FIRST YEAR COURSES

AHD-1210 / AHD-1215
Modern and Contemporary Art I and II
Two semesters: 3 art history credits per semester
The interconnections among modern art, modernity and visuality will be the focus of these courses. 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 the course is to bring together art historical, scientific and technological studies of the 20th century and relate them to contemporary artistic practice.

FDD-1030 / FDD-1035
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.

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.

SMD-1200
Introduction to Imaging Tools and Techniques
One semester: 3 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 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 video and digital video technologies, with a concentration on basics of video production, nonlinear editing and digital postproduction. Students will explore the use of video cameras, cinematography and file compression. Projects will take students from still and video images to composited animation to final edited productions with sound.

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 writing, reading and critical thinking. Students will write more in-depth essays and a research paper and continue to study grammar and essay development. Course readings are drawn from a selection of modern works, including drama, poetry, the narrative and the critical essay, which will be used as discussion and writing prompts.

UPPER-LEVEL COURSES

SDD-2090
Professional Practices
One semester: 3 studio credits
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.

SDD-2107
Visual Thinking in the Digital Studio
One semester: 3 studio credits
Visual Thinking in the Digital Studio is a toolbox of techniques and skills for the computer artist providing a broad vocabulary of visualization methods to create out of the box production solutions. A wide variety of traditional design and digital studio disciplines are covered through experiments in visual illusions and perceptual psychology and applied aspects of surrealism and synesthesia. This is a hands-on studio and seminar that facilitates creative solutions for visual effects, time-based linear media and nonlinear production through individual and collaborative processes. Class participation, imagination and drawing skills are essential components of this course.

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.

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 Motion Graphics I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
Using combinations of still and video images, students will learn the fundamentals of keyframing, applying effects over time, field and frame rendering, creating mattes and rotoscoping. Emphasis will be placed on editing techniques, art direction, aesthetics and the overall style of professional motion graphic production. An introduction to blue-screen techniques, compositing and layering animated images will also be covered. Asset management and basic editing disciplines will be reinforced through assigned projects.

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.

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. The courses will also cover animation strategies, advanced keyframe editing and motion tests; shaders, textures, lights and camera moves.

SMD-3157 / SMD-3158
VFX and Motion Graphics III and IV
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
These courses will explore the design requirements for professional-quality broadcast graphics and title design for feature films and multimedia projects. Students will capture and use original footage to create a title sequence that includes an audio sound track, still images and typographic elements. Asset management, aspect ratios, resolutions, interpolation algorithms, color depth, color timing and image stabilization techniques will be addressed. Students will learn to work with lighting, grain matching, perspective control and camera moves to create the illusion of photorealism in the final composite.

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
Digital Photography for Computer Artists
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-3257
Basic After Effects Techniques I
One semester: 3 studio credits
Adobe After Effects is a powerful compositing and animation tool used in video visual effects, 2D and 3D animation, and broadcast graphics. Using keyframes, we will cover how to animate masks and filters over time, to create precise motion paths using bezier curves and to achieve complex layered compositions.

SMD-3258
Basic After Effects Techniques II
One semester: 3 studio credits
Adobe After Effects is now an integral design tool in video production and motion graphics studios. After Effects is an extremely precise tool that allows the artist to control each element of design and digital effects with a degree of subtlety that was once only available on extremely expensive computer workstations. Through class exercises and examples, students will learn to explore and discover the technical aspects of this program and incorporate these aspects into their own animated designs and motion graphic 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 exploration of the design and production of computer games. After brief introductions to level design, texture creation and character development, students will create a modification of an existing game. Weekly sessions will be made up of short background lectures and practical exercises. A playable game level will be created with an emphasis on available tools and shared spaces.

SMD-3409
Video Game Design II
One semester: 3 studio credits
A continuation of SMD-3408, Video Game Design I, this course will cover textures and lighting in greater depth. Terrain creation, scripting and visual effects will also be investigated. Weekly sessions will follow a format of demonstrations and practical exercises. A playable game level and short in-game cinematic will represent the scope of the final project.

