Course Catalogs

Computer Art (CAR)

CAR 101  Introduction to 3D Animation  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
The first course in this three course series focuses on concepts, aesthetics, and practice of 3D animation and visual effects. This course is an introduction to modeling, texturing, digital-sculpting and shading.
CAR 102  Art and Craft of Animation  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Introductory studio course explores animation history and practice, with a strong emphasis on practice. Students will learn important animation techniques and modalities and build a foundation for further coursework or personal exploration of animation.
CAR 111  Introduction to Programming for Visual Art  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
An introductory course that combines the programming/scripting of digital art projects with thinking about software, interactive digital art, and digital culture.
CAR 131  Introduction to Multimedia  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
The fundamentals for making art with computers in consideration of time and interactivity. The fundamentals of using programming and software applications for multimedia and the internet.
CAR 200  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
CAR 201  Intermediate 3D Animation  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
The second course in this three course series focuses on concepts, aesthetics, and practice of 3D animation and visual effects. This course will be an introduction to keyframe, procedural and character animation.
Prereq: CAR 101  
CAR 211  Introduction to Electronics and electronic Object Making for Art  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
An introductory level physical computing class. The course covers electrical and mechanical engineering techniques for the purpose of art and cultural production.
CAR 230  Topics in Computer Gaming I  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Exploring computer gaming topics assigned at the outset of the semester. Topics may include mobile gaming, pervasive gaming, self-made alternative game controllers for existing games, or 3D gaming.
CAR 233  2D Computer Gaming  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Introduction to various software techniques and programming concepts that are central to creating computer games in 2D environments. Experimental practices and critical theory associated with this field will supplement the practical lessons.
CAR 240  Multimedia Programming  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Techniques for creating procedural, data-driven, and interactive visuals, as well as cultural issues regarding the nature of online communication. May not be repeated for credit.
Prereq: CAR 111  
CAR 241  Audio Production and Recording I  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
The course will focus on digital audio production in the media arts. Emphasis on the relationship between sound and image. Topics include studio recording, field recording, microphone and mixing techniques.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
CAR 270  Experience Credit  (1-6 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Participation in a discipline or subject related experience. Student must be evaluated by written or oral reports or an examination. Permission in advance with the consent of the department chairperson, instructor, and dean. Limited to those in good academic standing.
Repeatable  
CAR 290  Independent Study  (1-6 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
In-depth exploration of a problem or problems. Individual independent study upon a plan submitted by the student. Admission by consent of supervising instructor or instructors and the department.
Repeatable  
CAR 300  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
CAR 301  Advanced Animation  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
The third course in this three course series focuses on concepts, aesthetics, and practice of 3D animation and visual effects. This course will be an introduction to lighting, rendering, and effects (hair, cloth, and dynamics).
Prereq: CAR 201  
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
CAR 302  Previz and Character Development for Animation  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
This course will get you inside your animation and game characters. Who are they? Where did they come from? Why are they holding that chainsaw?
CAR 320  Topics in 3D Animation  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
This course focuses on the implementation of various concepts in digital production and provides students with advanced techniques in 3D animation. Students will produce portfolio-quality graphics that deliver advanced aesthetics. Emphasis will be placed on visual expression/communication of digital creation.
Repeatable 4 times for 12 credits maximum  
Prereq: CAR 101  
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
CAR 330  Topics in Computer Gaming II  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
This course focuses on ambitious gaming projects in a collaborative environment. Students will work in groups to design, develop, and implement a computer game. Platform and delivery format will vary
CAR 340  Computer Gaming  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Techniques for creating computer games. Explores gaming theory, strategy, and aesthetics. May not be repeated for credit.
Prereq: CAR 240  
CAR 341  Audio Production and Recording II  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
This course will build on the foundation of CAR 241. Includes advanced sound mix, mastering, installation and delivery formats, and advanced wave form synthesis.
Prereq: CAR 241  
CAR 380  International Course  (1-12 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Repeatable  
CAR 400  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
CAR 401  Animation Workshop I  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Integrate skills and knowledge gained in the first three animation courses into full-on, industry-style production. You will work collaboratively on ambitious projects, participating in every aspect of production of an animated short film.
Prereq: CAR 301  
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
CAR 402  Visual Effects Workshop I  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
A focus on the prospect of integrating the 2D and 3D worlds within the context of contemporary visual effects, while developing clear professional based workflows to be implemented in future creative art practice.
CAR 415  History of Animation  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Viewing, discussing, writing and reading about examples from many periods foster a context for contemporary practice in this dynamic medium.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
CAR 430  Computer Art Seminar  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Students will propose and complete a major individual or collaborative studio project.
Repeatable 2 times for 9 credits maximum  
Prereq: Senior level  
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
CAR 431  Senior Project I  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
The first course in this two-course series focuses best creative and intellectual resources in the realization of the senior project and portfolio. Students pursue areas of personal interest and explore new ideas in the fulfillment of artistic goals.
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking  
CAR 432  Senior Project II  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
The second course in this two-course series focused on best creative and intellectual resources in the realization of the senior project and portfolio. Students pursue areas of personal interest and explore new ideas in the fulfillment of artistic goals.
Prereq: CAR 431 and Senior Level  
CAR 440  Computer Visualization  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Computer visualization techniques for the generation, manipulation, and presentation of visual information in both the technical and cultural contexts. May not be repeated for credit.
Prereq: CAR 340  
CAR 470  Experience Credit  (1-6 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Repeatable  
CAR 490  Independent Study  (1-6 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Repeatable  
CAR 499  Honors Capstone Project  (1-3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Completion of an Honors Capstone Project under the supervision of a faculty member
Repeatable 3 times for 3 credits maximum  
CAR 500  Selected Topics  (1-6 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Exploration of a topic (to be determined) not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Repeatable  
CAR 501  Animation Workshop II  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Building on the collaborative animation experience from the first semester of the animation workshop, students step into supervisor roles helping to manage all aspects of the production of an animated short film.
Prereq: CAR 401  
CAR 502  Visual Effects Workshop II  (3 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Building on the collaborative VFX experience from the first semester of the VFX workshop, students step into supervisor roles helping to manage all aspects of the production team(s) workflow.
Prereq: CAR 402  
CAR 530  Special Topics in Digital Art  (3-12 Credits)  
Film and Media Arts  
Various topics in digital art are explored through research, creative activity, and theoretical discussion. Topics address historical as well as contemporary issues that bridge art and technology.
Repeatable  
Prereq: CAR 101  
Shared Competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking