CTE Pathways: Arts, Media, & Entertainment

For the creative, a career in the arts, media or entertainment industries provides an opportunity to make a living that revolves around talents and passions. It can be a competitive field, so getting a head start in growing and honing skills is key. Using industry-standard tools and professional techniques, students will finish their courses ready to join the workforce or take their next education steps.

Graphic Design Pathway

Put your artistic talents to work with a career in graphic design. Learn the fundamentals of design and typography and how to utilize those principles using industry-standard software. Design logos, illustrations, ad campaigns and more. Discover what career path is best for you in the graphic design industry.

Courses

YEAR 1: Graphic Design I

Course Description

Jump into the world of graphic design by gaining experience in the most commonly used tools in the industry. Students will learn the importance of design as a method of communication, the building blocks of art and design, the impact of typography, foundational skills of image retouching and digital illustration creation and relevant design history. By the end of the course, students will build a professional portfolio and understand the different careers available to them before taking the next steps.

YEAR 2: Graphic Design II

Course Description

Move ever closer to a career in graphic design with this advanced capstone course. Growing skills past the basics, students will apply their knowledge in exercises and assignments that build their portfolios. From logo design to branding kits to ad campaigns, students will be eager to update their portfolios at the end of the course. In addition, students will create a plan to earn an industry certification that aligns with their career goals.

For More Information

Contact:

Chris Herrera, Teacher
cherrera@dusd.net

Outcomes

Students who completed the Graphic Design I course receive a certificate for Adobe Illustrator.

Completion of the Graphic Design II course results in a certificate for Adobe Photoshop.

Visual & Commercial Art Pathway

Combine interests in photography and graphic design with a career in visual and commercial art. This pathway provides students with the skills necessary to channel their artistic talents into a career as they learn principles of design and photography while preparing for optional industry-standard software certifications.

Courses

YEAR 1: Digital Photography Essentials

Course Description

Digital Photography Essentials is a yearlong course that will help students become well rounded in the fundamentals of digital photography. First semester focuses on students understanding the basic operations and functions of a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) and/or a mirrorless camera and the manipulation of its settings to achieve a specific result. Students will learn about photographic elements of art and principles of design, composition, exposure and lighting. They will explore the history of photography, learning about its scientific and technological developments, important innovators in the field, and its relevance within diverse cultural contexts. Students will write and speak about aesthetic, technical and expressive qualities in a photograph, learning to critique their own work and the work of others. Students will be introduced to the basics of Adobe Photoshop and Bridge, teaching them how to archive, organize and optimize their photographs for print or web purposes.

The second semester of Digital Photography will focus on use of Adobe Photoshop to manipulate images and the advanced utilization of skills acquired in the first semester. Students will learn how to manage and creatively alter digital images as well as critically analyze the use of visual media as a means of communication in our society. In addition, various artists will be highlighted as a means of exposing students to the photographic world.

YEAR 2: Advanced Digital Photography

Course Description

Advanced Photography is a year long course combining digital photography and graphic design for the purpose of creating expressive fine and commercial art. Students will develop the artistic and technical skills necessary to produce a variety of photographic and design related projects. They will explore how the elements of art and principles of design are used to create visually interesting compositions. They will write and speak about the aesthetic, technical, and expressive qualities in a photograph in order to critique their own and other’s work. They will explore the historical and cultural impact of photography and graphic design on society, learning about its scientific and technological developments, important innovators in the field, and relevance within diverse cultural contexts. Design thinking will be introduced to students as a way to meaningfully organize ideas while focusing on the needs of the end user or viewer while developing an individual artistic voice.

For More Information

Contact:

Ronda Cordova, Teacher
rcordova@dusd.net

Contact:

Michelle Napoli, Teacher
mnaploi@dusd.net

Outcomes

Completion of the Digital Imaging I course results in a certificate for Adobe Photoshop.

Students who completed the Advanced Digital Photography course receive a certificate for Adobe Illustrator.

Dance & Choreography Pathway

Whether the end goal is a career as a professional dancer, instructor or choreographer, it all starts with dance itself. Students will study and perform across all genres of dance and discover what it takes to be a professional in the field.

Courses

YEAR 1: Dance I: Introduction to Dance/Choreography

Course Description

Students will explore a variety of dance styles, including jazz, ballet, tap, modern and contemporary. They’ll learn proper techniques and practices, from warm-ups to basic ballet positions to styles of movement. By the end of the course, students will choreograph their own dance in groups and perform for their peers.

YEAR 2: Dance II: Intermediate Dance/Choreography

Course Description

Students who have at least one year of formal dance training under their belt will refine those skills in Dance II. The course will teach students how to increase their strength and technique through practicing proper alignment and posture, knowledge of their major muscle groups and injury prevention, telling stories with their movements and exploring dance history. Towards the end of the course, students will perform in front of a live audience and participate in mock auditions.

For More Information

Contact:

Leslie Patterson, Teacher
lpatterson@dusd.net

Outcomes

Students who complete Dance I receive a Red Cross certificate in workplace safety.

Multimedia Production Pathway

Step into the commercial side of video production. Students will gain experience writing scripts, planning shoots, filming and editing, with a focus on multimedia production. By the end of the courses, students should be able to effectively manage a video project from start to finish.

Courses

YEAR 1: Multimedia Video Production

Course Description

In this hands-on course, students learn how to plan, shoot and edit a video using Adobe Premiere Pro. In addition, the course covers a five-step design process, camera fundamentals and how to make a professional portfolio.

YEAR 2: Multimedia Video Production Capstone

Course Description

Students will grow their artistic design and writing skills as they produce video projects in a variety of styles, from documentaries to commercials to music videos. The course will teach students how to safely handle video equipment, the elements that make up different video styles and how to showcase their work.

For More Information

Contact:

Vincent Appel, Teacher
vappel@dusd.net

Outcomes

Students who complete Multimedia Video Production receive an Adobe certificate for Premier Pro.

Learn More: CTE Pathways at DHS

Each CTE Pathway is industry-focused and usually consists of 2-3 courses. The last course in the pathway is the capstone. When students complete a course they may receive college credit or receive an industry certificate. Click on each industry below to see details about the courses and outcomes.