2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Author: Tanecia Nunlee

  • CDS-344 MOTION DESIGN

    This motion design course is an elective that,expands on the concepts and methods presented in,previous required motion courses. This course,develops graphic languages for designing dynamic,digital communications that rely on typography,,image, video, message, and sound. Students,integrate 3D/4D concepts into a system of kinetic,design solutions that consider more complex,applications of digital and analog tools, while,also focusing on the different audiences/users,,editorial message structures, and editing choices,to meet the needs of the project goals.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: CDS-224 and CDS-311 (or CDS-312)

  • DFN-132 PROCESS & MAKING

    This course will familiarize students with the,basic construction and fabrication techniques of,design model construction. Through the completion,of a hand-held power tool model, students will be,introduced to the majority of tools, machines and,best practices needed to achieve successful models,and projects within the Model Shop. Special,emphasis is placed on a high level of,craftsmanship required in models for industry. ,This course will familiarize students with,surfacing techniques appropriate to model making,and painting processes. Students learn a wide,variety of methods and techniques needed to safely,complete future projects. Safety is the MOST,essential function of this course.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DMA-232 DRAWING TECH FOR VISUAL MEDIA

    This class offers the student the opportunity to,observe and draw the figure from life, both human,(examining a multitude of varied form) and animal.,We will be drawing in class as well as on,location. The focus will be on quick sketches,,observing a wide range of diverse figure in motion,through gestural poses in class and observing,animals and people on location. In addition, the,instructor will lecture and do demonstrations in,class. Through quick sketches in class and on,location the student will gain confidence in their,drawing skills, and through observation acquire an,internal sense of how the body moves, and skills,that will greatly enhance their artistic goals.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DFN 101, DFN112

  • DMA-230 EXPERIMENTAL ANIMATION

    Students undertake hands-on exploration of,nontraditional ways of creating animations. They,experiment with materials such as charcoal,on paper, chalk on blackboard, painting on and,scratching off film, cut outs, sand animation,,painting on glass and painting with clay, or may,choose their own materials. American and,international experimental animation are used as,an inspiration and challenge for students in the,development of their personal work.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DMA-228 STOP MOTION I

    This class focuses on object, clay and puppet,animation. Topics covered include staging,,choreography, direction, acting, stage design and,cinematic language. Students explore the,characteristics of physical space and how movement,can be used to suggest weight and gravity.,Students also investigate light and shadow in,scenes and learn how to create convincing stop,motion characters, analyzing personality and,attributes from diverse backgrounds, through,design, observation, materials and single-frame,animation.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: Complete 3 credits from one: DMA 243, DFN 132 or DFN 116

  • DMA-217 INTRODUCTION TO 3D COMPUTER GRAPHICS

    This course introduces students to the core,concepts and techniques of,computer generated imagery and animation using,industry-standard tools,and workflows. Through targeted exercises,,students will explore the,entire 3D production pipeline, gaining hands-on,experience in modeling,,texturing, shading, lighting, and basic animation.,This course establishes a,foundational understanding of these disciplines,,equipping students with,the skills necessary to bring their creative,visions to life in this dynamic,medium.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DMA-213 DIGITAL ANIMATION TECHNIQUES II

    Students will be introduced to Digital Animation,Techniques in the areas of Cel and Puppet,animation with exercises that can be applied to,the individual’s portfolio. This will be an,excellent opportunity for the student to,understand the hybrid elements of hand-drawn and,puppet animation and get more comfortable with,industry-standard software such as Toon Boom,Harmony.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DMA-101

  • DMA-212 2D DIGITAL ANIMATION II

    This course introduces students to time-based,animation through basic concepts and theories of,compositing, sequencing, editing, digitizing,,rendering, file management and organization.,Students also learn how to communicate ideas and,information through the use of these elements.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DMA 211

  • DMA-211 DIGITAL ANIMATION TECHNIQUES I

    This course introduces students to time-based,animation through basic concepts and theories of,compositing, digital workflow, sequencing,,rendering, file management and organization.,Students also communicate through motion graphic,design, compositing ‘puppeting,’ and other digital,animation practices.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • DFN-139 COLOR AND LIGHT STUDIES

    Students will be introduced to the theory and,practice of color through observation,,experimentation, readings, screenings, discussion,,and creative projects. They will develop a,working color vocabulary considering sensory,experience, the psychology of color, personal,preference, as well as historical and symbolic,meanings of color. Students will also gain a,basic and practical understanding of mixing color,through traditional and non-traditional materials.,This class is experiential and open ended, an,attempt to arrive at an understanding of color as,an evolving scientific, philosophical, and,cultural phenomenon.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: