2026-2027 Academic Catalog

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  • DMA-233 ENVIRONMENTS AND CHARACTERS

    This course focuses on the development of,environments and characters as they relate to game,design and animation. Treatments and synopsis,describe the theme (Race, Gender, and Global,Cultures are among the themes that may be,examined) based character backstory, rationale,,and visual design. Students develop environments,that consider and are integrated with character,design. Students exit the course with a finished,and highly developed portfolio of characters and,environments. Originality and innovation will be,emphasized.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DMA 120, DIL 158 OR DMA 107

  • 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:

  • DMA-208 INTRO TO DIGITAL 3D II

    This course takes Digital 3D into a deeper,concentration. Students explore procedural,,projection mapping, and UV texturing techniques.,Students also dive deeper into modeling learning,sub-division polygonal and spline techniques.,Lighting is the third element of the class where,students learn studio and environmental set-ups,along with HDRI techniques. This class prepares,students with the tools to execute stand alone,objects or elements they can use for compositing.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DMA 108

  • DMA-202 ANIMATION III

    In this course students study similarities and,differences between acting for animators and real,world acting, applying concepts to multiple,character interaction with sets and props,,exploring comedic timing, and conveying emotions,while emphasizing diverse character makeup in,order to generate mass audience appeal. Students,build on knowledge from Animation I and II to,refine their skills, working on techniques,specifically related to their area of,concentration, lip sync, and film and character,animation production through the creation of a,completed animation short.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: DMA 201