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This course provides an introduction to the essential study of video games. The course surveys various perspectives in the field of game design and production. Topics include the history of video games and animation, human computer interaction, game theory, game genres, game engine architectures, and game culture. In addition, evolution of the video game industry will be examined. Students are required to complete a digital game to demonstrate rudimentary design principles discussed in the course. Prerequisite: CIS112

This course introduces design and aesthetic foundations of 3-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Topics include rendering 3D geometric models, 2D and 3D transformations, color theory, illumination and shading, texture, special effects, and computer animation. Emphasis is on rendering interactive graphics for video games. The course culminates in a presentation of students’ final projects involving an original video game that incorporates basic elements of 3D animation. Prerequisite: CIS112

This Course Introduces Game Programming Principles And Techniques For Planning And Implementing 3d Interactive Games. In A Collaborative Fashion, Students Are Exposed To A Structured Process That Explains How To Develop 3d Games Incorporating Object-oriented Programming Statements, 3d Graphic Scripts, Character Animation, Sound, And Music. This Course Concludes With A Final Project Involving A Game Prototype That Exhibits 3d Graphics Programming And Animation Techniques Studied In This Course. Emphasis Is On Problem Solving And Collaboration. Prerequisites: Cis112 And Gam247

This Course Introduces Students To Fundamental Principles Of Game Design And 3d Computer Animation. The Course Explores Methods Of Modeling, Rendering, And Animating 3d Objects For Video Games, Computer Simulations, And Virtual Worlds. Students Use 3d Modeling Software To Create Character Animation And 3d Environments Including Rigging, Key Framing Animation, Lighting, Camera Angles, Texture Formation, And Motion. Prerequisites: Cis112, Gam217, And Gam247

This Course Builds Upon The Knowledge Gained In Game Design And Animation I. Advanced Methods Of Game Design, Including Drafting A Game Design Document, Are Covered In The Course. Students Gain Insight Into The Aesthetic Design And Technical Implementation Needed To Design High-quality 3d Interactive Video Games. Students Use 3d Modeling Software And Scripting Techniques To Create Character And Terrain Animation, And Artificial Intelligence For Games. Emphasis Is On Applying Problem-solving Skills And Refining The Game Design Document. Prerequisites: Cis112, Gam217, Gam247, And Gam301

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours This Course Introduces Fundamental Drawing Concepts And Terminology. Topics Include The Principles Of Drawing, Drawing Styles And Technique; Including Lighting, Perspective Fundamentals, Gesture, And Contour. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Demonstrate Effective Drawing Skills Using Fundamental Drawing Tools And Techniques, And Properly Use Industrystandard Terminology.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd110 This Course Covers The Basics Of Digital Image Editing And Compositing. Topics Include Digital Photography, Scanning Techniques, Photo Retouching And Manipulation, And Texture Creation. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Use Industry-standard Software To Create Seamless Textures, Prepare Digital Images, Work With Painted Textures, And Utilize Alpha Channels In A 3d Application.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd110 This Course Introduces The Fundamentals Of Traditional And Digital Animation. Topics Include The History And Principles Of Animating Key Poses, Timing Cycles, And The Mechanics Of Motion. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Present A Short Animation Using Traditional And Digital Techniques.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd110 This Course Covers Advanced Drawing Concepts As They Relate To Character Modeling And Animation. Topics Include Basic Human And Animal Anatomy And Form As It Relates To The Surrounding Environment, Spatial Relationships, And Introductory Sculpting Techniques. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Effectively Capture And Develop Gestures And Motion In Various Media For Use In 2d And 3d Animation.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd150, Gd240 This Course Covers The Mechanics And Principles Of 2d Animation. Topics Include Acting, Exaggeration, Light Boards, Peg Boards, And Digital Media. Upon Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Complete A Pencil Test Demonstrating An Animation Sequence.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd120, Gd150 This Course Explores Digital Animation As It Applies To Film And Video. Topics Include Key Framing, Animation Software, Optimization, Rotoscoping, Time-lapse, Title Sequencing, And Audio Specific To Digital Animation. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Apply A Variety Of Animation Techniques To Create Animation Within A Digital Production Pipeline.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd120 This Course Covers The Fundamentals Of A 3d Application. Topics Include Modeling, Rendering, Texturing, Animation, Lighting And Cameras. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Apply Fundamental Skills, Techniques, And Terms Toward Components Of A 3d Short.

3.0 Credit Hours/20 Lecture Hours/20 Lab Hours This Course Explores The Principles Of Color As It Applies To Digital Media. Topics Include Rgb Versus Cymk, Digital Color Principals In The Game Environment, Color For Screen, Bit Depth, Color Pallets, Color Channels, Alpha Channels And File Formats. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Demonstrate An Understanding Of The Psychology Of Color And How To Properly Apply Digital Color Theory For Screen And Digital Media.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd110 This Course Builds On Traditional Drawing Skills, Focusing On Advanced Drawing And Perspective Techniques. Topics Include Advanced Drawings And Perspective Terms And Techniques Used In Concept Design, Industrial Design, Storyboarding And Other Relevant Areas. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Apply Skills To Develop Effective Concept Art For, But Not Limited To, Organic Forms, Environments, Industrial Design And Buildings.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd304 This Course Covers The Elements And Techniques Of Sequential Storytelling. Topics Include Story Boarding And Scene Layout, Graphic Arts Publishing, Pencil Tests, And Animatics. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Create Dynamic And Effective Narrative Content For A Variety Of Visual Media.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd260 This Course Expands Upon Modeling And Texturing Skills And Concepts In A 3d Application. Topics Include Poly-modeling, Nurbs/spline Modeling, Sub-division Surfaces, Texture Mapping, Lighting, And Rendering. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Model, Texture, Light And Render A Complex 3d Object Or Environment.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd360 This Course Focuses On Advanced Uses Of Materials And Lighting As They Apply To Film And Video. Topics Include Low Vs. High Resolution Maps, Displacement Mapping, Photo-realism, Optimization Theory And Technique, Painting For 3d And Unwrapping Techniques As Well As Lighting Techniques For Animation. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Apply Advanced Texturing And Lighting Techniques In Film And Video.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd360 This Course Covers Advanced 3d Methods And Techniques. Topics Include Rigging, Scripting, And Advanced Rendering Techniques; As Well As An Introduction To Particles, Dynamics, And Simulations. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Apply Advanced 3d Techniques Towards The Production Of A Professional 3d Short.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd240, Gd360 This Course Explores Character Design And Modeling. Topics Include Traditional Pencil Sketching And Drawing Techniques, Low Poly And High Poly Character Modeling, And Rigging Characters For Animation. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Apply Traditional Techniques To Design An Original Character And Then Model It In A 3d Software Application And Prepare It For Animation.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd380 This Course Explores Advanced Digital Effects Techniques Used In Film And Video. Topics Include Blue/green Screen, Matte Creation, Rotoscoping, 3d Elements, Matte Painting, Particles, And Compositing. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Apply Digital Effects Techniques To A Film Or Video Project.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd250, Gd305, Gd395 This Course Is A Progressive Study Of Complex Character Animation Techniques Within A 3d Environment. Topics Include Fundamental Motions, Expressions, Interaction, Physics, And Weights Commonly Applied To Animation. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Create A Short Animation Sequence Focusing On Character Acting.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd360 This Course Explores Advanced Editing Techniques Used For Animation In Film And Video. Topics Include Various Post Production Techniques. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Use Industry-standard Software To Author, Assemble, And Edit Animation Sequences For Use In A Demo Reel.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Gd360 This Course Is A Progressive Study In Physics Based Simulation And Natural Phenomenon. Topics Include Advanced Tools And Scripting Used In Simulation. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Analyze And Reconstruct An Actual Event As An Animation.

6.5 Credit Hours/30 Lecture Hours/70 Lab Hours Prerequisite(s): Program Chair Or Dean Approval This Course Focuses On The Development And Critique Of A Professional Animation Portfolio. Topics Include Industry Interviewing Techniques, Portfolio Refinement And Self-marketing Skills. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Analyze Their Personal Traits And Present A Digital Portfolio And Résumé That Highlights Their Individual Animation Skills In A Professional Manner.

3.5 Credit Hours/35 Lecture Hours Prerequisite(s): Hum250 This Course Provides A Brief Overview Of Historical Ideas And Events In The Development Of The Arts. Topics Include A Review Of The Styles And Schools Of Art As Well As The Functions Of Art In Varying Cultures. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Describe Major Characteristics Of Art And Architecture, Analyze Visual Images, And Identify Historically Significant Artistic Styles, Individual Artists, And Works Of Art.

Prerequisite(s): Foundational Course(s) If Indicated By Placement Scores This Course Presents An Overview Of The Various Theories And Methods Of Personal And Professional Communications. Topics Include Written And Oral Communication Techniques, Presentation Skills, Intercultural Communication Skills,and Negotiation Skills.upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Communicate Effectively In Personal And Professional Environments And Be Able To Manage Personal And Professional Conflicts.

3.5 Credit Hours/35 Lecture Hours Prerequisite(s): Com112 This Course Presents Public Speaking Concepts And Applications. Topics Include Assessing Audience And Environments, Incorporating Subject Matter Research, Verbal And Nonverbal Communications, Use Of Visual Aids, Outlining, And Developing Speeches For A Variety Of Purposes. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Create And Present Speeches And Presentations With Appropriate Visual Aids, Research, And Organizational Plans.

Prerequisite(s): Foundational Course(s) If Indicated By Placement Scores This Course Introduces Productive Writing Techniques With An Emphasis On The Writing Process. Topics Include Brainstorming,critical Reading And Thinking, Analyzing Audience And Purpose, Developing Clear Thesis Statements, Developing Effective Sentences And Paragraphs, Drafting, Revising, And Editing. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Use The Writing Process To Produce Effective Essays.

Prerequisite(s): Eng121 This Course Builds On The Skills Taught In College Writing I, With Increased Emphasis On The Writing Process, Argumentation, Research, And Documentation. Topics Include Brainstorming, Analyzing Audience And Purpose, Developing Clear Thesis Statements, Evaluating Sources, Performing Research, And Presenting Correctly Documented Research Results. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Adequately Support A Position, Perform And Correctly Document Research, And Report The Results Of A Research Project.

3.5 Credit Hours/35 Lecture Hours Prerequisite(s): Lit301 This Course Emphasizes The Interdependence Of Writing And Literary Studies, Knowledge Of Literature And Literary Theory, Literary Creativity, Innovation, And The Creative Process. Topics Include Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Screenplays, And The Study Of Literary Works That Urge Students To Think Outside The Box. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Analyze Works Of Fiction, Expand Their Powers Of Observation And Imagination, Develop A Unique Voice In Creative Writing, And Cultivate Good Writing Habits.

This course covers the principles and applications of ethical and critical thinking. Topics include argument construction and analysis, inductive and deductive reasoning, logical fallacies, perception, moral approaches, and social responsibility. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to analyze ethical issues, evaluate and clarify their own thinking,create sound and valid arguments, and effectively weigh the arguments of others.

Prerequisite(s): Eng221 This Course Explores The Foundations And Development Of Western Culture From Its Origins In The Ancient Near East To Modern Western Civilization. Topics Include Cultural History,philosophy, Religion, Literature, Art, And Music. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Identify Influential Figures And Events, Appreciate And Discuss Well-known Works Of Art And Thought, And Recognize And Analyze Significant Movements And Genres In Western Culture.

3.5 Credit Hours/35 Lecture Hours Prerequisite(s): Eng221 This Course Introduces Students To The Literary Genres Of Fiction, Poetry, And Drama. Topics Include Literary Terminology, Criticism, Forms, Elements, Themes, And Major Works And Authors Within These Genres. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Actively Read, Appreciate, Analyze, And Respond To Works Of Literature.

3.5 Credit Hours/35 Lecture Hours Prerequisite(s): Lit301 This Course Covers The Genres Of Science Fiction And Fantasy. Topics Include The Use Of Language, Composition, And Characterization Within Different Forms Of Science Fiction And Fantasy. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Identify Major Authors And Analyze Significant Works Of Science Fiction And Fantasy.

3.5 Credit Hours/35 Lecture Hours Prerequisite(s): Lit301 This Course Explores The Relationship Between Film And Literature. Topics Include Narrative Techniques And The Differences Between The Media. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Identify The Narrative Techniques Used In Film And Literature, And Compare And Analyze The Two Formats.

This course is designed to present an overview of American government. Topics include the federal system; political parties; nominations and elections; the legislative, executive and judicial branches; and civil liberties and civil rights. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to trace the development of the U.S. Constitution, understand and analyze issues in American government, and discuss the policy-making process.

3.5 Credit Hours/35 Lecture Hours Prerequisite(s): Eng221, Pol107 This Course Explores Some Of The Most Pressing Political Issues Facing The United States And Other Nations. Topics Include Problems And Issues Inherent In Different Governmental Styles And The Political Process Of Democracies And Other Forms Of Government. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course Students Will Be Able To Research, Analyze, And Discuss Issues Related To The Function Of Political Institutions, Issues Relating To A Variety Of Social Changes, Public Policy Matters, And America’s Role As A Global Leader In Foreign Affairs.

Prerequisite(s): Eng121 This Course Is Designed To Present A General Overview Of Psychology As A Social Science. Topics Include Historical Perspectives, Research Methods, Therapies, Applied Psychology,and Other Current Issues. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Identify Psychological Concepts And Methods As Used Commonly To Address Real-world Situations.

This course explores the nature and importance of human relations. Topics include the communication process, working in diverse environments, teambuilding skills, controlling emotions,and managing conflict. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate essential transferable skills to function effectively in society.

