Digital Tracking and Integration 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Skills Advisory: 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.
4239 6:30p-9:35p Th AET 108 Williams V J
Above section 4239 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 64, Digital Effects I 3 units
Transfer: CSU • Skills Advisory: 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.
4240 6:30p-9:35p T AET 108 Campbell R
Above section 4240 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.
2239 Arrange-4 Hours ONLINE-E Nagel J G
Above section 2239 meets for 8 weeks, Aug 31 to Oct 23, and is a Distance Education course conducted over the Internet. Go to smconline.org for details.
2240 Arrange-4 Hours ONLINE-E Nagel J G
Above section 2240 meets for 8 weeks, Oct 26 to Dec 18, and is a Distance Education course conducted over the Internet. Go to smconline.org for details.
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 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 88B, Independent Studies in Entertainment Technology 2 units
Transfer: CSU
Please see “Independent Studies” section.
Arrange-2 Hours AET 227D 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.
4241 5:30p-9:35p Th AET 233 Brown S S
Above section 4241 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 92, Figure in Motion (3,3) 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.
4242 4:30p-9:35p W AET 233 Karol-Crowther C I
Above section 4242 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.
2246 9:30a-1:35p M AET 233 Post D J
Above section 2246 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.
ET 96, Costumed Figure Drawing (2.2) 2 units
Transfer: CSU • Prerequisite: None.
Students who successfully complete this course will learn to both understand and predict the physical correlation between the figure and its costume, acquiring in the process knowledge of the structural topology of draping. Attention will be given to the planar surface structure (tonal and directional) of draped fabric in relation to linear perspective and light source.
4243 5:30p-9:35p T AET 233 Robinson K C
Above section 4243 meets at the Academy of Entertainment and Technology, 1660 Stewart Street.