MAT 105: History of Graphic Design

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

The course surveys the origin and evolution of graphic design from the nineteenth century to the present day. It explores the development and influence of graphic communication through genre, design, style, and format from historical, multicultural, and global perspectives. Topics include the influence of art and technology on graphic design, types of graphic representation, significant historical design movements, and the importance of graphic design in contemporary culture and a global economy.

MAT 110: Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This foundation course introduces students to the aesthetic, technical, and conceptual practices of digital imaging. Students use Adobe Photoshop to edit imagery and create artwork and graphic designs for print or web output. Students generate artwork that involves photo editing, tonal and color correction, masking, layer adjustments, painting techniques, blending, and advanced compositing. Through hands-on instruction and multiple projects, students explore efficient workflows, professional practices, layout and design techniques, typography, application of color, and more.

MAT 120: Media Design 1: Production

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces the fundamental skills needed for the design and production of multimedia projects and interactive media. Topics include capturing and editing video, images, audio, motion graphics, basic 3D animations, and interactive media design. The course also covers digital media presentation formats, services, and platforms and the basics of network protocol.

MAT 125: Web Design 1: Fundamentals

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course introduces the fundamentals of building webpages, including HTML coding, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), image optimization, web typography, interface design, basic JavaScript, and Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) for uploading websites. Students also learn about browser and platform issues, modern coding best practices, responsive design, and management techniques for personal websites.

MAT 135: Graphic Design 1: Principles

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces the visual communication principles and concepts of successful graphic design. Topics include form, color palettes, text/image relationships, typography, grid structures, and layout design. The course develops and refines each student's personal design sensibility by applying appropriate and conceptual design thinking within cultural and historical contexts.

MAT 140: 3D Animation 1: Maya

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 120.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

This course introduces students to the concepts and design of 3D modeling, animation, and rendering using Autodesk Maya. Topics include storyboard development and visualization, efficient modeling and texturing techniques, 3D environment design (including lighting and camera angles), object and camera animation, and rendering considerations. The course also covers proper formats for delivery through various mediums.

MAT 145: UI/UX Design

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This course provides an introduction to user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design and prototyping. Students learn user-centered design approaches to research, design, prototype, and test user interfaces for screen-based media, such as websites and apps. Topics include UX research and strategy, user personas and user scenarios, information architecture, interaction design, prototyping, usability testing, and industry tools and techniques. Students collaborate to design and prototype digital products.

MAT 150: Animation and Interactivity

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 120
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This course introduces students to 2D animation and interactive media design techniques and tools. Students learn to integrate animation, text, graphics, audio, and video to create rich, interactive user experiences. The course emphasizes design principles for time-based media and effective user interface and interaction design. Students produce animation projects and interactive applications for delivery on the Web and other platforms.

MAT 155: Graphic Design 2: Typography

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 135
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course covers the essential concepts of typographic design and its incorporation into all forms of visual communication. Topics include historical development and cultural impacts, type design, the anatomy of letterforms and the use of words, and structural and experimental design. Students develop a solid understanding of how to use type and letterforms to solve design and typographic problems.

MAT 160: Video 1: Production

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 120.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course offers detailed coverage of the video production environment. It covers the process of creating and editing video programs from concept and storyboards through shooting and recording, culminating in acquiring, editing, and mastering a digital video production. Topics also include proper formats for delivery through various mediums.

MAT 165: Web Design 2: WordPress and Site Production

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 125
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This intermediate-level course builds on the skills developed in MAT 125 and introduces students to WordPress and other content management systems (CMS). Students plan and design websites using UI/UX tools and gain skills authoring and implementing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in hand-coded sites and within CMS platforms.Topics include site planning, content strategy, image preparation, web animation, responsive design, CMS solutions, hosting platforms, and site management.

MAT 170: Digital Illustration 1: Adobe Illustrator

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course addresses vector-based illustration topics, tools, and techniques related to visual art and design. Particular focus is placed on project ideation, iterative process, and application of elements and principles of art and design. Technical topics include digital vector tools for drawing, pattern development, application of texture and color, grid-based design, and workflow using Adobe Illustrator and related software.

MAT 175: Web Design: JavaScript and jQuery

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MAT 125.
Advisory: MAT 165.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

This course introduces web design students to JavaScript and jQuery for interactive web development, including how JavaScript can be used in conjunction with HTML and CSS to add interactivity, animation, visual effects, and advanced functionality to web pages. Students explore interface design and core programming concepts in JavaScript and jQuery to create rich user experiences, manage dynamic content, create animation, and make web pages more interactive and intuitive. Students learn to design and script user interface elements common on websites, such as content sliders, interactive galleries, and more. Students also learn to use the HTML5 canvas element with JavaScript to draw, animate, and create interactive graphics for HTML5 games or web applications. Topics also include integrating and customizing jQuery plugins, working with AJAX, and using API interfaces to web services, such as maps and social media.

