Multimedia Courses

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MM 102A - Multimedia I :
This course is an introduction to an authoring program; you will explore creative ways to incorporate text, animation, graphics, sound, and basic interactivity into multimedia projects.
Topics covered: typography, design principles, bitmap images, vector graphics, multimedia vocabulary, creating animations in Flash, and basic interactivity.
Software and hardware employed:
Macromedia Flash, Adobe Photoshop, SoundForge, scanners, digital camera, microphones, Wacom tablets.
Units: 4
Prerequisites: CS101-Introduction to computers and Information Technology or equivalent
Advisory: CS102 or Cs104 or CS/ART/BA/GA 160A
Repeatable: NO
Accepted for credit: CSU

MM 102B - Multimedia II :
Learn how to create interactive projects for DVDs, the Web and CD-ROMs.
Apply design principles to create professional-looking interfaces.
Topics covered: interface design, layout, content development, CD-ROM and DVD Production (target audience, planning, producing, testing and presenting the product), group projects.
Incorporate animations, images, video, and sound to interactive projects.
Software and hardware employed:
Authoring software (like Flash and Encore DVD ), Adobe Photoshop, CD-ROM and DVD burners.
Units: 4
Prerequisites: MM102A or equivalent
Advisory: none
Repeatable: 2 times
Accepted for credit: CSU

MM 103A - Introduction to Flash Animation :
(Formerly MM210A) - Learn basic tools in Flash to create graphics and animation for the Web and CD-ROMs.
Topics covered: creating graphics, frame-by-frame animation, motion tween, importing multimedia elements, exporting Flash animations.
Software and hardware employed:
Macromedia Flash
Units: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
Advisory: basic computer literacy
Repeatable: NO

* Usually taught in two Saturdays*

MM 103B - Intermediate Flash- Interactivity :
(Formerly MM210C )- Learn different techniques for creating interactive projects, optimizing their performance, and publishing them for the Web and CD-ROM.
Topics covered: movie clips, introduction to ActionScript, creating forms, working with sound, creating preloaders, optimizing and publishing Flash files.
Software and hardware employed:
Macromedia Flash
Units: 0.5
Prerequisites: MM210A or MM211B or MM102A (to gain the most from this class, you should have some experience using Macromedia Flash).
Advisory: basic computer literacy
Repeatable: NO

* Usually taught in two Saturdays*

MM 104 - Advanced Interactivity in Flash :
(Formerly MM213B ) Learn ActionScript --the powerful programming language in Flash-- and learn how to create interactive Flash Sites for the Web. Familiarity with Flash is essential. No prior programming experience is required. Prerequisites: MM102A or MM103B, or permission from the instructor.
Software and hardware employed:
Macromedia Flash.
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MM102A, or MM103A, or MM103B, or permission of the instructor (familiarity with Flash is essential).
Advisory: MM105
Repeatable: 2 times

MM 105 - Web Site Design :
Learn how to apply design principles to your web pages.
Topics covered: interface design, navigation, color, typography, creating and preparing images for the Web (slices and rollovers), accessibility guidelines (Section 508), copyright issues, using Dreamweaver to enhance Web sites with DHTML, Javascript, and Cascading Style Sheets.
Software and hardware employed:
Macromedia Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, and ImageReady or Fireworks, scanners, digital camera.
Units: 4
Prerequisites: none, but students would benefit if they take MM102A or GA160A before or while taking this course
Advisory: There is no need to have knowledge in HTML before taking this course. However, taking MM162/ CS162-HTML is highly recommended.
Repeatable: 2 times

MM 107 - Introduction to Dreamweaver :
Learn the basics of Dreamweaver and produce web sites.
Topics covered: earning the Dreamweaver interface, creating web sites that contain graphics, tables, links, and frames.
Software and hardware employed:
Macromedia Dreamweaver
Units: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
Advisory: none
Repeatable: NO

* Usually taught in two Saturdays*

MM 110 - Digital Video :
Learn how to capture and edit digital video. Learn creative ways to include digital videos in DVDs, web sites and other multimedia projects.
* No need to purchase a video camera to enroll the course.
Topics covered: capturing video, compression formats, special effects, output video for the Web, DVDs, CD-ROMs, and analog formats.
Software and hardware employed:
Adobe Premiere and AfterEffects, digital video cameras, microphones, lighting kits, tripods, DVD burners.
Units: 4
Prerequisites: none.
Advisory: MM 102A
Repeatable: NO

MM 111 - Introduction to After Effects :
Learn the essential tools for creating motion graphics and visual effects for digital video, multimedia and the Web.
Topics covered: keyframes, motion paths, 2D and 3D visual effects, rendering to different media.
Software and hardware employed:
Adobe After Effects.
Units: 0.5
Prerequisites: none
Advisory: basic computer literacy
Repeatable: NO

* Usually taught in two Saturdays*

MM 114: Textures for 3D Scenes :
Students will learn different techniques to enhance 3d objects and environments using 3D modeling and 2D paint software.
Topics covered: painting textures using an image editing software such as Photoshop, manipulating digital images, texture mapping, lighting techniques, camera shots, applying principles of art and design to 3D imagery, and rendering images for onscreen and print.
Software and hardware employed:
3D Studio Max, scanners, digital cameras.
Units: 3
Advisory: MM102A or MM116
Repeatable: NO

MM 115 - 3D Animation :
Learn to animate 3D worlds using high end software.
Topics covered: modeling, character design, texture mapping, lights, cameras, storyboarding, principles of animation, intro to inverse kinematics (use of bones), output to video (demo reels) and the Web.
Software and hardware employed:
3D Studio Max, scanners, digital camcorders.
Units: 3
Prerequisites: none.
Advisory: CS101-Introduction to computers and Information Technology or equivalent.
Repeatable: 3 times

MM 116 - 3D Modeling :
Learn different techniques to model objects and environments using a 3D modeling software. .
Topics covered: designing characters, modeling, texture mapping, lighting techniques, camera shots, 3D scene layout, rendering images for different multimedia applications and print.
Software and hardware employed:
3D Studio Max, scanners, digital cameras, printers.
Units: 3
Prerequisites: none
Advisory: MM102A
Repeatable: No

MM 117 - Advanced 3D Modeling and Animation :
Learn advanced techniques in modeling and animation using 3D modeling software.
Topics covered: advanced modeling tools, texture mapping, lighting effects, camera effects, and advanced animation using inverse kinematics.
Software and hardware employed:
3D Studio Max, scanners, digital camcorders.
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MM115 or MM116
Advisory: none
Repeatable: No

MM 118 - Introduction to Video Game Design :
This class focuses on the process of planning, developing, and creating content for video games. Students will gain an understanding of the video game industry, and they will learn how to design characters, levels, and design documents.
Topics covered: history of games, the game industry, job roles, overview of different game platforms and genres, implement the principles of creating a game design document, overview of character design and level design, mechanics of game play.
Software and hardware employed:
Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, 3D software, scanners, digital camcorders.
Units: 2
Prerequisites: none
Advisory: ENGL 101A Reading and Written Composition
Repeatable: No

MM 119 - Video Game Development :
This class focuses on producing video games using 3D software and game engines. Students work in a team environment and follow production practices employed in the video game industry.
Topics covered: Introduction to the different game engines, using a level editor, optimizing 3D models for games engines, developing an artistic style for the game, building a level, creating an executable. Guest speakers.
Software and hardware employed:
3D Studio Max, game engines.
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MM116 and MM118
Advisory: MM114 and MM115
Repeatable: 2 times

MM 156 - HTML (Cross-referenced CS-156) :
No longer offered, take MM 162 instead ( CS 162)

MM 160 - Portfolio Development :
Develop your digital portfolio, get advice from experts in the field of Multimedia, and prepare to find a job in the industry.
Topics covered: creating a digital portfolio for the Web and/or CD-ROM, evaluation of student work, ergonomics, preparing a resume, designing and producing business cards, preparing contracts, job hunting techniques, preparing for a job interview.

Guest speakers from previous semesters: Diane Fenster- photoillustrator, Carlos Goulart- graphic designer, Cheryl Lambert- Ohlone's web designer, Naomi Raine-Tippett Studios, Alan Korn- attorney at Law, and representatives from ArtSource and the Academy of Art,
Software and hardware employed:
Students will work with a variety of software, printers, CD-ROM burners.
Units: 3
Prerequisites: MM105 or equivalent
Advisory: MM102B is highly recommended.
Repeatable: NO

* Offered ONLY in the Spring semester*

MM 162 - XHTML (Cross-referenced CS-162) :
Learn the most important topics of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), from creating multimedia Web pages with hypertext links, tables, frames, and forms, to using cascading style sheets, programming with JavaScript, working with dynamic content and layout, controlling mouse and keyboard events, and creating new frames and windows.
Software and hardware employed:
Text editors and web browsers
Units: 4
Prerequisites: none
Advisory: CS-101 or CS-101L
Repeatable: NO

MM 195 - Work Experience Education
Vocational :
Work experience education for students employed in jobs directly related to the multimedia field.
For more information, visit >> the Student Employment department's web site (opens new window).

Units received are based on hours worked:
1 unit= 75 hrs/term ( for a paid position)
2 units= 150 hrs/term ( for a paid position)
3 units= 225 hrs/term ( for a paid position)
4 units= 300 hrs/term ( for a paid position)

* Less hours are required of volunteer work

MM 201 - Special Projects :
Research/special study determined in consultation with instructor.
Topics covered: determined in consultation with instructor.
Software and hardware employed:
Determined in consultation with instructor
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: Prior arrangement with instructor.
Accepted for credit: CSU.