Please see the section on Course Description Symbols and Terms in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Communication Design Course Offerings

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
CDES 101	Introduction to Communication	3.0	FS
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)
CDES 102	Principles of Communication Design	3.0	FS
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)
CDES 103	Writing for Electronic Media	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: ENGL 130I. An introduction to the styles and formats used in writing for radio, television, multimedia, and the Web. Writing includes commercials /public service announcements, news, and informational programming. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001638)
CDES 131	Visual Communication Concepts	2.0	FS
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)
CDES 141	Media Aesthetics	3.0	FS
This course will explore the elements of visual design as they apply to the production of video and film. An overview of visual literacy will be given, and the application of these elements to the critical analysis of video and film productions will be discussed. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher. 3 hours lecture. (001649)
CDES 198	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Department permission. This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (001658)
CDES 206	Introduction to Photography and Digital Imaging	3.0	FS
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)
CDES 216	Introduction to Digital Audio in Media	3.0	FS
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)
CDES 219	Social Media Technologies	3.0	FS
An exploration of the design and impacts of new technologies related to communication through social media. 3 hours lecture. (001772)
CDES 222	Basic Web Design	3.0	FS
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)
CDES 226	Introduction to Media Production	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 103, CDES 141, CDES 206, CDES 216. An introduction to audio and video preproduction, production and postproduction. Students apply concepts learned in lecture with a weekly activity in a multi-camera studio environment. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (021043)
CDES 230	Graphic Design Portfolio Review	1.0	FS
Prerequisites: ARTS 125, CDES 206, CDES 283, CDES 284 or faculty permission. Orientation to the visual portfolio process and review. Required for students in the CDES Visual Communication/Graphic Design sequence. Successful completion of the course with a grade of CR is necessary for entry into CDES 332, CDES 333, and CDES 334. Review of individual work by faculty committee. 2 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading. (001646)
CDES 261	Foundations of Electronic Media	3.0	FS
Discussion and analysis of the function, structure, organization, operation, regulation, and economics of the various telecommunication industries, including broadcasting, cable, independent production, and other related new technologies. Successful completion of this course for majors requires a grade of C or higher. Required for enrollment in upper-division Media Arts courses. 3 hours lecture. (001651)
CDES 271	Media and Learning	3.0	FS
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)
CDES 272	Media for Instruction and Training	3.0	FS
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)
CDES 281	Print Production	3.0	FS
An introductory survey of the printing, publishing, and packaging areas of graphic arts. Systems of digital printing, including inkjet, subliminal dye, dry toner, and liquid ink systems. Emphasis on industry organization and structure, printed products for mass distribution, and methods of graphic arts reproduction. 1 hour lecture, 2 hours discussion. (001650)
CDES 282	Digital Pre-publishing I	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 281, or faculty permission. Introduction to digital pre-publishing (print and WWW). Examination of document layouts and page makeup, including software applications. Proper use of type as alphanumeric symbols and concepts of character and paragraph formatting are stressed. The course includes an introduction to file importing techniques and strategies for complex document construction. This course is appropriate for students who want an understanding of introductory content creation techniques for publication. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001730)
CDES 283	Digital Print Production	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CDES 206. An introduction to 2D design, digital color, vector and raster images, typography, digital production and pre-press techniques. Students learn to prepare documents for printing, using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and In Design on the Macintosh computer platform. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (021059)
CDES 284	Basic Graphic Design	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CDES 222, CDES 283. For Graphic Design majors only. Introduction to the language, processes, principles and theories of contemporary graphic design, including computational, critical, systems and visual thinking. Students learn to create meaningful visual form in various contexts, using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and web languages (HTML, CSS, SVG) on the Macintosh computer platform. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001644)
CDES 303	Communication Criticism	3.0	FS	GW
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement. 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, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (001668)
CDES 307	Technology and Communication	3.0	FS	GE
Students 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 lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (001659)
CDES 311	Electronic Media Regulation	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 261 (with a grade of C or higher) or faculty permission. A review of the legal assumptions of telecommunication regulation; a review of the major legal issues, cases, and legislative acts which form the corpus of telecommunication regulation. 3 hours lecture. (001718)
CDES 313	Basics of Advertising Copywriting	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 103 or JOUR 260. An analysis of the role of the copywriter in the creation of media advertising. Emphasis on effective copywriting. Training in the creation of complete campaigns. Includes brief study of ethics and regulations of advertising. 3 hours lecture. (001666)
CDES 314	Rich Internet Media Design I	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: CDES 222. 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. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001773)
CDES 315	Electronic Media Economics	3.0	FA
An examination of the economic principles and concepts needed to understand the workings of the electronic media industries. Applications and examples are selected to illuminate current media trends. 3 hours discussion. (001757)
CDES 322	Advanced Web Design	3.0	FA
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)
CDES 327	Information Design	3.0	FS
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)
CDES 331	History of Graphic Design	3.0	FA
The course is designed to expose visual communication students to significant graphic forms, personalities, and movements. Students will relate symbolic, typographic, photographic, and illustrative imagery to informative and persuasive media. 3 hours discussion. (001670)
CDES 332	Experimental Letterpress Print	3.0	FA
Introduction of letter press printing, with an emphasis on using both traditional hand set type and computer-generated imaging technologies to expand approaches to creative thinking. Topics include paper specifications, fundamentals of ink and color mixing, operating and maintaining platen and cylinder hand presses, basic binding, and finishing operations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001669)
CDES 333	Human Factors	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 222, CDES 230. Exploration of the physical, cognitive, cultural, and social factors that shape audience contexts and the design of human computer interfaces. Students learn to identify design problems, research solutions, build prototypes, and evaluate their effectiveness through user testing. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001671)
CDES 334	Basic Typography	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 230. Introduction to typographic syntax, with an emphasis on the organization and visual structure of typographic information. Topics include principle of composition, form-counterform relationships, modular grids, proportion, and visual hierarchy. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001672)
CDES 337	Packaging	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CDES 333, CDES 334. To prepare the student to develop communication methodology for solving experimental packaging problems; to develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional package simulation techniques; to understand the marketing aspects of packaging, technical reproduction methods of packaging, and interface them with the visual media. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001682)
CDES 341	American Radio and Television	3.0	FA
This course examines the development of radio/television formats, programming types, ideology, and genres from historical and critical standpoints. The impact on cultural functions, political agendas, social judgment, art forms, and human communication will be addressed through interpretation of mediated content. 3 hours discussion. (001771)
CDES 342	Documentary Film	3.0	SP
The origins and major movements in the area of the documentary film. The various uses relating to propaganda, social problems, and personal insight. Production motivations in seeking the mass audience through documentary. Open to non-majors. 3 hours discussion. (001683)
CDES 343	Narrative Scriptwriting	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CDES 103. An advanced writing course for non-print media which provides experience in writing narrative scripts for television and film. Consideration will be given to format and style as well as aspects of dramatic structure. 3 hours lecture. (001721)
CDES 344	American Cinema	3.0	FA
Motion picture beginnings. How production, distribution, and use developed to make motion pictures a powerful medium for mass communication. The significance of the motion picture as an entertainment, education, information, and propaganda device meeting unique social needs and purposes. Open to non-majors. 3 hours lecture. (001677)
CDES 345	Media Production Management	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: CDES 366. This course is designed to acquaint the student with the responsibilities of the producer in all media productions. 3 hours discussion. (001761)
CDES 348	Programming and Audience Analysis	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: CDES 261 (with a grade of C or higher) or faculty permission. A thorough review of the basics of broadcast and online programming practices and theory including both qualitative and quantitative audience analysis. Programming for broadcast, cable, satellite, premium, public, and online media are discussed and analyzed. 3 hours lecture. (001762)
CDES 350	The Art of Cinema and Television	3.0	SP
This course is designed to foster appreciation for the art of cinema and television among students. Every year the course covers a different theme (a genre, a director, a TV series, a specific subject matter as explored in American TV and/or cinema). Through the study of cinema and television, the course explores stylistic, narrative, and cultural phenomena. The course also considers various critical approaches to film and television studies in order to examine media representations, artistic forms, and industrial practices. Through screenings, lectures, written assignments, and exams students become familiar with a variety of genres, auteurs, and TV texts. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (021613)
CDES 351	Global Media and Convergence	3.0	FA
The course explores distribution strategies adopted by international media industries in the era of globalization. Such strategies include: genre adaptation, content reformatting, audiovisual translation, and programming. 3 hours discussion. (020660)
CDES 352	Media Arts and Identity	3.0	SP
Examines the creation and propagation of representations of identity, such as sexuality, ethnicity, race, nationality and class within film, video and electronic arts. 3 hours discussion. (020661)
CDES 353	World Cinema	3.0	SP
Investigates the concept of world and national cinema within historical, economic, cultural, and theoretical contexts. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (020662)
CDES 362	Media Performance	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CDES 103, CDES 216. The skills and techniques of announcing in audio, slide tape, film, and video presentations. Areas covered include copy interpretation and the objective delivery of scripted and ad-lib material in a variety of audio, film, video, and live presentations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001715)
CDES 363	Broadcast News	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: CDES 103, CDES 216. Theory, practice, and techniques involved in gathering, writing, and reporting broadcast news. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001714)
CDES 365	Electronic Media Management	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CDES 261 (with a grade of C or higher) or faculty permission. The programming and management principles involved in the operation of telecommunication facilities. Course content includes sales, advertising, programming, legal and ethical management responsibilities, and other related topics. Industry professionals are frequent guest speakers. 3 hours lecture. (001717)
CDES 366	Field Video Production	3.0	FS
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)
CDES 389	Internship in Com Design	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (001736)
