courses 251
Advanced 3-D Computer Animation
DDA-634 | 3 CR This course covers the con-
cepts, tools, and techniques employed in advanced
three-dimensional computer animation. This includes
hierarchical character animation, time curves, and
motion paths, color, and light animation and advanced
rendering techniques. Advanced script and character
sheet development, audio/visual synchronization, and
procedural descriptions of natural phenomena are
explored. Students are required to complete a fully ani-
mated piece. Prerequisites: take DDA-310 or DDA-624.
Motion Dynamics
DDA-635 | 3 CR Students explore motion dynam-
ics animation using the Maya software package.
Students will learn the principles and practice of rigid
body dynamics, particle systems, and cloth dynamics.
Advanced undergraduates may enroll only by permis-
sion of the instructor and the DDA office. Prerequisites:
take DDA-624.
The Internet As Art Medium
DDA-640 | 3 CR This course is aimed at those who
wish to expand their artistic ambition and creative
vision by exploring this new venue in the arts, and in
turn, produce substantial projects through Internet
technology. Its primary focus will be the aesthet-
ics arising from the advent of a Web culture and an
examination of where and how this new medium may fit
into the context of today’s and tomorrow’s art-making.
Prerequisites: take DDA-520.
Digital Animation Studio
DDA-643 | 3 CR This advanced-level course allows
MFA students in the Digital Animation and Motion Arts
emphasis to work independently on a variety of their
digital animation projects. Under the guidance of the
instructor, each student designs and realizes either one
or two animations during the course of the semester.
Students may work either individually on their own per-
sonal animation, or collaboratively with several other
students in the class on an animation project. Students
may take the class a maximum of four times, provided
the student receives a minimum grade of B in the previ-
ous DDA-643 class.
Digital Imaging Studio
DDA-645 | 3 CR This capstone course allows
students in the Digital Imaging minor to work inde-
pendently on a variety of their digital imaging projects.
Under the guidance of the instructor, each student
designs and realizes one or more substantial imaging
projects during the course of the semester. Students
must have substantial skills, both technically and
aesthetically, in the field of digital imaging prior to
enrolling in this course. Students may take this course a
maximum of four times provided they achieve a grade
of B or better in prior sections of DDA-645.
Interactive Arts Studio
DDA-646 | 3 CR This is a project-based Studio
course in which students may work on group projects
or smaller individual works in series in pursuit of their
artistic goals in the DDA MFA program.Thesis Research
DDA-650 | 3 CR Computer graphics MFA thesis
candidates are required to define the objectives of
their thesis/final project as well as the methodology
they plan to use. Students work in close collaboration
with their faculty advisor and are required to do all the
research necessary to present a coherent, realistic,
and acceptable thesis proposal. Prerequisites: take 27
credits.Post production
DDA-653 | 3 CR This studio course covers the
concepts, tools, and techniques associated with com-
pleting and outputting a time-based project. Students
mix animation, video audio, rendering, and compositing
tools to finished projects properly. Prerequisites: take
DDA-643.Thesis I
DDA-660A | 6 CR This is the first of two thesis
courses for all MFA candidates in Digital Arts. It is the
fourth course in the DDA MFA thesis process, following
the completion of DDA-606B Graduate Seminar II, and
it is a pre-requisite for DDA-660B Thesis II. Students are
expected to begin the production of a DDA-660B Thesis
II. Students are expected to begin the production of a
significant original contribution to the field of Digital
Arts. Prerequisites: take DDA-606B.Thesis II
DDA-660B | 3 CR This is the culminating course
for all MFA candidates in Digital Arts. It is the fourth and
final course in the Digital Arts MFA thesis process, fol-
lowing the completion of DDA-660A Thesis I. Students
are expected to complete and present a significant
original contribution to the field of Digital Arts in the
form of a visual project and a written documentation of
the entire process, from research through completion.
Prerequisites: take DDA-660A.Thesis I
DDA-660C | 3 CR This is the first of two thesis
courses for all MFA candidates in Digital Arts. It is the
fourth course in the DDA MFA thesis process, following
the completion of DDA-606B Graduate Seminar II, and
it is a pre-requisite for DDA-660B Thesis II. Students are
expected to begin the production of a DDA-660B Thesis
II. Students are expected to begin the production of a
significant original contribution to the field of Digital
Arts. Prerequisites: take DDA-606B.Thesis in Progress
DDA-700 | 0 CR If the Thesis course is not com-
pleted in the initial semesters, students can continue
working in DDA-700 for no more than five semesters.DDA Internship
DDA-9600P | 0 CR This course provides computer
graphics majors with exposure to production-oriented
computer graphics in professional settings. Students
choose one of several projects offered by companies
participating in the program. This course provides
students with a realistic view of the day-to-day plan-
ning, budgeting, and managing of a computer graphics
facility.DES/Graduate
Communications Design/
Package Design
Special Studies
DES-600 | 2–6 CR This course will allow students to
explore advanced areas of electronic imaging, publish-
ing, digital color, and creative thinking, all of which will
enable students to enhance their design skills. Prereq-
uisites: take DES-620.Portfolio Development
DES-607 | 1 CR This course offers an intensive
investigation of the design of a portfolio, including
marketing techniques, format, and binding, layout and
reproduction. Students design and lay out their port-
folios and begin final preparation. A follow-up session
is available for final portfolio review by professionals in
the field. Prerequisites: take 39 credits.Design Procedures
DES-608 | 3 CR This is an introductory class aimed
at preparing students with fundamental skills and
information that will be necessary for developing visual
communications projects. Abstraction, imagery, layout,
and sequencing are studied through assignments and
critiques. This class fosters conceptualizing abilities in
preparation for the more advanced Communications
Design curriculum.