Digital Art and Animation Course Descriptions

CV101 2D Design and Color I 3(2,3)
Introduces the principles of two-dimensional image making with an emphasis on visual communication. Traditional and digital production techniques are covered. Students learn about the form and function of graphic design, and study principles of perception and Gestalt theory and how they relate to graphic design. Students analyze subtractive color principles through exercises using traditional pigments. Image editing software is used.
Prerequisite: None

CV105 Intro to Computer Graphics 3(2,3)
Introduces computer animation. Focuses on the study of the terminology, strategies, applications, and visual representation of color and geometry in both 2D and 3D spaces. Students learn the fundamental techniques of 3D CG modeling including polygonal, spline, and subdivision modeling. Students learn to light, texture, and render 3D scenes.
Prerequisite: CV125
Corequisite: MA118

CV122 Color Concepts 3(2,3)
Introduction to color theory. Subtractive color principles are addressed through exercises using traditional pigments. Additive color principles are addressed through exercises using computers and image editing software.
Prerequisite: CV101

CV125 Intro to Drawing 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 recommendation from the instructor.
Prerequisite: None

CV131 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: CV125

CV142 Interactivity Fundamentals 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: CV101

CV201 2D Design and Color II 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: CV101

CV205 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: CV131

CV215 Portfolio Preparation 2(1,3)
Consists of a series of experiential problem-solving exercises to provide a logical explorative process that prepares students for their senior portfolio sequence. The problems begin with elements of artistic expression, especially 2D imagery, and continue to address issues related to public viewing and exposure. Includes written and oral discussions of field experiences.
Prerequisites: HU120, CV101

CV220 Storyboarding 3(2,3)
The translation of script to picture. Students explore the wide range of project management and presentation skills within this pre-production activity. Concepts covered in this course include scene set-up, camera maps, camera angles, staging, camera motion, and presentation techniques for effective boards. Production techniques include the use of a variety of materials used to formulate rough thumbnail sketches from shot description boards to final animatics. Students discuss storyboard formats, the visual industry standard method of communication.
Prerequisites: CV131, MP230

CV231 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 recommendation from the instructor.
Prerequisite: CV131

CV235 Character Portrait Sculpture 3(2,3)
This course is designed to develop students’ understanding of the anatomical structure of the head and apply the knowledge to unique character creation in traditional sculpting mediums. Class will consist of lectures and demonstrations as well as significant studio practice with and without live models. May be repeated once with recommendation from instructor.
Prerequisite: CV131

CV242 Interactivity and Synchronization 3(2,3)
Design and implementation of dynamic user interfaces using DHTML. Introduction to scripting using JavaScript and VBScript. Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) I & II. Web Standards. Video and audio, encoding and streaming. Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL). Introduction to media rich software, such as Flash and Web3D. Students apply these techniques to on-line media rich content delivery.
Prerequisites: DA100, CV142

CV255 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 recommendation from the instructor.
Prerequisites: CV101, CV125

CV260 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: CV101

CV285 Traditional Animation 3(2,3)
Introduces 2D art and explores the application of line of action, elements of layout, character design, model sheets, prop sheets, sequential drawing, follow through, elasticity and distortion, transformation, materials and methods, line style, representation of abstraction, single frame video making, the computer composite and experimental techniques. Fundamental tenets of motion styling such as in-betweening, timing, slow in/out, squash and stretch, transformations, rotoscoping and cycles. Unique solutions, avoidance of visual stereotyping, and visual shorthand methods. Students produce a final animated work that demonstrates mastery of traditional concepts and techniques.
Prerequisites: CV131, CV220

CV308 Illustration 3(2,3)
Development of observational skills and rendering techniques required to accurately illustrate using a variety of techniques. Students produce original illustrations in black & white and color with a variety of media including graphite, carbon dust, ink, color pencil, water-color, acrylic, gouache, and mixed media. May be repeated once for credit with recommendation from the instructor.
Prerequisite: CV131

CV312 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 with recommendation from instructor.
Prerequisite: CV131

CV320 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: CV105, CV201, CV205, MP230

CV335 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: CV242, Specialization Status*

* Approved portfolio and completion of core courses prerequisites for each specialization.

CV350 Entertainment Design I 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: CV285, Specialization Status*

* Approved portfolio and completion of core courses prerequisites for each specialization.

CV360 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: CV320, Specialization Status*

* Approved portfolio and completion of core courses prerequisites for each specialization.