CDES 396	Intermediate Photography and Digital Imaging	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 206 (with a grade of C or higher). This course addresses photographic perception, creative process, and a more thorough investigation of narrative editing practices and techniques related to digital photography. Technical concepts include advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging processing for high-quality digital output. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001737)
CDES 398	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. Credit/no credit grading. (001739)
CDES 399	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (001740)
CDES 414	Rich Internet Media Design II	3.0	SP
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)
CDES 431	Publication Design	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 327, CDES 334. Creation of documents to affect audiences, including book, magazine, annual report, newsletter, and experimental formats. Includes publication formula, analysis, and relation to electronic platforms. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001753)
CDES 432	Sustainable Design	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: CDES 334. An introduction to the design of messages, artifacts, and experiences that integrate sustainable practices with graphic design. Students become familiar with the major sustainability principles frameworks and tools by applying them to hands on projects. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001755)
CDES 434	Advanced Typography	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 334. Introduction to typographic semantics, with an emphasis on the expression of meaning, experimentation, and discovery. Topics include contemporary typographic theory, font design, mixing messages, non-linear composition and sequence. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001673)
CDES 435	Corporate Design Systems	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CDES 333, CDES 334. Analysis, creation, and presentation of identity, branding, and licensing for corporate, government, education, medical, and non-profit organizations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001754)
CDES 436	Motion Design	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CDES 334. Introduction to time-based information design and kinetic typography, exploring relationships between music and typographic composition for new media. Topics include historical relationships between music and typography, form and space, hierarchy and structure, texture and depth, time and movement. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001681)
CDES 437	Advanced Graphic Design	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 327, CDES 334. An advanced study of contemporary design issues, concerning the application of design process and theory to complex problem-solving across multiple contexts. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021023)
CDES 439	Presentation and Practice	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 431, CDES 434. The course focuses on business aspects of graphic design and developing a portfolio for presentations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001797)
CDES 459	Mass Communication Design Seminar	3.0	SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing. This seminar is the capstone course for the Option in Mass Communication Design. It is intended to provide students with an intensive collaborative experience in critique of the design of mass communication channels, programs, and artifacts. 3 hours seminar. (020659)
CDES 461	Media Industry Career Workshop	3.0	FS
Prerequisite: Senior standing. This is the capstone course for all students in the Media Arts Option. Students prepare a professional portfolio of work, a resume and learn about other employment issues. Students also complete an advanced collaborative media project. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. (020556)
CDES 463	Cinematography	3.0	FA
Prerequisite: CDES 366. This course introduces both the theoretical and practical applications of cinematography. Students become attuned to light and shadow, learn basic camera and lighting systems, organization of these systems, and the visual thought process of cinematography. 3 hours discussion. (021045)
CDES 464	Advanced Video Editing	3.0	SP
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)
CDES 465	Directing for Film & Television	3.0	FA
Prerequisite: CDES 366. This course focuses on the theoretical and aesthetic challenges faced by the director. Strategies for preparing actors, character development and casting are addressed and workshops provide students with practical experience in staging dramatic narrative scenes. Students further their visual skills and learn to shape and craft screen performances by gaining a thorough understanding of the actor's language and technique. 3 hours discussion. (021044)
CDES 466	Studio Video Production	3.0	FA
Prerequisite: 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)
CDES 468	Video Production Workshop	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: CDES 366. Selected video production projects involving advanced techniques not covered in other production courses, including integration of other media forms into complete video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001759)
CDES 473	Design and Development of Instructional Products	3.0	FA
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)
CDES 489	Communication Design Intern	1.0 -12.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is an internship offered for 1.0-12.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. The internship is a program designed to provide the student with occupational experience within the industrial environment in the information and communication profession prior to graduation. The internship is designed as a transition to professional practice wherein the student will work full-time within an industrial firm for a length of time to be established between the cooperating firm, the intern, and California State University, Chico. The student will experience a wide range of industrial situations, conditions, and practice. Students will serve their internship under the direct supervision of a practicing member of the profession. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. (001788)
CDES 496	Applied Photography and Digital Imaging	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: CDES 396 with a grade of C or higher or faculty permission. This course addresses the development and execution of a single photography project culminating in a final portfolio. Individual research on historic and contemporary photo-practices is expected. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001794)
CDES 498	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours supervision. (001798)
CDES 499	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (001799)
CDES 697	Independent Study	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001811)
CDES 698	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Department permission. This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. (001810)
CDES 699P	Master's Project	3.0	FS
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (001812)
CDES 699T	Master's Thesis	3.0	FS
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (001813)