Schools listed below are offering the courses in the 2025-2026 school year and are not a guarantee of future offerings.
Introductory Courses
San Marcos High School
Marketing research is the foundation of all marketing activities because it provides the data needed to make key strategic decisions about products, promotions, pricing, and other key organizational decisions. This course will provide information about the process of investigation and problem analysis by using research to produce key marketing statistics that are communicated to management and used throughout the organization. This course concludes with the execution, interpretation, and presentation of marketing research.
Dos Pueblos High School
Digital Media & Production 1 is a year-long multimedia production course devoted to the publication and dissemination of student print journalism, photojournalism, online journalism and social media journalism for The Charger Account news website and The Blueprint news magazine print publication. The student work that is designed, produced and disseminated covers school-related news, feature stories, social issues, art reviews and sporting events that take place on and off campus and within the Goleta and Santa Barbara/SB County communities. This course will further studentsʼ understanding of a journalist's target audience and abilities to create a variety of two-dimensional media, including page designs, photography, interviewing techniques, and journalism ethics. The assignments in the course will demonstrate a studentʼs mastery of principles of journalism/publication and ability to effectively communicate messages through multimedia design.
Dos Pueblos High School
Digital Media & Production 1 is a year-long multimedia production course devoted to the publication and dissemination of student print journalism, photojournalism, online journalism and social media journalism for The Charger Account news website and The Blueprint news magazine print publication. The student work that is designed, produced and disseminated covers school-related news, feature stories, social issues, art reviews and sporting events that take place on and off campus and within the Goleta and Santa Barbara/SB County communities. This course will further studentsʼ understanding of a journalist's target audience and abilities to create a variety of two-dimensional media, including page designs, photography, interviewing techniques, and journalism ethics. The assignments in the course will demonstrate a studentʼs mastery of principles of journalism/publication and ability to effectively communicate messages through multimedia design.
San Marcos High School
Recommended starting point for students interested in careers in graphic design and media arts. An introductory course in design and composition as it relates to the digital arena. Students learn elements of design such as line, shape, color, and texture, as well as principles of design such as balance, repetition, and unity and apply them to designs and illustrations created with digital tools and industry-standard software programs. Provides a strong introduction to composition and conceptualization in design for print and electronic output.
Santa Barbara High School
Designed to provide advanced experience and training to the student with more than usual interest and skill, this course focuses on contemporary drawing concerns, representational drawing, ways of communicating visually, and is structured toward the individual. Studentes must be enrolled in VADA to take this course.
Santa Barbara High School
Designed to provide advanced experience and training to the student with more than usual interest and skill, this course focuses on contemporary drawing concerns, representational drawing, ways of communicating visually, and is structured toward the individual. Studentes must be enrolled in VADA to take this course.
Santa Barbara High School
Building on developing drawing skills and emphasizing the elements of art and principles of design, students move through larger-scale renderings, many of which are based on the face and figure. Life drawing and observational studies continue. A broad range of drawing media are explored, including, scratchboard, linoleum block prints, and silk screening techniques for paper and fabric. There are also several theme- based collaboration projects between English, History, and Art, in addition to field trips to Los Angeles and local museums and galleries. Art history and appreciation are woven throughout. Students must be enrolled in VADA to take this course.
Santa Barbara High School
Utilizing current software in VADA's Design Lab, students use computers as a creative tool, learning design fundamentals such as typography, layout, scanners, and digital cameras, using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. While developing proficiency, students apply skills to make and edit their own unique images. Developing entry-level technical proficiency is a course objective.
Santa Barbara High School,
Dos Pueblos High School
Overview of tools and applications used to produce interactive multimedia, including software applications, peripherals and hardware. Major applications for design, photo processing, web design, authoring and video. Evaluation and description of the strengths of each program and potential for integration of production applications.
Santa Barbara High School,
Dos Pueblos High School
An introduction to the image processing capabilities of PhotoShop to create and edit images and to prepare images for various media. No prior knowledge of PhotoShop is required. Includes Tools Selection, Channels, Layers, Filters, Text, Brushes, Effects, Masks, Adjustment Layers.
Concentrator Courses
Dos Pueblos High School
Digital Media & Production 2 is designed for students who wish to explore advanced digital media skills consistent with current industry standards and applications. Building on the foundational based established in Digital Media and Production I, students will further expand, develop, and apply their knowledge of elements and principles of journalism, design, and ethics/law in varying contexts, including the publication of The Charger Account (the school's online news publication) and The Blueprint (the printed student magazine). Students will improve their observational, analytical, and critical thinking skills while obtaining and applying advanced ability in the use of digital technology for journalistic production of digital media. They will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of journalism, including interviewing, photography, ethics/law/First Amendment (including current events), AP Style, and research. They will critically observe their visual environment and solve design problems through the use of digital media, as well as plan to use social media to achieve a desired outcome. This class will develop a professional entrepreneurial spirit and provide hands-on experience in the digital media/journalism industry.
