Digital Design CTE Program

Foundations of Graphic Design is a course introducing fundamental, technical, conceptual, and behavioral skills in visual art for students of all abilities. This course will focus on 2-D design as it relates to composition, layout, typography, photography, and the elements and principles of design. Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign will be the primary software used.  Students will begin units of study based in Design History and Aesthetics. Students will learn problem-solving strategies in concept development, compositional structure, project management, and execution of work. Integral to this is a sketchbook that records design, research, idea generation, journaling, and reflective thinking. Hands on experiences provide opportunities for a multitude of learning styles, increase student confidence, and can improve overall academic performance. As a CTE course, we will incorporate business education and career related experiences in the form of field trips and visitors from industry.

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Prequisite: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Intermediate Graphic Design is a course that builds upon the Foundations of Graphic Design course.  Visual problem solving will force students to apply prior knowledge to real world challenges where combining software platforms and hand manipulated techniques to help solidify their voice and aesthetic.  Digital photography and filmmaking will challenge students to use design and compositional concepts to explore narratives as seen through the eyes of a 2-D print designer.  We will study the graphic design industry through field trips, visiting designers from various areas of design, and research presentations.  Logo creation, screen printing, typography research (creating one of a kind typeface), team marketing projects, infographics, promotional videos with promotional literature, and photo essay assignments will be discussed.  Students will learn problem-solving strategies in concept development, project management, and execution of work. Integral to this is a sketchbook that records design, research, idea generation, and reflective thinking. Hands-on experiences provide opportunities for a multitude of learning styles, increase student confidence, and can improve overall academic performance. As a CTE course, we will incorporate business education and career related experiences in the form of field trips and visitors from industry.

 

Prerequisite: Foundations of Graphic Design

Grade Level 10-12

Advanced Graphic Design Studio is the final course in the graphic design CTE program at Madison High School.  Students that forecast for this course will be learning about marketing, project management, and career readiness.  Students that forecast for this course will complete a digital capstone portfolio that will be presented on a website platform.  The classroom will be organized as a design firm, where each member will have particular job functions on multiple teams (marketing manager, lead designer, production manager, sales, and project manager) They will work with industry advisors that are experts in each of the listed areas.  These student will work very closely with their industry mentors to craft a working knowledge of career skills need to be successful in the design industry.  Students will be responsible to recruit work for the class and hopefully secure a payment or donation for the services provided.  Students will hone problem-solving strategies in concept development, compositional structure, project management, and execution of work. Integral to this is a sketchbook that records design, research, idea generation, and reflective thinking. Hands on experiences provide opportunities for a multitude of learning styles, increase student confidence, and can improve overall academic performance. As a CTE course, we will incorporate business education and career related experiences in the form of field trips and visitors from industry.

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Prerequisite: Intermediate Graphic Design

Grade Level: 11-12

Foundations of Digital Photography & Video Production focuses on career exploration in the fields of photography and video production. The Course includes basic theories, methods, and techniques used to plan, produce, and edit photos and videos, includes instruction on lighting, camera operation, composition, and related computer applications for editing.  This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the technology behind video as an information medium, and some of the ways in which it is created to achieve its desired effect on an audience. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a variety of production skills and tech

niques as it relates to producing a variety of video formats. Example formats include producing Short Films, School News Feature Stories, Documentary Video, Music Video, Instructional Video, Advertising Commercials, and Public Service PSA Commercials. Students will learn skills in story design, script writing, video editing, and studio production. In order to meet assignment deadlines and production schedules, students will need to rely on: good reading and writing skills, good time management, a positive attitude, and the ability to work in a team setting.

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Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 9-12