Animation & Interactive Media

Offered every term. Overview of the media arts and their interaction, integration and development in the creation of story beginning with the early years of photography and movie-making through the introduction of radio and television up to the digital revolution.

Offered every term. Study of the history, process and philosophy of narrative film/video editing and an introduction to Final Cut nonlinear editing software.

Offered autumn.  Media Arts majors only.  An introduction to screenwriting and visualization for media story. Focus is on developing visual writing skills and effective utilization of critical story elements.

Offered autumn. Media Arts majors only.  Intermediate study of digital video cameras, lighting, sound, and their use in specific production situations.

Offered every term. An introduction to the relationship between aesthetics and the emerging capacities of digital technology. The course will explore the basic evolution of hardware, system software, and the Internet and will present a brief history of the pioneers of both traditional and digital art. It will also look at contemporary and emerging trends in the artistic application of digital technology.

Offered every term. Online Course. This project-oriented design and compositing course introduces students to the fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop while focusing on artistic expression in a digital technology environment.

Offered autumn. Media Arts majors only. Introduction to the fundamental concepts, principles and practices of digital still imaging in order to establish a common aesthetic and technical language necessary to develop quality designs on the computer.

Offered autumn. Media Arts majors only. Introduction to fundamental concepts, principles and practices of digital compositing and rendering in order to establish a common aesthetic and technical language necessary to develop quality time-based art and design.

Offered autumn. Media Arts majors only. Focus on the production of short commercial works, including advertisements, industrial work, “how to” videos, as well as paper projects with potential clients. Students develop a DVD/Web portfolio for entry into the profession upon graduation. The class serves as a synthesis point for analysis and presentation of techniques and principles learned throughout the program.

Offered spring.  Media Arts majors only. This project-oriented course will introduce students to the basic technical and aesthetic components of digital motion design using the industry standard software programs Photoshop and After Effects.

Offered Autumn. This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts, principles, and practices of 3D digital modeling with Maya. Students will develop 3D modeling techniques, including production of geometric and organic objects. Through lectures, tutorials, in-class exercises and projects, students will be exposed to various techniques that may be used for innovative and artistic content such as filmic animation and compositing. Open to Media Arts majors only.

Offered spring. Media Arts majors only. Introduction to two-dimensional digital animation, focusing on character and motion design animation fundamentals including: cell animation (frame by frame), motion-tweening, working with key frames and motion paths, moving elements on a 2D stage, object choreography and text animation.

Offered autumn. Media Arts majors only. Introduction to fundamental concepts, principles and practices of digital sound recording and editing in order to establish a common aesthetic and technical language necessary to develop quality audio design.

Offered Spring. Building on the modeling skills learned in 3D Animation I, this course teaches students how to animate, texture map, add visual effects and render. The course will also cover advanced rigging techniques. As a continuation of this series, students will be introduced to animation, dynamics (including particle and fluid systems), and MEL scripting. Open to Media Arts majors only.

Offered spring. Media Arts majors only. This course is designed to help students gain the skill sets necessary to successfully create work in the constantly evolving internet environment. It covers the fundamentals of website structure, content design and navigation and focuses on directory structure, visual design, user navigation, audio/video integration and domain management.

Offered Autumn. Prereq., Media Arts major. This course offers a thorough look at storyboarding/previsuals, idea sketches and writing synopsis, as well as identity and promotion of finished works. This is also an opportunity for the student to begin production of the projects that will be continued in MART 457 Postproduction Studio.

Offered autumn. Media Arts majors only. Advanced techniques of 3D motion graphics and animation.

Offered spring. Media Arts majors only. Pre-requisite MAR 340. Advanced interactive media design class that builds on the foundation of principles taught in MAR 340.

Offered spring. Media Arts majors only. Research and exploration of contemporary film, video, digital art and design. Focus on areas of student research both in commercial and non-commercial venues and styles.

Offered Spring. Prereq., Media Arts Major. This course covers the principles and techniques of finishing projects. Students will focus on advanced rendering tools, prototype testing, installation and final performances, refined editing/titles/credits, enabling students to leave with a well polished finished project.

Offered spring. Media Arts majors only. This course is intended for senior majors in Media Arts who are ready to develop their physical and online presence, readying them for a strong exit-strategy from their university careers. Students will work on strengthening their professional image through development of digital and physical portfolios, demo reels, identity/branding and personal websites. Topics will also include but not be limited to: internships, resume development, cover letters, artist statements, interviewing process, graduate school and mentorships. Guest lectures and interviews will provide insight into current industry standards, professional workflow and entering the creative workforce. Students should leave this course with all the materials they need to enter the professional world.