Course Descriptions
Introduction to Computer Graphics
1 credit
Computer graphics concepts and theory are presented through lecture and hands-on experience. Topics include bitmapped vs. vector graphics, color theory and management, graphics file formats, and two- and three-dimensional applications as they relate to art and design disciplines and the web. New and emerging technologies are explored.
CG 211
Computer-Assisted Design
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Co-requisite: CG 111 or approval of instructor
Paint and image-processing software is used as an artist's tool to solve basic design problems and create original, innovative work. Emphasis is on exploring the visual elements inherent in good design.
CG 212
Introduction to Three-Dimensional Computer Modeling
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 211 (waived for Jewelry Design students)
The theory and concepts needed to understand three-dimensional space and to construct threedimensional models are introduced. Focus is on acquiring the techniques used to create threedimensional models and how to apply real-world effects to their work through material application and lighting. Software: 3D Studio Max.
CG 213
Two-Dimensional Computer Animation
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 211 or PH 272
Exploration of two-dimensional computer animation and its application to websites and the advertising and entertainment industries. Focus is on animation, design, style, and production issues using Adobe Photoshop and After Effects applications.
CG 214
Web Page Construction
1.5 credits; 1 lecture and 1 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 111 or approval of chairperson
Students learn to construct and implement web pages, from content creation through production. Current XHTML and state-of-the-art graphical web designing software, such as Dreamweaver, is discussed, demonstrated, and used to create deliverable web pages.
CG 215
Web Page Construction II
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 214 or approval of instructor
Students use styles (CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets) to create enhanced web pages. Other DHTML tools such as Javascript and Flash are introduced in order to produce dynamic websites. Students must have working knowledge of HTML.
CG 221
Design and Authoring for Interactive Media I
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 111
Introduction to designing for interactive media using Flash and ActionScript to produce finished projects, including websites, DVDs, games, and animation for various delivery media. Importing various kinds of graphics, video, animation, special effects, and sound is explored. Basic scripting techniques are used to build menus and control program flow.
CG 222
Game Design for Digital Media
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 221, CD 441, or approval of chairperson
The theory and implementation of game design is explored through the creation of small games using Adobe Flash and ActionScript. Students must know basic Flash and ActionScript.
CG 241
Flash Animation
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Introduction to designing character animation using Adobe Flash to produce finished animation for websites, games, broadcast, and various other delivery media. Emphasis is on the integration of graphics, video, special effects, and sound. Students must have proficiency in high-level graphics software, e.g. Photoshop.
CG 251
Basic Editing with Final Cut Pro
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisites: CG 111 (or appropriate Macintosh experience) and CG 213 or CG 221, or approval of chairperson
The concepts involved in editing video and animation are explored using Final Cut Pro software, with an emphasis on telling a story through the editing process. Learn how to assemble audio and video elements and gain studio experience in managing media assets, nested timelines, and basic workflow procedures. Use stock footage or provide own camera.
CG 299
Independent Study in Computer Graphics
Variable credits (3 credits maximum)
Prerequisites: a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean
CG 311
Two-Dimensional Computer Image Generation
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 211 or approval of instructor
This advanced image-processing course builds on concepts introduced in previous courses. Sophisticated tools are explored and applied in individual projects. Software: Adobe Phototshop.
CG 312
Three-Dimensional Computer Modeling and Rendering
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 212
This studio course focuses on the process of computer-based three-dimensional model construction as it applies to animation. Students explore standard and advanced construction and rendering techniques as they complete assignments and creative projects. Software: 3ds Max.
CG 314
Programming Concepts
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 111
Languages used in computer graphics and interactive design, including websites, are presented, with emphasis on current scripting languages. JavaScript (or other current language) is used to present concepts such as variables, objects, properties, data flow, and control. Techniques such as interactive button rollovers, cycling banners, and animations, as well as logic flow and project management, are explored.
CG 321
Design and Authoring for Interactive Media II
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 221
Advanced concepts for interaction design are explored, using such current software as the Adobe suite of programs, including Flash and ActionScript. Planning and scripting aer emphasized, as well as concisderation of overall graphic, sound, and human interface design, to produce Flash projects for the web or stand-alone projects.
CG 322
Interface Design
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 321
This in-depth study of the field of interactive design and the concepts of user interface design focuses on principles that are central to creating usable applications and effective, intuitive, friendly, and consistent graphical interfaces.
CG 341
3D Modeling and Animation
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 212 or approval of chairperson
Co-requisite: CG 346
Focusing on the creative process involved in constructing and animating three-dimensional models, students explore the fundamental techniques for lighting and composing models and adding shaders to produce a specific mood, feeling, or expression.
CG 342
Advanced 3D Computer Modeling
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 341
Students focus on techniques for planning and executing complex models, particularly animation-ready biomorphic characters. Analysis of the numerous variables that affect how successfully a model will perform in production provides a solid foundation for students to begin building three-dimensional characters and preparing them for three-dimensional animation.
CG 344
History of Animation
3 credits
Students examine the work of pioneering contributions to the moving image on film which led to the invention of film animation techniques. The history of traditional animation and visual effects puts modern computer animation techniques in a larger historical context. Early inventions and innovations by magicians and artists prior to the 20th century are studied.