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 Flash 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-3459
Web Programming: HTML5 and Javascript
One semester: 3 studio credits
HTML5 is a web language standard, and most web browsers support its most useful features. This course will bring students up-to-speed with all the new features of HTML5 and familiarize them with each web browser’s compatibility. Some of the features we will cover in this course are audio, video, semantic markup, real-time bitmap alteration using the canvas element, offline data storage and geolocation. Since JavaScript is integral for some of the features of HTML5, we will cover the basic use of JavaScript, JQuery and the HTML5 Javascript APIs. Finally, we will focus on which features of HTML5 work well on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

SMD-3462
Web Programming: HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP
One semester: 3 studio credits
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of web design through various programming languages. Students will learn how to create professional level websites using their design skills with code. After going over the basics of HTML and CSS, students will learn how to breathe life into their websites with JQuery (javascript) animation and how to simplify website structures using beginner level PHP. Resources related to blogging and content management systems will also be discussed. Through repetition and in-class exercises, students will explore multiple programming languages to find solutions for real-world problems while creating their own portfolio websites.

SMD-3566
Thesis Preproduction: Visual Effects and Broadcast Design
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 graphic 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 Modeling and Rigging
One semester: 3 studio credits
This course will focus on advanced skills in specialized areas of computer animation. Students will refine their modeling and rigging skills to create lifelike characters, props and environments. We will delve further into all aspects of Maya’s modeling tools from NURBS to polygons to subdivision surfaces. Students will also learn how to improve their character setup skills in order to create characters that move realistically and naturally.

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 composites that utilize CG (3D) footage with back plates or vice versa. 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-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 VFX Animation with Houdini
One semester: 3 studio credits
This course gives an introduction to the Houdini interface, procedural modeling, particles and dynamics. We will also cover some of Houdini’s expression functions, which give creative control to produce powerful visual effects and models. Projects will include the creation of procedural landscapes, explosive particle effects and a basic crowd/flocking simulation. The concepts and techniques covered, such as Houdini’s procedurally based workflow and rigid body dynamics, will show you how to get the most out of this impressive software in the same way studios do for commercial and film productions.

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-3811
Three-Dimensional Medical Visualization
One semester: 3 studio credits
Medical visualization focuses on combining many aspects of Maya and Adobe After Effects to create biological, organic systems and mechanisms of action within the human body. Students will create anatomical structures such as the brain and the bones of the hand. They will also use dynamics to create realistic blood flow, cell division with Maya metaballs, breathing patterns using fluid effects, and surgical procedures with soft deformers and Maya Nucleus. These projects will also show students how to research, storyboard, pre-visualize and prepare complicated scientific animations in the real world.

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-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-4043
Dynamics and Particles Systems with Maya
One semester: 3 studio credits
This course will demonstrate how to seamlessly integrate 2D and 3D using Maya’s visual effects tools. Students will learn how to create visualizations of forces of nature such as rain, fire and smoke. They will also learn how to produce natural-looking motion and collisions with consideration given to elements of gravity, wind and friction. Topics will include rigid body and soft body dynamics, particles, emitters, paint effects, fields, cloth, hair and fur.

SMD-4048
Lighting and Rendering in Production
One semester: 3 studio credits
The focus of this course will be lighting and rendering issues that might be encountered during production. A technical and aesthetic overview of lighting workflow—lighting for studio, presentation, cinema and visual effects—will be addressed, as well as tonal evaluation of images, color temperature and color theory. Technical issues will include: shadows, soft shadow control, light types, lighting setup and control, custom light-control interface design; raytracing, mental ray versus Maya renderer, Caustics, Final Gathering, global illumination. Rendering issues will include advanced shaders and shading networks, Maya/mental ray shaders, rendering in layers, batch rendering, command line rendering, render scripts; camera, lens, shutter attributes, camera animation and cinematography. Students will also examine a variety of outside resources, such as classical painting, photography and both current and classic films.

