Film and Animation

Effective: Fall 2024
Associate in Arts Program Map
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This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description
The program is geared towards students who want to acquire fundamental skills in film aesthetics, film and animation practice, and film and animation technology. These skills will help students prepare to enter the workforce.

What can I do with this major?
You can explore a career as a Filmmaker, Animator, Storyboard Artist, Animation Artist, Concept Artist, Character Artist, 3D Modeler, Videographer, Film Editor, Motion Graphics Designer, Producer, Director, Creative Director, Art Director, Production Coordinator, Camera person, Cinematographer, Gaffer, Production Designer, Makeup Artist, Set Director

Learning and Career Pathway
  • Arts and Design

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

Semester 1

15 units

FILM 14
Introduction to Cinematic Arts

3 units
Introduces the analysis of film and animation aesthetics. Examines form and content, aesthetics and meaning, and history and culture of film and animation. Explores the diverse possibilities presented by the cinematic art form through an examination of a wide variety of productions, cinemas, and film movements. Topics include modes of production, narrative and non-narrative forms, visual design, editing, sound, genre, ideology and critical analysis.
Course Details:
  1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A
  • Transfers to CSU

    • FILM 15
    Introduction to Digital Filmmaking

    3 units
    Introduction to digital filmmaking as an artistic medium through lectures, screenings, demonstrations, and hands-on practicum. Critical analysis and appreciation of production elements and development of skills in pre-production planning, digital cinematography, direction of actors, sound design, art direction, and post-production.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: FILM 14

    English 1- Critical Reading and Composition

    4 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    2 units
    GE

    Semester 2

    15-16 units

    DIGM 10A
    Introduction to Animation

    3 units
    The history and evolution of technical aspects of animation are examined. Students explore animation principles using analog media, including, phonotropes, stop motion animation, claymation and flip books. Digital aspects of animation are also explored to create short mini animated sequences.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: DIGM 11

    Options Course #1 (Select 3 units from list below)

    3 units
    Select 3 units from the list of Options courses below.
    See the full list: (Click here)

    Mathematics course: see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education math course.

    3-4 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    Semester 3

    15 units

    FILM 12
    Screenwriting and Visual Storytelling

    3 units
    A course where students write for film and electronic media. Emphasis on preparing scripts in proper formats, including fundamental technical, conceptual and stylistic issues related to writing fiction and non-fiction scripts for informational and entertainment purposes in film and electronic media.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: FILM 14
  • Transfers to CSU

    • DIGM 11
    Video Editing

    3 units
    Introduction to the art of digital video editing using industry standard software. Students explore the theory and practice of various editing styles in order to gain a better understanding of how stories are constructed in the editing room. Through demonstrations and hands-on experience, students learn advanced editing techniques with an in-depth examination of the art of the edit. Strong emphasis is placed on post-production techniques that improve the sound and image quality of the videos.
    Course Details:

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    Semester 4

    15 units

    Options Course #2 (Select 3 units total from list below)

    3 units
    Select 3 units from the Options List below
    See the full list: (Click here)

    Options Course #3 (Select 3 units total from list below)

    3 units
    Select 6 units from the list of Options courses below.
    See the full list: (Click here)

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    Options Courses

    Electives (Choose 9 units from the following list of courses):

    ART 2A
    Introduction to Drawing

    This course provides direct experience in exploring basic drawing concepts, including the expressive use of contour, value, perspective and composition while using a variety of media. Assigned projects may include still life, landscape, portraiture and figure. Focus on perceptually based drawing, observational skills, technical abilities, and creative responses to materials and subject matter.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU

    • ART 3A
    Figure and Composition I

    Introduction to drawing the human figure from observation using a wide variety of drawing media and techniques. Topics include an introduction to human anatomy and the historical and contemporary roles of figure drawing in the visual arts. Students in this course will learn both descriptive and expressive approaches to drawing the figure. Open to any student, no drawing experience required.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ART 2A
  • Transfers to CSU

    • ART 17A
    Beginning Sculpture 1

    Construction methods in clay through design of three-dimensional and relief sculptures. Includes an introduction to ceramic art history and fundamentals of ceramic glaze and firing technology. Elements and principles of three-dimensional design are emphasized in oral and written critiques. This course is designed for art majors as well as general education students.
    Course Details:

    ART 23
    2-D Foundations

    Introduction to the concepts and applications of two-dimensional art from various cultures, historical periods, and aesthetic sensibilities. The course covers fundamental theoretical concepts and terminology common to all two-dimensional art activities, including the study and analysis of the basic principles of organization and elements of line, shape, value, texture, color, spatial illusion. Designed to develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lecture presentations, studio projects, problem solving and written assignments. (May not receive credit if ART 10 has been completed)
    Course Details:

    ART 25
    Color Theory

    A study of the principles, theories, and applications of additive and subtractive color in two dimensions. Topics will include major historical and contemporary color systems, production of projects in applied color, and the elements of design as they apply to color.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU

    • DIGM 4A
    Digital Illustration

    Introduction to the principles of illustration using digital tools. Through lectures, demos and assignments students are exposed to and practice digital illustration skills for design, editorial, and animation. Emphasis is placed on the use of vector-based tools for artistic drawing and graphic design. Students explore the relationship of digital illustration with the field of Graphic Design, Animation and Fine Art.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ART 2A

    DIGM 6A
    Photoshop

    Introduction to the use of Adobe Photoshop for retouching, editing, and compositing digital images. Students take their original photography and artistically adjust contrast, exposure, color balance, to create enhanced compositions. Students also take a number of images and composite images into an artistically balanced and well-designed composition.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: PHOT 1A

    DIGM 12A
    Motion Graphics

    Motion Graphics is an introductory course to motion graphics for students who have a strong foundation in typography and design. This course introduces the theories, techniques, and practices of motion graphics. Students use design elements and principles to create motion graphics that communicate a message or story. Vector graphics, photography, sound, video and animation are integrated together to design compelling motion graphics.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: DIGM 11
    2. Strongly Recommended: DIGM 4A

    DIGM 13
    2D Animation

    2D Animation is a course that takes the student through the basic concepts and methods for creating 2D animations using 2D animation technology. Students explore the 12 principles of animation using 2D software tools to create short-form animations and tell visually compelling stories. Students will create a complete animated piece for their portfolio.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: DIGM 10A

    DIGM 14
    3D Modeling & Animation

    Students learn how to create and model 3D objects and characters using materials, textures, surfacing, and lighting. Students then create 3D scenes and animate objects and characters in these scenes using 3D industry-standard animation software.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: DIGM 10A

    DIGM 20
    Digital Portfolio and Promotion

    Development of an artist's/ designer's portfolio and strategies for self-promotion in the art and design industries. Students will work to revise existing projects, create advanced projects and select and organize projects for promotion. Includes use of effective techniques of presentation. Includes creation and revision of resume, business card, and template based website.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: DIGM 8A

    FILM 16
    Documentary Filmmaking

    Introduction to documentary filmmaking and current techniques of digital documentary including, sound, video and mixed media documentary. Story basics, research, structure, objective/subjective approach, audio recording, shooting setups, interviewing, and rough-cut editing.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: FILM 15
  • Transfers to CSU

    • FILM 17
    Motion Picture Filmmaking

    Want to be a film director and make your first short film? Then this is the course for you. This course provides an introduction to the theory, terminology, and process of motion picture production for film and television. Students will take their script, create pre-production documents, cast your film, direct actors, light, shoot and record audio for your first short film. Finally students will review dailies and prepare their film for post production.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: FILM 15
      2. or
    2. Strongly Recommended: FILM 14
    3. Strongly Recommended: FILM 12
  • Transfers to CSU

    • PHOT 1A
    Digital Photography I

    Introduction to the processes, principles, and tools of digital photography. Course provides an overview of digital camera functions for automatic and manual exposure, image creation and capture, file management, and image editing. Students may use any appropriate digital camera including; DSLR, mirrorless, point & shoot or smartphone. Topics include the development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, camera technology, materials and equipment, and contemporary trends in digital photography. May not receive credit if PHOT 50 has been completed successfully.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU

    • THTR 6
    Movement for the Actor

    Work with a variety of physical techniques to help with the development of character, improve stage presence, command focus, be in control of the story when on stage and be more specific in your work as an actor or improvisor. Techniques include use of mask, improvisation and stage combat. Students work together to create their own scenes and performance pieces based on the work in class.
    Total Units: 60-61 units
    This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.