3.5 Credit Hours/35 Lecture Hours Prerequisite(s): Eng221, Mth340 This Course Covers Research Methods To Gather, Organize, Analyze, And Convert Data Into Information For The Purposes Of Presentation And Decision Making. Topics Include Primary And Secondary Research, Documentation And Interpretation Of Data, And Presentation To Multicultural Populations. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Conduct Independent Research, Analyze The Data Collected, And Present The Information In Written And Oral Forms.

Prerequisite(s): Mth097 If Indicated By Placement Scores This Course Develops Problem-solving And Decision-making Strategies Using Mathematical Tools From Arithmetic, Algebra,geometry, And Statistics. Topics Include Consumer Mathematics,key Concepts In Statistics And Probability, Sets Of Numbers, And Geometry. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Apply Mathematical Tools And Methods To Solve Real-world Problems.

3.5 Credit Hours/35 Lecture Hours Prerequisite(s): Mth107 Or Mth170 This Course Introduces Basic Concepts In Statistics With Emphasis On Quantitative Analysis. Topics Include Measures Of Center And Variation, Applications Of Normal Distribution, Interpretations Of Correlation Coefficients, Analyzing And Graphing Linear Regression Models And Fundamentals Of Probability. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Analyze Realworld Data, Interpret Graphs, Create Simple Linear Regression Models, And Form Valid Conclusions On The Basis Of Such Analysis.

Prerequisite(s): Eng121 And Either Mth107 Or Mth170 This Course Is Designed As An Introduction To Physical Science.topics Include Motion, Conservation Laws, Gravity, Waves, And Thermodynamics. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course,students Will Be Able To Describe The Scientific Method, Explain And Define The Principles And Terminology Of Physical Science,and Use Formulas To Solve Related Problems.

3.5 Credit Hours/35 Lecture Hours Prerequisite(s): Eng121 This Course Integrates The Various Fields Of Earth Science And Explores How These Fields Interact. Topics Include Meteorology, Geology, Astronomy, And Oceanography. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Analyze The Interactions Of Geological Events, The Weather, The Oceans, And Astronomy.

This course is designed to increase proficiency in the use of common word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation application software. Topics include the production of business documents and reports. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to prepare documents using word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.

Prerequisite(s): Eng121 This Course Is Designed To Present A General Overview Of Psychology As A Social Science. Topics Include Historical Perspectives, Research Methods, Therapies, Applied Psychology,and Other Current Issues. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course, Students Will Be Able To Identify Psychological Concepts And Methods As Used Commonly To Address Real-world Situations.

This course focuses on providing the skills and strategies to achieve personal and educational goals. Topics include learning styles, accountability, self-directed learning, managing resources,goal setting, self-esteem, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate self-reliance and apply the tools for success.

Prerequisite(s): Student Must Have Completed 50% Of Degree Requirements This Course Provides The Foundation For Developing Long-term Career Management Skills. Topics Include Tips For Producing Quality Résumés And Cover Letters And Interactive Techniques For Interviewing Success. Upon Successful Completion Of This Course,students Will Be Able To Research Job Leads, Write A Résumé,prepare For A Job Interview, Follow Up On A Job Interview, And Apply Strategies To Keep A Job And Advance In A Career.

The 2D Animation Course develops students’ appreciation of the technique and craft involved in hand-drawn 2D animation, and promotes the understanding and successful application of the fundamental principles of traditional animation. Using pencil and paper to explore this art form, students are physically responsible for controlling and manipulating a subject’s volume, weight, proportion, acting, and movement, thus gaining a more thorough understanding of the animation process. This foundation of traditional animation broadens students’ skills as computer animators and enhances their creative ability.

The 3D Foundations Course familiarizes students with the fundamentals of creating 2D and 3D computer graphics using Autodesk Maya and Adobe Photoshop. Students learn the interface and controls of both programs as they learn basic animation skills that prepare them for the more advanced courses later in the Game Art Bachelor of Science Degree Program.

The Animation Preproduction Course develops students’ ability to plan, coordinate, and study assets, using traditional methods to demonstrate their learned strengths as a 3D artist. Working from photograph and video reference, students explore and develop characters, environments, vehicles, rigs, and animation ideas. Successful completion of this course arms students with the knowledge of how to use good reference and artistic studies to create production blueprints.

The Animation Production Course provides students with their first opportunity to produce an animated sequence. Students develop an overall understanding of animation as it applies to the production industry, as they produce a portfolio animation piece to showcase their proficiency.

The Art Creation for Games Course provides students with a strong knowledge of the way real time 3D content is modeled and textured. Students develop game models of buildings, vehicles, or characters, which includes modeling of high and lowresolution geometry. In addition to modeling, students paint color, generate normal maps, and specular maps for created geometry. Students finish with a low-resolution game model with the visual fidelity needed for next generation games.

The Character Animation I Course focuses on the basics of creating strong character animation in 3D sof tware. Students develop methods for planning an animation, which helps them learn to create work ef fectively and ef ficiently. Students also explore what is important in creating movement that appears lifelike and believable for a character. The goal of this course is to teach students to create bi-pedal animation that implements strong posing, good staging, and the basic mechanics of motion using a rigged character.

The Compositing and Scene Finishing II Course advances the compositing and integration concepts discussed in the prior months’ courses. Students focus on advanced integration techniques while adding the use of a 3D compositing environment to their production workflow. This course also introduces rendering techniques used to properly composite both render layers and render buf fers derived from professional 3D sof tware.

The Demo Reel Creation Course provides students with the time to develop a demo reel commonly expected during interviews. During this time, students take the content developed throughout their degree program and assemble it into a presentable package. Prior to the creation of the demo reel, a student’s content is reviewed in an ef fort to help the student determine the best material for showcasing

The Fundamentals of Animation Course provides students with the animation tools required to create, manipulate, and refine any computer-animated sequence. Building on the traditional animation fundamentals of motion and timing, the course teaches students computer animation techniques and applies them to the process of animating modeled projects. The course focuses on positional animation and control with the use of keyframing, timing curves, dope sheets, and dependency graphs, as well as the tools to manipulate them.

The Fundamentals of Art I Course prepares students for the virtual world by having them step away from the computer and observe, touch, and create in the real world. These courses suggest that real-world observation and touch is invaluable in the planning of 3D computer graphics.

The Methods of Design Course focuses on the extensive and complex ideas and implications of basic design to help students understand that design is deliberate, allowing them to intellectually connect artistic intention and compositional conclusion. In this course, students plan, organize, and control hands-on projects using various media. They also use gained knowledge to design environments and simple characters throughout the course.

The Fundamentals of Art II Course prepares students for the virtual world by having them step away from the computer and observe, touch, and create in the real world. These courses suggest that real-world observation and touch is invaluable in the planning of 3D computer graphics.

In the Portfolio Content Creation II Course, students continue developing their professional quality asset while working against deadline. Students incorporate knowledge developed in Portfolio Content Creation I to improve their artistic sensibilities, workflow, technical knowledge, and personal time management. Students continue working through a critique and review process with the in-lab art directors to develop photorealistic content.

