Digital Media
51 courses · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
DM 100 Introduction to Electronic Media: TV, Radio, Film, and the Internet
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces the history, structure, function, economics, content and evolution of radio, television, film, the Internet, and new media, including traditional and mature formats. The social, political, regulatory, ethical and occupational impact of the electronic media are also studied.
DM 101 TV and Society: A Visual History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Evolution and impact of TV programming as business and art form in American society. Development of a visual literacy and appreciation of television's various formats (sitcom, westerns, soaps, dramas, mini-series) through, lecture, video viewings, and guest speakers.
DM 102 History of Global Cinema
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A survey course exploring global cinema as an art form, and developing appreciation of historical, artistic, and technical advances from the 1890s to the present, with focus on cinema from around the world.
DM 103 History of Film to 1945
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A survey course exploring film as an art form and developing appreciation of historical, artistic, and technical advances from 1890s to 1945.
DM 104 History of Film from 1945 to Present
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A survey course exploring film as an art form and developing appreciation of historical, artistic, and technical advances from 1945 to present.
DM 105 History of Latin American Cinema
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A survey course exploring Latin-American cinema as an art form, and developing appreciation of historical, artistic, and technical advances from the 1890s to the present, aimed at fostering a lasting engagement with both film culture and Latin America.
DM 107 History of Animation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Critical and historical survey of animation as a form of communication and cultural expression, from prehistoric origins to present digital formats. Animation history is studied in relation to the background for its creation in contemporary culture and society including the U.S.A., Europe, and Japan. Students analyze and evaluate a large cross-section of animated works.
DM 110 Introduction to Television Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces theory, terminology and operation of a multi-camera television studio and control room. Topics include studio signal flow, directing, theory and operation of camera and audio equipment, switcher operation, fundamentals of lighting, graphics, video control and video recording and real-time video production.
DM 112 Introduction to Video Editing and Postproduction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fundamental methods and techniques used to edit video for TV, film, web and multimedia. Hands-on training in basic operation of digital, non-linear editing system and software.
DM 113 Introduction to Digital Media Design Principles
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- DMGR 110X
This course is for students entering a career in digital media and majors in the digital media field. This digital design course emphasizes critical examination of basic principles and elements of design in computer graphics. Students will not only produce designs, but examine the physiology and psychology behind fundamental elements of design, investigate their use in culture, as well as practice and reflect on how graphics, scale, and space can impact humans through visual design features and functions. Special focus on design for media applications, creative visual storytelling for digital applications.
DM 115A Single-Camera Production & Editing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- FTVE 130
Focus on your career path! This course provides an introduction to single-camera video production, including production and aesthetic theories, terminology, and operation of field equipment. Topics covered will include composition and editing techniques, camera operation, field lighting, audio recording, and basic editing. This course focuses on the planning and execution of preproduction, production, and postproduction, working as a cohesive production crew.
DM 115B Advanced Single-Camera Production and Editing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Advanced development of knowledge and skills in single-camera production technology and practices. Emphasis on professional production standards and technical advancements in digital media camera production.
DM 120 Beginning Screenwriting for Digital Media
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Use your creativity to write your own ticket! Basic introductory course in narrative script writing for film and episodic television. Emphasis on basic screenplay structure, characters, conflict, theme and technical script formatting in the development of a short screenplay.
DM 121 Intermediate Screenwriting for Digital Media
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
Explores professional requirements for scriptwriters and their relationship to the production, direction and development of scripts for TV, film, the web, corporate videos and digital media. Strengthens fundamental writing skills. Prior enrollment in DM 120 recommended.
DM 121A Fundamentals of Typography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 195 or ART 195 or Contact instructor for portfolio review. A portfolio exhibiting equivalent to above listed prerequisite skillset.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the use of type styles, appropriate type selection and their characteristics as a means toward understanding design and communication through type solutions. Projects will explore current graphics industry practices and standards, including the use of digital technology and traditional hand skills.
DM 121B Advanced Typography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 195 or ART 195 Students should have a fundamental understanding of typography, including type design, type categories, layout design and vector graphics prior to enrolling in this advanced-level course.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides continued study in typography and appropriate type selection as a means for solving complex graphic design problems, such as illustrative type or multiple-page layout using traditional hand skills, digital technology and portfolio presentations.
DM 122 Principles of Graphic Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 195
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to 2D and 3D graphic design principles in visual communication with an introduction to design process, methodology/theory, and problem-solving. Content includes color theory, typography, identity design, and visual perception. This graphic design concept-based course will explore divergent techniques, tools, and practices resulting in the production of effective visual communications reflecting the needs of the expanding media landscape. A perfect pairing with the course DM 113: Introduction to Digital Media Design Principles.
DM 123 Advanced Screenwriting for Digital Media
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 121
- Transfers to
- CSU
Explores professional requirements for writing screenplays for TV, film, and the web plus scripts for corporate videos and digital media. Advanced individual projects enhance student writing skills and body of work. Prior enrollment in Digital Media 121 recommended.
DM 125 Work Experience - Digital Media
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54-216 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This work experience course of supervised employment is designed to assist students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes and skills in a field related to the students’ major so as to enable them to become productive employees. This course also provides students with career awareness for jobs. 54 hours of work equals one unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, Section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience.
DM 130 Broadcasting for News & Sports
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 112 DM 115A
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to television and other digital platforms for news and sports reporting with emphasis on writing, editing, and technical production of newscasts. Emphasizes both field and studio reporting. Prior or concurrent enrollment in Digital Media 115A and/or DM 112 recommended.
DM 140 Cinematography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 115A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Concepts and practice of cinema-graphic, filming, and lighting techniques as applied to single-camera film and digital production. Recommended prep, DM 115A-Single Camera Production & Editing.
DM 142 Acting for the Camera
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Techniques and disciplines of acting as applied to film and television production. Opportunity to practice and perform with emphasis on developing talents and skills required in acting for the screen (Same as Theatre Arts 113).
DM 150 Producing and Directing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 112 and DM 115A Prior or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Emphasizes production planning and preparation, aesthetics, budgeting, and working with a production team. Practical experience in producing and directing studio and remote productions. Multiple directing/producing assignments each semester. Prior or concurrent enrollment in Digital Media 112, and 115A recommended.
DM 152 Beginning Audio Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the theory and practice of audio production for radio, stage, television, film and digital recording applications. Students will learn the fundamentals of sound design and aesthetics, microphone use, and digital recording equipment. Students gain hands on experience recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio. Upon completion, students will have basic knowledge of applied audio concepts, production workflow, equipment functions, and audio editing software. (same as Music 152)
DM 157 Directing for Single-Camera Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An active examination of the principles of directing for the camera. Focus is placed on the practical application of the pre-production, filming, and post-production phases of film directing. Topics include script analysis, directorial presentation skills, converting a script into a shooting script, creating call sheets, casting actors, blocking actors, giving actors direction, rehearsal techniques, leading a cinematographer and camera crew, and overseeing the editing of a completed scene. Same as THEA 157.
DM 162 Digital Illustration I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 195 or ART 195 or portfolio exhibiting equivalent skills to 3 units of entry-level digital design coursework or
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Explores the essentials of illustration for graphic designers and concept artists, using industry-standard production and design tools. Focuses on professional studio techniques to master this essential design tool for the creation of sophisticated graphics. Emphasizes efficient workflow, technical proficiency, and aesthetic judgment. Students produce portfolio-ready projects using a broad range of imaging skills. The primary software used includes Adobe Photoshop, supplemented with Adobe Illustrator, and some time-based media software. Same as DM 162.
DM 164 Web Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines global issues related to internet culture, web ethics, equity, social justice, in addition to rights and trends related to the web. In the context of cultural and social needs, students will be introduced to web design using digital media tools; graphics, illustrations, text, sound, motion, using software programs for the web. Students will also review how web design has been used to impact commerce advancement, global communication, advertising, entertainment, and self-promotion relate to global and local community needs. Students will be able to apply their knowledge in site development and responsive design.
DM 165 3D Character Animation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 197A Similar experience in 3D modeling.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
From Star Trek to Wall-E, 3D characters are unique vessels supporting contemporary and creative narratives! In this course we offer instruction in the theories and practice of character animation. We address strategies for rigging, skinning and animating using character design. You will develop a short, animated narrative with a team of your peers and improve your creative portfolio.
DM 168 Agency Graphic Design Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Must have completed 6 units of design coursework or have portfolio of equivalent skillset.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Make your creativity work for you! This course is a comprehensive branding, media, and design course serving as the capstone for all Digital Media Arts & Graphic Design programs. Students develop a career/transfer-ready digital portfolio through team-based branding and identity design development for multiple media applications. Focus is on the small business sector and creating a personal brand for preparation to enter the workforce or complete design portfolio requirements for transfer. Career goals, resumes, online portfolios, interviewing skills, and customer service needs are addressed. 6 units of digital media-oriented coursework are recommended.
DM 169 Game Design & Development Team
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 9 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 196A or DM 197A
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students design and develop original video game projects in a team setting and in a simulated video game production studio setting. The working game(s) and/or working prototypes will be entered into the annual Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Intercollegiate Computer Game Competition.
DM 170 Drone Pilot License Test Prep
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 9 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class prepares students to become professional drone pilots. The class preps students to take the FAA Drone Pilot test, and other knowledge tests required by the FAA. To fly drones commercially, students need to pass an FAA drone pilot knowledge test.
DM 171 Drone Pilot Training
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 27 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Learn the ins-and-outs of flying a drone professionally. The Drone Pilot Training course covers FAA rules and regulations, settings and features of drones, and supervised hands-on flight instruction with a licensed drone pilot. Drones provided for the class.
DM 175 Drone Cinematography & Editing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Drone flight techniques designed for the practice of cinematic filming, production, and post-production.
DM 191A Layout Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Recommeded Preparation: To be successful in this course it is recommended that students have some prior knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud. If unsure, please consider concurrent enrollment in DM 195 to develop introductory skills in the Adobe Create Cloud suite of design software.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to digital publishing and page layouts. Projects explore the design and development of single and multiple page documents. Includes advanced techniques in complex documents, interactive, and web-ready pages. Primary software: Adobe InDesign.
DM 192A Digital Illustration II: Advanced Topics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 162 or ART 162 or equivalent, as demonstrated in illustration portfolio
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Examines advanced design and illustration techniques using industry-standard software via Adobe Creative Cloud. Addresses contemporary illustrative problems, concepts, and skills development within the digital media and graphic arts industries for the creation of unique illustrations. The technical needs for graphic illustrations for print, animation, film, and the web will also be addressed. Primary Software: Adobe Illustrator, supplemented with Adobe Photoshop. Same as DM 192A.
DM 193 Motion Graphics with Adobe After Effects
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: ART 195 and TELV 112
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This graphics animation course covers the development of original motion graphics. Video editing skills are refined within the animation software to create animated clips for use in multiple media applications. Some experience in non-linear digital video editing is recommended, as well as some graphic design experience. (Same as Art 193)
DM 195 Introduction to Digital Media Arts
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 18 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Foundation-level course designed for graphic designers, artists, photographers, web designers, programmers, and animation artists working in the digital realm. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts, practices, and theories of digital art production. Course topics include integration of traditional design, color, and compositional principles with contemporary digital tools, including industry-standard software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud for print, web and time-based media. (Same as ART 195)
DM 196A 3D Modeling: The Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is an introductory course in developing digital 3D models for video games, film, advertising and pre-visualization for product and architectural design. Focus is placed on building digital 3d characters, props and environments that will be used in students’ own animated short film or video game ideas. By employing the teacher-provided project management tools, students gain hands-on experience in how animated and interactive media projects are developed. Industry-standard low and high poly modeling methods, which utilize normal map application, is emphasized to ensure optimized models with stunning detail.
DM 196B 3D Modeling Intermediate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 196A or a portfolio demonstrating equivalent skills to success at the intermediate level.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Instruction in intermediate-level digital 3D modeling methods as used in video games, interactive media, television, film, previz, product illustration, architectural and bioscience visualization. Students are to model subjects geared to their chosen area of interest and then are provided instruction and guidance to increase proficiency, speed and communication skills required for professional 3D modelers.
DM 197A 3D Animation Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 113 or DM 193
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Instruction in using 3D animation software for the purpose of linear storytelling. Emphasis on the incorporation of the classic principles of animation, and in learning the core components of the software that are necessary for effective visual communication.
DM 215 Advanced Single-Camera/Digital Cinema Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 112 and DM 115A
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced single-camera digital cinematography production and post-production technology, workflow and aesthetics. Emphasis upon industry standards and approaches for television and cinema production with professional High Definition and Ultra High Definition/4K video cameras. It includes HD, DSLR and other large-sensor digital cinema cameras.
DM 230A Beginning News & Sports Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 130
- Transfers to
- CSU
Beginning producing for broadcast journalism and sportscasting. Create content for TV and digital platforms with emphasis on producing stories, newscasts, sportscasts and interviews. Hands-on production class. Emphasizes both field and studio production.
DM 230B Intermediate News & Sports Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 230A
- Transfers to
- CSU
Intermediate producing for broadcast journalism and sportscasting. Create content for TV and digital platforms with emphasis on producing stories, newscasts, sportscasts and interviews. Hands-on production class. Emphasizes both field and studio production.
DM 230C Advanced News & Sports Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 230B
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced producing for broadcast journalism and sportscasting. Create content for TV and digital platforms with emphasis on producing stories, newscasts, sportscasts and interviews. Hands-on production class. Emphasizes both field and studio production.
DM 230D Executive News & Sports Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 230C
- Transfers to
- CSU
Executive producing for broadcast journalism and sportscasting. Oversee content creation for TV and digital platforms with emphasis on producing stories, newscasts, sportscasts and interviews. Hands-on production class. Emphasizes both field and studio production.
DM 240 Agency Film Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is a capstone course, where students will build upon skills and concepts developed in previous camera, editing and cinematography courses in order to learn how to produce and direct advertising agency productions. Prior enrollment in Digital Media 112, 115A, and 140 recommended.
DM 255 Motion Picture Technical Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 112 or DM 115A or DM 120
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides hands-on, practical experience in technical production, culminating in a fully produced film screened to the public. The final movie presentation becomes the basis for creating a production reel.
DM 256 Intermediate Motion Picture Technical Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 255
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides hands-on practical experience in intermediate technical production, culminating in a fully produced film screened to the public. The final movie presentation becomes the basis for creating a production reel. Prior enrollment in DM 255 is recommended.
DM 257 Advanced Motion Picture Technical Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 256
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides hands-on on practical experience in advanced technical production, culminating in a fully produced film, screened to the public. The final movie presentation becomes the basis for creating a production reel.
DM 260 Lighting Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Theory and practices of lighting including control systems and instruments as well as the techniques for proper installation, operation, maintenance, and safety. Same as THEA 133.
DM 265 Documentary Film Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DM 112 or DM 115A or DM 140
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a capstone course where students will build upon skills and concepts developed in previous camera, editing, and cinematography courses. Students will learn to produce and direct short-form documentaries.