Digital Art and Animation Course Descriptions
(2006/07 catalog)
DAA100 2D Design An introduction to the principles of two dimensional image making with an emphasis on visual communication. Traditional and digital production techniques are covered. Students will learn about the form and function of graphic design various principles of perception and Gestalt theory, and how they relate to graphic design. The course also serves as an introduction to image editing software.
DAA105 Color Theory Introduction to color theory. Subtractive color principles are addressed through exercises using traditional pigments. Additive color principles are addressed through exercises using image editing software. This class is designed to be taken with or after Digital Imaging Concepts.
Prerequisite: DAA100.
DAA106 Digital Imaging Concepts 3(2,3) Explores advanced image processing using the computer. Additive color principles are introduced through exercises using computers and image editing software. Coursework includes image creation, compositing, manipulation, creating backgrounds, textures, patterns, tiling, texture mapping, and matte paintings using image-editing software. Students practice graphics principles by applying them to web, CG, and other art forms.
Prerequisite: DAA100, DAA105 (May be taken together)
DAA107 Creativity and Concept Development 3 (2,3) Class consists of a series of experiential problems that provide a logical explorative format. The problems begin with elements of artistic expression, especially 2D imagery. Further investigation includes written and oral discussions of various field experiences.
Prerequisite: None
DAA108 Intro to Photography 3(2,3) An introduction to traditional photographic image making with the addition of a digital perspective. Students learn the technical issues of photography and learn to control the photographic medium. Studio lighting techniques and working with ambient situational lighting is explored. Students examine various photographic approaches and philosophies to explore how photographic imagery can be used for personal artistic expression.
Prerequisite: DAA100
DAA109 Web Design 3(2,3) Introduces World Wide Web concepts, visual and technical web site design, information management and delivery. Topics include: building content for the web, HTML, preparation of graphics for the web, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), information architecture, interface design and web development tools. Students practice basic principles of interactivity by learning how to create, publish, and maintain a multi-page interactive web site.
Prerequisite: DAA100
DAA110 Sketching 3(2,3) Introduction to the fundamentals of drawing. Perceptual skills and the use of line, shade, perspective, and composition. Students learn and practice these skills by working independently three hours per week. May be repeated once for credit with the approval of the DAA Coordinator.
Prerequisite: None
DAA115 Figure Drawing I 3(2,3) Life drawing from unclothed models. Students study proportion, volumes, light and shade, simple anatomy of the human form, and develop a basic understanding of the figure in motion. Students learn and practice these skills by working independently three hours per week.
Prerequisite: DAA110
DAA120 Painting 3(2,3) The course in painting emphasizes perception development through specific painting exercises to develop an orderly approach and disciplined perception. Students learn about painting materials and their specific uses, and increase their understanding of color theory. May be repeated once for credit with the approval of the DAA Coordinator.
Prerequisites: DAA105 (May be taken together), DAA110
DAA210 Figure Drawing II 3(2,3) A continuation of Figure Drawing I. Life drawing from unclothed models. Study of proportion, volumes, light and shade, and simple anatomy of the human form. May be repeated once for credit with the approval of the DAA Coordinator.
Prerequisite: DAA115
DAA212 Perspective and Rendering 3(2,3) In depth study of perspective and the application of light and dark values to geometric forms to convey a sense of form. Students learn to create core shadows and shadow projections to achieve believable grounding in space and they examine the color of shadow and light. Rapid visualization techniques are used to create the desired shape and material finish.
Prerequisite: DAA110
DAA230 Intro to Sculpture 3(2,3) Explores three-dimensional form. Emphasizes concept development, expression, spatial concepts, and comprehension of 3D space. Students learn techniques and tools used to create 3D artworks. Students work in traditional clay media.
Prerequisite: DAA115
DAA240 Intro to 3D Modeling 3(2,3) Creation of 3D organic and industrial models using one or more software modeling packages. Topics include modeling construction using polygon and/or spline-based techniques, texture mapping, lighting, shading, and rendering. Students apply these techniques to the creation of 3D models.
