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The Bachelor of Science in Instructional Design and Technology

Admissions to the BS in Instructional Design and Technology is currently suspended. Please contact the Communication Design Department office to learn the current status of this program.

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Requirements: 48 units

See General Education Requirements in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Requirements and course offerings.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See "Diversity Requirement" in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education Requirements.

U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals: 6 units

See "U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals" under "Bachelor's Degree Requirements". This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155 or approved equivalents. Courses used to satisfy this requirement do not apply to General Education.

Literacy Requirement:

See Math and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 53 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Major Core Program: 18 units

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course is also offered as JOUR 101.
This course teaches the concepts, history, and applications of communication. The implications and ethical issues of media and the communication process are covered. 3 hours lecture. (001636)
An introductory survey course demonstrating the methods and principles common to the communication design disciplines, including problem-solving, composition, idea generation, and storytelling. 3 hours lecture. (001637)
Prerequisites: ENGL 130.
An introduction to the styles and formats used in writing for radio, television, multimedia, and the Web. Writing includes commericals/public service announcements, news, and informational programming. 3 hours lecture. (001638)
This course is an introduction to the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of digital photography. Emphasis is placed on developing visual competence in the creation and consumption of lens-based imagery. Course content includes the basics of camera and digital production techniques for color and black and white photographs that are produced as exhibition-quality prints and on-screen imagery. Includes a broad-based survey of photo history, contemporary theory, and current issues related to the practice of photography. Open to non-majors. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001654)
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.
Study of various approaches to the critical examination of communication. Application of principles to selected examples. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Communication Design. 2 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (001668)
Prerequisites: CDES 102.
Students will acquire a qualitative understanding of how various information and communication technologies work, the social needs that drive technology developments, and the future impact of new information technologies on work and society. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Communication Design. 3 hours discussion. (001659)

Additional Units Required: 35 units

Instructional Design: 18 units

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
An introduction to the application of media and learning theories that emphasize efforts and practices on designing, developing, delivering, and assessing the effects of digital media on the development of consumers' knowledge, perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. The understanding and awareness of the impact of media on both intentional and incidental learning will be explored. 3 hours discussion. (001684)
Prerequisites: CDES 271 or concurrent enrollment or faculty permission.
Students taking the course for the Minor in Education should request faculty permission. An introduction to the area of media for instruction and training. The course is divided into three general areas: (1) Hardware; (2) Theory; (3) Application. Students will design and carry out plans for actual use of media in teaching and learning situations. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001640)
Prerequisites: CDES 272.
Application of systematic instructional design and development techniques. The student functions as an instructional planner and performs key instructional design/product development tasks such as assessing instructional needs and developing detailed design specification, prototypes and final instructional products. Emphasis on developing products for incorporation into an instructional design portfolio. 3 hours discussion. (001776)
Prerequisites: CDES 373 or faculty permission.
Theory and practice of evaluation as it relates to instructional products and programs. Consideration of formative and summative evaluation techniques that are particularly applicable to instructional technology, including peer and expert review, pilot testing, and cost-benefit analysis. Examination of sampling techniques and measurement methods that support the evaluation effort. 3 hours discussion. (001780)
Prerequisites: CDES 373.
Theoretical frameworks and strategic approaches to analyzing the source of human/organizational performance problems are discussed. Emphasis on analytical approaches to needs analysis that result in recommended interventions to solve performance problems such as training, organizational development, and workplace redesign. 3 hours seminar. (001775)
Prerequisites: CDES 373.
An overview of the scholarly theory, research literature and application of the field of instructional technology. Classic models and theories about instruction, learning, perception, systems and communication are examined. Research findings that have potential applications in the design, production or delivery of instruction are featured. Micro-theories such as component display theory and elaboration theory, which have particular relevance to instructional design, are considered. 3 hours discussion. (001686)

Technical Skills: 5 units

2 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Visual communication is explored through images which audiences view. Includes graphic design methodology, layout, typography, symbolism, and grid systems developed from thumbnail through comprehensive. For non-Graphic Design majors only. 1 hour lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001643)
This course provides a theoretical and practical knowledge of digital audio productions techniques for radio, video, and multimedia. Particular emphasis is placed on audio for video and production strategies for effective communication in audio. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001652)

Media Emphasis: 6 units

2 courses selected from:

Select both courses from one of the following groups.

