ObjectivesCapilano University offers a flexible program for creative individuals with a strong desire to establish a career in interactive media. We believe an understanding of the medium is important to technique, so our curriculum is founded on conceptual fundamentals of communication and interactivity. Of course, you will need a focused and relevant set of skills for a competitive edge: the ability to deliver an interactive experience that meets the requirements of people and businesses. You will receive face-to-face instruction from industry insiders in a dedicated, up-to-date lab, using your own computer and software. The first year of the Interactive Design program encompasses all of the skills necessary to plan, design and implement websites. In the second year, you will pursue advanced studies in one of three specializations: web design and development; disc-based interactive multimedia; and e-Learning. You will explore a variety of specialization topics, as well as database design and rich media content development.
Practical experienceA six-week work practicum gives you the opportunity to gain real-world experience as well as valuable contacts with employers.
Academic titleDiploma in the Interactive Design Program
Course descriptionFirst Term Course Credits
CMNS 165 Writing Skills for New Media 3.00
INTE 108 Orientation 0.50
INTE 109 Interactive Information Design 3.00
INTE 110 System Diagnostics and Support 1.50
INTE 111 HTML and CSS Authoring 2.00
INTE 112 Interactive Graphics 3.00
INTE 113 Visual Design 1.50
INTE 120 Contemporary Issues 1.50
INTE 122 Introduction to Audio 1.50
Credits 17.50
Required: 17.50
Second Term Course Credits
INTE 109 Interactive Information Design Continued
INTE 114 Project Management 1.50
INTE 115 Interactive Vector Graphics 1.50
INTE 116 Usability Design and Testing 1.50
INTE 117 Web Prototype Development 1.50
INTE 118 Structured Programming and Scripting for a Web Browser 2.00
INTE 119 Self Marketing and Business Practices 3.00
INTE 121 Introduction to e-Learning 1.50
INTE 123 Visual Design II 1.50
Credits 14.00
Required: 14.00
Third Term Course Credits
INTE 201 Directed Study I 3.00
INTE 202 Advanced Web Authoring 1.50
INTE 203 Applied Project Management 3.00
INTE 205 Vector Graphics 1.50
INTE 206 Applied Database Design 1.50
INTE 207 Professional Alliance 1.50
INTE 214 Rich Media 3.00
Credits 15.00
Required: 15.00
Fourth Term Course Credits
INTE 207 Professional Alliance Continued
INTE 208 Work Practicum 6.00
INTE 209 Directed Study II 3.00
INTE 210 Portfolio Development 1.50
INTE 211 Quality Assurance 1.50
INTE 212 Presentation Skills 1.50
INTE 213 Emerging Technologies 1.50
Credits 15.00
Required: 15.00
Total Program Credits 61.50
CMNS 165 Writing Skills for New Media
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Communications 165 is intended to foster writing and presentation skills for work in the new media industries. The course encourages students to explore techniques and career trends in technical and professional writing.
INTE 108 Orientation
0.50 credits (10,0,0) hrs 01 wks
Orientation takes place in the first week of the fall semester and precedes other courses in the program. Through a series of workshops, students prepare their computer system for the program and receive an orientation to the lab and network resources.
INTE 109 Interactive Information Design
3.00 credits (2,0,0) hrs 30 wks
Students are introduced to the key concepts and characteristics that enable effective communication through interactive media, beginning with a survey of interactive communications, including e-learning. The course progresses to an introduction to the key aspects of strategic planning as they relate to the design and implementation of interactive communications systems, focusing particularly on information design.
INTE 110 System Diagnostics and Support
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
A computer system is an excellent vehicle for developing analytical skills. This course uses the student workstation as the subject for learning about operating systems, their components and subsystems. Diagnostics and software utilities are used to illustrate and reinforce concepts. Students maintain their workstation and network resources; they form online expert groups to share their knowledge and provide user support to their peers.
INTE 111 HTML and CSS Authoring
2.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 10 wks
This course explores the fundamental technologies underlying content creation for the World Wide Web. All Web documents are created with Hypertext Markup Language, which allows composition of page elements and imparts structure and meaning to the information. Cascading Style Sheets language is used to control the presentation of the content, allowing sophisticated page formatting and text styling. Particular attention is paid to proper use of these languages and current industry standards.
INTE 112 Interactive Graphics
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Adobe Photoshop has many uses, from photo retouching to creating dramatic special effects graphics, to enhancing the look and feel of web pages. This course takes students through basic to intermediate aspects of the program, exploring its tools and features as students work through graphics projects. The use of Photoshop as a tool for Web designers is emphasized throughout.
INTE 113 Visual Design
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course provides students with an understanding of effective visual communication and the ability to apply that understanding to the creation of interactive media projects. Particular attention is given to the development of graphic layouts suitable for presentation media, such as interactive presentation and web delivery.
INTE 114 Project Management
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course provides instruction in the key aspects of project management as they relate to the development of interactive media projects. Students are introduced to the management tools and techniques required to facilitate the successful completion of the project production cycle.
INTE 115 Interactive Vector Graphics
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course provides students with an introduction to current tools and methods for creating interactive Web experiences incorporating vector-based graphics and animation. The course focuses on the benefits and limitations of creating a Web experience in Macromedia Flash. Graphics creation and animation will be emphasized, with an introduction to the creation of interactive elements with Flash's programming tools. Students are taught how to optimize content for fast delivery, and how to integrate Flash work into a web page.
INTE 116 Usability Design and Testing
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course focuses on interactive design as a user-centred iterative process. Students learn a systematic approach to the measuring of a product's ease-of-use very early in the design process, through to the development and testing of prototypes with actual users.