In the Portfolio Content Creation III Course, students develop the third and most advanced photoreal asset for their portfolio. With the knowledge obtained during previous months, students embark on their final four-week production deadline. Students in this course work with precision at optimal speed, having a strong understanding of artistic appeal, time management, asset creation, and professional behavior. What they experience in this course helps prepare them for the methods, environments, and conditions experienced in the production arena.

The Production Modeling Course develops students’ understanding of model development as it applies to the animation production industry. The course builds on all the computer animation foundation courses that precede it, and parallels industry production workflow to develop portfolio models for presentation. Students explore a variety of topics including developing surface flow, anatomical models, and production modeling techniques.

The Project Management and Assessment Courses are concurrent courses taken alongside core curriculum in order to assist students with the development, management, and assessment of program projects. The courses provide an opportunity for students to apply analysis skills, create strategic plans, and foster professional workflow practices.

The Model Creation Course Explores The Beginning Of The Computer Animation Process By Creating Hard-surface Models From Concept Art To Final Computergenerated Imagery. During An In-depth Exploration Of The Nurbs Modeling Tool Set, Comparisons Of The Relative Dif Ferences Between Polygon, Nurbs, And Subdivision Surface Definitions Are Made. Students Will Develop Techniques And Strategies For Creation Of Ef Ficient Virtual Surfaces.

The Portfolio Content Creation I Course is designed to allow students to review and continue advancing their overall knowledge of computer animation workflow, timeline, professional behavior, and mind set. This course prepares students to experience a four-week production deadline, and introduces working under production constraints. Students use their artistic skills and technical knowledge to create a professional quality asset based on reference compiled during Animation Preproduction. All assets are managed and critiqued by an in-lab art director, to help guide projects towards photorealistic expectations under defined deadlines.

The Shading and Lighting Course investigates the mood and lighting, look and feel, shadows and shading, reflections and atmospheres that bring scenes and models to life. During this second of three 3D fundamental courses, students develop an eye for texturing and lighting modeled objects and scenes that parallel the real world. This course builds on the concepts established in the Object Perspective Course, including surface lighting and shadow observations and techniques.

The College Mathematics Course is designed to enable students to build skills and confidence in algebra and applied mathematics that are required to succeed in future math and core courses. First-time algebra students or those needing a review will begin with basic concepts and build upon these ideas by completing work that uses mathematics in practical situations.

The English Composition I Course is designed to introduce students to the writing process. Special at tention is given to selecting and refining topics, identifying the audience, developing a purpose, and formulating thesis statements. Grammatical conventions and their applications are heavily stressed. Students will learn to compose mature, logical sentences, and paragraphs in order to create rhetorical cohesion.

The Ethics and Psychology Course provides a strong psychological theory base to the process of character development within the context of storytelling. The foundation of sound psychological theory provides the students with the capability of creating films or games that present characters that have distinct personalities, interesting backstories, and relevant roles within the context of the film or game.

The Fundamentals of Physics Course examines real-world physics and how those rules can be modeled in mathematical theories. Students will explore the fundamentals of momentum and energy, force and motion, gravity, particles, temperature, electricity, magnetism, and light. Students will use the learned concepts to design mathematical models representing the physics environments. The students will use this knowledge to communicate concisely the behavioral characteristics of the natural phenomena.

The Geometry and Measurement Course teaches students a wide spectrum of geometric concepts that are designed to build upon the math learned in earlier coursework. The curriculum will emphasize Euclidean geometry and its relationship to logic, trigonometry, and coordinate geometry. The measurements, constructions, graphs, and problems involve angles, triangles, polygons, areas and volumes. Geometry and trigonometric skills are developed exploring problem-solving through the logic calculations.

The Historical Archetypes and Mythology Course explores how myths, fairy tales, folklores, gods, heroes, and monsters link cultures together in today’s entertainment marketplace. Mythology’s cross- cultural themes are frequently represented in a variety of contemporary media, such as computer animation, video games, game art, and movies. The intent of this class is to provide a foundation for understanding the connections between culture, mythology, history, color symbolism, and iconic archetypes relative to the development of various forms of visual media and entertainment. Students apply course concepts through assignments that demonstrate mastery of archetypal character creation, preproduction planning, applying media localization, and the effective use of cultural color symbolism. Additionally, class discussions, activities, homework, and assignments will pertain to understanding the contribution of a culture’s mythology relative to a culture’s ideas, beliefs, entertainment, and destiny.

The Interpersonal Communications Course examines the nature of the communication process, variables affecting the process, and the individuals involved. Additionally, this course includes individual analysis of behavior processes that may impede and/or enhance communication processes. Topics include perception, nonverbal behavior, persuasive communication, identity management, intercultural communication and computer mediated communication. This course also enhances students’ ability to analyze and evaluate information.

The Psychology of Human Interaction Course studies the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. This involves working with, and hopefully getting along with other people. In this course, you will explore the different types of relationships and the problems that can occur when working with others. You will be given effective tools to help manage those relationships and activities.

The Public Speaking Course is designed to train students in understanding and implementing oral communication skills. Learning is centered on student participation in a variety of speaking/listening situations, which are designed to increase the understanding of the interpersonal nature of all speech communication. Students study and participate in the creation and delivery of at least three types of speeches. Target-audience identification, surveys, body language, effective speaking techniques, and pre-speech planning are investigated and used to create speeches.

The Character Animation II Course continues to strengthen students’ animation skills by exploring methods for creating movement that is not only entertaining and appealing, but also depicts actions that are driven by the characters’ emotions and personality. Students will also analyze methods for creating solid acting choices that are unique and interesting. By using discussion and analysis, students are introduced to the importance of evaluating their own work as well as the work of their peers. This enables them to critique each other’s projects with the intent of implementing what they have learned into their own animation. This class is designed to prepare students for situations they will encounter in the real world.

The Character Design and Creation Course builds upon the skills learned in the Model Creation and Shading and Lighting courses by applying knowledge to 3D characters. Students begin with preproduction of a character, developing concept art and character sheets. Students complete a fully textured organic 3D model for possible use in film or high-resolution game technology.

The Character Rigging I Course introduces students to the foundations of rigging. Through exposure to the core rigging toolset, students develop a strong understanding of how a joint hierarchy works. While exploring these course concepts, students are also introduced to the basics of scripting. Students also explore how 3D sof tware operates, using that knowledge to create scripts to aid in the interface between the animator and the sof tware. Students learn the principles of mechanical rigging, focusing on topics such as set driven keys, constrains, and expressions. Students then apply these techniques while exploring rigging of inorganic objects such as cars and machines.

The Character Rigging II Course builds upon the skills learned in the Character Rigging 1 course. Students explore advanced rigging techniques, binding and weighting models to deform in an organic manner based on concept art and storyboard direction. Students also explore advanced rigging techniques such as dynamic cloth, hair and fur simulation, and how to integrate their capabilities into a production workflow. This course also expands students’ knowledge of higher-level scripting, challenging them to create a character interface for their advanced rig.

The Compositing Fundamentals Course introduces students to beginning and intermediate compositing and integration techniques commonly utilized by film and video professionals. The course focuses on the seamless integration of computer-generated elements with real-world live-action video footage. Students learn how to accurately reconstruct and composite computer generated elements to properly match a high-definition film or video source while working in a node-based compositing environment.

The College Mathematics Course is designed to enable students to build skills and confidence in algebra and applied mathematics that are required to succeed in future math and core courses. First-time algebra students or those needing a review will begin with basic concepts and build upon these ideas by completing work that uses mathematics in practical situations.

The Ethics and Psychology Course provides a strong psychological theory base to the process of character development within the context of storytelling. The foundation of sound psychological theory provides the students with the capability of creating films or games that present characters that have distinct personalities, interesting backstories, and relevant roles within the context of the film or game.

The Fundamentals of Physics Course examines real-world physics and how those rules can be modeled in mathematical theories. Students will explore the fundamentals of momentum and energy, force and motion, gravity, particles, temperature, electricity, magnetism, and light. Students will use the learned concepts to design mathematical models representing the physics environments. The students will use this knowledge to communicate concisely the behavioral characteristics of the natural phenomena.

The Geometry and Measurement Course teaches students a wide spectrum of geometric concepts that are designed to build upon the math learned in earlier coursework. The curriculum will emphasize Euclidean geometry and its relationship to logic, trigonometry, and coordinate geometry. The measurements, constructions, graphs, and problems involve angles, triangles, polygons, areas and volumes. Geometry and trigonometric skills are developed exploring problem-solving through the logic calculations.

The Historical Archetypes and Mythology Course explores how myths, fairy tales, folklores, gods, heroes, and monsters link cultures together in today’s entertainment marketplace. Mythology’s cross- cultural themes are frequently represented in a variety of contemporary media, such as computer animation, video games, game art, and movies. The intent of this class is to provide a foundation for understanding the connections between culture, mythology, history, color symbolism, and iconic archetypes relative to the development of various forms of visual media and entertainment. Students apply course concepts through assignments that demonstrate mastery of archetypal character creation, preproduction planning, applying media localization, and the ef fective use of cultural color symbolism. Additionally, class discussions, activities, homework, and assignments will pertain to understanding the contribution of a culture’s mythology relative to a culture’s ideas, beliefs, entertainment, and destiny

The Interpersonal Communications Course examines the nature of the communication process, variables affecting the process, and the individuals involved. Additionally, this course includes individual analysis of behavior processes that may impede and/or enhance communication processes. Topics include perception, nonverbal behavior, persuasive communication, identity management, intercultural communication and computer mediated communication. This course also enhances students’ ability to analyze and evaluate information.

The Public Speaking Course is designed to train students in understanding and implementing oral communication skills. Learning is centered on student participation in a variety of speaking/listening situations, which are designed to increase the understanding of the interpersonal nature of all speech communication. Students study and participate in the creation and delivery of at least three types of speeches. Target-audience identification, surveys, body language, effective speaking techniques, and pre-speech planning are investigated and used to create speeches.

The 2D Animation Course develops students’ appreciation of the technique and craft involved in hand-drawn 2D animation, and promotes the understanding and successful application of the fundamental principles of traditional animation. Using pencil and paper to explore this art form, students are physically responsible for controlling and manipulating a subject’s volume, weight, proportion, acting, and movement, thus gaining a more thorough understanding of the animation process. This foundation of traditional animation broadens students’ skills as computer animators and enhances their creative ability.

The 3D Foundations Course familiarizes students with the fundamentals of creating 2D and 3D computer graphics using Autodesk Maya and Adobe Photoshop. Students learn the interface and controls of both programs as they learn basic animation skills that prepare them for the more advanced courses later in the Game Art Bachelor of Science Degree Program.

The Animation Preproduction Course develops students’ ability to plan, coordinate, and study assets, using traditional methods to demonstrate their learned strengths as a 3D artist. Working from photograph and video reference, students explore and develop characters, environments, vehicles, rigs, and animation ideas. Successful completion of this course arms students with the knowledge of how to use good reference and artistic studies to create production blueprints.

The Animation Production Course provides students with their first opportunity to produce an animated sequence. Students develop an overall understanding of animation as it applies to the production industry, as they produce a portfolio animation piece to showcase their proficiency.

The Art Creation for Games Course provides students with a strong knowledge of the way real time 3D content is modeled and textured. Students develop game models of buildings, vehicles, or characters, which includes modeling of high and lowresolution geometry. In addition to modeling, students paint color, generate normal maps, and specular maps for created geometry. Students finish with a low-resolution game model with the visual fidelity needed for next generation games.

The Character Animation I Course focuses on the basics of creating strong character animation in 3D sof tware. Students develop methods for planning an animation, which helps them learn to create work ef fectively and ef ficiently. Students also explore what is important in creating movement that appears lifelike and believable for a character. The goal of this course is to teach students to create bi-pedal animation that implements strong posing, good staging, and the basic mechanics of motion using a rigged character.

The Character Animation II Course continues to strengthen students’ animation skills by exploring methods for creating movement that is not only entertaining and appealing, but also depicts actions that are driven by the characters’ emotions and personality. Students will also analyze methods for creating solid acting choices that are unique and interesting. By using discussion and analysis, students are introduced to the importance of evaluating their own work as well as the work of their peers. This enables them to critique each other’s projects with the intent of implementing what they have learned into their own animation. This class is designed to prepare students for situations they will encounter in the real world.

The Character Design and Creation Course builds upon the skills learned in the Model Creation and Shading and Lighting courses by applying knowledge to 3D characters. Students begin with preproduction of a character, developing concept art and character sheets. Students complete a fully textured organic 3D model for possible use in film or high-resolution game technology.

The Character Rigging I Course introduces students to the foundations of rigging. Through exposure to the core rigging toolset, students develop a strong understanding of how a joint hierarchy works. While exploring these course concepts, students are also introduced to the basics of scripting. Students also explore how 3D sof tware operates, using that knowledge to create scripts to aid in the interface between the animator and the sof tware. Students learn the principles of mechanical rigging, focusing on topics such as set driven keys, constrains, and expressions. Students then apply these techniques while exploring rigging of inorganic objects such as cars and machines.

The Character Rigging II Course builds upon the skills learned in the Character Rigging 1 course. Students explore advanced rigging techniques, binding and weighting models to deform in an organic manner based on concept art and storyboard direction. Students also explore advanced rigging techniques such as dynamic cloth, hair and fur simulation, and how to integrate their capabilities into a production workflow. This course also expands students’ knowledge of higher-level scripting, challenging them to create a character interface for their advanced rig.

