Course Maps & Pathways

Intro to Media Careers (IMC)

Intro to Media Careers (IMC)

Welcome to Intro to Media Careers. In this course, you will build your foundational digital toolkit: graphic design, visual storytelling, digital ethics, and creative career planning. You will create projects using Google Sites, Canva, Photopea, mobile video, and presentation software, publishing everything directly to your personal online portfolio.

Course Scope: 6 Units · 43 Modules & Assignments · 100 Standards Covered

Unit 1: Digital Foundations & Portfolio Launch

What you will learn: In this unit, you will build and launch your professional Google Sites portfolio website, which will house all of your creative work this year. You will master file management and naming conventions, evaluate computer hardware specifications, secure your accounts, and establish baseline typing speed.
6 Modules · 13 Standards Covered

Module 1.1: Build Your Portfolio (Google Sites) ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will set up your Google Sites portfolio homepage, bio section, and navigation layout.

Building a Google Sites Portfolio

Code: CAREER-104 · Est. 10 min · Learn how to structure and publish your Google Sites portfolio

Build Your Portfolio (Google Sites)

ID: build-your-portfolio · Deliverable: Submit your published portfolio link

Standards: 3.8 4.2 2.1

Module 1.2: Workstation Setup & Ergonomics ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will learn how computer hardware operates, design a custom workstation build, and set up a healthy, ergonomic posture.

Ergonomics and the Workstation

Code: COMP-110 · Est. 10 min · Chair adjustments, monitor distance, and wrist strain prevention

What a Computer Is Doing

Code: COMP-101 · Est. 10 min · CPU, RAM, GPU, storage, and the processing pipeline

Workstation Setup & Ergonomics

ID: workstation-setup · Deliverable: Setup audit, PCPartPicker build justification & ergonomic plan

Standards: 4.3 4.4 6.3 6.1

Module 1.3: File System & Naming Conventions Drill ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will organize local and cloud project directories using professional file-naming standards.

Files, Folders, and Paths

Code: COMP-103 · Est. 10 min · Folder hierarchies, directory paths, and file extensions

Naming Conventions

Code: COMP-105 · Est. 10 min · Version numbers, underscores, and avoiding special characters

File System & Naming Conventions Drill

ID: file-system-drill · Deliverable: Organized project directory screenshot

Standards: 4.5

Module 1.4: Spec Sheet Hunt: What's In This Machine ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will identify your workstation's CPU, GPU, VRAM, and RAM specs to understand hardware requirements.

Reading a Spec Sheet

Code: COMP-108 · Est. 10 min · How to read hardware benchmarks and minimum system requirements

Spec Sheet Hunt: What's In This Machine

ID: spec-sheet-hunt · Deliverable: Hardware audit report on your portfolio

Standards: 4.4 4.8 11.4

Module 1.5: Phishing, Privacy & Account Security Audit ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will audit your security practices, spot phishing emails, and configure two-factor authentication.

Accounts, Passwords, Phishing

Code: COMP-111 · Est. 10 min · Password security, passkeys, 2FA, and identifying scams

Phishing, Privacy & Account Security Audit

ID: spot-the-phishing · Deliverable: 5-scenario security analysis

Standards: 4.1 2.7 14.6

Module 1.6: Typing Baseline (Recurring All Year) ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will establish your baseline typing speed and accuracy, and practice keyboard shortcut efficiency.

Keyboard Fluency and Shortcuts

Code: COMP-109 · Est. 10 min · Home row technique, speed drills, and OS shortcuts

Typing Baseline

ID: typing-baseline · Deliverable: Typing speed and accuracy benchmark log

Standards: 4.3

Unit 1 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

COMP-102 Operating Systems & Why They Differ COMP-104 File Types & Extensions COMP-106 Cloud vs Local Storage & Backup COMP-107 Installing & Updating Software COMP-112 Staying Safe & Private Online CAREER-105 Documenting Your Work

Unit 2: Design Fundamentals & the Creative Process

What you will learn: In this unit, you will learn fundamental graphic design principles—color harmony, value contrast, typography hierarchy, and composition. Your main project is a 2-week polished poster design for your portfolio, accompanied by structured peer critique.
9 Modules · 14 Standards Covered

Module 2.1: Elements & Principles Visual Hunt ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will collect and analyze real-world design examples illustrating the core elements and principles of design.

Elements of Art

Code: DESN-101 · Line, shape, form, value, space, color, and texture

Principles of Design

Code: DESN-102 · Balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, and unity

Elements & Principles Visual Hunt

ID: elements-visual-hunt · Deliverable: Curated visual hunt board

Standards: 1.4 11.1 2.2

Module 2.2: Value & Color Studies ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will build tonal value scales and test color harmonies to establish strong visual contrast.

Value and Contrast

Code: DESN-104 · Value groupings, focal contrast, and readability

Value & Color Studies

ID: value-study · Deliverable: 5-step value study and color swatch sets

Standards: 10.3 DGA.17.1

Module 2.3: Typography & Hierarchy Exercise ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will format typography layouts using font pairing, scale contrast, and clear reading order.

Typography Basics

Code: DESN-109 · Serif vs sans-serif, kerning, leading, hierarchy, and alignment

Typography & Hierarchy Exercise

ID: typography-hierarchy · Deliverable: Formatted typographic hierarchy sheet

Standards: DGA.17.4

Module 2.4: Poster Project (2-Week Anchor) ANCHOR PROJECT

You will design a full-resolution event or promotional poster combining composition rules and typography.

Composition and Focal Point

Code: DESN-107 · Rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, and visual balance

Thumbnails and Ideation

Code: DESN-110 · Thumbnail sketching, idea exploration, and concept selection

Poster Project (2 Weeks)

ID: poster-project · Deliverable: Final high-resolution poster on your portfolio

Standards: 10.2 10.3 10.4 DGA.17.1 DGA.17.4 12.4

Module 2.5: Structured Critique Round ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will give and receive objective, constructive critique to refine your poster design.

The Critique Process

Code: DESN-114 · Warm and cool feedback, objective criteria, and revision planning

Structured Critique Round

ID: critique-round-one · Deliverable: Written critique feedback and revision goals

Standards: 5.2 8.4 10.5

Module 2.6: Mood Board & Reference Gathering ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will assemble a reference board in PureRef or Google Sites with color swatches and style anchors.

Mood Boards and Reference

Code: DESN-111 · Sourcing visual reference, color extraction, and moodboards

Mood Board & Reference Gathering

ID: mood-board · Deliverable: Embedded mood board on your portfolio

Standards: 10.3 11.2

Module 2.7: Thumbnail Ideation Sprint ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will quickly sketch 12 composition thumbnails to explore different layout concepts.

Thumbnails and Ideation

Code: DESN-110 · Quick sketches, exploring layout options, and visual hierarchy

Thumbnail Ideation Sprint

ID: thumbnail-sprint · Deliverable: 12-thumbnail concept sheet

Standards: 10.2 10.3

Module 2.8: Design History Post ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will research a historic design movement and write a short case study on its modern influence.

Design History and Cultural Influence

Code: DESN-117 · Bauhaus, Swiss style, Art Deco, and cultural movements

Design History Post

ID: design-history-post · Deliverable: Short illustrated blog post on your portfolio

Standards: 1.3 11.2 1.1

Module 2.9: Optional: Illustration or Hand-Drawn Extension OPTIONAL EXTENSION

You can create custom hand-drawn or digital illustration elements to incorporate into your poster.

Line, Shape, and Form

Code: DESN-103 · Line weight, contour drawing, and graphic shape design

Illustration Extension

ID: illustration-extension · Deliverable: Original digital illustration asset

Standards: 10.6 10.1

Unit 2 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

DESN-105 Color Theory Basics DESN-106 Color Modes & Spaces DESN-108 Perspective & Depth DESN-115 Iteration & Revision

Unit 3: Storytelling Across Media

What you will learn: In this unit, you will learn the core foundations of visual narrative: 3-act story structure, camera shot framing, sound design for mood, multi-format adaptation, and shooting a 60-second micro-video.
6 Modules · 15 Standards Covered

Module 3.1: Story Structure Breakdown ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will analyze the 3-act narrative arc, inciting incidents, climax, and resolution in a short film.

Narrative Structure

Code: MEDIA-102 · 3-act structure, protagonist goals, obstacles, and pacing

Story Structure Breakdown

ID: story-breakdown · Deliverable: Narrative structure breakdown sheet

Standards: 15.1 1.4 5.5

Module 3.2: Storyboard Sequence ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will draw a 6-panel storyboard sequence with shot descriptions, camera angles, and action notes.

Storyboarding Basics

Code: DESN-112 · Panel composition, aspect ratios, camera directions, and transitions

Storyboard Sequence

ID: storyboard-sequence · Deliverable: 6-panel storyboard scan / digital upload

Standards: 15.5 AV.17.5 10.3

Module 3.3: Platform Remix: One Story, Three Formats ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will adapt one story idea into three different formats: a short vertical video, an interactive game prompt, and a poster.

Platform and Audience

Code: MEDIA-110 · Designing for different aspect ratios, audience demographics, and platforms

Platform Remix: One Story, Three Formats

ID: platform-remix · Deliverable: 3-format story adaptation slide deck

Standards: 15.2 2.6 12.4

Module 3.4: Sound & Mood Study ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will experiment with Foley sound effects, background music, and audio mixing to alter the emotional mood of a scene.

Code: MEDIA-109 · Diegetic vs non-diegetic sound, audio layering, and mood setting

Sound & Mood Study

ID: sound-mood-study · Deliverable: Audio-paired mood comparison submission

Standards: 15.7

Module 3.5: Authentic Representation Case Study ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will analyze cultural authenticity, inclusive character design, and avoiding stereotypes in popular media.

Authentic Representation

Code: MEDIA-115 · Cultural consulting, authentic perspectives, and inclusive storytelling

Authentic Representation Case Study

ID: authentic-representation · Deliverable: Case analysis post on your portfolio

Standards: 15.3 7.2 7.3 7.4 9.5

Module 3.6: One-Minute Video Challenge ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will film and edit a 60-second micro-short using proper shot angles and video transitions.

Shot Types and Framing

Code: MEDIA-105 · Wide, medium, close-up, and over-the-shoulder framing

Camera Angles and Movement

Code: MEDIA-106 · High/low angle, pan, tilt, tracking shots, and continuity

One-Minute Video Challenge

ID: one-minute-video · Deliverable: 60-second video posted to your portfolio

Standards: 15.2 15.8 15.9 2.6

Unit 3 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

MEDIA-101 What Makes a Story MEDIA-103 Character & Conflict MEDIA-104 Point of View MEDIA-107 Continuity & Coverage MEDIA-111 Pre-Production Documents

Unit 4: Careers, Research & Media Literacy

What you will learn: In this unit, you will research creative career pathways using O*NET database metrics, interview an industry professional, compare unions and freelance employment types, and publish a dedicated Careers section on your portfolio.
7 Modules · 24 Standards Covered

Module 4.1: O*NET Career Report (2-Week Anchor) ANCHOR PROJECT

You will research 2 creative industry careers using official O*NET job data and publish your findings.

Reading an O*NET Entry

Code: CAREER-102 · SOC codes, job duties, required skills, and salary outlook data

O*NET Career Report (2 Weeks)

ID: onet-career-report · Deliverable: 2-career in-depth report on your portfolio

Standards: 3.1 3.4 11.3 1.1

Module 4.2: Career Plan & Aptitude Self-Assessment ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will assess your creative interests and technical skills to map out your 3-year high school pathway.

Interests, Skills, and Aptitude

Code: CAREER-110 · Identifying creative strengths, learning styles, and technical goals

Career Plan & Aptitude Self-Assessment

ID: career-plan-draft · Deliverable: 3-year pathway roadmap plan

Standards: 3.2

Module 4.3: Interview a Professional ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will conduct an informational interview with a working professional via email, call, or video.

Networking and Professional Presence

Code: CAREER-109 · Email etiquette, asking insightful questions, and following up

Interview a Professional

ID: interview-a-professional · Deliverable: Interview summary post on your portfolio

Standards: 3.3 2.4 7.8 11.2

Module 4.4: Unions, Guilds & Employment Types ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will compare staff (W2), freelance (1099), work-for-hire, and industry unions (Animation Guild, SAG-AFTRA).

Unions, Guilds, and Professional Orgs

Code: CAREER-112 · Collective bargaining, health plans, and industry guilds

Staff, Freelance, and Work for Hire

Code: CAREER-113 · Contracts, invoicing, taxes, rights ownership, and benefits

Unions, Guilds & Employment Types

ID: unions-and-employment · Deliverable: Employment comparison matrix

Standards: 3.6 3.7 7.9 14.7 14.8 6.9 6.4 14.9

Module 4.5: Source Credibility & Media Bias Analysis ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will evaluate news articles and digital media for factual credibility, author bias, and sponsor intent.

Source Credibility and Bias

Code: MEDIA-113 · Fact-checking, bias detection, sponsored content, and lateral reading

Source Credibility & Media Bias Analysis

ID: media-analysis · Deliverable: 2-source analytical report

Standards: 11.5 11.1 5.5

Module 4.6: Careers Portfolio Page ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will publish your career research and pathway goals into a dedicated section of your portfolio.

Pathways, Focus Areas, Job Titles

Code: CAREER-103 · AME pathway branches, studio roles, and career progression

Careers Portfolio Page

ID: careers-portfolio-page · Deliverable: Live portfolio Careers page section

Standards: 3.8 3.1 2.6

Module 4.7: Industry Trends Brief ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will write a short briefing memo on current shifts in the creative economy and real-time production tools.

Industry Trends and the Creative Economy

Code: CAREER-118 · Creator economy, real-time engines in film, virtual production

Industry Trends Brief

ID: industry-trends-brief · Deliverable: 1-page executive trends summary

Standards: 11.4 12.1 4.8 12.6

Unit 4 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

CAREER-101 AME Cluster Overview CAREER-106 Artist Statement & Bio CAREER-107 Resumes for Creatives CAREER-108 Professional Email CAREER-111 Higher Ed & Apprenticeships CAREER-114 Portfolio Defense CAREER-116 Workplace Rights MEDIA-112 Reading Media Messages

Unit 5: Law, Ethics & AI

What you will learn: In this unit, you will learn the legal and ethical rules of digital media: intellectual property, Creative Commons licenses, Fair Use analysis, citation formatting, and writing our studio’s ethical AI usage policy.
8 Modules · 17 Standards Covered

Module 5.1: IP Types & Copyright Infographic ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will create an infographic explaining copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.

What Intellectual Property Is

Code: LAW-101 · The 4 branches of IP law and creator rights

Copyright Basics

Code: LAW-102 · Authorship, copyright duration, and public domain rules

IP Types & Copyright Infographic

ID: ip-infographic · Deliverable: Digital infographic graphic

Standards: 14.1 14.2 11.7

Module 5.2: Asset License Hunt ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will find, verify, and document Creative Commons and royalty-free assets for production.

Licenses: CC, Royalty-Free, Commercial

Code: LAW-105 · CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC0, and commercial marketplace licenses

Asset License Hunt

ID: license-hunt · Deliverable: Verified asset and license spreadsheet

Standards: 14.5 11.6 11.3

Module 5.3: Fair Use Case Analysis ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will evaluate real-world copyright disputes using the four statutory Fair Use factors.

Fair Use: The Four Factors

Code: LAW-104 · Purpose/character, nature of work, amount used, and market impact

Fair Use Case Analysis

ID: fair-use-case · Deliverable: Written legal case analysis

Standards: 14.2 5.5 5.6

Module 5.4: Attribution & Citation Audit ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will apply standard TASL (Title, Author, Source, License) attribution to every asset on your site.

Attribution and Citing Sources

Code: LAW-106 · TASL framework, credit rolls, and asset attribution logs

Attribution & Citation Audit

ID: attribution-audit · Deliverable: Portfolio citation audit check

Standards: 11.3 11.6

Module 5.5: AI Tool Review & Class Use Policy ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will test generative AI tools and collaborate with your peers to draft our studio's ethical AI policy.

How Generative AI Works

Code: LAW-108 · Diffusion models, LLMs, training sets, and output limitations

Responsible AI Use and Verification

Code: LAW-110 · Disclosure, human verification, and ethical guidelines

AI Tool Review & Class Use Policy

ID: ai-tool-review · Deliverable: Tool evaluation review and signed charter

Standards: 4.6 4.7 5.9

Module 5.6: Misinformation & Deepfake Analysis ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will spot deepfake artifacts, analyze synthetic media manipulation, and document verification steps.

AI, Authorship, and Ownership

Code: LAW-109 · Copyright Office guidance and human authorship rules

Misinformation & Deepfake Analysis

ID: deepfake-analysis · Deliverable: Synthetic media analysis sheet

Standards: 11.1 12.7 5.5

Module 5.7: Ethics Case Study & Position Paper ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will write a short position paper on a digital media ethics challenge (dark patterns, privacy, or crunch).