CV370 Intro to 3D Animation 3(2,3)
Introduces the creation of 3D animation using one or more software animation packages. Topics include key-frame and procedural animation of cameras, lights, shaders, and objects within a scene. Hierarchical animation, character setup and kinematics are covered for students wishing to study character animation. Students apply these techniques to develop animated 3D characters.
Prerequisites: CV320, SC300

CV385 Game and Interactivity II 3(2,3)
Students develop vocabulary for digital interactive content creation, explore game and interactivity models used in electronic media, deconstruct specific game architectures. Students, as a group, develop a game design document including concept, game overview, mechanics, interface design, production schedule, rough technical specs and accompanying visuals.
Prerequisite: CV335
Corequisite: CV491G

CV395 3D Animation I 3(2,3)
Explores human characters animated through walk cycles, body gesture and pose. Pre-rigged characters are used to learn timing and spacing. Students practice drawn-to-digital techniques.
Prerequisites: CV370, Specialization Status*

* Approved portfolio and completion of core courses prerequisites for each specialization.

CV405 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 recommendation from the instructor.
Prerequisites: CV131, CV320

CV410 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: CV360
Corequisite: CV491M

CV415 Entertainment Design II 3(2,3)
Explores painting the figure as a primary subject. Form and anatomy of the clothed and unclothed figure. Students learn how to apply painting materials, methods, and tools to increase their ability to create characters and situations to develop a story line. Prerequisite: CV350
Corequisite: CV491E

CV420 Advanced 2D Animation 3(2,3)
Students explore the deeper meaning of imaging, animation, and digital design concepts. Topics include imaging theory and design, mixed media imagery and artistic expression for projection, installation, or other type of display.
Prerequisite: CV285

CV425 Entertainment Design III 3(2,3)
Analyzes composing the human figure and environments for entertainment media. Develops visual response to directions for character attributes and story line. Students illustrate a variety of two-dimensional compositions to support a given theme.
Prerequisite: CV415
Corequisite: CV492E

CV435 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: CV385
Corequisite: CV492G

CV442 Graphic Design for the Web 3(2,3)
The study of design and aesthetic issues surrounding interactive media interfaces. Students will discuss, evaluate, and create interface designs for a variety of applications, including WWW, CD-ROM navigation, interactive storybook, game environment, and informational kiosk.
Prerequisite: CV242

CV445 3D Animation II 3(2,3)
Students explore lip syncing and facial expression to develop convincing human characters able to portray emotions using 2D or 3D techniques. Non-human characters such as quadrupeds and sea creatures are also addressed.
Prerequisite: CV395
Corequisite: CV491A

CV460 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: CV410
Corequisite: CV492M

CV485 3D Animation III 3(2,3)
Explores emotive performance, advanced storytelling, and short film development through animation of characters. Students develop character animation sequences.
Prerequisite: CV445
Corequisite: CV492A

CV491A Animation Portfolio I 3(1,5)
Students produce a demo reel to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of animation and proficiency in its techniques. Prerequisite: CV215
Corequisite: CV445

CV491E Entertainment Design Portfolio I 3(2,3)
Students produce two and three-dimensional digital work. Topics include digital painting and texturing and lighting of 3D models. Students demonstrate an understanding of visual design for the entertainment industry.
Prerequisite: CV215
Corequisite: CV415

CV491G 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.
Prerequisite: CV215
Corequisite: CV385

CV491M 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. Prerequisite: CV215
Corequisite: CV410

CV492A Animation Portfolio II 3(1,5)
Continuation of Portfolio I to complete the Animation capstone project. Students learn to demonstrate their competency through the development of a demo reel.
Prerequisite: CV491A
Corequisite: CV485

CV492E Entertainment Design Portfolio II 3(2,3)
Continuation of Portfolio 1 to complete the Entertainment Design culmination project. Concept design as theme. Students learn to demonstrate their competency through the development of a demo reel portfolio.
Prerequisite: CV491E
Corequisite: CV425

CV492G Games and Interactivity Portfolio II 3(1,5)
Continuation of Portfolio I to complete the Game Design and Interactivity capstone project. Students learn to demonstrate their competency through the development of a demo reel portfolio which includes a game.
Prerequisite: CV491G
Corequisite: CV435

CV492M 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: CV491M
Corequisite: CV460

CV498 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 Department Chair

CV499 Special Topic 1-4 credits
Advanced course on a special topic in digital arts and animation. May be used as a technical elective and repeated as topic changes.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and advisor

CV499 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 15-week trimester. Cogswell has several local, national and international placement opportunities available to students. Students interested in pursuing an internship must start the application process the trimester before they intend to work.
Prerequisite: Junior Status