Architectural + Design Studies

This course introduces the basics of computer assisted drafting and design (CAD), observational sketching, and the development of skills that can be applied to the field of design. Once students complete the design fundamentals portion of the course, they choose from the following pathways to progress further into:

• Architecture: Residential, Commercial, Green, and Interior Design
• Design Studies: An exploration of design through strong solutions and solving communication challenges while combining theory, process, and practice.
• 3D Character Animation: Encapsulates the process of creating 3D moving characters and putting them into an animated or live-action environment.
• 3D Digital Game Art: Development of concept art skills and animation to create assets in the gaming sector.

Students will work with 2D and 3D Design project activities to develop basic skills and techniques to enhance competencies while working with industry standard software programs such as Autodesk Revit, Blender, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Through self-directed project work, students are encouraged to take risks in their creative development while developing mastery skills in CAD (Computer Assisted Design) to model, render, and animate.

There is a focus on the design process for problem-solving and to further elevated their final portfolio work produced in class. They will work in teams for constructive critiques and feedback while having a chance to resolve their final products before assessment.

As they progress through the Intermediate and Advanced levels, students will explore new possibilities in design by taking on the role of a designer, animator, or architect for client inspired design work and competitions. Goals in class:

• Explore & create
• Investigate
• Take risks
• Develop post-secondary portfolio work

This course provides exploratory modules in Design Studies with Learning Outcomes form the MDC Alberta Curriculum. In each level of Architecture + Design, students will have the opportunity to earn up to five (5) – one credit courses.

Prerequisite Relationships

Introductory | No prerequisites

Intermediate | Architecture + Design Introductory: Design Process, 2D, 3D, CAD 1

Advanced | Architecture + Design Intermediate: CAD 2

Students will develop an appreciation of film, television and video as a distinct form of art, communication technology and visual media that reflects diverse social, cultural and global perspectives. Students work with pre-production, production and post-production aspects of television and film production include producing live multi-camera television broadcasts and single camera productions. Students will develop experience in concept design, planning, and techniques to produce animations that tells a story or communicates an idea, message, or creates a theme or mood. Designed to take students into an in depth study and understanding of the animation and media production world - each student will produce a portfolio of work that can be submitted for film festivals or post secondary admission.

Introductory Film + Broadcasting

No Prerequisite Required

• COM 1005 Visual Composition (Prerequisite) 
• COM 1145 Animation 1 (Prerequisite) 
• COM 1105 Audio Video (Prerequisite) 
• COM 1015 Media  
• COM 1215 Photography Exposure
• COM 1910 Project A 

Intermediate Film + Broadcasting

Students will expand upon all pre-production, production and post-production aspects of television production that include producing live television broadcasts. Students will learn the workflow in how to create video content for any digital medium. Students will explore more ways to use video animation technology. Each student will produce a portfolio that will reflect their learning. 

Prerequisite Recommendation: Introductory Film + Broadcasting

• COM 2105 AV Preproduction 1 (Prerequisite) 
• COM 2115 AV Production 1 (Prerequisite) 
• COM 2125 AV Post Production 1 (Prerequisite) 
• COM 2015 Media Impact
• COM 3165 AV Broadcasting
• COM 2145 Animation 2 OR COM 2910 Project B

Advanced Film + Broadcasting

Students will expand on their television production skills and learn the workflow in creating short independent films. Students will have the freedom to create a variety of film projects with the focus on the full production process of “script, hook, and hustle”. Learning the technical aspects, and the importance on story and storytelling, this class will help any student become a well-rounded filmmaker. 

Prerequisite Recommendation: Intermediate Film + Broadcasting

• COM 3005 Creative Writing 
• COM 3105 AV Preproduction 2 
• COM 3115 AV Production 2
• COM 3125 AV Post Production 2
• COM 3145 Animation 3 OR COM 3910 Project C

EMTV Broadcast Journalism  

Prerequisite Recommendation: Grade 11 and Grade 12 students with teacher recommendation. 

The broadcast journalism course is a morning class with a 7am start time. Students work in a live broadcast production environment where they produce our flagship show "EM Daily". This student run broadcast program promotes student voice, engages school community and enhances school spirit. Students  engage with the news industry workflow and live broadcast production method that focuses on teamwork, personal accountability, and communication.

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn various technical skills and how to communicate their stories through the CBE locally developed curriculum of Journalism 15, 25, 35.

Students learn to employ fundamental elements and principles of design within their work while they develop essential skills in a project-based and self-paced learning environment. Students are introduced to the expanding graphic design, web, and communication industry where they will gain exposure into the visual areas of design. Students are taught the Adobe Creative Cloud using programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver and After Effects. 

Students in the Intermediate and Advanced levels will develop their program based on their individual interests and future career pathways. Students will come to understand that in the profession of Graphic Design. A successful communication piece comes not only from creative inspiration but also through careful critical analysis and hard work.

Introductory Graphic Design 

No Prerequisite Required

• COM 1005 Visual Composition (Prerequisite) 
• COM 1035 Graphic Tools (Prerequisite) 
• COM 1055 Web Design 1 (Prerequisite) 
• COM 1025 Typography 
• COM 1165 Printing

Intermediate Graphic Design

Graphic Design has revolutionized the creation of design, communications and visual art, whether creating advertisements, websites, “apps”, digital art, or presentations. Students will improve their skills in several areas of digital design when they participate in project-based and self-paced learning. 

Prerequisite Recommendation: Introductory Graphic Design

Students decide on their own professional learning plan:

• COM 2035 Raster Graphics 1 (Prerequisite) 
• COM 2045 Vector Graphics 1 (Prerequisite) 
• COM 2055 Web Design 2  (Prerequisite) 
• COM 2015 Media Impact 
• COM 2025 Electronic Layout & Publishing 1 
• COM 2155 Design – Brand Identity
• COM 2165 Printing 2
• COM 2285 Client Services 1

Advance Graphic Design

Grade 12 students will expand their work in Graphic Design. Students will create and build a digital media portfolio that can be used for post-secondary opportunities. 

Prerequisite Recommendation: Intermediate Graphic Design

Students decide on their own professional learning plan:

• COM 3025 Electronic Layout & Publishing 2 
• COM 3035 Raster Graphics 2 
• COM 3045 Vector Graphics 2 
• COM 3055 Web Design 3  
• COM 3285 Client Services 1
• COM 3055 Web Design 3  
• COM 3155 Design – Advertising Campaigning