Courses

Students use 2D and 3D photo/painting tools to gain an understanding of scanning for texture mapping techniques, image manipulation, and the printing and mounting of files for presentation.

Introduction to the fundamentals of drawing, this course equips the student with a variety of basic skills, approaches and concepts explored through a comprehensive range of media. Orthographic views and perspective are explored.

In this studio-based course, drawing from live models, students will develop an understanding of gesture, movement, form, volume, and light. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of an economy of line to convey the structures of the figure. Prerequisite: Basic Drawing (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

Emphasizes an understanding of the Principles of Animation as applied to three-dimensional computer-generated animation. The animation of cameras, lighting, and texturing are also addressed. Students are introduced to the concepts of controlling animation timing through the use of curve editors such as the Graph Editor as well as on the traditional use of Exposure Sheets or Dope Sheets. Prerequisite: Basic Modeling (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

Emphasis on traditional fine art sculpture. Students will create three dimensional objects using various sculpting materials and utilizing drawn pre-visualizations. Students will develop a knowledge of natural forms concentrating on the figure.

Prerequisites Basic Drawing, Principles of Design (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

Emphasizes an understanding of three-dimensional computer-generated animations and incorporates fundamental computer animation techniques developed in previous courses. Further exploration of the Principles of Animation as applied to the human figure. Introduction of particle systems and dynamics. Prerequisite: 2D Animation Principles (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

Exploration of the live human figure nude and clothed as it determines our understanding of subject, theme, composition and meaning. Attention is paid to facial details and expressiveness of the figure and personality. Prerequisite: Figure Drawing I (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

An upper level course stressing how character animation influences character personality. Students become knowledgeable in multifaceted issues of human movement. The expression of emotion, timing, and the subtlety of character is explored. Lip-synching
and dialogue animation are presented. Prerequisite: Animation I (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

Emphasis on character design in wireframe format, computer models created reflect true human facial expressions, personality and characteristics. Projects with focus on personality and expression of character. Issues in photo-realistic facial modeling and texturing are explored. Prerequisite: Modeling I (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

Students focus on the muscular structure of the human face and body. With an emphasis on facial and body language which result from character movement in an environment.
Prerequisite: Figure Drawing II (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

This course cultivates an awareness of narrative storylines through the creation of traditional film script writing. The course provides the foundation for students to build on and knowledge of the practical approaches of script writing. Writing scripts formatted
for the animation industry is addressed. Prerequisites: College Writing, Expressive Theatre (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

An higher level course with the focus on principles of production. The course examines various levels of the production pipeline. Students develop strategies for solving problems which arise in the production process. Students are placed in production teams and have weekly team meetings working on closely monitored projects with narrow guidelines. The Fur module of Maya Unlimited is also explored. Prerequisite: Character Animation, Character Modeling (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

An exploration of the theory of computer lighting and texture mapping using various methods in CGI. Students develop a strong knowledge of photo-realistic lighting and texturing for computer generated artificial objects through structured exercises. Advanced shader networks are utilized. Prerequisite: Character Animation, Character Modeling
(must have at least a 2.0 in course)

The course focus is on understanding the production pipeline and the digital compositing role in that process. This course incorporates a strong emphasis on the creation of visual effects in the world of filmmaking. This class also marks the Second Annual Portfolio
Review for students. Prerequisite: Cinematic Techniques (must have at leasta 2.0 in course)

Student will experience a pre-production course, designed to be used as a foundation to build on for the production of a senior project. Phases include initial story creation, animation script , staging plan, lighting and sound design. End product of class will be a
presentation of animatic, storyboards, Animation Script and all designs. Prerequisite: Senior with g.p.a of 2.5 or above in Computer Animation Prerequisite: Advanced Animation and Concept Development (must have at least a 2.0 in course)

This advanced course explores Computer Generated Imagery and its integration with footage from other sources such as film or video. Issues in color correction and plate matching are addressed. Camera tracking is accomplished through the use of Maya Live,
integration and syncing with an audio track complete the study. Prerequisite: Digital Compositing and Visual Effects

This course includes the production of a short film through the process of pre-production, soundtrack, compositing, and final cut. Prerequisite: Cinematic Techniques (must have at least a 2.0 in course)