The Compositing Fundamentals Course introduces students to beginning and intermediate compositing and integration techniques commonly utilized by film and video professionals. The course focuses on the seamless integration of computer-generated elements with real-world live-action video footage. Students learn how to accurately reconstruct and composite computer generated elements to properly match a high-definition film or video source while working in a node-based compositing environment.

The Compositing and Scene Finishing Course will broaden the base of students’ knowledge by offering insight into the process of combining computer-generated imagery (CGI) with video and film elements. By learning what happens when rendered imagery is integrated into the postproduction process, students better understand the core principles of proper compositing and finishing practices. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of Node-based compositing systems, 3D camera tracking tools accompanied with common rendering methods utilized in current postproduction pipelines.

The Compositing and Scene Finishing II Course advances the compositing and integration concepts discussed in the prior months’ courses. Students focus on advanced integration techniques while adding the use of a 3D compositing environment to their production workflow. This course also introduces rendering techniques used to properly composite both render layers and render buf fers derived from professional 3D sof tware.

The Demo Reel Creation Course provides students with the time to develop a demo reel commonly expected during interviews. During this time, students take the content developed throughout their degree program and assemble it into a presentable package. Prior to the creation of the demo reel, a student’s content is reviewed in an ef fort to help the student determine the best material for showcasing

The Fundamentals of Animation Course provides students with the animation tools required to create, manipulate, and refine any computer-animated sequence. Building on the traditional animation fundamentals of motion and timing, the course teaches students computer animation techniques and applies them to the process of animating modeled projects. The course focuses on positional animation and control with the use of keyframing, timing curves, dope sheets, and dependency graphs, as well as the tools to manipulate them.

The Fundamentals of Art I Course prepares students for the virtual world by having them step away from the computer and observe, touch, and create in the real world. These courses suggest that real-world observation and touch is invaluable in the planning of 3D computer graphics.

The Fundamentals of Art II Course prepares students for the virtual world by having them step away from the computer and observe, touch, and create in the real world. These courses suggest that real-world observation and touch is invaluable in the planning of 3D computer graphics.

The Methods of Design Course focuses on the extensive and complex ideas and implications of basic design to help students understand that design is deliberate, allowing them to intellectually connect artistic intention and compositional conclusion. In this course, students plan, organize, and control hands-on projects using various media. They also use gained knowledge to design environments and simple characters throughout the course.

The Model Creation Course Explores The Beginning Of The Computer Animation Process By Creating Hard-surface Models From Concept Art To Final Computergenerated Imagery. During An In-depth Exploration Of The Nurbs Modeling Tool Set, Comparisons Of The Relative Dif Ferences Between Polygon, Nurbs, And Subdivision Surface Definitions Are Made. Students Will Develop Techniques And Strategies For Creation Of Ef Ficient Virtual Surfaces.

The Portfolio Content Creation I Course is designed to allow students to review and continue advancing their overall knowledge of computer animation workflow, timeline, professional behavior, and mind set. This course prepares students to experience a four-week production deadline, and introduces working under production constraints. Students use their artistic skills and technical knowledge to create a professional quality asset based on reference compiled during Animation Preproduction. All assets are managed and critiqued by an in-lab art director, to help guide projects towards photorealistic expectations under defined deadlines.

In the Portfolio Content Creation II Course, students continue developing their professional quality asset while working against deadline. Students incorporate knowledge developed in Portfolio Content Creation I to improve their artistic sensibilities, workflow, technical knowledge, and personal time management. Students continue working through a critique and review process with the in-lab art directors to develop photorealistic content.

In the Portfolio Content Creation III Course, students develop the third and most advanced photoreal asset for their portfolio. With the knowledge obtained during previous months, students embark on their final four-week production deadline. Students in this course work with precision at optimal speed, having a strong understanding of artistic appeal, time management, asset creation, and professional behavior. What they experience in this course helps prepare them for the methods, environments, and conditions experienced in the production arena.

The Production Modeling Course develops students’ understanding of model development as it applies to the animation production industry. The course builds on all the computer animation foundation courses that precede it, and parallels industry production workflow to develop portfolio models for presentation. Students explore a variety of topics including developing surface flow, anatomical models, and production modeling techniques.

The Project Management and Assessment Courses are concurrent courses taken alongside core curriculum in order to assist students with the development, management, and assessment of program projects. The courses provide an opportunity for students to apply analysis skills, create strategic plans, and foster professional workflow practices.

The Project Management and Assessment Courses are concurrent courses taken alongside core curriculum in order to assist students with the development, management, and assessment of program projects. The courses provide an opportunity for students to apply analysis skills, create strategic plans, and foster professional workflow practices.

The Project Management and Assessment Courses are concurrent courses taken alongside core curriculum in order to assist students with the development, management, and assessment of program projects. The courses provide an opportunity for students to apply analysis skills, create strategic plans, and foster professional workflow practices.

The Shading and Lighting Course investigates the mood and lighting, look and feel, shadows and shading, reflections and atmospheres that bring scenes and models to life. During this second of three 3D fundamental courses, students develop an eye for texturing and lighting modeled objects and scenes that parallel the real world. This course builds on the concepts established in the Object Perspective Course, including surface lighting and shadow observations and techniques.

The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to networking and Internet technologies. This course covers a wide range of material about the Internet, from using the Internet to demonstrating how the Internet works, using different Internet protocols, programming on the Internet, the Internet infrastructure, security, and e-commerce. It not only introduces a variety of concepts, but also discusses in-depth the most significant aspects of Internet, such as the OSI model of networking. In addition to explaining concepts, the course uses a multitude of real world examples of networking issues from a professional’s standpoint, making it a practical preparation for the real world

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of 3-dimensional computer modeling and how it applies to a multimedia project. Using basic modeling techniques and utilizing texture, lighting, and environmental effects, students model and render 3-dimensional forms to create surreal and realistic images.

Once students have learned the basics of 3D modeling and rendering, they will explore the fundamentals of animation and the more advanced methods of modeling and texturing. Students will create photo-realistic products and environments utilizing complex technical techniques and thorough creative design. Emphasis will be placed on detailed modeling and texture mapping complementing elementary 3D animation and story development.

This course is a study of the characteristics and functions of business in a free enterprise environment and how business impacts the economy in which we live. Characteristics studied may include opportunities, organizations, management, marketing, analysis and any other activities related to general ownership and operation. Prerequisite: none

40 hours, 4 credits This course is designed to introduce students to new models for the practice of business as it is affected by new technologies. From ethical issues related to customer privacy to the problems related to timely contract fulfillment, this course engages the student in analyzing the potentials and problems the Internet offers. Topics covered include a survey of strategies and organizational models for new and existing businesses on the Internet, the impact of e-commerce on customer relations (advertising, marketing, customer service), using information technologies for accounting, managing inventories and security, and designing strategies for keeping current with changes in the practice of e-business. Prerequisite: none

This course encompasses timelines, deadlines, team-building, communication issues and problem solving. The course is set with pre-defined scenarios to assist with the definition of project roles and phases. The students work through related issues and produce a resolution in a well written format. Prerequisite: Intended for student’s last quarter

This course teaches communication theory and skills for developing professional documents and oral presentations for audiences in diverse communities and disciplines. To equip students to communicate effectively, this course emphasizes thinking and writing within global contexts, in collaborative situations, and in various electronic environments. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Foundations of English II or placement determined by STEP assessment score.

