Curriculum

FIRST-YEAR REQUIREMENTS

First-year computer art, computer animation and visual effects majors must take all of the courses that follow.

AHD-1210 / AHD-1215 Modern and Contemporary Art I and II

FID-1130 / FID-1135 Drawing I and II

HCD-1020 Writing and Literature I

HCD-1025 Writing and Literature II One semester: 3 humanities and SDD-1050 Narrative Workshop One semester: 3 studio credits This SDD-1210 Bits, Bytes, Megabytes: Foundations of Computer-Generated Imaging

SMD-1200 Introduction to Imaging Tools and Techniques

SMD-1230 Introduction to Computer Animation

SMD-1250 Introduction to Digital Video Tools and Techniques

SECOND-YEAR REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENT A

One semester of: SDD-2090 Professional Practices

SMD-2110 Python Scripting for Maya Artists

SMD-2146 Computer Animation: 3D Modeling and Animation I

SMD-2147 Computer Animation: 3D Modeling and Animation II

SMD-2157 VFX and Compositing I

SMD-2158 VFX and Compositing II

One of the following groups:

AHD-2180 History of Film I

AHD-2185 History of Film II

or

AHD-2190 History of Animation I

AHD-2195 History of Animation II

REQUIREMENT B

One 3-credit studio elective that is not offered through the Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects Department. Please refer to individual departmental listings for elective courses open to all students.

THIRD-YEAR REQUIREMENTS

Junior computer art, computer animation and visual effects majors are required to complete:

REQUIREMENT

A One semester of:

SDD-3090 Production Resources

SMD-3110 Sound and Vision: Producing a Sound Track

SMD-3120 Thesis Research

One of the following groups:

SMD-3146 Computer Animation: 3D Modeling and Animation III

SMD-3147 Computer Animation: 3D Modeling and Animation IV

SMD-3568 Thesis Preproduction: Computer Animation

or

SMD-3157 VFX and Motion Graphics III

SMD-3158 VFX and Motion Graphics IV

SMD-3566 Thesis Preproduction: Visual Effects and Compositing

REQUIREMENT B

One 3-credit studio elective offered through any undergraduate department, including the Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects Department. Please refer to individual departmental listings for elective courses open to all students.

FOURTH-YEAR REQUIREMENTS

Senior computer art, computer animation and visual effects majors are required to complete one semester of:

REQUIREMENT A

SMD-4011 Production Skills I

SMD-4012 Production Skills II

SDD-4030 The Business of Being an Artist

SDD-4080 Thesis I SDD-4085 Thesis II

SDD-4090 Thesis Special Topics

REQUIREMENT B

One 3-credit studio elective from any undergraduate department, including the Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects Department. Please refer to individual departmental listings for elective courses open to all students.

Updated course information can be viewed at MyServices Student,

AHD-1210 / AHD-1215 Modern and Contemporary Art I and II

Two semesters: 3 art history credits per semester

These courses will explore the interconnections among modern art, modernity and visuality. We will examine the major artworks and figures, as well as critical issues in the arts from approximately the end of the 19th century to the present. Topics will include the historical development of “modern” vision, the decline of realism and the emergence of abstraction. The goal of these courses is to bring together art historical, scientific and technological studies of the 20th century and relate them to contemporary artistic practice.

FID-1130 / FID-1135 Drawing I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

Focusing on the perceptual skills involved in image-making, these courses will examine drawing as an act of producing independent works of art and as a preparatory process in organizing a finished work. Assigned projects will explore the formal elements of art, such as line, space, scale and texture. Materials will include pencil, charcoal, pen-and-ink and wash, among others. Projects range from the figure and still life, for example, to mapping and storyboarding.

HCD-1020 Writing and Literature I

One semester: 3 humanities and sciences credits

This is the first part of a two-semester course that helps students become capable, critical and independent writers. With its focus on developing an argument, the course offers an introduction to some of the skills necessary for critical analysis of written art. It will include a review of writing basics (grammar, coherence, idea development, sentence and essay structure). Since reading widely is a foundation of good writing, course readings are drawn from a selection of premodern Western works, including drama, poetry, the narrative and the critical essay, which will be used as discussion and writing prompts.

HCD-1025 Writing and Literature II

One semester: 3 humanities and sciences credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course that emphasizes essay development, reading and critical thinking. Students will write essays and a research paper, and continue to work on their grammar and essay development. Readings are drawn from a selection of modern works, including drama, poetry, the narrative and the critical essay.

SDD-1050 Narrative Workshop

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course will examine the history of storytelling and its fundamental elements, including story and character development, timing and narrative structure. Translating a story to the screen will be explored through film language and shot construction. Students will tell and write their own stories, polish them in class and create illustrated storyboards.

SDD-1210 Bits, Bytes, Megabytes: Foundations of Computer-Generated Imaging

One semester: 1 studio credit

In this lecture course students will learn the fundamentals of many digital tools and workflows. The correlation of digital tools and content to their analog predecessors and equivalents will be the starting point for conversation. We will discuss how to use cameras to capture both photographs and videos, and how to use basic lighting setups to change the mood of these images. Then students will explore digital content that does not use fixed lenses, focal lengths and compositional frames, including video games, virtual reality and 360º videos. These types of media will be studied both in how they are created and how the narratives are told. A survey of the final deliverable formats and user experiences of digital media will also be explored.

SMD-1200 Introduction to Imaging Tools and Techniques

One semester: 2 studio credits

Two-dimensional image capture and creation is the focus of this course. From simple image manipulation of photographs to creating complex collages of layered images, students will use raster, vector and page- layout programs to create and present their original images. Students will explore basics of design skills, digital photography and scanners and learn to prepare their images for a variety of output options. We will also cover basic visual computing skills, including file-naming conventions, color management and color modes.

SMD-1230 Introduction to Computer Animation

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course will cover traditional animation techniques and concepts using the 3D environment. Concentrating on anatomical movement, students use Autodesk Maya to produce character animations. Students will draw storyboards and translate their drawings into 3D animated segments. Required exercises include key posing, squash and stretch, gesture, timing, arcs, anticipation, exaggeration, walk cycles, and facial animation. Contemporary 3D production workflows including keyframe, match move animation and motion capture systems will be discussed relative to the advantages and disadvantages to the aspiring artist.

SMD-1250 Introduction to Digital Video Tools and Techniques

One semester: 3 studio credits

Students will be introduced to the essentials of digital video technologies, with a concentration on basics of video production, nonlinear editing and digital postproduction. Students will explore the use of cameras, cinematography and file compression. Projects will take students from still and video images to composited animation to final edited productions with sound.

SDD-2090 Professional Practices

One semester: no credit

Class time is reserved for discussion of topics relating to the use of computer-generated images in the entertainment, video and game industries. Students will explore the many aesthetic and career options they face as they begin to formulate their educational goals and career paths.

SMD-2110 Python Scripting for Maya Artists

One semester: 3 studio credits

The ability to master technical solutions through scripting is a key component, and a sought out skill, for artists within the film and commercial production pipelines. This course will introduce the basic skills required to script effectively in Maya using the object-oriented scripting language, Python. Knowing Python will allow you to customize the Maya UI, automate repetitive tasks, modify existing tools and create your own tools. Students will also learn to use Python outside of the Maya environment to make system changes, which can be useful in understanding how pipeline tools in studios are created. This course is designed to give you an edge in pushing the boundaries of Maya’s off-the-shelf tool set, and to place you in a large-scale production environment that is used within the entertainment, gaming and medical industries.

SDD-2114 Life Drawing for Computer Animators

One semester: 3 studio credits

Gesture, movement and character expression are important considerations for the computer animator. This drawing course will explore various facets of human expression, such as emotions and physical mannerisms. Using models, students will learn to “catch” a moment in time through quick poses, as well as work out individual subtleties through longer poses. Field trips will be part of the challenge of learning to draw people in crowds and in motion.

SDD-2117 Figure Drawing for 3D Artists

One semester: 3 studio credits

The study of the human figure and anatomy trains the artist to be aware of gesture when modeling, posing and animating 3D characters. Using models, students will study and explore the human figure through anatomy, gesture, construction and natural rhythms. Various technical approaches and anatomical details will be considered to help track and make sense of the subtleties of the form and how to extrapolate the gesture and motion of a pose. The observational drawing techniques covered in this course are foundational to 3D modeling and character animation.