INTE 117 Web Prototype Development
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Rapid prototyping of Web page designs supports the user-centred design process. In this course, students learn how to use Macromedia Dreamweaver, a visual page design tool, to quickly create and modify usable page layouts.
INTE 118 Structured Programming and Scripting for a Web Browser
2.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 10 wks
This course introduces common programming principles and techniques, using JavaScript as the working programming language. Common programming language features such as statements, functions, loops, conditional structures, operators, data structures and data types are explored in the context of the syntax and features of ECMAScript. Good programming practices and code maintainability are emphasized.
INTE 119 Self Marketing and Business Practices
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course introduces the business perspective in the interactive media industry. Lectures, role-playing and assignments introduce students to marketing concepts and their applications, and prepare students to market themselves and their ideas. Through guest speakers, site visits and other professional contact, students are introduced to current practices in the industry within a business context. Survey and analysis of a chosen industry segment provide students with information to develop a self-marketing plan.
INTE 120 Contemporary Issues
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course examines the cultural, ethical, political, economic and aesthetic issues arising with the increasing use of computers. Students survey print and electronic media to research current comment on these issues; synthesize and analyze their findings; and present their work in both written and oral formats.
INTE 121 Introduction to e-Learning
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course provides a general introduction to e-Learning and its use and application in academic and non-academic environments. Students will identify and discuss the instructional goals, issues and concerns related to the implementation of e-Learning; review technology issues and technology modes for delivering e-Learning; and demonstrate design, development and assessment methodologies.
INTE 122 Introduction to Audio
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
This course provides students with an introduction to sound as an element in interactive design. It provides students with the ability to apply basic production techniques for digital audio. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to sample and edit audio, synchronize audio to images, and prepare optimized versions of audio files for interactive delivery.
INTE 123 Visual Design II
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
In this course students build on what they have learned in INTE 113 by exploring more complex visual communications problems in screen design. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to define design objectives and apply effective design processes to achieve these. Topics include type and image, colour, brands, diagrams and visual navigation systems.
INTE 201 Directed Study I
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
This course provides an opportunity to pursue a directed study in a focused area related to students' preferred specialty. In this course, students will work towards advancing their knowledge and developing skills in the area of their chosen specialty, and will be evaluated on the success of those efforts. Students submit study plans and work to produce a project that implements the proposed components of the plan. They engage in specialized research and study, pre-production work, and in the production of the individual project. At the end of the project, students will summarize their learning experience.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 202 Advanced Web Authoring
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
This course provides students with the skills necessary to implement advanced, complex visual designs for distribution on the World Wide Web.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 203 Applied Project Management
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
This course aims to provide students with an opportunity to apply project management skills and tools while producing an interactive project for a client. In this course, students choose from a list of pre-screened clients. They work towards the objectives of strengthening interpersonal communications and team approaches and developing effective client relations and are evaluated on the success of those efforts.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 205 Vector Graphics
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
This course is an introduction to current tools for creating vector-based graphics for interactive media and print, with a focus on fundamental techniques that apply to all software tools in this category.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 206 Applied Database Design
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
This course teaches students to design, implement, and maintain information management systems and to create applications to use them.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 207 Professional Alliance
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
In this course, with guidance and advice from faculty, students make contact with industry professionals in order to prepare for a professional career. Students update their SWOT analysis, identify market segments of interest, develop a career research strategy, and contact potential employers. Students document their career search and present the results.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 208 Work Practicum
6.00 credits (6.66,0,0) hrs 06 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
This course provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom theory and skills to employment practices, and to gain direct workplace experience. Working with a host, students help the host organization to attain overall business outcomes or specific practicum objectives.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 209 Directed Study II
3.00 credits (8,0,0) hrs 08 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
This course provides an opportunity to define and pursue directed study in a focused area related to students' preferred specialty. This course combines self-directed study, peer collaboration and faculty mentoring. Students develop a proposal outlining the learning objectives, a resource list and a work plan. The learning objectives for the directed study must not be met by any courses currently offered in the department. Students create a significant portfolio project in which they apply the skills and knowledge acquired. An initial statement of intent must be submitted with the department at the beginning of the term the course is offered. The statement of intent is reviewed by the department and, if approved, a supervising faculty member is assigned. Regular reports and pre-arranged meetings with the supervising faculty member allow progress to be monitored throughout the course.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 210 Portfolio Development
1.50 credits (4,0,0) hrs 08 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
A portfolio is an important component of the professional development of the student. This course enables students to critically evaluate their own work in conjunction with instructors. The goal of the portfolio is to highlight students' marketable skills. The portfolio material includes a Web site, and/or a CD-ROM or DVD.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 211 Quality Assurance
1.50 credits (4,0,0) hrs 08 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
This course is a general introduction to software testing as part of a Quality Assurance process. This course focuses on the use of adaptable testing techniques and their relevance to the students' body of work.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 212 Presentation Skills
1.50 credits (4,0,0) hrs 08 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
This course provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in giving formal and informal presentations using industry-standard technology, and in giving and receiving critique. Students are required to make formal presentations to the class on their practicum experience and on the resulting portfolio. Students make individual and small group informal presentations that simulate the work experience. Students are required to provide written critical evaluations of other presentations by the class. Students receive comments from their peers and the instructor.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 213 Emerging Technologies
1.50 credits (4,0,0) hrs 08 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
In this course students explore emerging technologies and their application for interactivity: what they are, how they work and how they are applied. The focus is on forward thinking and succession planning for technology-based solutions and includes considerations for human factors and development.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.
INTE 214 Rich Media
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 24 100-level INTE course credits
This course provides a foundation in rich media production techniques for interactive design. Students will produce and integrate digital media including photographic, audio, and video elements within the context of an interactive presentation.
Note: Prerequisites may be waived by departmental permission.