Course Syllabi

This course introduces students to the theory and operation of essential audio tools and software to create studio recordings that are intended for use in video games.

Guide students to beginning level of digital storytelling that combines photographs, video, animation, sound, music, text, and a narrative voice. The course will explore ways to use the seven elements of digital stories to enhance video user’s experiences.

Topics covered will include techniques for generating ideas, the drafting process, classical screenplay structure, conflict, characterization, dialogue, how to write visually,
how to analyze your own work as a screenwriter, dealing with notes/feedback, scene structure, rewriting and other tools of the trade.

To apply core game design skills needed for successful game development: communication, collaboration, affinity of learning, scope, logical thinking (realistic), lateral thinking and breadth of knowledge in a group setting to develop a game from start to end.

An introduction to geography emphasizing the interrelationships between humans and their physical surroundings: land, climate, soil, vegetation, and natural resources.

Online Weather Studies covers the composition and structure of the atmosphere, the flows of energy to, from, and through the atmosphere, and the resulting weather phenomena ranging in scale from local to regional to global. The physical principles of atmospheric phenomena are stressed in the understanding of weather's impact on humans, particularly with regard to severe weather. Methods of analysis are developed through the study of current weather as meteorological data are delivered via the Internet.

Introduction to climate science covers all aspects of the climate system. It introduces the different components of the climate system, feedback loops, short-term and long term forecasting, planetary energy budget, detail analysis of greenhouse gases, global atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, and natural and anthropogenic influences on the climate balance.

This course will provide an overview of tradition- al commercial graphics technologies and theory which the students will need for commercial graphics employment. Subjects include basic design theory (gestalt, compositional techniques such as contrast, repetition alignment, proximity, etc.), simple drawing skills, illustration techniques, pigment and light color theory and physics, pro- duction processes and technologies, printing issues, typography, researching a graphic design project, preparing thumbnail sketches, preparing roughs and comps, encouraging productive client communications, and more.

This course (the second semester continuation of GRA 101) will provide an overview of traditional commercial graphics technologies and theory which the students will need for commercial graphics employment. Subjects include basic design theory (gestalt, compositional techniques such as con- trast, repetion alignment, proximity, etc.), simple drawing skills, illustration techniques, pigment and light color theory and physics, pro- duction processes and technologies, printing issuses, typography, researching a graphic design project, preparing thumbnail sketches, preparing roughs and comps, encouraging productive client communications, and more.

This course focuses on basic comprehension of the computer graphics application interface and principles of vector graphic manipulation and creation. Design standards will be discussed in relation to professional work examples.

This course guides students to a beginning level of image editing using digital imaging software. The course will focus on understanding issues of image manipulation and compositing, raster file format qualities and limitations, and the aplica- tion interface components.

This course guides students to an intermediate level of image editing using digital imaging software. The course will focus on understanding issues of more complex image manipulation and compositing using filters, calculations, actions, channels, layers, and advanced topics.

This course focuses on the elements of page composition and visual design incorporating both graphics and text in a computer desktop publishing environment. Design standards will be discussed in relation to professional work examples.

Introduction to software and hardware tools used in web page construction. Emphasis is placed on visual design techniques, ease of use, the plan- ning process, and interactivity.

This course focuses on utilizing multimedia authoring software to create onscreen interactive graphic content presentations for diverse delivery systems such as interactive kiosks, games, internet sites, or educational CD-Roms.

Utilizing multimedia authoring and web page design software to create onscreen interactive graphic content presentations especially for the web.

This course focuses on basic concepts of three dimensional graphics grounded in Cartesian geometry. Special emphasis will be on modeling, texturing, lighting, and still rendering.

This course focuses on intermediate concepts of three dimensional graphics. Special emphasis will be on animation of the 3D objects and environment.

This course focuses on the historically developed principles of animation used in both traditional, hand drawn techniques and film, as well as in modern computer generated presentations.

This course focuses on preparing the student for one of two outcomes: continuation in a four year graphics program or securing entry level employ- ment. Special emphasis will be placed on preparing a professional level portfolio and researching the job market.