SMD-2146 / SMD-2147 Computer Animation: 3D Modeling and Animation I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

Professional practices will be stressed in creating preliminary sketches, concepts and designs. Students will learn how to employ geometrical primitives, extruding and lathing as well as de-forming objects and working with mesh objects. 3D animation is explored by analyzing motion, understanding the devices of anticipation, reaction, overlapping motion, and squash-and-stretch, to add clarity and strength to sequences. Students will create storyboards and motion tests, and develop concepts as integrated with basic animation techniques of keyframe interpolation, model, light and camera animation.

SMD-2157 / SMD-2158 VFX and Compositing I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

Using combinations of still images and video footage, these courses will explore the fundamentals of keyframing, applying effects over time, creating mattes and rotoscoping. Emphasis will be placed on editing techniques, art direction, aesthetics and the overall style of professional VFX production. An introduction to chroma keying techniques, node-based compositing and layering animated images will also be given. Asset management and basic pipeline disciplines will be reinforced through assigned projects.

AHD-2180 / AHD-2185 History of Film I and II

Two semesters: 3 art history credits per semester Serving as an introduction to theatrical motion pictures, these courses will examine its nascence along with the silent era and early sound. While American narrative film will be emphasized, examples of world cinema will also be screened. Political, cultural and aesthetic history will form a background for viewing selected films—both important works and more transitory ones—to gain an understanding of how the medium developed and its cultural impact. The spring semester will examine the history of motion pictures from the ascendancy of the studio system, through effects of World War II on the film industry to the subsequent collapse and re-emergence of prominent studios. The era of independent filmmaking will also be addressed. While American narrative film will be emphasized, examples of world cinema will also be screened, as well as examples from various film genres, including documentary, animation and experimental work.

AHD-2190 / AHD-2195 History of Animation I and II

Two semesters: 3 art history credits per semester

These courses explore milestones in animation, from pioneers like Walt Disney, Norman McLaren and Lotte Reiniger, to present-day digital innovators. Along the way we’ll consider a range of techniques, including line-and-cel, glass painting, stop motion, clay animation, morphs and 3D characters. We’ll also see why animation deserves to be seen as perhaps the most complex art form.

SMD-2243 Photoshop: Beyond the Foundations

One semester: 3 studio credits

People often say they know how to use Adobe Photoshop, but do they really know its most important features and how to harness its power? Each session will concentrate on one isolated aspect of Photoshop. By the end of the semester, every student will be a Photoshop power user. Issues to be focused on include levels, curves, actions, layer styles, filters, extract, alpha channels and liquefy, among others. In one semester, this course will cover the Photoshop universe.

SDD-3090 Production Resources in Computer Art

One semester: no credit

Within the production process of computer animation and visual effects a unique and powerful set of resources are available to computer art majors. Established protocols for utilization of advanced systems for motion capture, digital video capture, color grading and asset management will be established for students as they plan their thesis production pipelines. Software and hardware developments will be discussed.

SMD-3110 Sound and Vision: Producing a Sound Track

One semester: 3 studio credits

Students will gain an understanding of the basic principles of audio capture, enhancement and production by focusing on the methods used in creating a professional sound track. Examples of award-winning videos and animations will be analyzed scene by scene. Students will compose a sound track for an existing project or their thesis production. This will include writing or locating appropriate music, gathering and recording sound effects, and mixing the final track.

SMD-3120 Thesis Research

One semester: 3 studio credits

In addition to advanced story and character development, timing and narrative structure will be taught through a series of written exercises and reading assignments. Students will tell and write their own stories and have them critiqued in classroom discussions. Students will develop scripts and draw storyboards using traditional and computer-assisted methods.

SMD-3146 / SMD-3147 Computer Animation: 3D Modeling and Animation III and IV

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

These courses will stress professional techniques and work flow methodology to maximize students’ realization of their working drawings. Students will develop highly accurate timing to achieve their individual style of animation. Editorial decisions involving narrative, character and scene design will be an integral part of this course. Topics will include: planning and executing complex models, testing how well they perform in production, skeletal rigging, constraints and scripted expressions. Animation strategies, advanced keyframe editing and motion tests; shaders, textures, lights and camera moves will also be covered.