This course will enable students to develop positive skills that ensure success in the college setting and workplace. Specific topics in learning and study strategies will lead students to develop and utilize appropriate study techniques, ensuring academic success. Topics in life skills will lead to a better understanding of self and others in our diverse world, and encourage the development and utilization of strategies to promote positive relationships, self-management, and professionalism.

The course is designed to study the personal and professional characteristics necessary for obtaining and maintaining suitable employment. The student will assemble a complete job-seeking portfolio including his/her resume and references, letters of application and appreciation, documentation of work and educational history, and demonstration of skills through examples of student work. The course includes an in-depth study of selfmarketing approaches, job interviewing techniques and professionalism as well as participation in a mock interview. Prerequisite: none

This course gives students an overview of desktop publishing and other graphic software that enables them to use the computer as a graphic design tool. Additional topics include file management, the Internet, basic keyboarding, and basic troubleshooting. Prerequisite: none

This course is designed to provide the student an overview and exposure to the basic multimedia concepts and software. Students examine introductory theory and concepts of four tracks in multimedia: Web, Interactive, Video, and 3D. Preproduction of all multimedia elements are stressed throughout the class with an emphasis on trouble shooting and problem solving. Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Graphics

This course focuses on the fundamentals of typography and introduces the students to aspects of type for display and text design. Students become familiar with the categories of type and a variety of font families. They also become proficient at choosing fonts to match a specific message. Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Graphics

This course utilizes techniques associated with designing computer graphics and page make-up for desktop publishing. Emphasis is on the exploration of illustration, photo retouching and manipulation, and working toward finished results primarily in printed form as well as web. Prerequisite: Typography

This course introduces basic compositional principles of harmony and contrast through the practice of color applications,digital input devices and graphic software packages. Basic exercises are introduced and practiced to learn how to achieve different visual effects and create visual effectiveness. The use of color in printing is also explored. Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Graphics

This course is a study of the integration of components used in multimedia applications using authoring software. Students use industry-standard software as tools for producing interactive projects. Topics include basic animation techniques, special effects, transitions, and user interactivity. Pre- or Co-requisite: Audio/Video Editing

This course focuses on the students’ basic authoring skills by focusing on the demands, details, and subtleties of creating web pages. HTML and supplemental client side scripting are the primary focus of the course. In addition, processes of graphic and multimedia creation – adding interactivity, color use, file management and formats, testing, publishing, and publicizing are addressed. Students use interactivity and multimedia elements to enhance their site design. Prerequisite: Introduction to Multimedia Design

In this course, students will develop and apply scripts to control sprites, video, sound, and interactivity for informational and entertainment animations using authoring software. The project produced in this class will be available for use on CD-ROM. Pre- or Co-requisite: Multimedia Technologies

In this course students will learn aspects of advanced programming languages that allow for scripting of complex interactive applications for Internet delivery. Students will also explore the newest technologies and their impact on multimedia and visual design. Prerequisite: Digital Media Production

In this course, students select a primary and secondary track to create an industry-quality portfolio consisting of enhanced and updated projects from previous classes as well as newly created projects. Students will create a final portfolio/demo reel using a consistent theme related to their identity package. Pre- or Co-requisite: Digital Media Assembly

In this course, students learn to draw anatomically correct structures of the human body while observing live models. Correct anatomical proportions and accurate musculature are emphasized. Students are also introduced to shading and lighting techniques and views and perspective.

This course is an introductory level drawing course designed to have the students apply the fundamental concepts of drawing. Students will experiment with the use of basic shapes and techniques in drawing simple objects comprised of lines, shapes, forms and shading patterns. This course will also continue the coverage of the notions of perspective, scale, and proportions and their role in the production of realistic looking drawings. Students will also gain an understanding of light source placement and shadow casting and how these translate into a final drawing. Students will be able to practice the various techniques learned throughout the course by developing drawings in a progressive manner.

This course introduces the students to the popular image-editing software Adobe Photoshop. The main objective of this course is to teach the student graphical image production using Adobe Photoshop. Through this ‘hands-on’ course, the student will learn the fundamentals of design, as well as advanced features and tips, to prepare images for the Web and for print. By the end of this course, the student will be able to create and enhance sophisticated images using Adobe Photoshop’s tools and features. They will learn how to correct and modify print as well as Web images using various techniques and organizational tools. They will also learn how to apply special effects to original and composite images.

The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the fundamental principles of design and color theory. Students will be introduced to the principle concepts of design such as layout, composition and balance, as well as the theories of color and how to use color creatively. These concepts will be presented in theory as well as reinforced through specific practical exercises and activities that will serve to demonstrate how each of the concepts is integrated into good design.

In this course, students will learn the basic principles of animation. Students will participate in several practical projects designed to illustrate the fundamental processes of animation. The course will explore the traditional techniques of animation and how they apply in the modern world of CG animations. The course will explore the different types of animation including stop-motion, visual effects, traditional animation, and CG.

This course is dedicated in large part to the drawing and representation of the skeletal structure and musculature of the human body. Students will learn the anatomical names of the skeletal elements, landmarks and muscle groups. Students will learn how to draw the structures of the human skeleton and then add the surface muscle groups and features appropriate to the skeletal sub-structure. The course will also explore the differences in the portrayal of male and female musculoskeletal features. Students will also be introduced to the drawing of animal forms and basic animal surface coverings.

This course introduces students to concept of storyboarding for modelers and animators. Students will learn how to create clear, concise storyboards. Students will explore the elements that contribute to the final production of industry standard storyboards, including everything from a 30 second commercial, a television show, computer game, and feature films. Topics will include concept and production boards, thumbnail sketches, the role of character design, character staging, model sheets, art direction, background (layout) design, and camera positioning.

This course is an introductory level course exploring the foundations of 3D modeling. Students will learn to think in a 3D environment and design objects in 3D using the typical 3D coordinate system. In addition to learning the fundamentals of modeling, students will also learn how to use the industry standard modeling and animation software package such as Maya to produce a model. Students will learn to work with polygons, NURBS, subdivisions and deformers as well as a brief introduction to lighting and textures.

This course will explore the basic techniques of 3D animation. Using industry standard software, students will take their first steps to animating a basic character. Using a hands-on approach, students will learn the techniques of basic animation, texturing, visual effects and rendering.

This course explores the design and production of characters for the animation and video game industry. Students will learn the principles of good character design, from research to final detailing, while focusing on character development, style, and personality. Students will apply principles and techniques of design and anatomy to achieve the expressive, well-developed, appealing characters. By the end of this course, students should be able to work with a variety of styles, archetypes and body structures to construct their characters.