Prerequisites: DAA230 (May be taken together)
DAA245 Texturing 3(2,3) This course involves the use of layering color maps on digital surfaces to create specific material shaders. Texture map painting in 2D is covered extensively. Analysis through physical observation on the light. Gathering of surfaces teaches students how to digitally reproduce any material. Students learn UV texture layout and projection techniques for shader creation. Procedural versus painted shader maps are explored along with complex layering. Emphasis is spent on specular, diffuse, color, bump, displacement and normal mapping to achieve the desired result.
Prerequisites: DAA106, DAA240
DAA248 Lighting and Layout 3(2,3) Storytelling and evocation of mood are emphasized by the use of light on digital scenes. Six point lighting techniques are demonstrated in cinematic terms through their digital equivalents. Color, mood, and time of day are expressed through lighting and scene composition. Blocking is utilized to set the actors and sets to convey the desired intent. Camera knowledge, lens choice and exposure are applied to shot composition. Various rendering styles and engines will be used.
Prerequisite: DAA245
DAA264 Drawing Animation I Introduces the principles of animation drawing: gesture, simplified geometric construction for anatomy, technique to capture movement and weight. Students develop the graphic language to maximize expression and movement for animation and learn methods for using line to convey overlap, form, torque/compression, and the line of action.
Prerequisite: DAA115, May be taken with DAA212
DAA265 2D Animation I Introduction to the basic principles of traditional, hand-drawn animation: squash and stretch, anticipation, secondary action, staging, easing in and out, arcs, timing, exaggeration, solid drawing and character appeal. The study of motion to understand mass, movement through space, and reaction to external forces. Concepts of keys, in-betweens and breakdowns, along with methods for recording drawings for playback, pegging, and using exposure sheets to record/adjust timing. The process for creating moving and sequential imagery from a bouncing ball thru a basic walk cycle. Students produce an animated scene that demonstrates mastery of principles.
Prerequisite: DAA264
DAA267 Character Rigging Introduction to animation software modules with emphasis on character rigging techniques: joints, surface binding, articulation, forward and inverse kinematics (FK and IK), and hierarchical node structures. Students apply these techniques to develop 3D characters. Includes a summary of the animation software module, graph editor, setting key frames, and tangents for basic animation.
Prerequisite: DAA240
DAA270 Illustration I 3(2, 3) This course is designed to present the student with the fundamentals of traditional illustration for professional application. Primarily, traditional painting media are used. The course will cover illustration theory but will emphasize studio practice and skill development.
Prerequisite: DAA105, DAA155
DAA310 Storyboarding I 3(2,3) This class focuses on principles of Storytelling in a visual medium and concentrates on film or editorial boards used to pre-visualize animation or live action film. Topics include scale and camera angle, camera movement, character staging, composition and basic editing processes and how to utilize these to best get across a theme or storyline. Students pitch their ideas in class and get feedback on projects that include dialogue and action sequences from selected scripts as well as building animatics and story reels.
Prerequisite: CV125, CV131, DMP230
DAA312 Animal Drawing and Motion 3(2,3) This class takes the basics of core animation and illustration courses and applies them to the practice of drawing animals through zoo trips and in class lesson and projects. Topics include emphasis on gesture, constructive drawing and proportion of selected animal as well as stride and motion patterns. Students will complete a 10 to 30 second traditional animation final or illustrated book involving their chosen animal.
Prerequisite: DAA115, DAA264, DAA265
DAA320 Digital Painting 3(2,3) The course in painting emphasizes perception development through specific digital painting exercises to develop an orderly approach. Students learn about painting textures for shaders and fully realized scenes. Students increase their understanding of color theory through visual development and matte painting. May be repeated once for credit with the approval of the DAA Coordinator.
Prerequisite: DAA106, DAA120
DAA330 Figure Sculpture 3(2,3) This course is designed to develop the student’s understanding of the gestural, constructive and anatomical structures of the figure – applying the knowledge to unique character and figural sculpture in traditional sculpting mediums. May be repeated once for credit with the approval of the DAA Coordinator.
Prerequisite: DAA115, DAA230
DAA335 Portrait Sculpture 3(2,3) Explores portrait sculpture for character development. Emotive qualities of human expression using plasticine. Students focus on the anatomy of the head and neck as critical to the development of emotionally convincing characters.
Prerequisites: DAA115, DAA230
DAA340 Modeling I - Development of Form 3(2,3) Introduces hard and organic surface modeling pertaining to control and refinement of form. Reproduction of machine made forms and detailed organic shapes. Advanced texturing for enhancement of models. Students apply these techniques to develop 3D models.
Prerequisites: DAA240, Specialization Status*
DAA345 Modeling II - Hard Surface Modeling 3(2,3) Explores the modeling of man-made forms for sets and props in cinematic work and interactive applications such as games. Includes transferring maquettes and other analog representations to digital form while maintaining fidelity in the reproduction of artwork and real objects. Texturing and lighting, reproduction of logotypes and molded textures. Students practice parameterization for animation and digital transfer.
Prerequisite: DAA340 Co-requisite: DAA480M
DAA350 Game and Interactivity I 3(2,3) Introduction to theory of interactivity and basic medium independent game constructs. Psychology of non-linear interplay. Study of mathematical models and probability theory. Deconstruction and analysis of successful interactivity models. Students construct an original non-electronic interactivity project.
Prerequisites: DAA267, Specialization Status
DAA355 Game and Interactivity II 3(2,3) Students develop vocabulary for digital interactive content creation, explore game and interactivity models used in electronic media, and deconstruct specific game architectures. Students, as a group, develop a game design document including concept, game overview, mechanics, interface design, production schedule, rough technical spec and accompanying visuals.
Prerequisite: DAA350 Co-requisite: DAA480G
DAA360 3D Animation I Introduction to the principles of animation as applied to 3D computer graphics. Uses provided 3D models to focus on the principles of motion: physics, easing, weight, timing, and blocking using the animation software module. Serves as the base for students interested in studying character/creature animation. Covers a bouncing ball, physical animation of tops, principles of a jump, flour sack, pantomime, basic posing fundamentals and walk cycles.
Prerequisite: DAA265, DAA267, Specialization Status
DAA364 Drawing Animation II A continuation of Drawing for Animation I. Further life studies of human figures and animals emphasizing anatomical simplification, clarity, and motion. Introduction to facial construction and expression. Students learn to incorporate layout, perspective, and backgrounds into character drawing.
Prerequisite: DAA264
DAA365 3D Animation II Continuation of 3D Animation I. Explores the creation of character walks, acting and posing using the animation software module. Introduction to character development, scene blocking, and animating using dialogue tracks, and quadruped walks. Uses provided 3D models for pantomime animation, staging, silhouette, performance, weight and overlap exercises that emphasize character.
Prerequisite: DAA360, DAA364.
Co-requisite: DAA480A.
DAA370 Concept Design 3(2,3) This course focuses on development and design practices used by concept designers. Students apply professional marker and/or CG techniques and media as an approach to concept drawings and renderings. May be repeated once for credit with the approval of the DAA Coordinator.
Prerequisites: DAA212, DAA270
DAA410 Storyboarding II This class is a continuation of CV220. Students will continue to board and pitch to pre-selected scripts as well as create boards for advertising, in-game progressions and work with DMP students to build a solid pre-visualized script short. Topics include developing quality emotion boards, value and color scripts and their implied meanings. Students must have a solid foundation in drawing skill and film and editorial methodology.
Prerequisite: DAA364
DAA440 Modeling III - Organic Modeling 3(2,3) Explores modeling of creatures and humans for interactive applications including games and cinematic work. Maintaining fidelity to reproduction of artwork and observed subjects, texturing and lighting. Students learn to parameterize for animation and muscular flow.
Prerequisite: DAA340
Co-requisite: DAA485M
DAA442 Advanced Lighting and Layout 3(2,3) Advanced lighting techniques are mastered to convey storytelling through light. Students apply techniques attained in Lighting and layout to further master their artistic expression. Cinematography in the digital realm is used to convey dramatic storytelling through shot composition. Advanced camera usage along with lighting are combined into unified sequences of shots to tell a story that connects with audiences.
Prerequisite: DAA248
DAA450 Game and Interactivity III 3(2,3) Emphasizes visual literacy, design process, work-flow pipe-line, project organization and management, and working to technical specs. Students develop the aesthetic discernment to deliver a quality interactive experience. Students, as a group, produce a digital interactive game, story engine or equivalent.
Prerequisite: DAA355
Co-requisite: DAA485G
DAA460 2D Animation II Continuation of 2D Animation I. Students design and develop characters which they animate in a scene. Advanced study of facial animation and expression with introduction to animal characters and animation. Pantomime, silhouette, strong acting and posing are emphasized along with careful timing to maximize expression and personality. Analysis of what makes a character look like it is thinking and what makes an expressive pose. Students produce an animated scene using their character in a layout.
Prerequisite: DAA265
DAA465 3D Animation III Continuation of 3D Animation II with an emphasis on acting and performance. Advanced scene blocking for dialogue and introduction to facial animation and expression. Focus on refining animation, breaking joints for overlap, subtle movement and settling. Analysis of phonemes for speech and expression in eyes and mouth to maximize expression. Students will produce original animation with the option of using their own models.
Prerequisite: DAA365.
Co-requisite: DAA485A.
DAA470 Illustration II 3(2, 3) Students explore personal style in illustration. Course focuses on development of a cohesive body of work. Symbolic and narrative concept development is central. Various traditional media and digital applications will be used.
Prerequisite: DAA270, Specialization Status
DAA480A Animation Portfolio I Students write a project proposal and production schedule as they develop an animated short film that will be completed Animation Portfolio II. Students proceed through the film making process: concept development, storyboards, animatics, layouts, audio, and production scheduling. Students assemble a rough demo reel that demonstrates competency in the discipline.
Co-requisite DAA365.
DAA480E Entertainment Design Portfolio I 3(1,5) Portfolio I is the preparatory class for Portfolio II, the final element in the DAA program. Students will use their skills in traditional and digital painting, texturing and lighting of 3D models, and portfolio preparation to scope and design a finished portfolio that demonstrates their abilities in Entertainment Design. The portfolio will have a recognizable aesthetic and professional presentation quality.
Co-requisite: DAA470
DAA480G Games and Interactivity Portfolio I 3(1,5) Students produce a demo reel to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of interactive content development, game development, and proficiency in its techniques.
Co-requisite: DAA355
DAA480M Modeling Portfolio I 3(1,5) Students produce a demo reel to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of modeling and proficiency in its techniques.
Co-requisite: DAA345
DAA485A Animation Portfolio II Continuation of Animation Portfolio I. Production of animated short film begun in Animation Portfolio I. Final animated film along with expanded final proposal is completed. Students present their project to the DAA faculty and discuss the production process and their challenges. Students assemble a finished demo reel that demonstrates competency in the discipline.
Prerequisite: DAA480A.
Co-requisite: DAA465.
DAA485E Entertainment Design Portfolio II 3(1,5) Portfolio II is the final element in the DAA program. Students will use their skills in traditional and digital painting, texturing and lighting of 3D models, and portfolio preparation to create a finished portfolio that demonstrates their abilities in Entertainment Design. The portfolio will have a recognizable aesthetic and professional presentation quality.
Prerequisite: DAA480E
Co-requisite: DAA370
DAA485G Games and Interactivity Portfolio II 3(1,5) Continuation of Portfolio I to complete the Games and Interactivity capstone project. Students learn to demonstrate their competency through the development of a demo reel portfolio which includes a game.
Prerequisite: DAA480G
Co-requisite: DAA450
DAA485M Modeling Portfolio II 3(1,5) Continuation of Portfolio I to complete the Modeling capstone project. Students learn to demonstrate their competency through the development of a demo reel.
Prerequisite: DAA480M
Co-requisite: DAA440
DAA497 Internship 3-5 credits Students have the opportunity to work and learn in a “real-world” professional environment while earning credits towards their degree. The average requirement for a 3-credit internship is 10-15 hours per week during the 16-week semester. Cogswell has several local, national and international placement opportunities available to students. Students interested in pursuing an internship must start the application process the semester before they intend to work.
Prerequisite: Junior Status
DAA498 Special Project 1-6 credits Individual or group research and development on a special area of interest in digital art and animation. Topics are developed in consultation with a faculty advisor.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Dean of the College
DAA499 Special Topic 1-4 credits Advanced course on a special topic in digital Art and animation. May be used as a technical elective and repeated as topic changes.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and advisor.
CV course descriptions for students enrolled under 2004 - 2006 catalog
Programs