CG 345
3D Computer Animation
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Prerequisites: CG 341, CG 346 and CG 351
The fundamental building blocks of three-dimensional animation are examined, and the traditional animation principles as they apply to computer animation are studied. Students learn to analyze motion and the devices of anticipation, reaction, overlapping motion, and squash-and-stretch to add clarity and strength to sequences.
CG 346
Principles of Animation I
1.5 credits; 3 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 212
Co-requisites: CG 351 and IL 302
Through a series of short projects using two-dimensional animation software and a digitizing tablet, students learn how to apply the classical Disney principles of animation to their work. All phases of animation production are covered, with ongoing discussion and analysis of the work in progress. Students critique, refine, and improve the resulting animations.
CG 351
Storyboarding and Storytelling
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 213 or approval of chairperson
Co-requisite: CG 346 or approval of chairperson
Students create stories for animation by taking the first step: organizing their images in a sequence to create a storyboard. They learn the importance of the storyboard and script in planning a character animation and focus on the conceptual development of an expressive animated short.
CG 352
Music and Sound Design
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 321 Co-requisite: CG 345 Students learn to generate, manipulate, edit, and integrate sound into animation, video, and interactive projects using appropriate hardware and software. They plan and complete projects that incorporate sound as an integral part of the process.
CG 353
Motion Graphics
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Prerequisites: CG 321 and CG 341
Co-requisites: CG 345 and CG 352
Students explore the concepts related to motion graphics using still images, live-action video, and three-dimensional computer graphics in conjunction with software programs such as Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Sony Vegas, and Soundforge and other sound tools.
CG 411
3D Computer Animation
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 312
Focusing on the fundamentals of three-dimensional computer animation, students learn a variety of techniques for analyzing and creating complex, coordinated motion, and the steps necessary to produce animation.
CG 421
Interactive Project Design
3 credits; 2 Lecture and 2 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 322
State-of-the-art visual concepts for interactive design using various media and delivery systems are covered. Good user interface design and top-down design are emphasized through group projects.
CG 422
Interactive Production
3 credits; 1 lecture and 4 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 421
In a simulated real-world production environment, students design and produce a project for a website or other delivery medium. Constraints such as budget, schedule, choice of tools, revisions, scaling down, and tracking the process of development are considered.
CG 441
Advanced 3D Animation
3 credits; 2 Lecture and 2 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Prerequisites: CG 342 and CG 345
Co-requisite: CG 451
A full investigation of the potential of the keyframer and related three-dimensional animation issues is covered. Techniques related to subtle animation control and animation rendering, including compositing, inverse kinematics, advanced morphing, special effects, and an in-depth analysis of lighting and camera, are discussed. Students plan and execute related projects.
CG 442
Animation Production
3 credits; 1 lecture and 4 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisites: CG 441 and CG 451
The methodologies and problem-solving techniques used by the three-dimensional animator in a production environment are presented. Storyboarding, task assignments, and fully modular project designs are completed. Topics include advanced storyboard synchronization, detailed camera cut/movement planning, detailed lighting effects, multi-layered processing, and incorporation of imagery/animated maps generated by external software and rotoscoping.
CG 446
Principles of Animation II
1.5 credits; 3 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 346
Co-requisites: CG 441 and CG 491
Using a fully rigged three-dimensional character, students study advanced topics in animation, focusing on an in-depth analysis of motion. Through the use of function curves, spacing, and key frame techniques, they refine their thesis work-in-progress.
CG 451
Computer-Assisted Post-Production
2 credits; 1 lecture and 2 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 345
Co-requisite: CG 441
Video and animation projects are brought to completion through an understanding of the post-production process. Studio experience focuses on hands-on skills using non-linear editing and compositing software. Students gain insight into the film editor’s role in the post-production process and learn how to lay out projects for successful posting.
CG 452
Music Production for Interactive and Animation Thesis Projects I
2 credits; 1 Lecture and 2 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 352
Co-requisites: CG 441 and CG 491
Students produce an audio track that encompasses the mechanics of sound and sound design for their own interactive or animation thesis projects. Through sound production, they gain insight into the components needed to construct a sound track that provides depth and excitement to the visual product.
CG 453
Music Production for Interactive and Animation Thesis Projects II
1.5 credits; 3 computer laboratory hours per week
Prerequisite: CG 452
Co-requisites: CG 422, CG 442, and CG 492
Building upon previously designed audio tracks, students progress from theoretical discussion to a practical application of the power of the audio track to their individual work. Through a hands-on approach, they design and apply an accurate sound layer to a thesis project.
CG 491
Senior Project Planning
1.5 credits; 1 Lecture and 1 COMPUTER LABORATORY hours per week
Co-requisites: CG 421 and CG 441
The senior project is planned and formal storyboard and written proposal are executed. Students work with the faculty member to develop concept and storyboard for short animation or interactive media project to be completed in the final semester.
CG 492
Senior Project
Variable credits (3 credits maximum)
Prerequisite: CG 491
The aspects of creating and researching a thesis project are emphasized from the written proposal and storyboard to the thesis itself, including a short individual animation or interactive project. Projects are discussed and critiqued throughout the various developmental stages.
CG 499
Independent Study in Computer Graphics
Variable Credits (3 Credits Maximum)
Prerequisite: a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean.