Computer Graphics is an exciting option within the Elk Grove High School Technology & Digital Arts Academy. This area of study will provide an in-depth view into the multi-media design field. Students will receive a broad overview of computer software programs (currently Microsoft Office, Apple's iLife, and Adobe Creative Suite) through an exciting range of courses starting in their freshman year. They will start with basic principles of design and learn how to carry them through to final production. Students will gain knowledge of how to apply their problem-solving skills to the world of multi-media. Interested? Fill out the application and become part of this unique academy at Elk Grove High School! After their freshmen year the students will need to decide which direction in the Academy they are going to pursue Computers and Graphic Design or Digital Photo. COMPUTER GRAPHICS PROGRAM Freshman - Computers & Graphic Design I Sophomore - Digital Art and Computer Graphics Junior - Computers & Graphic Design II Junior - Digital Cinema Senior - ROP/Computer Graphics (2 hours) FRESHMAN YEAR Computers and Graphic Design I This course is designed to introduce basic computer use and operation, as well as the elements and principles of design. Students will have the opportunity to work with computers and a variety of software such as Abobe, Microsoft and the iLife Suite of products. Emphasis will be on creativity, originality, technique, meeting the needs of the client, and task completion. Students will also be introduced to design terminology, the history of design, as well as the development of aesthetic judgment. Large project based learning skills will be implemented. This course fulfills the district technology proficiency requirement and meets the CSU Visual and Performing Arts requirement and the UC elective requirement. SOPHOMORE YEAR Digital Art and Computer Graphics This course allows students to study and practice several areas of contemporary graphic production and illustration with a strong emphasis on computer-generated art and graphics. This course is intended for students who can work at an independent and mature level. Students will be working with current software, hardware and graphic technologies and will learn about career opportunities in the graphic arts. Basic computer use and operation as well as the basic elements of art and the principles of design will be studied. In addition, art history, art appreciation, art criticism and judgment will be included in the course of study. This course meets the graduation requirement, technology requirement, and the UC and CSU Visual and Performing Arts requirements. This course is eligible to receive College credit (ACE Accelerated College Entrance, CSUS 3 units). JUNIOR YEAR** **Student can elect to take a second Academy Tech class their junior year if they are able to fulfill all graduation requirements. This is encouraged and may require one of the following: a) Taking a summer school course that fulfills the graduation requirement b) Taking a course at CRC that fulfills the graduation requirement c) Taking a zero period that fulfills the graduation requirement in addition to the regularly scheduled classes Computers and Graphic Design II A survey course designed to familiarize students with basic understanding of the digital hardware, software, and vocabulary, utilized by visual artists from a variety of disciplines. Students will complete assignments using a variety of applications, which may include page layout, illustration, digital image processing and rendering software. Large project based learning skills will be implemented. Careers in this field will also be explored in this class and students will be encouraged to meet the graphic arts needs of the campus by creating posters, signs, publication design and other arts services as requested. Digital Cinema *Optional This hands-on course is designed as an introduction to digital video editing and movie making. This is an introduction to the technical and conceptual aspects of DV cinematography through short format filmmaking. Students will create stories on digital media utilizing a variety of software. They will gain practical experience in camera and editing techniques, screen writing, directing, storyboarding, analyzing and critiquing movies filmmaking. The purpose of the course is to produce films that tells stories. Between the summer of the Junior and Senior year direct observation and supervised internships will be offered to those who qualify to increase student understanding of the nature and scope of agency operations and giving students orientation in occupational specialties. SENIOR YEAR ROP Computers and Graphic Design This course continues to expand the development of skills learned in the Graphic Design and Cinema course with a focus on conceptual thinking and problem solving in relationship to multi-media design. Emphasis placed on understanding and evaluating information, learning the value of research and creating symbolism for idea driven design. Large project based learning skills will be implemented. Careers in this field will also be explored in this class and students will be encouraged to meet the graphic arts needs of the campus by creating posters, signs, publication design and other arts services as requested.