SMD-4051
Color Grading and Digital Intermediates
One semester: 3 studio credits
In this course students will learn about Digital Intermediate (DI), which is the process of digitizing a motion picture and manipulating its color and other image characteristics to enhance the look of the film. Assimilate Scratch is one of the industry’s leading tools in this process and will be the focus of this course. The basics of DI such as resolution, frame rates, aspect ratios, digital image formats and color fundamentals including bit depth, floating point, RGB and XYZ color spaces will be covered. Students will learn how to use histograms, waveform and vectorscope monitors 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 and masking.

SDD-4080 / 4085
Thesis I and II
Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester
These courses lead the student 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-A
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.

When you enter the Computer Art Department, you will hit the ground running. We begin by building your foundation skills in drawing, digital imaging and digital video, giving you techniques (traditional as well as digital) that will enable you to work in any platform and in any production environment. We'll also challenge you to develop your verbal and writing skills, since all the technical skills you gain will mean little without your ability to tell a story. 

Required Courses
AHD-1210 Modern and Contemporary Art I
AHD-1215 Modern and Contemporary Art II
FDD-1030 Drawing I
FDD-1035 Drawing II
SDD-1050 Narrative Workshop
SMD-1200 Introduction to Imaging Tools and Techniques
SMD-1230 Introduction to Computer Animation 
SMD-1250 Introduction to Digital Video Tools and Techniques
HCD-1020 Writing and Literature I
HCD-1025 Writing and Literature II

This is a year during which we ask you to rise to a set of challenges that will affect your future career path. All Computer Art majors attend a full year of both 3D computer modeling and animation and 2D motion graphics, compositing and visual effects. In both disciplines, you will receive a strong technical foundation for your junior and senior years. All juniors and seniors are required to take a non-computer art studio elective. 

Required Courses

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 Motion Graphics I
SMD-2158 VFX and Motion Graphics II

One of the following groups:
AHD-1050 History of Film I
AHD-1055 History of Film II
or
AHD-1080 History of Animation I
AHD-1085 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.

You begin to understand the subtleties of your discipline and to learn the specialized techniques and professional practices in use today. From this moment, you will take more and more responsibility for your education. We will give you the tools and insights but you are expected to gain work experience through internships, part-time employment and participation in department projects or lab assistantships. Since this may be the last opportunity for you to be a full-time student, this is also the time to take full advantage of the diverse resources SVA offers. 

Required Courses - Computer Animation
REQUIREMENT A
One semester of:
SMD-3110 Sound and Vision: Producing a Sound Track
SMD-3120 Thesis Research
SMD-3146 Computer Animation: 3D Modeling and Animation III
SMD-3147 Computer Animation: 3D Modeling and Animation IV
SMD-3568 Thesis Preproduction: Computer Animation

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 listings for elective courses open to all students.

Required Courses - Visual Effects and Broadcasting Design
REQUIREMENT A
One semester of:
SMD-3110 Sound and Vision: Producing a Sound Track
SMD-3120 Thesis Research
SMD-3146 Computer Animation: 3D Modeling and Animation III
SMD-3147 Computer Animation: 3D Modeling and Animation IV
SMD-3568 Thesis Preproduction: Computer Animation

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 listings for elective courses open to all students.

Tune your skills and explore the latest creative and technical nuances of your discipline. Equally important is your ability to present yourself professionally, express your ideas and develop effective communication skills. 

Required Courses - Computer Animation
REQUIREMENT A
One semester of:
SDD-4030 The Business of Being an Artist
SDD-4080 Thesis I
SDD-4085 Thesis II
SDD-4090 Thesis Special Projects
SMD-4011 Production Skills: Computer Animation I
SMD-4012 Production Skills: Computer Animation II

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.

Required Courses - Visual Effects and Broadcasting Design
REQUIREMENT A
One semester of:
SDD-4011 Production Skills I
SDD-4012 Production Skills II
SDD-4030 The Business of Being an Artist
SDD-4080 Thesis I
SDD-4085 Thesis II
SDD-4090 Thesis Special Projects

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.