San Marcos High School
Digital Media & Production 2 is designed for students who wish to explore advanced digital media skills consistent with current industry standards and applications. Building on the foundational based established in Digital Media and Production I, students will further expand, develop, and apply their knowledge of elements and principles of journalism, design, and ethics/law in varying contexts, including the publication of The Charger Account (the school's online news publication) and The Blueprint (the printed student magazine). Students will improve their observational, analytical, and critical thinking skills while obtaining and applying advanced ability in the use of digital technology for journalistic production of digital media. They will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of journalism, including interviewing, photography, ethics/law/First Amendment (including current events), AP Style, and research. They will critically observe their visual environment and solve design problems through the use of digital media, as well as plan to use social media to achieve a desired outcome. This class will develop a professional entrepreneurial spirit and provide hands-on experience in the digital media/journalism industry.
Dos Pueblos High School
Exploration of studio lighting and location lighting. Designed particularly for students who are familiar with basic photography and wish to learn more about advanced techniques in photographic composition, studio lighting, special effects, lighting equipment and various digital photography techniques. Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
Santa Barbara High School
Introductory course identifying the tools and skills necessary for producing independent motion pictures. Analysis of professional development, production methods, current financing options, and distribution strategies will be considered in developing a producing practice.
Dos Pueblos High School
Publications Design I will provide students with knowledge, skills and hands-on application of graphic digital imagery for publication. Students will learn and practice the basics of design and layout; analyze and evaluate images based on a set of given values; and learn communication, management and evaluation skills for individuals and teams. Students will explore digital technology in the areas of photographic imaging, video filmmaking and editing. Students will learn how to apply basic design principles to different digital art forms. Much of the course will be spent in the areas of desktop publishing, digital photography and the digital darkroom using state-of-the-art word processing and design software including the Adobe Creative Suites software (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) as well popular online formats (Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Aurasma).
Dos Pueblos High School
Publications Design I will provide students with knowledge, skills and hands-on application of graphic digital imagery for publication. Students will learn and practice the basics of design and layout; analyze and evaluate images based on a set of given values; and learn communication, management and evaluation skills for individuals and teams. Students will explore digital technology in the areas of photographic imaging, video filmmaking and editing. Students will learn how to apply basic design principles to different digital art forms. Much of the course will be spent in the areas of desktop publishing, digital photography and the digital darkroom using state-of-the-art word processing and design software including the Adobe Creative Suites software (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) as well popular online formats (Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Aurasma).
San Marcos High School,
Dos Pueblos High School
Advanced students use a Wacom tablet as they learn Adobe Illustrator and improve their skills in Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and iStop Motion. They learn and apply the design process from client brief, thumbnails through comps, and final presentation, all while developing their understanding of effective design. Projects include: designing posters and brochures for school use; creating art for various thematic contests; designing skateboards, board games, and cartoon or fantasy characters and environments; creating multi-page illustration layouts; and package design. Students will experiment with a combination of digital and traditional media in printmaking projects (linocut and stencil), and with the effects of digital printing on prepared surfaces. They will explore several types of stop-motion animation. Students should be able to work independently and follow demonstrations or written, online tutorials.
San Marcos High School,
Dos Pueblos High School
Advanced students use a Wacom tablet as they learn Adobe Illustrator and improve their skills in Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and iStop Motion. They learn and apply the design process from client brief, thumbnails through comps, and final presentation, all while developing their understanding of effective design. Projects include: designing posters and brochures for school use; creating art for various thematic contests; designing skateboards, board games, and cartoon or fantasy characters and environments; creating multi-page illustration layouts; and package design. Students will experiment with a combination of digital and traditional media in printmaking projects (linocut and stencil), and with the effects of digital printing on prepared surfaces. They will explore several types of stop-motion animation. Students should be able to work independently and follow demonstrations or written, online tutorials.
Santa Barbara High School
This class is designed to ground students in foundational painting techniques, hone compositional skills, and exercise color theory in daily practice. Focusing mainly on acrylic and oil, students will draw upon personally generated imagery as well as traditional and contemporary subject matter in their work. Quality concepts, composition, and craftsmanship are important components of this class. College presenters, critique sessions, and portfolio building prepare students for their senior year. This course serves as an informal "pre-AP" class for students advancing to AP Studio Art.
Dos Pueblos High School
This course is an exploration of artistic expression and ideas through photographic means. Students will be introduced to digital photography and editing software. Students will be studying composition, professional standards, experimental techniques, and art criticism through art history-based activities. Students will also gain experience in fine art photography with historical and alternative photographic processes.
Dos Pueblos High School
This course is an exploration of artistic expression and ideas through photographic means. Students will be introduced to digital photography and editing software. Students will be studying composition, professional standards, experimental techniques, and art criticism through art history-based activities. Students will also gain experience in fine art photography with historical and alternative photographic processes.
Dos Pueblos High School
Publications Design II is the 2nd year of the Publications Design program. Students will gain a more in-depth exposure to the skills, knowledge and hands-on application of digital imagery for publication. Students will begin to master design and layout, critique and self-analysis of design. Students will apply this knowledge to produce materials for school publications and expand on their understanding of art and design.
Dos Pueblos High School
Publications Design II is the 2nd year of the Publications Design program. Students will gain a more in-depth exposure to the skills, knowledge and hands-on application of digital imagery for publication. Students will begin to master design and layout, critique and self-analysis of design. Students will apply this knowledge to produce materials for school publications and expand on their understanding of art and design.
San Marcos High School,
Dos Pueblos High School
This course provides film and television students a comprehensive experience in the skill of creating video productions. Development of powers of expression are emphasized along with technical skills associated with professional quality video. Videography, editing, computer graphics, and TV studio operation are introduced and additionally supported by work in film studies, screenwriting, and project management. This class supports the school and staff by videotaping events and activities that appear in a school TV production (sports, classroom instruction, and school and community activities). Students work in teams to produce videos of their own design. Students in this course also have the opportunity to enroll and register through SBCC to earn dual enrollment credit for FP175.
San Marcos High School,
Dos Pueblos High School
This course provides film and television students a comprehensive experience in the skill of creating video productions. Development of powers of expression are emphasized along with technical skills associated with professional quality video. Videography, editing, computer graphics, and TV studio operation are introduced and additionally supported by work in film studies, screenwriting, and project management. This class supports the school and staff by videotaping events and activities that appear in a school TV production (sports, classroom instruction, and school and community activities). Students work in teams to produce videos of their own design. Students in this course also have the opportunity to enroll and register through SBCC to earn dual enrollment credit for FP175.
Dos Pueblos High School
This course provides film and television students a comprehensive experience in the skill of creating video productions. Development of powers of expression are emphasized along with technical skills associated with professional quality video. Videography, editing, computer graphics, and TV studio operation are introduced and additionally supported by work in film studies, screenwriting, and project management. This class supports the school and staff by videotaping events and activities that appear in a school TV production (sports, classroom instruction, and school and community activities). Students work in teams to produce videos of their own design.
Dos Pueblos High School
This course provides film and television students a comprehensive experience in the skill of creating video productions. Development of powers of expression are emphasized along with technical skills associated with professional quality video. Videography, editing, computer graphics, and TV studio operation are introduced and additionally supported by work in film studies, screenwriting, and project management. This class supports the school and staff by videotaping events and activities that appear in a school TV production (sports, classroom instruction, and school and community activities). Students work in teams to produce videos of their own design.
Santa Barbara High School
This class provides an overview of desktop non-linear video editing, including acquiring digital video and combining and editing source material to create complete digital movies.Topics include basic editing techniques; cuts and transitions; adding and altering audio; titling; keying and transparency; and applying filters and effects. This course meets UC a-g eligibility and dual enrollment credit.
Santa Barbara High School,
Dos Pueblos High School
Introduction to the powerful computer art tool of Illustrator. Use of Illustrator to create new works of art for various media: print, the web and CD-ROMs. How to use this tool's type, layout features, filters and other applications. Create vector-based artwork that translates well to other graphic software and media. Create icons, characters, illustrations, interface elements and patterns. Work with type, native 2D shapes, 3D effects and vectorized bitmaps.
Santa Barbara High School
Introduction to the powerful computer art tool of Illustrator. Use of Illustrator to create new works of art for various media: print, the web and CD-ROMs. How to use this tool's type, layout features, filters and other applications. Create vector-based artwork that translates well to other graphic software and media. Create icons, characters, illustrations, interface elements and patterns. Work with type, native 2D shapes, 3D effects and vectorized bitmaps. This Dual Enrollment course through SBCC is offered to students who are enrolled in the MAD Academy.