MAT 180: Digital Publishing: Adobe InDesign

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 110 and MAT 170
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

This course introduces students to Adobe InDesign, the page layout software program used by professional graphic designers to publish ads, business cards, brochures, postcards, newsletters, magazines, books, and more. It involves considerable hands-on instruction and projects similar to those faced by today’s designers. Students learn how to prepare documents for professional publication, how to format type, import images, use styles, generate tables, create swatches, and apply shortcuts. Students learn typographic and publishing techniques, basic design principles, and how to apply spot and process color. Students examine, troubleshoot, and package digital files for output to a commercial press and for the Web.

MAT 185: Graphic Design 3: Design and Layout

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 135
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course covers the process of creating effective, efficient, and dynamic layouts to solve complex design problems. Students explore every stage of the design process, including research, concept and design development, and applying intuitive design, structural hierarchy, and grid systems. The course emphasizes developing a conceptual problem-solving approach and refining a personal design sense.

MAT 190: Programming for Animation, Interactivity, and Games

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 150
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall even years

This course emphasizes creative coding and programming for interactive media, including 2D games, web, and multimedia applications. Students learn to code within the context of the visual arts using JavaScript, Processing, and/or JavaScript frameworks such as p5.js, CreateJS, or PhaserJS. Students explore the creative and technical aspects of designing interactive user experiences that integrate media, animation, and interactivity. Additional topics include user interface design, experience design, interactive storytelling, game design, animation techniques, and developing content for delivery across a variety of platforms and devices.

MAT 200: Video 2: Post-Production and Special Effects

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 110 or MAT 160.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

This course offers detailed coverage of the video post-production environment. Students learn techniques for creating complex video sequences by combining video, animated graphics, Foley effects, advanced editing techniques, green screen, and other special effects using industry-standard software. The course emphasizes instruction in advanced video editing techniques, as well as final project output for delivery through various presentation platforms.

MAT 210: Advanced Digital Imaging & Illustration

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MAT 110.
Advisory: MAT 170 or MAT 135.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring

This course builds upon knowledge and skills gained in MAT 110. Through the use of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and related software, students create multiple projects utilizing advanced digital imaging and illustration production techniques. Students develop higher-level compositing and illustration skills, with focus on creative processes, advanced technical processes, workflow integrations, and conceptual development.

MAT 225: Web Design 3: Custom Sites and Professional Practices

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 165
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

In this advanced course, students plan, design, and develop complex, real-world, custom websites in a team environment using modern web standards, professional practices, and workflows. Students integrate HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP programming skills and learn how to customize and create WordPress themes. Additional topics include working with clients, user experience design (UX), site planning and research, content strategy, information architecture development, user interface design (UI), usability analysis, and emerging industry trends.

MAT 230: Advanced Publishing: Output for Print

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MAT 180
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring even years

This advanced publishing course takes students through the process of producing and printing a press-ready publication at a professional printing company. Students explore print technologies (e.g., offset printing, variable-data printing, and direct digital printing), learn the steps required for prepress, production, binding, trimming, and finishing, and apply prepress techniques using Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. The course includes a professional print bureau tour.

MAT 270: Advanced Design Studio

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: This class is not advised for beginning students. It is intended for intermediate and advanced students majoring in Graphic Design, Web Design and Development, or Video and Media Design.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring odd years

This capstone course provides advanced students firsthand experience in the function of a professional studio environment where they create real-world projects for real-world clients. Students build their portfolio and experience client relations, project development and management, problem solving, team management, asset management, and business practices.

MAT 290: Portfolio Development

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: It is recommended that students complete most courses within a MAT certificate or degree program before enrolling in MAT 290.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Students develop a professional portfolio that strategically showcases their design, media, and/or artistic skills and best work. Students focus on developing a personal brand to guide professional decisions and position themselves effectively as a freelancer, prospective employee, or transfer student. Topics include the design of integrated brand identity and marketing materials, such as a logo and stationery package, website, resume, business card, cover letter, case studies, and presentation slide deck. Students are required to formally present their portfolio for review by faculty and advisors.

MAT 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-14
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. Fourteen unit maximum in any combination of work experience education and/or internship studies per semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.

MAT 296: Topics in Media Arts & Technologies

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Media Arts and Technologies that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.

MAT 299: Occupational Work Experience Education

Units: 0.5-14
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. Fourteen unit maximum in any combination of work experience education and/or internship studies per semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major or career area of interest. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.