Computer Animation and Interactive Media

CG 111 — Survey of Computer Graphics

1 CREDIT; 1 LECTURE HOUR

Students are exposed to a broad array of software environments and concepts that they may encounter in real-world collaborative environments as well as higher-level courses. This course is suggested as a companion to first-level computer-based studio courses

CG 121 — Applications for Social Media

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

Students explore the tools and applications of social media and the implications of their use. Best practices and supporting research are also addressed, as well as the dynamics of group collaboration, experienced through class projects and online collaboration tools

CG 211 — Computer-Assisted Design

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

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 3D Computer Modeling

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

The theory and concepts needed to understand and construct 3D models are introduced. Focus is on acquiring the techniques used to create 3D models and how to apply real-world effects to their work through material application and lighting. Software: 3ds Max.
Prerequisite(s): CG 211 or PH 272 or IL 125 (waived for Jewelry Design students)

CG 213 — 2D Computer Animation

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

Exploration of 2D computer animation and its use in websites and the broadcast and entertainment industries. Focus is on animation, design, compositing, and production issues using Adobe Photoshop and After Effects applications.
Prerequisite(s): CG 211 or IL 125 or PH 272

CG 214 — Web Page Construction

1.5 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 1 LAB HOUR

Students learn to construct and implement web pages, from content creation through production. Current HTML and state-of-the-art graphical web designing software, such as Dreamweaver, is discussed, demonstrated, and used to create deliverable web pages.
Prerequisite(s): CG 111 or PH 114 or TD 111, or approval of chairperson

CG 215 — Web Page Construction II

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

Students use styles (CSS--cascading style sheets) to create enhanced web pages. Other DHTML tools such as JavaScript are introduced in order to produce dynamic websites. Students must have working knowledge of HTML.
Prerequisite(s): CG 214 or approval of instructor

CG 221 — Design and Authoring for Interactive Media I

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

Introduction to designing for interactive media using Flash and ActionScript 3.0 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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 111

CG 222 — Game Design for Digital Media

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

The theory and implementation of game design is explored through the creation of small games using Adobe Flash and ActionScript 3.0. Students must know basic Flash and ActionScript.
Prerequisite(s): CG 221 or CD 441 or approval of chairperson

CG 223 — Digital Literacy For Designers

2.5 CREDITS; 2 LECTURE AND 1 LAB HOURS

This is an interdisciplinary course cross-listed with FD 223. This course examines the concept of digital literacy through the lens of Art and Design. The course framework supports the development of critical and self-reflective skills, necessary components of ethical and socially responsible behavior in online environments. Students create content in a variety of forms, making use of new digital tools to support knowledge creation in a socially networked world. They work collaboratively to improve the civic life of their community, and understand that digital literacy is a core competency in the digital age

CG 241 — Flash Animation

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

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 — Digital Editing for Film and Video

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

The concepts involved in editing video and animation are explored with an emphasis on telling a story through the editing process. Students 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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 111 or PH 114, or approval of chairperson

CG 299 — Independent Study in Computer Graphics

1-3 CREDIT

Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Art and Design

CG 311 — 2D Computer Image Generation

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

This advanced image-processing course builds on concepts introduced in previous courses. Sophisticated tools are explored and applied in individual projects. Software: Adobe Photoshop.
Prerequisite(s): CG 211 or IL 125 or PH 272 or approval of instructor

CG 312 — 3D Computer Modeling and Rendering

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

This course focuses on building 3D models for use in 3D animation. Students explore standard and advanced construction and rendering techniques as they complete assignments and creative projects. Software: 3ds Max.
Prerequisite(s): CG 212

CG 313 — Motion Graphics Production Using Adobe After Effects

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

This intermediate course introduces the theories, techniques, and production practices of motion graphics. It includes the integration of design, photo imaging, graphics, sound, video, and animation, primarily using Adobe After Effects. The focus is on motion as a visual narrative.
Prerequisite(s): CG 213 or equivalent and intermediate Photoshop skills