Terms of Use and Platform Rules

Code: LAW-107 · Platform TOS, content moderation, and user privacy

Ethics Case Study & Position Paper

ID: ethics-position-paper · Deliverable: 1-page ethical position paper

Standards: 5.6 7.1 1.1

Module 5.8: NDA & Confidentiality Walkthrough ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will read standard studio non-disclosure agreements and learn legal responsibilities regarding project leaks.

NDAs and Confidentiality

Code: LAW-111 · Proprietary assets, embargo dates, and leak liabilities

NDA & Confidentiality Walkthrough

ID: nda-walkthrough · Deliverable: NDA analysis worksheet

Standards: 14.3 14.4

Unit 5 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

LAW-103 Trademark & Publicity Rights

Unit 6: Production, Pitch & the Team Option

What you will learn: In this final unit, you will experience the complete creative production pipeline. Working solo or in a small team of 2–3, you will draft a creative brief, create a brand identity, build a production schedule, and deliver a live pitch deck presentation to the class.
7 Modules · 28 Standards Covered

Module 6.1: Creative Brief & Concept Development ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will write a formal creative brief detailing your project's concept, target audience, tone, and scope.

The Creative Brief

Code: PROD-103 · Client goals, deliverable specs, audience demographics

Creative Brief & Concept Development

ID: creative-brief · Deliverable: Complete creative brief document

Standards: 16.4 10.2 13.1

Module 6.2: Production Roles & Phases Map ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will map studio roles across Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production milestones.

Roles on a Creative Team

Code: PROD-102 · Art lead, tech artist, designer, producer, QA

Production Phases

Code: PROD-101 · Milestone pipelines, greenlight, alpha, beta, and release

Production Roles & Phases Map

ID: production-roles-map · Deliverable: Pipeline workflow diagram

Standards: 16.2 16.6 8.1 8.9 8.7 8.8

Module 6.3: Brand Identity Mini (Logo + Style Guide) ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will develop a visual brand identity package with a logo mark, font pairings, and color palette.

Brand Identity and Style Guides

Code: DESN-116 · Style guides, color codes, logo clear-space, brand tone

Brand Identity Mini

ID: brand-identity-mini · Deliverable: 1-page brand style guide sheet

Standards: 13.3 DGA.17.1 13.9

Module 6.4: Budget & Schedule Basics ASSIGNMENT & READINGS

You will build a realistic 4-week task schedule and resource budget for your pitch project.

Pay, Offers, and Budgeting

Code: CAREER-115 · Hourly vs flat rates, milestone estimates, overhead

Business Entity Types

Code: LAW-112 · LLC, sole proprietorship, and corporation basics

Budget & Schedule Basics

ID: budget-and-schedule · Deliverable: Production schedule spreadsheet

Standards: 16.5 13.5 6.7 3.5

Module 6.5: Concept Pitch (Solo or Team Anchor) ANCHOR PRESENTATION

You will deliver a 3-minute slide pitch deck presentation to the class for your media concept.

Pitching a Concept

Code: PROD-105 · Pitch deck structure, elevator hook, slide design, Q&A defense

Concept Pitch (Solo or Team)

ID: concept-pitch · Deliverable: Slide deck presentation & recording

Standards: 13.2 2.3 2.5 10.9 9.1

Module 6.6: Portfolio Final Review & Reflection CAPSTONE DEFENSE

You will curate your complete year-long portfolio, polish project descriptions, and write your end-of-year reflection.

Documenting Your Work

Code: CAREER-105 · Case study breakdowns, process renders, and postmortems

Portfolio Final Review & Reflection

ID: portfolio-final-review · Deliverable: Completed portfolio defense submission

Standards: 3.8 5.3 3.9

Module 6.7: Industry & Community Connection (CTSO / Service Option) ASSIGNMENT & READING

You will propose or participate in a CTSO event, SkillsUSA challenge, or community design project.

CTSOs, Leadership, and Community

Code: CAREER-117 · CTSO competitions, community service learning, and leadership

Industry & Community Connection

ID: chapter-proposal · Deliverable: Proposal document & participation log

Standards: 7.7 7.8 8.6 7.5

Unit 6 Reference Shelf (Supplemental Reading)

PROD-104 Project Planning & Milestones PROD-106 Standups & Notes PROD-107 Feedback PROD-108 Asset Management PROD-206 Budgets & Resources DESN-113 Wireframes & Layout CAREER-204 Entrepreneurship

Game Art & Design 2 (GAD2)