SMD-3157 / SMD-3158 VFX and Motion Graphics III and IV

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

These courses will examine the design requirements for professional-quality broadcast graphics and node- based compositing techniques for film, television and digital content. Asset management, aspect ratios, resolutions, interpolation algorithms, color depth, color timing, and planar-tracking techniques will be addressed. Students will work with lighting, grain matching, perspective control and camera moves to create the illusion of photorealism in the final composite.

SMD-3222 Concept Art Techniques for 3D Artists

One semester: 3 studio credits

Visually conveying the idea of environments and characters for films, video games and animations is an important part of the preproduction process. In this course we will look at the rules of painting and picture- making, and how to apply them to a digital workflow to create concept art for narrative projects. We will begin with gathering crucial photo reference and painting block outs in Adobe Photoshop. Working through assignments like environment paintings to study the rules of atmospheric perspective and costume design to look at basic anatomy, we will discuss the use of color, lighting and composition to evoke moods and feelings. Through the use of various software packages, students will gain skills in digital painting, digital sculpting and photobashing techniques in order to develop a more discerning eye for details and confidence.

SMD-3228 Basic Modeling and Animation with Maya I

One semester: 3 studio credits

Autodesk Maya is widely used in the 3D animation industry and is highly regarded for its modeling, animation and visual effects capabilities. Starting with storyboards, students will then learn modeling, cameras, lighting, surfaces, motion scripting and rendering. Several examples of high-end 3D animation will be demonstrated and analyzed.

SMD-3229 Basic Modeling and Animation with Maya II

One semester: 3 studio credits

A continuation of SMD-3228, Basic Modeling and Animation with Maya I, this course will explore Maya’s more advanced tools and capabilities through in-class exercises and assigned projects. Topics include character design, animation, skeletal rigging, dynamics, particles and shading.

SMD-3231 Introduction to Digital Photography

One semester: 3 studio credits

This intensive hands-on course will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of classic photography, including determining proper exposure, lighting, lens choices, image composition, black-and-white and color photography. In addition, we will delve into the most important aspects of digital photography, such as which file formats are best, camera management and advanced digital darkroom techniques with Adobe Photoshop. The course will cover fundamental studio lighting techniques and provide a thorough understanding of digital camera types. Students will come away with a working knowledge of photographic exposure techniques to compensate for a variety of lighting situations and an understanding of camera optics and their impact on image composition. Students must have a digital camera.

SMD-3261 Basic Cinema 4D

One semester: 3 studio credits

Cinema 4D is an intuitive 3D package used for creating amazing still images for print and breathtaking video for broadcast, web and film. The easy interface and logical workflow of the software make it possible for those new to 3D to produce high-end work quickly. This course will cover modeling, animation, lighting and camera techniques to create 3D typography, objects and motion graphics. We will also discuss the integration of Cinema 4D creations with Adobe products for compositing and broadcast purposes.

SMD-3263 Motion Graphics Techniques I

One semester: 3 studio credits

In this course students will use compositing and animation tools such as Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D to create motion graphics projects for broadcast, web and film. Using Keyframes, animated masks and filters, and motion paths will be used to create complex, layered compositions. Students will also be introduced modeling, lighting and camera techniques to create 3D typography and motion graphics.

SMD-3265 Motion Graphics Techniques II

One semester: 3 studio credits

Continuing with the material covered in SMD-3263, Motion Graphics Techniques I, students will further examine the technical aspects of compositing and animation tools such as Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D. Advanced techniques of working with live-action footage, rotoscoping and compositing will be covered. Through exercises and assignments, students will create their own animated designs and motion graphics projects.

SMD-3341 Digital Matte Painting with Photoshop

One semester: 3 studio credits

Digital matte painting (DMP) is a field that has been around since the early days of still and moving images. Initially created as paintings on large pieces of glass, the digital revolution has extended the form to levels previously unimagined. In the current climate of heavy visual-effects productions in film, broadcast, the web and video games, the skills necessary to perform quickly and with emotion have become all the more crucial. The beauty of working in digital matte painting is that it employs traditional art skills blended with cutting-edge technology. This course will introduce students to the history of the medium, the philosophy of “style” (photorealistic, non-photorealistic) and the practical applications used to execute a shot.

SMD-3408 Video Game Design I

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course is an introduction to the design and production of digital games. Students will explore concept art, level design, asset production, lighting, sound and dynamics. Weekly lectures will guide students through game art theory and technique. Practical exercises will be shared and play tested by the class to help refine ideas. The semester will culminate with a playable game level created by each student.

SMD-3409 Video Game Design II

One semester: 3 studio credits

Focusing on the creation of game characters, this course will take a deeper dive into the concepts and techniques learned in SMD-3408, Video Game Design I. Topics include: character concept art, building character controllers, high to low poly character modeling techniques, next-gen texturing and blending between animation states. Students will collaborate with their classmates to design and produce a short, playable game of their choice.

SMD-3413 Virtual Reality Design

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course is an overview of virtual reality design and development. It will integrate lectures and workshops so that students can combine hands-on experience with the knowledge required to build useful and enjoyable experiences. We will discuss 360º video, gameplay, interactive narrative content, and other applications. Students will learn to develop and design experiences using real-time engines. Topics will include the evolution of the technology, user experience, existing precedents, input tools, augmented reality, and more. Students should finish the course with an understanding of VR and the ability to plan and build basic VR experiences.

SMD-3429 Introduction to Website Design

One semester: 3 studio credits

Design of a website is as important as the content. In this course, we will explore the creation of websites for creative and self-promotional purposes. Students will learn to take their visual language and apply it to the web with a focus on usability to the target audience. Adobe Dreamweaver and Animate techniques will be covered, as well as how to prepare files for the site design using other programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will learn how to plan the architecture of their site and how to make their concepts a reality.

SMD-3427 Procedural Art

One semester: 3 studio credits

Procedural art involves designing recipes or spells that generate things. Instead of clicking buttons manually, in this course students will learn how to let the computer do the work. We will build on a series of small exercises. Repetition will lead to muscle memory, and muscle memory will lead to understanding. We will search for complexity and emotion via simple building blocks. By the end of the course students will be able to write code that generates complex designs, such as Mondrian paintings or Kusama-like Infinity Mirror rooms. Code will be demystified and you can confidently venture into designing VR, AR, XR, and more, in Unity.

SMD-3431 Introduction to Real-Time Rendering and Game Engine Graphics

One semester: 3 studio credits

GPU-based rendering or “real-time rendering” has long been utilized in the game industry to produce dynamic cinematic sequences and cutscenes. These techniques are employed by a host of companies from the entertainment and advertising industries to product design and education. In this course students will develop a solid understanding of the workflow between content creation software (such as Autodesk Maya) and real-time rendering environments (such as Epic’s Unreal Engine and Unity3D). Topics will include preparing assets for export to a game engine, surfacing using PBR materials, lighting using engine specific dynamic and baked lighting, transferring animation via rigged characters and Alembic cache. Camera control and the basics of visual coding systems provided by each engine provides. Students will develop an original multi-shot animated project rendered in a real-time environment.

SMD-3566 Thesis Preproduction: Visual Effects and Compositing

One semester: 3 studio credits

The professional production workflows of digital and practical visual effects will be discussed and examined, along with the integration of computer-generated images and live-action footage. While continuing with concept development, students will begin production of their thesis projects, including previsualization, design, casting of actors and directing.

SMD-3568 Thesis Preproduction: Computer Animation

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course stresses the professional aspects of previsualization and detailed character sketches in developing and planning an animated short. Students will continue concept development and begin production of their senior thesis projects. Students are required to finalize 3D models and environments and create a full-length previsualization for their thesis projects.

SMD-3703 Figure Sculpting for the Computer Animator

One semester: 3 studio credits

In this course, students will study the human form and its application to a 3D character model. Students will learn how to build an armature and how to sculpt a clay figure. Specific attention will be spent on the anatomy, human proportions and body mechanics. Students will then take the principles learned in creating the clay figure and apply them to a new or pre-existing 3D model.

SMD-3721 Advanced Rigging

One semester: 3 studio credits

In this course students will learn to add the controls to 3D models that give artists the ability to create lifelike movement for characters, props and environments. We will delve into rigging tools and scripting to improve character setup skills and focus on creating controls for our models. Students will create various control systems, exploring the best tools for manipulating the objects being controlled.

SMD-3723 Facial Rigging and Articulation for 3D Animation

One semester: 3 studio credits

Creating the controlling rigs for the facial movements of 3D characters takes attention to detail. Students will deconstruct face rigs to examine how they were created, and then configure their own beginning with skin clusters and the placement of facial joints. Working by region—lips, eyes, nose and mouth—will allow students to focus on each area of the face that can affect the emotion expressed by characters.

SMD-3731 Advanced Compositing Techniques

One semester: 3 studio credits

The ability to integrate composite images into a seamless transparent moving image is the core of contemporary visual effects. Students will learn to use Nuke to create a scene that is a composite of 3D and live-action footage. Students will also color correct and add shadows and effects to the footage, such as the illusion of depth of field and a limited focus range. Color space, bit depth and film formats, advanced keying, matte edges, importing and exporting track data with Maya, advanced color correcting, blur and grain, warp and morph effects will be covered.

SMD-3733 Texturing and Shading for 3D Animation

One semester: 3 studio credits

The process of preparing, creating and finalizing the look for 3D models is the focus of this course. We will explore various software to achieve surface detailing in hard surfaces and organic models. Students will break down references into components that will drive their texture workflow and develop a better understanding of what makes a material.

SMD-3747 Lighting and Rendering I

One semester: 3 studio credits

The lighting workflow using both the Maya and mental ray rendering software will be explored in this course. Students will learn the specific lighting types, shadow types and their attributes, raycast (scanline) vs. ray-trace rendering, and light/shadow linking. Aesthetic concepts covered involve use of light to create mood, indoor and outdoor environments, space, and the use and distribution of color and tone using light.

SMD-3748 Lighting and Rendering II

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course concentrates on the hypershade window in Maya and its technical applications for an aesthetic end. General workflow for creation of materials and textures for both the Maya and mental ray rendering software will be addressed. Some examples of specific materials such as skin, glass, hair and other special circumstances will be covered. Class discussions will include render diagnostics and troubleshooting.

SMD-3751 Motion Capture

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course will cover the art and science of motion capture: motion sensing technology used to record the action of a live actor and apply it to a 3D model. The course will cover setting up and rigging Maya characters for MoCAP, as well as setting up and calibrating the motion tracking system. Other MoCAP related subjects that will be covered include: preparing the actor, capturing their performance, tracking, editing and reconstruction of MoCAP data as well as using advanced animation tools within Motion Builder for reintegration into Maya. MoCAP for gaming, lip sync, voice recognition and facial capture will also be covered.

SMD-3757 Introduction to Houdini

One semester: 3 studio credits

An introduction to the Houdini interface, procedural modeling, particles and dynamics is the focus of this course. We will also cover some expression functions, which give creative control to produce powerful visual effects and models. Projects include the creation of procedural landscapes, explosive particle effects and a basic crowd/flocking simulation. The Houdini concepts and techniques covered, such as procedurally based workflow and rigid body dynamics, will demonstrate how to get the most out of this impressive software for commercial and film productions.

SMD-3761 VFX Animation with Houdini

One semester: 3 studio credits

In this course students will create realistic simulations of liquids with varying viscosities and surface tensions, as well as fire and smoke with different volumes and appearance. We will take a close look at particles and how to control the parameters of their forces, contracts and collisions when working with small debris or crowds of characters. Other topics to be explored include cloth, wire and fur, giving students in-depth training in this visual effects toolkit.

SMD-3771 Advanced Python for Technical Directors

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course will delve into the core components of object-oriented programming and extend to the broader aspects of modular programming. It will also introduce students to the multiplatform graphic user interface “QT,” which is the standard choice for UI. Furthering the use of the native python, the course will also cover PyMEL (the alternate python implementation in Maya). The latter half of semester will focus on the Maya API and the ability to write your own plug-ins. This will also include the advanced feature of supporting your user with custom commands to customize your plug-in in the front end. The same techniques will also be employed to show how to utilize the Nuke API to write tools and plug-ins.

SMD-3803 Three-Dimensional Digital Sculpture

One semester: 3 studio credits

Students will study digital sculpting through traditional sculpting techniques to advance their knowledge of modeling. Using tools such as Pixologic ZBrush and Autodesk Mudbox, students will virtually sculpt 3D models for computer animation that demonstrate professional-level techniques. Integration of these tools into the computer animation production pipeline will be discussed.

SMD-3822 Character FX I

One semester: 3 studio credits

A character FX artist must have a wide range of creative and technical skills. This course is an introduction in fur, hair and cloth development for computer animation. Students will explore grooming techniques for both characters and environments. Topics will include sampling, shaping, exploring tactile qualities of hair, surfacing and basic rendering. We will also cover how to model and setup clothing for simulation of an animated character.

SMD-3838 Advanced Character Animation

One semester: 3 studio credits

Great animation is the blend of technique with acting and action. The successful expression of physical traits and emotional reactions are at the core of memorable character animation. From the wildest emotion to the slightest facial movement, the detail we are able to reveal in our characters is what brings them to life. This course focuses on the fundamental mechanics of character animation with particular attention to acting and performance. Since 3D characters move with a world we create, the use of camera, composition, staging and timing are required elements of this course.

SMD-4011 / SMD-4012 Production Skills I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

Seniors will continue to perfect thesis concepts and techniques, while exploring advanced topics that will be incorporated into final projects. These courses will lead students through the technical directions of their thesis projects, to ensure they are meeting professional standards in their work while staying on schedule. Through lectures, student presentations and in-class assignments, students will learn about production pipelines and creative solutions to technical problems.

SDD-4030 The Business of Being an Artist

One semester: 3 studio credits

Computer artists work in creative environments with short deadlines and ever-changing needs, and the number of artists required to complete a project fluctuates constantly. Many artists work as project hires, while others are full-time staff members. Working as a freelance artist can be extremely rewarding, if one is careful to protect one’s own interests. Students will learn the essentials of résumé preparation as well as interviewing skills required for employment in a dynamic and competitive industry. Issues of financial planning, health insurance and investments will be discussed in reference to freelance and salaried employment opportunities. Developing a basic business plan, negotiating contracts and keeping financial records will be among the course assignments.

SMD-4031 / SMD-4032 Collaboration in Computer Art I and II

Fall and spring semesters: no credit

Collaboration in Computer Art is a seminar for BFA Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects majors who have been approved to work in teams to complete their thesis projects. Students will meet weekly with the department chair to review production schedules and creative issues in working as a team. Production schedules for these thesis projects are accelerated compared to individual projects, and the submission deadlines for collaborative thesis projects will be established during the semester.

SMD-4031 / SMD-4032 Collaboration in Computer Art I and II

Two semesters: no credit

Collaboration in Computer Art seminars are for BFA Computer Art, Computer Animation and Visual Effects majors who have been approved to work in teams to complete their thesis projects. Students will meet weekly with the department chair to review production schedules and creative issues in working as a team. Production schedules for these thesis projects are accelerated compared to individual projects, and the submission deadlines for collaborative thesis projects will be established during the semester.

SMD-4041 Advanced Sound Design and Mixing

One semester: 3 studio credits

The focus of this course will be advanced sound design, placement and mixing techniques. These techniques will then be applied to each student’s thesis project. Through lectures, student presentations and in-class assignments, students will be provided with work critiques to assist them in constructing a soundscape for their theses.

SMD-4051 Color Grading

One semester: 3 studio credits

In this course students will explore how to manipulate color and other image characteristics to enhance the look of footage. Color fundamentals, including bit depth, floating point, RGB and XYZ color spaces will be covered. How to use histograms, waveform and vectorscope monitors will be addressed, in concurrence with industry standard tools, such as the Three Way Color Corrector for manipulating color, levels and curves, as well as secondary compositing tools for keying, masking and motion tracking.

SDD-4080 / SDD-4085 Thesis I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

These courses will lead students through the production process of creating a thesis project that is original and of professional quality. Weekly critiques and class discussions will allow students to progressively develop and produce their thesis projects. The creative and technical skills developed over the first three years are now applied, as students complete their thesis projects.

SDD-4090 Thesis Special Topics

One semester: no credit

Class time is reserved for discussion of special topics, senior requirements, production scholarships, visiting artists and technical workshops as required throughout the senior year. Internship One semester: 3 studio credits Students can gain valuable experience and broaden their professional network through an internship with an employer. Internships-for-credit are available to juniors and seniors who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better. To receive credit, students must apply online during the designated application period, be approved by the Career Development Office, and registered for the internship by their academic advisor. Students need to work 150 hours during the semester (usually 10 to 15 hours per week), participate in a weekly online course with other SVA interns, and complete midterm and final self- evaluations. Elective studio credit is awarded for the successful completion of an internship. For more information go to sva.edu/

career.