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MEA 295 - Professional Practices and Portfolio - Jeffrey Baker

Introduction

Welcome to the College of the Canyons online summer class of MEA 295 Professional Practices and Portfolio #85778. My name is Jeff Baker. I am the instructor for this course. I am also the Program Coordinator for the Animation Program. So please feel free to email me if you have questions or concerns about anything in this course or in the animation program.

Course Description

This Professional Practices/Portfolio Course is designed to develop career-building skills for Media Entertainment Arts majors seeking employment in the media industry, transfer to four-year film/media arts degree programs, and application to film and media festivals. It focuses on workforce preparation, including portfolio design and evaluation, creation of professional resumes, cover letters and artists statements and examining networking tools including online marketing and social media.

This course also encourages the development of professionalism suitable to the unique demands of the media industry including personal discipline, adaptability, positivity, creativity, reliability, resiliency and initiative that are prerequisites to success. There is also an emphasis on the "soft skills" of interviewing and networking.

This course will provide opportunities to:

• Examine promotional portfolio materials and formats of basic marketing principles.
• Identify requirements for employment and advancement to occupations in Arts, Media & Entertainment
• Identify strategies for conducting searches for employment / educational advancement including internships.
• Categorize and learn to utilize appropriate tools, including written materials, visual aids, and oral techniques.
• Design and assemble portfolio, resume and reference materials that conform to accepted formats and industry standards
• Evaluate and assess presentations and interviews according to appropriate advancement activities.

What to Expect in this Course

The course will be set up in weekly Modules for each major portion of the class. Details will follow in the class syllabus and course schedule available the first day of class.

During most weeks of this 8 week course a lesson will open. Each lesson will have a video introduction by myself, a lecture presentation PowerPoint(and PDF), some video tutorials from experts, and an assignment relating to creating your portfolio, resume and other job seeking skills. Students are expected to participate regularly in the assignments.

In each week’s lesson, students will work individually or perhaps in groups to develop resume building materials, interviewing practice and portfolio creation.

Students are expected to participate by completing assignments at regularly scheduled times. Students must actively participate in the assignments, to build the qualities of self-reliance and professionalism needed as part of their development in this course. Participation will be noted.

IMPORTANT: Since there is no assigned textbook, students will receive lecture summary material in class. It is highly recommended that students access and are familiar with the material. It is important for quizzes and test assessments.

Types of Assessments

Quizzes, Discussion Posting, Portfolio art gathering and assembling, Resume Writing, Practice Interviewing

Textbook Information

NOTE: These textbooks are great! But they are not required. 

Title: No Plastic Sleeves: Portfolio and Self-Promotion Guide for Photographers and Designers

Author(s): Volk, Larry, and Currier, Danielle

Publisher: Focal Press / Taylor and Francis Group, 2020

ISBN: 978-0367151126

Title: How to Write the Perfect Resume: Stand Out, Land Interviews, and Get the Job You Want

Author: Clay, Dan

Publisher: Independent, 2018

ISBN-10: 1983112070

Title: The Freelance Hustle: The Complete guide to making a living as a freelance artist

Author: Clay, Dan

Publisher: Independent, 2018

ISBN-10: 1983112070

Other Relevant Course Information

IMPORTANT: Students MUST participate in the discussion for Lesson 0 on THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS OR BE DROPPED AS A "NO SHOW". Students who miss any assignment date throughout the semester without an excused absence maybe dropped from the course. Waitlisted students will be taken into class on a first come first served basis as some students drop and spaces become available.

To access the course, visit the . Once at the Canvas site you will need to login. If you have a login and password from a previous course, you may use that information. If you do not follow the instructions on the login page.

Inside the Canvas Shell you can access all of the relevant course materials. The syllabus, which spells out the learning outcomes, the class policies, the grading system and the class schedule of topics.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at . Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 05/28/2025 Sub#: 1931 Sub ID: 195305