Santa Barbara High School,
Dos Pueblos High School
The use and creation of media content in developing, integrating and leveraging social networks and applications. Through integration of a variety of social networking applications, students learn about how the creation of media content helps to establish network and communities of shared professional and personal interests. Includes online applications Wikis, Youtube, Vimeo, Flickr, Myspace, Facebook, Digg, etc., and their use as media-oriented platforms.
Santa Barbara High School,
Dos Pueblos High School
Fundamentals of the camera: techniques of camera operation; characteristics of film and photo paper; basic digital imaging; student assignments; photo composition and lighting; print finishing techniques; computer enhancement techniques; film, slide, and print scanning for digital photography.
Capstone Courses
Dos Pueblos High School
Honors Digital Media & Production 2 is designed for students who wish to explore advanced digital media skills consistent with current industry standards/applications, and who are stepping into an editor/leadership role in the class. Building on the foundational based established in Digital Media and Production I, students will further expand, develop, and apply their knowledge of elements and principles of journalism, design, and ethics/law in varying contexts, including the publication of The Charger Account (the school's online news publication) and The Blueprint (the printed student magazine). Students will improve their observational, analytical, and critical thinking skills while obtaining and applying advanced ability in the use of digital technology for journalistic production of digital media. They will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of journalism, including interviewing, photography, ethics/law/First Amendment (including current events), AP Style, and research. They will critically observe their visual environment and solve design problems through the use of digital media, as well as plan to use social media to achieve a desired outcome. This class will develop a professional entrepreneurial spirit and provide hands-on experience in the digital media/journalism industry. As an Honors course, students will be required to write regular critiques of their own work/design techniques used, and an editor's portfolio of their work.
Dos Pueblos High School
Honors Digital Media & Production 2 is designed for students who wish to explore advanced digital media skills consistent with current industry standards/applications, and who are stepping into an editor/leadership role in the class. Building on the foundational based established in Digital Media and Production I, students will further expand, develop, and apply their knowledge of elements and principles of journalism, design, and ethics/law in varying contexts, including the publication of The Charger Account (the school's online news publication) and The Blueprint (the printed student magazine). Students will improve their observational, analytical, and critical thinking skills while obtaining and applying advanced ability in the use of digital technology for journalistic production of digital media. They will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of journalism, including interviewing, photography, ethics/law/First Amendment (including current events), AP Style, and research. They will critically observe their visual environment and solve design problems through the use of digital media, as well as plan to use social media to achieve a desired outcome. This class will develop a professional entrepreneurial spirit and provide hands-on experience in the digital media/journalism industry. As an Honors course, students will be required to write regular critiques of their own work/design techniques used, and an editor's portfolio of their work.
Dos Pueblos High School
In this class, students will be working towards creating an artistic style by experimenting with several genres of photography and photographic techniques. Upon completion of this course, students will have created several projects which will contribute to their expanded knowledge of the technical and creative aspects of photography at a more advanced level. Students will experiment with historical photographic processes, as well as contemporary photographic techniques.
Dos Pueblos High School
In this class, students will be working towards creating an artistic style by experimenting with several genres of photography and photographic techniques. Upon completion of this course, students will have created several projects which will contribute to their expanded knowledge of the technical and creative aspects of photography at a more advanced level. Students will experiment with historical photographic processes, as well as contemporary photographic techniques.
Santa Barbara High School
This advanced level class represents the culmination of the VADA art sequence. Studio Art is a portfolio-based class emphasizing the essentials of a well-rounded portfolio - one that demonstrates mastery of foundational skills and contains a concentration of self-guided projects representing the student's personal artistic interest. This class allows tremendous liberty in producing a series of works stemming from self-generated ideas and personal imagery in the student's medium/media of choice. The instructor coordinates college presentations, guestartists-in-residence, participation in art shows, and scholarship competitions. Support is provided for students who are preparing AP or college portfolios or seeking some guidance for college entry. Personal discipline and dedication to the creative process are essential for success in this class. All AP portfolio requirements must be met to receive AP credit, otherwise the course must be taken for Honors credit.
Santa Barbara High School
This advanced level class represents the culmination of the VADA art sequence. Studio Art is a portfolio-based class emphasizing the essentials of a well-rounded portfolio - one that demonstrates mastery of foundational skills and contains a concentration of self-guided projects representing the student's personal artistic interest. This class allows tremendous liberty in producing a series of works stemming from self-generated ideas and personal imagery in the student's medium/media of choice. The instructor coordinates college presentations, guestartists-in-residence, participation in art shows, and scholarship competitions. Support is provided for students who are preparing AP or college portfolios or seeking some guidance for college entry. Personal discipline and dedication to the creative process are essential for success in this class. All AP portfolio requirements must be met to receive AP credit, otherwise the course must be taken for Honors credit.
