Visual Arts, Animation Concentration, B.F.A.

Animation calls upon the theories and artistic practices of animation, cinema, motion graphics, games and technology. Students in this concentration study animation and interactive media through a combination of traditional media and digital tools. In-class critiques of personal work and investigation of the history of animation and interactive art are emphasized for the development of a framework from which students can begin their path as animators and interactive artists. Advanced level courses in animation incorporate technically intensive experiences in 3-D computer animation and digital compositing, as well as explorations of emerging practices including real-time applications and interactive animation.

Throughout the Animation program of study, students are encouraged and expected to develop their own artistic voice through exploration of the media and critical review of their work. Students completing the concentration have the opportunity to produce a fully developed work at the culmination of the program, either individually or as part of a team.

Visual Arts, Foundation Courses BFA

The Foundation Program provides a unified and dynamic experience designed to build a durable framework for all areas of study in Visual Arts. This program is founded upon intensive lecture, studio, and lab investigation of techniques, methods, and concepts.

The curriculum broadens and expands a student’s formal creative design vocabulary, while introducing new ways of thinking about images, time, space, and audience. This program encourages students to think analytically and to use their imagination to develop an awareness of the role of artists in our culture.

Students with a major in Visual Arts and a studio concentration (Animation, Cinematic Arts, Graphic Design, Photography, Print Media) are required to take the following courses:

Visual Arts (27-30 credits)

Visual Arts Core (21-24 credits)

ART 210 - Visual Concepts I (3.00)
ART 211 - Visual Concepts II/Camera Vision (3.00)
ART 212 - Visual Concepts III/Three Dimensional Form, Space and Interaction (3.00)
ART 213 - Visual Concepts IV/Time-Based Media (3.00)
ART 214 - Drawing I/Beginning Drawing (3.00)
ART 215 - Introduction to Art and Media Studies (3.00)
ART 216 - Studies in Visual Culture (Prehistory through the 1750s) (3.00) Or ART 220 Art History I AND ART 221 Art History II (6.00 Credits)

Plus TWO of the following (6 credits):

Note:

** ART 329 may be taken twice to satisfy this requirement, as long as the topics vary.

Animation Courses (30 Credits)

ART 341 - Introduction to Animation (3.00)
ART 343 - History of Animation (3.00)
ART 347 - Writing for Media Arts (3.00)
ART 383 - Sound Design (3.00)
ART 384 - Introduction to 3D Animation (3.00)
ART 387 - Animation in the Physical World (3.00)
ART 447 - Motion Graphics and Compositing (3.00)
ART 486 - Real Time Animation (3.00)
ART 488 - Advanced Topics in Animation (3.00)
ART 489 - Senior Projects (3.00)

Plus THREE Animation Electives (9 Credits)

ART 305 - Introduction to Cinematic Arts (3.00)
ART 314 - Drawing II (3.00)
ART 380 - History and Theory of Games (3.00)
ART 389 - Topics in Animation and Interactive Media (3.00)
ART 484 - Advanced 3D Animation (3.00)
ART 485 - Team-based Game Development (3.00)
ART 487 - Pre-production for Animation Senior Projects (3.00)
ART 488 - Advanced Topics in Animation (3.00) (3 credits in addition to required/non-elective ART 488)
ART 494 - Internship (1.00 - 6.00)
or ART 496 - Imaging Research Center Internship (3 credits)

Upper Level Art Electives (6 Credits)

Students must take two Upper Level ART Electives equaling 6 credits