This course explores the principles and theory of sound game level design. Through extensive practical activities, students will learn the steps and processes for taking an idea and designing a game level prototype.

In this course students will be introduced to the process of creating and working with textures as they are used in game design. Students will learn to work with the advanced functions of digital imaging software to produce textures that can then be mapped onto surfaces in subsequent steps in the modeling an animation process. The course will explore advanced image manipulation techniques and procedures which the student will apply to create various textures and materials.

In this course, students will transfer their knowledge of anatomy and drawing of anatomical parts to a three dimensional sculpture. This course explores the materials, tools and techniques used in producing a sculpture and how to refine the sculpture into a finished work of art.

This course continues the coverage of modeling techniques. Students will learn to design and model both organic surfaces and hard surface objects. Students will learn to produce models using polygonal modeling and splines while working with geometric shapes. Students will also work with textures and materials to create the different types of surfaces.

This course continues to enhance the students knowledge of 3D animation. The principles of acting in animation are introduced and applied. Students learn how to animate the body language of a character first in pantomime, and then how to do full facial animation to a dialogue track using a single character, and with two characters interacting.

This course focuses on the drawing of human form in various poses that imply movement or motion. This course focuses on drawing the relationships between the body parts and the environment which surrounds them. Students will study and draw these relationships between anatomy background and foreground elements. The course will also explore the drawing of simple motion, facial expressions and gestures from both a human and an animal perspective.

This Course Introduces The Student To 3d Scripting Using Maya Embedded Language Or Mel Scripting. Students Will Learn The Various Features And Functions Of The Language That Will Add Advanced Capabilities To The Animations. Students Will Learn How To Use The Mel Scripting Language And Its Capabilities To Streamline And Automate The Character Rigging Process. The Course Will Then Explore The Use Of Mel Scripting To Create A Character Animation.

This course continues the study of modeling techniques with a focus on the design and modeling of 3D characters. Students will explore techniques of character modeling and how to take a character project from idea to final model. Students will design and model individual parts of the character anatomy culminating in the building of a complete character.

This course explores the design and development of game environment modeling. Students will learn how to observe real world environments and then translate those observations into producing a model of the environment. Students will also learn to consider staging and environment mood into the design and modeling of the environment.

This course covers the importance of materials, textures and lighting as an integral component in the process of creating an effective look and feel to an object or character. This course explores the fundamental use of lighting texture, and material strategies and how they can add to the effectiveness and realistic appearance of game assets. Students will learn to identify and select appropriate materials and textures based on the type and mood of a game or scene.

This course introduces the student to 3D sculpting using industry standard software. The student will leverage the capabilities of the brush-based sculpting and modeling software package to create realistic looking character models with effective textures. Students will apply the software’s texturing and morphing capabilities to design and model a 3D character based on predetermined specifications.

This course is aimed at preparing the students’ transition to the professional world. The focus of this course is to prepare students for job interviews by helping them compile and defend a first draft of their portfolio. The portfolio will contain pieces produced by the students that demonstrate their skills in conceptualization, design, modeling and animation. This will be the first step in assisting students to identify a preferred skill set and to select distinguishing portfolio pieces that showcase this skill. This will then provide them with a focus for polishing their technique and developing a unique style. Feedback will come in the form of industry, instructor and peer critique.

This course continues the study of modeling techniques. The focus of this course is the exploration of modeling techniques using a low polygon count and the effective use of this technique. Students will learn to identify situations where a low poly count is appropriate versus situations where a higher count is required. Students will then apply modeling techniques using a low polygon count to model characters and objects in an appropriate level of detail.

This course explores the process of preparing the setup of a character model for future animation of the character. The course will take the students through the steps of character modeling and animation with a focus on the rigging of the characters. Students will learn how to prepare and setup character rigs, bind structures to geometry and work with meshes and armature. Students will learn to rig facial expressions and lip movement as well as rigging and animating armature.

This course builds upon the previously covered topics of lighting and textures. It takes the students beyond the basic light sources and shadows and explores lighting and texturing as an art. Students will learn advanced lighting and texturing skills and techniques and how to apply them to modeling and animation projects. Students will learn to select the appropriate light type for a particular situation as well as the correct material 2D and 3D textures.

This course is aimed at preparing the students’ transition to the professional world, allowing the student to place the final polishing touches on their portfolio work. Students will be required to explain and defend the presentation structure of their portfolio and individual pieces to a panel of their peers and industry in the format of a job interview. All portfolio components should demonstrate the student’s mastery of the programs core competencies while highlighting the uniqueness of their work. Selected pieces should reflect a standard of quality evidenced by additional time spent polishing applied skills. Students will be required to complete their presentation website and marketing collateral.

This course is designed to introduce the importance of professional business conduct and attitude. Students will learn the importance of preparing themselves properly for the job search process and how to prepare and present the proper marketing collateral. In this course the student will learn the techniques that will help them to properly market themselves to potential employers.

This course covers the advanced topics in 3D animation. Students will learn to produce real-time 3D animations and work with camera angles and lighting techniques to produce complex animations and effects. Students will learn to distinguish between camera movement and character movement in an animation. Students will be required to apply previously acquired skills in design, modeling, rigging and animation to produce an animation from design to final rendering.

In this course, students will explore advanced lighting and texturing strategies. Students will learn different methods and techniques to use the full potential of lighting, shading, and textures to increase the detail of an object and enhance its realistic appearance. The course will also look at ways of increasing the detail of the render without necessarily increasing the complexity nor the load on resources. The course will explore the blending of colors, the automation of a scene with the various sampler nodes and utilities, custom UVs, maps and sliders global illumination and final rendering.

* Lesson 1 Two-dimensional Design * Lesson 2 Perspective * Lesson 3 Basic Drawing * Dvd – Drawing For Beginners * Drawing Kit This Course Provides An Overview Of Critical Concepts For The Artist Including Two-dimensional Design And Perspective. In Addition, The Student Will Obtain Instruction And Practice In Basic Drawing Techniques. The Course Includes A Sketching Kit And A Dvd That Demonstrates Basic Techniques.

* Lesson 1 Figure Drawing * Lesson 2 Pen and Ink * Lesson 3 Cartooning * Pen and Ink Kit Skills for Cartooning begins with a detailed overview of figure drawing followed by in-depth coverage of pen and ink drawing techniques and finally the mechanics specific to cartooning. Topics include: rendering tones and values with pen and ink; drawing with white ink, drybrush techniques; drawing facial features for cartoons; ageing cartoon characters; showing motion; gag cartoons versus comic strips; caricatures.

* Lesson 1 Professional Presentation * Lesson 2 The Business of Art * Reference Text – Artist’s Market The student will learn how to develop and present a professional portfolio, as well as techniques related to finding employment (freelance) and selling finished work. This course also covers basic business skills for the artist including basic contracts, copyright laws related to art, setting fees, invoicing, and basic tax concerns.