Santa Barbara High School
This advanced level class represents the culmination of the VADA art sequence. Studio Art is a portfolio-based class emphasizing the essentials of a well-rounded portfolio - one that demonstrates mastery of foundational skills and contains a concentration of self-guided projects representing the student's personal artistic interest. This class allows tremendous liberty in producing a series of works stemming from self-generated ideas and personal imagery in the student's medium/media of choice. The instructor coordinates college presentations, guestartists-in-residence, participation in art shows, and scholarship competitions. Support is provided for students who are preparing AP or college portfolios or seeking some guidance for college entry. Personal discipline and dedication to the creative process are essential for success in this class. All AP portfolio requirements must be met to receive AP credit, otherwise the course must be taken for Honors credit.
Santa Barbara High School
This advanced level class represents the culmination of the VADA art sequence. Studio Art is a portfolio-based class emphasizing the essentials of a well-rounded portfolio - one that demonstrates mastery of foundational skills and contains a concentration of self-guided projects representing the student's personal artistic interest. This class allows tremendous liberty in producing a series of works stemming from self-generated ideas and personal imagery in the student's medium/media of choice. The instructor coordinates college presentations, guestartists-in-residence, participation in art shows, and scholarship competitions. Support is provided for students who are preparing AP or college portfolios or seeking some guidance for college entry. Personal discipline and dedication to the creative process are essential for success in this class. All AP portfolio requirements must be met to receive AP credit, otherwise the course must be taken for Honors credit.
Dos Pueblos High School
This course is a capstone option in an extensive media and digital communication strand offered at the school. Students will have successfully completed pre-requisites in design/photography and media production and writing. This leads to a year of serving in a design leadership role in production teams for student media as well as studying college and career options. Options will range from serving as the section editor to chief design organizer and planner to serving as editors over larger staffs. These students will demonstrate mastery of all design principles, technical mastery of digital printing through Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, and planning a comprehensive design scheme for print production.
Dos Pueblos High School
This course is a capstone option in an extensive media and digital communication strand offered at the school. Students will have successfully completed pre-requisites in design/photography and media production and writing. This leads to a year of serving in a design leadership role in production teams for student media as well as studying college and career options. Options will range from serving as the section editor to chief design organizer and planner to serving as editors over larger staffs. These students will demonstrate mastery of all design principles, technical mastery of digital printing through Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, and planning a comprehensive design scheme for print production.
Dos Pueblos High School
This course provides film and television students a comprehensive experience in the skill of creating video productions. Development of powers of expression are emphasized along with technical skills associated with professional quality video. Videography, editing, computer graphics, and TV studio operation are introduced and additionally supported by work in film studies, screenwriting, and project management. This class supports the school and staff by videotaping events and activities that appear in a school TV production (sports, classroom instruction, and school and community activities). Students work in teams to produce videos of their own design. Students in this course also have the opportunity to earn dual enrollment credit through SBCC for FP 165.
Dos Pueblos High School
This course provides film and television students a comprehensive experience in the skill of creating video productions. Development of powers of expression are emphasized along with technical skills associated with professional quality video. Videography, editing, computer graphics, and TV studio operation are introduced and additionally supported by work in film studies, screenwriting, and project management. This class supports the school and staff by videotaping events and activities that appear in a school TV production (sports, classroom instruction, and school and community activities). Students work in teams to produce videos of their own design. Students in this course also have the opportunity to earn dual enrollment credit through SBCC for FP 165.
Santa Barbara High School
Introduction to the film and video production process, including scripting, story-boarding, pre-production planning, budgeting, casting, shooting, lighting, sound and editing in both studio and location settings. Students write, produce, direct and edit a personal project and participate in group assignments and projects.
Santa Barbara High School
Advanced concepts and production skills specific to creating music videos, commercials and corporate/industrial video, from conceptualization through post-production. Protocols, history, conventions and trends in each area are discussed. Students work collaboratively to conceive, develop and produce three representative projects
Santa Barbara High School,
Dos Pueblos High School
Skills and techniques of contemporary photojournalism. Topics include news and editorial sources, photographing single events and extended picture stories, and ethics. Skills include control of color, portable electronic flash, and electronic processes for contemporary publication.