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With constantly changing technology and ever-increasing reliance on digital content, the Media Lab program at CAL is poised to get students ready for a variety of careers in the creative services industries. In this hands-on program, CAL students learn techniques for image development; they capture, create, and edit video, audio, and photo files for media productions and projects. CAL Media Lab students practice design, animation, digital storytelling, photography, and videography for film, web, and other types of multimedia productions.

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Media Lab Course Descriptions

This program features an alternating A Year and B Year curriculum; Juniors and Seniors learn together and complete all listed courses over two years.

A Year

  • Students are introduced to to digital video production, including cameras, microphones, lighting, document management, workflow, editing, and more. Students will learn the basics of narrative filmmaking as well as documentary production. Throughout the course, students will have access to a recording studio equipped with professional-grade equipment.

    • 1 High School CTE Elective Credit

    • 1 MHCC Credit for IM124

  • Students will learn the basics of using a DSLR camera. They will learn basic camera functions for action, close-ups, portraits, product photography, and studio lighting. Students will also learn image adjustment and manipulation, as well as digital photography workflow.

    • 1 High School CTE Elective Credit

    • 4 MHCC Credits for ART260

  • Students explore the basic attributes of sound and its role in digital media production. The physical attributes of sound, acoustics, microphone design and application, and industry-standard digital audio tools are covered. This course is designed to train students seeking the tools to work and function as recording engineers in a professional media environment.

    • 1 High School CTE Elective Credit

    • 1 MHCC Credits for IM123

B Year

  • ½ Semester

    Animation: Students will learn a variety of animation skills, including sketching, stop motion, and character animation. Throughout this course, students will create multiple animation projects.

    • .5 High School CTE Elective Credit

    ½ Semester

    Graphic Design: Students will learn how to create a range of digital products, including logos, posters, social posts, and more.

    • .5 High School CTE Elective Credit

    • .5 MHCC Credit for IM122

  • Students will explore the fundamentals of Adobe apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects. This course teaches the Adobe Creative Cloud tools used in creating nearly any kind of digital asset. Students will also learn how these tools tie together and build professional workflows.

    • 1 High School CTE Elective Credit

    • 1 MHCC Credit for IM125

  • Semester 1

    Students develop a foundation in both technical skills and creative practices. From Broadcasting to Podcasting to recording original songs or short films, students will develop the principles of media production.

    • .5 High School CTE Elective Credit

    Semester 2

    Students will work to build out a robust portfolio, work with business clients, and develop summative projects based on skill and interest.

    • .5 Higher Education & Career Path Skills Credit

Download Current Course Guide (PDF)