Spring Quarter 2026

Description:

This course provides students with information on how to obtain work and succeed as a television, film, voice over, or stage actor. This course prepares students for the actor's journey, with emphasis on career tools (resumés, headshots, reels, self-tapes), strategies, audition techniques, industry terminology, and extensive information about casting, representation, and union membership.

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Introduction of managerial accounting information for planning, controlling, and making decisions within a firm. Focuses on cost terms and concepts, cost behavior, cost structure and cost-volume-profit analysis.

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As this course engages apparently timeless literary works from the classical tradition, it situates them within specific historical contexts. This approach enables students to come to both a greater appreciation of the enduring power of story, and a recognition of the relationship of works of art with their surrounding culture. Masterworks of pagan antiquity (Homer and/or Virgil) give way to key texts of early Christendom (Augustine, Beowulf, et al) in order to further illuminate the impact of Christian theology and anthropology on artists and thinkers in myriad disciplines.

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This course focuses on the traditional and materials techniques used to create hand-drawn illustrations and imagery. Graphite, charcoal, ink, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and collage will be used to create projects rooted in originality. The assignments are intentionally experimental, allowing students to explore innovative solutions in image making. Form, structure, tone, light, shadow, texture and color, combined with different approaches to visual style, atmosphere and mood will be covered.

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This class will build on the skills learned in Fundamentals of Post-Production. Students will analyze different editing styles and techniques for impact and effectiveness. They will apply these different approaches in various exercises relating to pacing, rhythm, emotion, montage and style, as well as the interplay of picture and sound. The application of proper media management and workflow will also be incorporated.

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From first reading through to performance, students rehearse and perform a musical from a classic or contemporary writer. Students must audition to register for this class. This course may be taken multiple times for credit.

Description:

As this course engages apparently timeless literary works from the classical tradition, it situates them within specific historical contexts. This approach enables students to come to both a greater appreciation of the enduring power of story, and a recognition of the relationship of works of art with their surrounding culture. Masterworks of pagan antiquity (Homer and/or Virgil) give way to key texts of early Christendom (Augustine, Beowulf, et al) in order to further illuminate the impact of Christian theology and anthropology on artists and thinkers in myriad disciplines.

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A senior-level illustration capstone experience. In this course, students create portfolio content and further develop a professional visual art portfolio. Topics covered include various techniques determined by the unique challenges of each project. Significant class time will be spent discussing and working on the needs of the projects.

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This course will teach students how to write and speak effectively in business and other communication.

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This course builds on prior courses covering the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Study of the Catechism will be completed through an in-depth analysis of the third pillar, namely, the section on Catholic morality.

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This class is designed to provide students with several opportunities to explore and research into environments and complementary object designs of various art styles, to promote the development of students’ individual art style.

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This class focuses primarily on the role of the cinematographer. Students will learn how to visually communicate an idea through extensive use of the camera and lights. Areas of emphasis will include composition, camera techniques, camera placement and movement, lens characteristics, color, depth of field, lighting techniques, the qualities of light and color temperature.

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This course serves as an introduction to the art of short story writing, providing students with the opportunity to engage in their own original work with foundational aspects of prose fiction.  Class discussions focus on the work of established masters of the short story form, and regular workshop sessions provide opportunities to explore and critique the stories of classmates, and to build a supportive community of writers in the process.

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Comprehensive introduction to basic tools and principles of Game Design including game systems, their components and interaction. Exploration into game analysis and game definitions. Opportunities to conceive an original idea and create a pitch to sell a game concept.

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Study of fundamental drawing techniques used to represent three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional plane and lay a strong foundation for all other drawing and design courses.

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This creative studio course is designed to help students produce their animation senior project. Students will work with faculty to complete a project tailored to their interests, such as an animated short film or animating a game project.

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This course is based on the Compassion Cultivation protocol developed at Stanford University, with insights and techniques from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practice and presented in a Catholic context. Dynamics of compassion explored are: fostering self-compassion, receiving compassion from others, and extending compassion to others. The course integrates evidence-based meditation and prayer techniques, interactive discussions, and lectures as well as real-world exercises to put learning into practice. Students commit to a daily meditative period to cultivate compassion.

Description:

This course is based on the Compassion Cultivation protocol developed at Stanford University, with insights and techniques from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practice and presented in a Catholic context. Dynamics of compassion explored are: fostering self-compassion, receiving compassion from others, and extending compassion to others. The course integrates evidence-based meditation and prayer techniques, interactive discussions, and lectures as well as real-world exercises to put learning into practice. Students commit to a daily meditative period to cultivate compassion.

Description:

A continuation of the skills developed in Vocal Techniques I, this course will provide the student with the opportunity to explore their natural singing voice and find their vocal identity through a variety of musical genres. Utilizing healthy vocal technique, students will develop and practice skills to enhance solo vocal performance. Topics may include but are not limited to: body alignment, releasing tension, onset/offset, breathing, resonance, focus of tone, registration, articulation, and expressivity. Students continue to work on sightsinging techniques, further developing aural skills and melodic and rhythmic dictation and working with sightsing material with shifting meters. Individual private training will have continued focus on each individual student's abilities as well as development of more refined and nuanced vocal skills needed for singing a variety of musical genres.

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In this class, students will work as part of a collaborative production team that will write, produce, film and edit a short-form narrative film. Students will gain an understanding and knowledge of the key personnel positions required to produce a film, and will execute those job functions by taking a project through pre-production, production and post-production.

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Students will continue their study of screenwriting with a focus on writing narrative films under 40 minutes in length. They will screen and analyze multiple examples of short cinema to gain an understanding of the qualities possessed by the best examples of the form. They will write numerous short scripts with the goal of generating one or more short scripts of high quality that can be produced either inside or outside the university setting. Students will critique one another's work with instructor supervision and guidance. Considerable time will be required for students to write. Students will read and respond to the required texts.

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Study of fundamental drawing techniques used to represent three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional plane and lay a strong foundation for all other drawing and design courses.

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In this class students get a “big picture” look at the ingredients of a start-up firm and the process of creating one. The class details those ingredients, discusses the stories (good & bad) of people who have done it, and learn the process by going through it with a self-select team. Students learn: the business planning process, which maps how to move from an idea to an actual enterprise offering an actual product/service/apostolate; How to craft a compelling and clear business story that captures the true essence of your business; and finally acquire inquisitiveness as to how the world of business really works. The class deliverable is a complete Business Plan created by student teams along with a presentation of the plan.

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This course introduces students to the diverse world of radio, television, news, cinema, internet, print and advertising. Students will learn how to critically experience such media and analyze its desired results. Students will also explore how media has developed and evolved through history and examine the current influences of media on society from a cultural, artistic and economic perspective. In addition, we will explore what the role of Christians in this new media environment can and should be, and how we can best utilize the opportunities available to us to become who we want to be.

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St. Catherine of Sienna

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The student will study of ethical problems encountered in business and the foundational principles to inform decisions involving ethical issues. Topics include ethical concepts, personal integrity, conscience, loyalty and responsibility.

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While younger writers naturally place great emphasis on inspiration, this course provides students with a focused engagement on another critically important but often neglected aspect of masterful writing: revision.  In the process of putting key principles of revision into effect so as to improve their own creative pieces, students will also learn the fine (and also often neglected) art of editing, which benefits even students not interested in editorial work by making them more astute and discriminating readers.

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Eschatology will survey the development of Christian theology on the ultimate things. From the "maranatha" of the early church, the last four things of the Middle Ages, to the existentialism and political thought in modernity, this course will look at how Christians have interpreted eschatological themes throughout history. Topics include: death, judgment, heaven, hell and purgatory, immortality of the soul, the kingdom of God, political theology and more. It will include reading assignments with accompanying homework and in-class discussions.

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This course provides advanced writing experience for students who have completed multiple scripts for the screen. Assignments will be individualized based on student experience, interest, and skill, and may include development and writing of feature film scripts, television episodes or pilots, short film scripts, and scripts for web-based distribution. Students may also rewrite existing works for which they've written earlier drafts. Students will read and lead discussions of numerous screenplays. Students will pitch their stories, and may be asked to pitch to students in other courses. Students will critique one another’s work in large and small groups, with instructor supervision and guidance. They will also develop a personalized career strategy as a writer for the screen. The knowledge, skills, and experience gained in this course will serve aspiring writers, writer-directors, and writer-producers for film, television, and new media. Considerable time will be required for students to write and develop scripts outside of class.

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Introduction of managerial accounting information for planning, controlling, and making decisions within a firm. Focuses on cost terms and concepts, cost behavior, cost structure and cost-volume-profit analysis.

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In this class, students will explore various techniques for modeling and sculpting organic assets using Maya and ZBrush. Students will produce low and high-poly animals and humans for animation and games. In addition, complementary techniques such as box modeling, edge loop modeling, UV layout, and texturing will be explored.

Description:

As this course engages apparently timeless literary works from the classical tradition, it situates them within specific historical contexts. This approach enables students to come to both a greater appreciation of the enduring power of story, and a recognition of the relationship of works of art with their surrounding culture. Masterworks of pagan antiquity (Homer and/or Virgil) give way to key texts of early Christendom (Augustine, Beowulf, et al) in order to further illuminate the impact of Christian theology and anthropology on artists and thinkers in myriad disciplines.

Description:

In this production intensive class which builds on the directing fundamentals learned in Directing I, students will work together weekly to create short film subjects, dealing with spiritual and Christian subject matter, in an attempt to connect noble themes to photographed light. Students will be assigned weekly subjects and be expected to present them in class for feedback and analysis.

Description:

As this course engages apparently timeless literary works from the classical tradition, it situates them within specific historical contexts. This approach enables students to come to both a greater appreciation of the enduring power of story, and a recognition of the relationship of works of art with their surrounding culture. Masterworks of pagan antiquity (Homer and/or Virgil) give way to key texts of early Christendom (Augustine, Beowulf, et al) in order to further illuminate the impact of Christian theology and anthropology on artists and thinkers in myriad disciplines.

Description:

The 20th century confronted Western civilization with a huge array of cultural movements, political crises, and technological breakthroughs. This course provides students with the historical grounding necessary for a serious reconnaissance into the recent past via its major cultural products. Some of these works have emerged over time as radiant masterworks, and others have proved to be but nightmarish visions. All, however, merit study and critical treatment, as they mark our previous century in all its alarm, acceleration and terrible beauty.

Description:

This course will teach students how to write and speak effectively in business and other communication.

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This course will build on the principles learned in ENTM203. Advanced Producing will provide students with an in-depth study of the specific tasks and responsibilities of film producers. Students will be responsible for pre-production of a script, including green light analysis and creating a preliminary budget and schedule for a feature film script. Students will gain a better understanding of various types of specialized producing positions.

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This class is an exploration in modern electronic music, synthesizers, computer assisted rhythm, and production. Primarily demonstrated with third party software (ProTools and Ableton live), the student will produce electronic compositions and develop unique sonic environments. NOTE: Knowledge of musical fundamentals is helpful.

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This is a course in the various understandings of metaphysics, or the nature of being as being, beginning from Plato’s Timaeus, continuing through the Classical period by means of Aristotle, and the Middle Ages in St. Thomas Aquinas. The course continues by covering several related questions, beginning with Natural Theology (discussing the traditional proofs for the existence of God, the Divine Attributes that can be understood using reason alone, the analogy of being, and the act of creation), continuing with the “problem of evil” and the question of free will.

Description:

This is a course in the various understandings of metaphysics, or the nature of being as being, beginning from Plato’s Timaeus, continuing through the Classical period by means of Aristotle, and the Middle Ages in St. Thomas Aquinas. The course continues by covering several related questions, beginning with Natural Theology (discussing the traditional proofs for the existence of God, the Divine Attributes that can be understood using reason alone, the analogy of being, and the act of creation), continuing with the “problem of evil” and the question of free will.

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This course covers the tools and techniques of digital painting in Photoshop, emphasizing the fundamentals of color, light, perspective, and depth to create stylized and realistic pieces for illustration, matte painting, and/or concept art.

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Application of the ideas learned in Real Estate Principles and the role of a salesman therein. Covers the listing, selling, and closing processes. Additional topics incluse financing, escrow, taxes, and devloping relationships withing the industry, etc.

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The Producer: Planning for Production provides a theoretical and practical introduction to the role of the film producer in five principle areas: 1) creative development, 2) packaging, 3) financing, 4) budgeting, scheduling and hiring, and 5) marketing and distribution.

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This class will approach the fundamentals of acting, structured for students outside the acting emphasis. Tools learned in class can be applied to directors, screenwriters, and storytellers of various genres.

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A thorough breakdown of the process of creating from initial concepts to final design taught by professionals at one of the top design studios in San Diego.

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This course exposes students to the vast wealth of the English-language poetic tradition. Beginning with the micro-sagas, riddles and serenades that populate Old and Middle English verse, students advance to engage with major writers and works of intervening centuries before concluding with the more familiar speech—but also the bewildering disjunction—of the poetry of our modern era.

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This course will familiarize students with fundamental scientific concepts and explore how the application of those concepts affects society and global economics. Topics include: the structure of the atom and its applications in biology and physics; circuits, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things; DNA, diseases, and vaccines. Each topic builds towards the question, "what does Catholic teaching tell us about how we as Christians live and participate in this rapidly changing world?" 

Description:

This course will familiarize students with fundamental scientific concepts and explore how the application of those concepts affects society and global economics. Topics include: the structure of the atom and its applications in biology and physics; circuits, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things; DNA, diseases, and vaccines. Each topic builds towards the question, "what does Catholic teaching tell us about how we as Christians live and participate in this rapidly changing world?" 

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A continued senior-level graphic design capstone experience. This course builds on the previous and provides opportunities for more hands-on and practical design projects, interactions with local businesses and/or non-profit clients, and a focus on building out students’ creative portfolio and resume.

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This course is structured to give students an intermediate understanding of advanced concepts, theories, and ideas in finance. Topics include: capital budgeting; capital structure analysis; costs of capital; dividend policies; mergers and acquisitions; international finance.

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This course is an exploration of stage movement based on work of masters such as Suzuki, Alexander, Feldenkrais, and Bogart. It may include physical character development, Kabuki theatre physical techniques, Noh theatre physical techniques and mask work.

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As the defining ecumenical council of the 20th century, Vatican II presents a watershed moment for understanding the Church in the modern world. This course examines the major work of the Council, including decrees on the liturgy, the Church, ecumenism, and the Bible.

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This course focus on teaching students the essential skills of designing props for animation. Students will learn about the role of props in storytelling, the principles of design, and the techniques for creating props that fit within different animation styles. Students will be guided through concept sketches, refinement, and color theory.

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Students conduct research on a primary text and write a lengthy paper, practicing revision and editing skills as they develop their original theses.  This class encourages a “close reading” of a primary text, requires students to build an annotated bibliography to evaluate secondary and tertiary source material, and introduces rhetorical concepts in the effort to help students become stronger readers and writers.

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This course explores the practical realities of living as a professional artist in a variety of work settings and across a range of creative areas with significant contributions from guest speakers. Students will analyze their strengths and weaknesses, set clear goals to work toward for the remainder of their degree program, and create an online, professional presence including a portfolio.

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This course is a deep-dive into Adobe After effects. Students will learn various advanced animation techniques used in the motion graphics industry, including character rigging and animation. Students will ultimately learn foundational techniques that will give them the technical ability to work on any professional motion graphics project.

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Actors collaborate with a select group of directors and cinematographers to craft compelling scenes in a narrative film environment. Scenes are performed and captured on set with active mentorship from faculty to foster fruitful collaborations between actors and directors. Students study their work in post production to develop a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist within narrative filmmaking to craft a dynamic performance.

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The senior project is a series of courses (up to three) in which students will work either individually or as part of a team and create or contribute to a significant media project that spotlights their area of emphasis. Class III is the post-production phase. Instructor approval is required to take this class.

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Can we ever be 100% certain that our beliefs are true? If so, what is the grounding for this certitude? Can reason prove everything we believe? What is the relationship between faith and reason, between theology and philosophy, and between religion and science? These and related questions will be explored in this class. Figures studied will include St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, JP II, Kierkegaard, and others. Special attention will be given to JP II’s encyclical Fides et Ratio.

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In this course students learn about the basic structures of sound reasoning, focusing largely on classic Aristotelian logic. The course serves to help students think and argue with clarity as well as to effectively analyze arguments of others. The course includes a careful analysis of the operations of the intellect, i.e., understanding, judgment, and reasoning, focusing on their products, i.e., term, proposition, and syllogism.

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From first reading through to performance, students rehearse and perform a musical from a classic or contemporary writer. Students must audition to register for this class. This course may be taken multiple times for credit.

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This course is a comprehensive examination of the fundamentals of music and music notation. Notes, keys, chords and harmonic progression, as well as ear training, intervals, and basic keyboard layout will be discussed.

Description:

In this course students learn about the basic structures of sound reasoning, focusing largely on classic Aristotelian logic. The course serves to help students think and argue with clarity as well as to effectively analyze arguments of others. The course includes a careful analysis of the operations of the intellect, i.e., understanding, judgment, and reasoning, focusing on their products, i.e., term, proposition, and syllogism.

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This class focuses on applying industry-standard storyboarding and scripting techniques to Animation/Film production. Topics to be covered include the various purposes and formats of storyboards, the basic terminology and concepts used in storyboarding, and the application of storyboarding techniques to the creation of storyboards with or without a written script. Using Scripts, Sound Tracks, and Character Designs provided by the teacher, students create several Storyboards and presentation Animatics (movies of the Storyboard Panels that are timed to the Sound Tracks).

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Follow-up to the LaunchPad sequence. Entrepreneurial students will receive mentorship as they continue to launch their company. Goal is to make meaningful progress toward the start or growth of their company.

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