Course Descriptions
Digital Arts
DGA* 111: Introduction to Computer Graphics
(formerly FA 210: Computer Graphics I)
An introduction to creating images using the computer. Students will learn
basic imaging skills through the use of several software programs. Previous
drawing or design experience is helpful and no prior computer skills are
required. (Fa,Sp) 3 credits
DGA* 212, DGA* 214, DGA* 216: Advanced Computer Graphics
(formerly FA 211, FA 212, FA 213)
This course is a continuation of computer imaging skills developed in DGA* 111
but with an emphasis on creating and executing design projects on the computer.
The course includes instruction in advanced software such as Adobe Illustrator
and Adobe Photoshop as well as such topics as image scanning, memory management
and color outputting. Studio: 6 hours per week. (Advanced Computer
Graphics may be taken up to three times for credit.) Prerequisite: DGA* 111 or
COM* 213 or permission of instructor. (Fa,Sp) 3 credits
DGA* 240/CST* 254: Web Page Design
(formerly MM 245/CST 245)
Students will learn the fundamentals of designing, planning and producing web
sites and pages for posting on the Internet. Image management and creation,
information design, and animation creation and use are major topics. Emphasis
will be on site design and management. Students will work with HTML code
and a web page editor. Class: 6 hours per week. Prerequisites: DGA* 111,
COM* 213 or permission of the instructor. (Fa,Sp) 3 credits
DGA* 261/COM* 186, DGA* 262/COM* 286: Computer Animation, Computer
Animation II
(formerly FA 251/COMM 251, FA 252/COMM 252: Computer Animation,
Advanced Computer Animation)
(Fa,Sp) 3 credits. See Communications.
DGA* 271: 3-D Computer Modeling I
(formerly MM 201: Introduction to Three-Dimensional Modelling)
Students will learn to design and create in digital 3D space, changing flat art
and images into shapes with solid volume. The course will cover basic 3D
topics such as wireframe assembly, extruding and lathing, various approaches
and techniques of lighting and shading, image and texture mapping and development
of animation in the 3D space. Use and integration of 3D forms and animations with other multimedia soft-ware will also be covered. Class: 6 hours
per week. Prerequisites: DGA* 111 or DGA* 212 or COM* 213 or permission
of the instructor. (Fa) 3 credits
DGA* 273: 3D Computer Modeling II
(formerly MM 202: Three-Dimensional Modelling II)
This course will help the student elaborate on the 3D skills that were developed
in DGA* 271. Students will work on longer, more involved projects either in
3D scene development or 3D animation. This course counts as a Computer
Studio elective in the Multimedia Studies program. Class: 6 hours per week.
Prerequisites: DGA* 271 or permission of the instructor. (Fa,Sp) 3 credits
DGA* 283: Digital Video Editing
(formerly MM 205: Digital Video/On-Line Editing)
This course will introduce students to the discipline of digital video. All analog
video will be digitized using a Macintosh computer and clips assembled into
larger productions using on-line software such as Adobe Premiere and Final
Cut Pro. Topics will include scripting, analog digitizing, compression schemes,
Quicktime movies, A/B roll composition, output to tape, special effects managing
and sound design. Class: 6 hours per week. Prerequisite: COM* 166 or COM*
240 and DGA* 111 or DGA* 212 or COM* 213 or permission of instructor.
(Fa,Sp) 3 credits
DGA* 287: Advanced Digital Video
(formerly MM 206: Digital Video II)
This course allows students to continue their training in computer-based video
editing. Students will develop projects of their own design and learn to take a
video project from the planning stages, through video shooting, to digitization
and editing. This course counts as a Computer Studio elective in the Multimedia
Studies program. Class: 6 hours per week. Prerequisite: DGA* 283 or permission
of the instructor. (Fa,Sp) 3 credits
DGA* 298: Computer Game Design with Flash
This course will lead students through both the conceptual design of games
and simulations as well as the essential computer programming that makes
these things function. The course will focus on the use of the animation application
Flash. Flash’s programming language called ActionScript is used to
create dynamic content for websites and interactive CD-ROMs and in recent
years Flash’s programming potential as been used to create games (both
drive-based and online), education simulations and interactive content for new
cell phone technologies. Class: 6 house per week. Prerequisite: DGA* 111 or
permission of instructor. (Fa) 3 credits