CG 314 — Programming Concepts

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

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 LAB HOURS

Advanced concepts for interaction design are explored, using such current software as the Adobe suite of programs, including Flash and ActionScript. Planning and scripting are emphasized, as well as consideration of overall graphic, sound, and human interface design, to produce Flash projects for the web or stand-alone projects.
Prerequisite(s): CG 221

CG 322 — Interface Design

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

This in-depth study of the field of interaction 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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 321

CG 341 — 3D Modeling and Animation

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

Focusing on the creative process involved in constructing and animating 3D models, students explore the fundamental techniques for lighting and composing models and adding shaders to produce a specific mood, feeling, or expression.
Prerequisite(s): CG 212 or approval of chairperson
Co-requisite(s): CG 346

CG 342 — Advanced 3D Computer Modeling

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

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 3D characters and preparing them for 3D animation.
Prerequisite(s): CG 341

CG 344 — History of Animation

3 CREDITS; 3 LECTURE HOURS

Students examine the work of pioneering contributions to the moving image on film that 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 LAB HOURS

The fundamental building blocks of 3D 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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 341, CG 346, and CG 351

CG 346 — Principles of Animation I

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

Through a series of short projects using 2D 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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 212
Co-requisite(s): CG 351 and IL 302

CG 351 — Storyboarding and Storytelling

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 213 or approval of chairperson
Co-requisite(s): CG 346 or approval of chairperson

CG 352 — Music and Sound Design

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 321
Co-requisite(s): CG 345

CG 353 — Motion Graphics

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

This course provides a range of experiences with 2D motion graphics as it applies to the commercial and post-production industries as well as topics important to 3D compositing and Effects work. Adobe After Effects is the primary software used, though other Adobe Creative Suite programs may also be utilized.
Prerequisite(s): CG 321 and CG 341
Co-requisite(s): CG 345 and CG 352

CG 411 — 3D Computer Animation

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

Focusing on the fundamentals of 3D computer animation, students learn a variety of techniques for analyzing and creating complex, coordinated motion, and the steps necessary to produce animation.
Prerequisite(s): CG 312

CG 421 — Interactive Project Design

3 CREDITS; 2 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

This course covers state-of-the-art visual concepts for interactive project design using various media and delivery systems. Good user interface design and top-down design are emphasized through group projects.
Prerequisite(s): CG 322

CG 422 — Interactive Production

3 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 4 LAB HOURS

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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 421

CG 441 — Advanced 3D Animation

3 CREDITS; 2 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

A full investigation of the potential of the keyframer and related 3D 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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 342 and CG 345
Co-requisite(s): CG 451

CG 442 — Animation Production

3 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 4 LAB HOURS

The methodologies and problem-solving techniques used by the 3D 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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 441 and CG 451

CG 446 — Principles of Animation II

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

Using a fully rigged 3D character, students study advanced topics in animation, focusing on an in-depth analysis of motion. Through the use of function curves, spacing, and keyframe techniques, they refine their thesis work-in-progress.
Prerequisite(s): CG 346
Co-requisite(s): CG 441 and CG 491

CG 451 — Computer-Assisted Post-Production

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

Video and animation projects are brought to completion through an understanding of the postproduction 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 postproduction process and learn how to lay out projects for successful posting.
Prerequisite(s): CG 345
Co-requisite(s): CG 441

CG 452 — Music Production for Interactive and Animation Thesis Projects I

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 352
Co-requisite(s): CG 441 and CG 491

CG 453 — Music Production for Interactive and Animation Thesis Projects II

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 452 "Co-requisite(s): CG 422, CG 442, and CG 492

CG 491 — Senior Project Planning

1.5 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 1 LAB HOUR

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.
Co-requisite(s): CG 421 and CG 441

CG 492 — Senior Project

3 CREDITS; 2 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

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.
Prerequisite(s): CG 491

CG 499 — Independent Study in Computer Graphics

1-3 CREDIT

Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Art and Design