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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.

Media Arts, Design, and Technology Course Offerings

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 introduction to design thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation. Using methodologies or user-centered design, observational research, rapid prototyping, collaboration and system, this course explores creative problem solving. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (001637)
Prerequisite: ENGL 130W.
An introduction to the styles, formats and creative approaches used in writing for radio, television, film, and new media. Writing and pitching exercises include radio and television commercials, public service announcements, news, journalism, and long form screenwriting. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Writing Course. (001638)
This introductory symposium offers an overview of the media arts program and explores the latest developments in the media industries across a wide variety of professional paths. 1 hour lecture. (021931)
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 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)
Prerequisite: MADT 141.
An introduction to audio and video preproduction, production and postproduction. Students apply concepts learned in lecture with a weekly activity in video production and post production. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. Formerly MADT 226. (021043)
Prerequisite: 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)
This course is also offered as CHLX 203.
Viewing and analysis of Latinx and Chicanx films, from classics to contemporary popular and critical hits. Feature and documentary films are discussed in sociopolitical context and as cultural production. Special attention is paid to intersections between race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, socio-economic class, and other facets of Latinx identities. 3 hours lecture. (021921)
This course is an introduction to the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of commercial 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 for commercial use. 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)
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. 3 hours discussion. (001652)
This course provides students with an appreciation for aesthetic values, the knowledge of photographic techniques, the personal and social responsibility involved in dealing with publishing online content, and the overall sensibility that pertains to artistic minds. The course offers students the ability to create content affected by both their subjectivity and the cultures that surround them, and teach them the social implications of the use of technology in an increasingly mediated world. Student demonstrate knowledge of the application of visual communication, including: understanding subjectivity within online social communities, elements of netiquette, and the implications of cultural (and visual) representation. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (021673)
This course begins with the study of the construction of the single still and moving frame (rhetoric of the image) and then expands into the construction of language between frames (editing: the alignment of frames as a sentence) and finally ends with the use of sound design to counterpoint or support visuals. The focus of this class is to develop comprehension of cinematic language and synthesize this comprehension in the creation of the students' own media. Students are also able to evaluate the social and ethical implications of the use of online motion media in an increasingly global world. 3 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (021672)
An exploration of the design and impacts of new technologies related to communication through social media. 3 hours lecture. (001772)
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)
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)
Prerequisites: MADT 103W, MADT 146, MADT 216. For CAGD majors: CAGD 112, MADT 103W, MADT 141, MADT 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. Formerly MADT 366. (001720)
changed to MADT 372 - 021976. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001640)
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)
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. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021059)
Prerequisites: MADT 206, MADT 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 laboratory. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001644)
Prerequisites: ARTS 122, ARTS 123, ARTS 125, MADT 222, MADT 284 or faculty permission.
Orientation to the visual portfolio process and review. Successful completion of the course with a grade of CR is necessary for entry into MADT 327 and MADT 334. Review of individual work by faculty committee. 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. Credit/no credit grading. Formerly MADT 230. (001646)
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement.
Study of various approaches to the critical examination of communication. Application of principles to selected texts. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Media Arts, Design, and Technology. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (001668)
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 103W or JOUR 260W.
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 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)
Prerequisite: MADT 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)
Prerequisite: MADT 285 and MATH 105.
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)
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)
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 285.
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 334.
This course focuses on the planning and organizing of the material and immaterial components of a service in order to improve the quality of interaction between service provider and customers. Students will combine strategic thinking with visualization skills to make ideas tangible. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021951)
Prerequisites: MADT 285.
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)
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
The origins and major movements in the area of the documentary film. Students produce a documentary including research, screenwriting, development, preproduction, production and post-production. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001683)
Prerequisite: MADT 103W.
An advanced writing course on developing and authoring original screenplays for the television and film industries. Industrial processes of screenwriting are also examined including pitching, treatments, coverage, format, style, and other aspects of dramatic narrative structure. 3 hours lecture. (001721)
The course offers a survey of American film from historical, industrial, cultural, and stylistic perspectives. In Fall, the content of the course focuses on the beginnings of cinema until the 1950's; in Spring, the content of the course focuses on the 1960's to the present. Readings and screenings explore key American directors, genres, film movements, and technological advancements in relation to industrial and cultural shifts. Open to non-majors. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001677)
Prerequisite: MADT 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)
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. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (021613)
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)
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)
Investigates the concept of world and national cinema within historical, economic, cultural, and theoretical contexts. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (020662)
Prerequisites: CAGD 112, CAGD 180 for CAGD majors; JOUR 255 or 255W, JOUR 260W for JOUR majors; MADT 206 for MADT majors.
This course is also offered as CAGD 358, JOUR 358.
This professional skills and technology course teaches students in media, entertainment, and technology fields about new and emerging trends in media and entertainment technologies, including, but not limited to, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Photogrammetry, LIDAR scanning, 360 degree photo-scanning, and Motion Capture. The course is focused on the exploration of emerging technologies, as it applies to the various industries in media and entertainment, including, but not limited to, journalism, storytelling, and game development. 3 hours discussion. (021966)
Prerequisites: MADT 103W, MADT 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)
Prerequisites: MADT 103W, MADT 216.
Theory, practice, and techniques involved in gathering, writing, and reporting broadcast news. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001714)
Prerequisite: MADT 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, media analytics, advertising, programming, legal and ethical management responsibilities, and other related topics. Industry professionals are frequent guest speakers. 3 hours lecture. (001717)
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. (021963)
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. (021976)
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 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 commercial digital photography. Technical concepts include advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging processing for high-quality commercial digital output. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001737)
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)
Prerequisite: 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)
Prerequisite: MADT 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)
Prerequisite: MADT 335.
Sustainable Design is an introduction to the design of messages, artifacts, experiences, and services that integrate sustainable practices with graphic design. Students become familiar with the major sustainability principles/theories frameworks and tools and apply them to hands-on projects. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001755)
Prerequisites: MADT 334.
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. Formerly MADT 333. (001671)
Prerequisite: MADT 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)
Prerequisite: MADT 285.
Analysis, creation, and presentation of identity, branding, and licensing for corporate, government, education, medical, and non-profit organizations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001754)
Prerequisite: MADT 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)
Prerequisite: MADT 434.
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 433.
This course is a comprehensive design course allowing students to apply systems and methodologies gained from earlier courses and projects to solve real-world, pragmatic design problems. Students begin with analysis of their design strengths and weaknesses, personal interests, and career goals. From that base we develop a growth plan for each individual's design work. The main task in the course is to identify an area of research, discuss its relationship to graphic design, plan and execute a multifaceted of visual communication. Student address social, environmental, political, linguistic, philosophical, and cultural issues through an independent, self-authored graphic design project that requires experimentation, adaptability, and specialization. Upon graduation students are expected to have development a refined, intelligent, and professional body of work. 3 hours discussion. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021988)
Prerequisite: MADT 434.
The course focuses on business aspects of graphic design and developing a portfolio for presentations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Writing Course. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001797)
Prerequisites: MADT 103, MADT 343.
This advanced, writing-intensive screenwriting course focuses on the completion of an original, feature length sample screenplay. Students pitch, develop, and complete one screenplay over the semester including participation in collaborative exercises, character arcs, narrative structure, action descriptions, and dialogue seminar workshops. 3 hours seminar. (021950)
Prerequisites: CAGD 112, CAGD 180 for CAGD majors; JOUR 255 or JOUR 255W, JOUR 260W for JOUR majors; MADT 206 for MADT majors.
This course is also offered as CAGD 458, JOUR 458.
This professional skills and technology project-based course engages students in new and emerging technologies in media and entertainment through applied projects requiring students to work in multidisciplinary teams to create completed visual content projects. The course is focused on the application of new and emerging technologies with relevance in various media and entertainment industries, including, but not limited to, journalism, storytelling, and game development. 3 hours discussion. (021969)
Prerequisite: MADT 303W.
This seminar is intended to provide students with an intensive collaborative experience in media criticism with the main goal of fostering student research and producing a strong final academic paper. 3 hours seminar. (020659)
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. This is an approved Writing Course. (020556)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 266.
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)
Prerequisite: MADT 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)
Prerequisite: MADT 285 or 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)
Prerequisite: MADT 396 with a grade of C or higher or faculty permission.
This course addresses the development and execution of a single commercial 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)
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)
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)
Prerequisite: 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)
Prerequisite: 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)
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)
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)
Catalog Cycle:19