Video Group

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: CDES 226, CDES 261. For APCG majors: APCG 112, CDES 103, CDES 141, CDES 216.
Theory and techniques of video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of electronic field video production. The course includes all pre-production, production, and post-production videotape editing elements related to the production of all video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001720)
Prerequisites: CDES 366.
Involves complicated and detailed editing of video-based materials using digital and analog linear and nonlinear video editing procedures and techniques. 3 hours discussion. (001758)
Prerequisites: CDES 366.
Theory and techniques of color video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of video production. This course includes pre-production and production elements related to the production of all video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001719)

Multimedia Group

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Introduction to hypertext markup language (HTML), Web standards, and the Web publication process. Includes practical exercises in the creation and publication of Web pages and the construction of coherent Web sites. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001660)
Prerequisites: Basic computer literacy, faculty permission.
A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 3 hours discussion. (001773)
Prerequisites: CDES 222.
Modern Web technologies for the production and publication of Web pages and sites. Production of client-side and server-side dynamic Web pages to accept user input and retrieve information from databases. Style sheets for controlling Web page appearance. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001742)
Prerequisites: CDES 314.
Project-based course designed to develop the student's ability to function as a multimedia development team member. Emphasis on design and development of multimedia programs for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. 3 hours discussion. (001774)

Additional Courses: 6 units

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
An exploration of the design and impacts of new technologies related to communication through social media. 3 hours lecture. Formerly CDES 319. (001772)
Examines the use of computer systems and technology in expanding and improving traditional communication methods. The role of computers in production and distribution of mass media forms will be studied as well as implications for individualizing information and communication modules with large automated information data bases connected to terminals in the home or office. Telecommunication networks using satellites, fiber-optics, packet switching burst communication transmissions will be explored. 3 hours discussion. (001786)
Prerequisites: CDES 230.
Introduction to typographic and diagramatic information design with an emphasis on improving the accessibility and usability of complex data for print and interactive media. Topics include principles of visual and typographic composition, visual perception and cognition, visual symbols, visual representations of hierarchical structures and quantitative information, interaction and navigation in visual interface design. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001750)
Using a combination of theory and application, this course focuses on the human side of organizations, including issues of 1) making good decisions, 2) enhancing performance, 3) steering through a turbulent global environment, 4) combining and unifying multiple business functions and 5) enabling change. Students gain an understanding of management and how and why organizations are structured. The themes of quality, technology, ethics, and adaptation are emphasized. 3 hours lecture. (005704)
This course surveys human resource management practices needed for effective performance by every manager and employee. The focus of the course is on processes used to effectively recruit, select, develop, evaluate, reward, and ensure the safety of employees in order to attract and retain the best possible workforce in any organization. This course provides students with an understanding of workforce diversity, investigates ethical issues, and explores the international context of HRM. 3 hours lecture. (005690)
A survey of the principles and theories of learning. Examples of the applications of these will be given. 3 hours discussion. (007928)
Prerequisites: A course in developmental psychology, faculty permission.
Applications of principles of the psychology of human learning and development and counseling to educational practice. Prospective teachers analyze their motivations, personal value systems, role conceptualizations, and self-attitudes in relation to demands of the teaching profession. Concepts of emotional, social, and cognitive development as well as of childhood learning and motivation are applied to development of learning experiences for elementary school children. Enrollment is restricted to second-semester juniors, seniors, and graduates. 3 hours seminar. (007900)
Psychological principles and practices in industrial and business settings. 3 hours lecture. (007967)

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

  1. You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
  2. You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
  3. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  4. Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  5. Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
  6. Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

Students may apply for admission to the Honors in the Major Program in the College of Communication and Education. In addition to other specific requirements, each Honors student will conduct and publicly present an original research project. Consult the honors advisor in the College of Communication and Education for specific details.

Catalog Cycle:11