CAA Pathways & Course Sequence

Fundamentals: Video Production 1A/B - Audio/Visual Fundamentals & Visual Storytelling 

This competency-based course is the first in a sequence of three designed for video production. It provides students with the technical instruction and practical experiences for aspiring video production assistants in the pre-production, production, and post-production stages of TV and video projects. It focuses on the basic setup and breakdown of camera, sound, and lighting equipment, basic principles of story development, planning and creation of a studio production, and editing of production projects. It also includes the basics of job shadowing, internships, and job placement. The competencies in this course are aligned with the California High School Academic Content Standards and the California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards. 

The goal of this course is for students to be able to visually communicate. Students begin with a film structure outlining exercise to not only learn the symbiotic relationship between script and screen, but to begin a practical process of developing an understanding of film as both art and craft. Through the practical application of writing and by critically analyzing films covered in each course, students will acquire an understanding of the process and aesthetic challenges of creating meaning through imagery.

Concentrator: Video Production 2A/B - NonFiction Storytelling (Broadcast Journalism & Documentary Filmmaking) 

This competency-based course is the second in a sequence of three designed for video production. It provides students with the technical instruction and practical experiences for aspiring video production crew members in the pre-production, production, and post-production stages of TV and video projects. It focuses on the use of the camera, sound, and lighting equipment, the development of "soft," "hard," and "feature" stories, the creation of a storyboard, the studio and field production techniques, and the editing and transmitting of a video story. It also includes a review of job shadowing, internship, and job placement techniques as well as resource management. The competencies in this course are aligned with the California High School Academic Content Standards and the California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards. 

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the field of documentary filmmaking, broadcast communications and journalism in the context of media competencies and careers. The course will develop each student’s talents and interests so that they can access, analyze, evaluate and produce both live and recorded video-based media. Students will utilize the skills and practices of cinema and video production to further critical thinking skills in order to develop a sense of personal and social responsibility that will enable them to participate successfully in a global economy.

Capstone: Video Production 3A/B - Feature Filmmaking (Fiction or NonFiction) 

This competency-based course is the third in a sequence of three designed for video production. It provides students with the technical instruction and practical experiences for aspiring video production crew members in the pre-production, production, and post-production stages of feature projects. It focuses on the use of the camera, sound, and lighting equipment, the development of the story (fiction vs. nonfiction; feature, documentary, animation, experimental), the creation of a storyboard, the studio and field production techniques, and the editing and transmitting of a video story. It also includes a review of job shadowing, internship, and job placement techniques as well as resource management. The competencies in this course are aligned with the California High School Academic Content Standards and the California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards. 

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the field of feature filmmaking both fiction and nonfiction; to narrative documentary, animation, experimental in the context of media competencies and careers. The course will develop each student’s talents and interests so that they can access, analyze, evaluate and produce both live and recorded video-based media. Students will utilize the skills and practices of cinema and video production to further critical thinking skills in order to develop a sense of personal and social responsibility that will enable them to participate successfully in a global economy.

Fundamentals: Adobe InDesign Creative Cloud

This is year 1 of the 3 year course sequence. This course teaches students the fundamentals of Page-Layout, using the software program Adobe InDesign Creative Cloud. Graphic Design is a part of visual design media. Students have opportunities to engage with industry partners to gain experience and first-hand knowledge of what it takes to become a graphic designer. A certification program in the software program Adobe InDesign is also available and is recognized by the Graphic Design industry for entry level positions. It can also be used to transfer to a Community College or University if that institution has an articulation agreement with Gardena High School.

Concentrator: Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud

This is year 2 of the 3 year course sequence. This course teaches students about the fundamentals of graphics and building graphic illustrations, using the software program Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud. Students have opportunities to engage with industry partners to gain experience and first-hand knowledge of what it takes to become a graphic designer.  A certification program in the software program Adobe Illustrator is also available and is recognized by the Graphic Design industry for entry level positions. It can also be used to transfer to a Community College or University if that institution has an articulation agreement with Gardena High School.

Capstone: Adobe Photoshop

This is year 3 of the 3 year course sequence. Graphic Design is art that combines images, words, and ideas to communicate messages to an audience. This is an applied arts class that often simulates working for a client. Students will focus on creative problem solving as well as sophisticated technical skills. Topics of study begin with an investigation of typography, the principles of design, and the basic tools and techniques of desktop publishing. The Macintosh computer will be used as a tool in approaching assignments such as: logos, flyer and poster design, package design, and advertising design. Advanced projects may include book jacket design, magazine layout, and image design for corporate identity.  A certification program in the software program Adobe Photoshop is also available and is recognized by the Graphic Design industry for entry level positions. It can also be used to transfer to a Community College or University if that institution has an articulation agreement with Gardena High School.