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2013-2014 Course Catalog 
    
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2013-2014 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses

 

  
 
  

  • 24-6011 Production I

    With an emphasis on narrative form, the course covers a basic technical and aesthetic foundation in filmmaking. Students learn to develop craft as well as personal voice through doing projects that involve writing treatments and scripts; developing storyboards; producing; lighting; directing action; working with actors and crew; and editing. For the final project, each student works on both their own film as well as those of their classmates.

    6 Credits
  

  • 24-6021 Production II

    This course aims to help students refine their aesthetic sensibilities and sense of personal vision as directors through projects that involve writing, making storyboards; shooting in a variety of visual styles; producing; directing action; working with actors; and editing. First, students collaborate with their classmates to shoot exercises on video in a number of different cinematic styles; for the final project, each student writes and directs their own seven-to-eight-minute film. Students expand their sense of filmmaking by doing collateral work in the two other courses offered in the second semester, Theory and History of Film & Video and Editing for Film and Video. They expand a sense of aesthetic possibilities by the work they do in Theory and History and extend their editing sense through the work they do in the Editing course.

    6 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6011 Production I  and 24-6312 Directing I (MFA)  and 24-6713 Screenwriting I 
  

  • 24-6022 Theory & History of Cinema

    The course explores the basic concepts of film and video theory. It also covers important developments in world cinema from its beginnings in the late nineteenth century to the present. It aims to provide an aesthetic understanding of the style exercises in Film Production II; to provide an aesthetic and theoretical grounding for issues of our program such as subtext, dramatic structure, and authorship; to provide a perspective on the aesthetic options available to a filmmaker from both within and outside of mainstream industry practice; and to provide a grid for placing one’s ideas and work within the contexts of film history, culture, and art.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6011 Production I  and 24-6312 Directing I (MFA)  and 24-6713 Screenwriting I  COREQUISITES: 24-6021 Production II 
  

  • 24-6031 Production III

    This project-oriented course introduces filmmakers to experimental production and post-production techniques.Students create short films and videos that are theme-based, experiment with non-narrative structure, and clearly communicate the maker’s intent to a target audience. Students express a chosen theme through several different genres and become conversant with the principles of portable digital video acquisition and nonlinear editing.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6713 Screenwriting I  and 24-6011 Production I  and 24-6312 Directing I (MFA) 
  

  • 24-6033 Short Forms

    Short Forms offers an aesthetic and historical overview of alternative and experimental approaches to structuring the short film or video. Taught from a filmmaker’s point of view, the class emphasizes experimental styles and techniques rooted in the expression of personal vision and introduces students to the careers of several independent/experimental filmmakers. Short Forms also addresses practical aspects of working as an independent filmmaker, such as film festivals, grants, low budget production methods and internet promotion and distribution.Students conduct film research and analysis. Screenings and readings accompany each unit.

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6060 Thesis Seminar

    Students work intensively on a thesis project proposal based on responses from their instructor, graduate faculty and outside professional readers. The goal is to generate a well-developed dramatic treatment, and then a refined draft script of the thesis project (20mins or less) and secure two thesis advisers from the graduate faculty. Continuation in either form to the thesis stage requires that the student secure two thesis advisors after a maximum of two semesters of taking the course. Students are required to complete production packages detail with budget, fund raising, & marketing plan.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6351 Directing III 
  

  • 24-6071 Graduate Thesis:Film/Video

    Students work with 2 thesis advisors on the required thesis film or video project.

    1-6 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6060 Thesis Seminar 
  

  • 24-6071J Graduate Thesis: Film/Video

    Students work with 2 thesis advisors on the required thesis film or video project.

    1 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6060 Thesis Seminar 
  

  • 24-6089 Internship: Film/Video

    0 Credits
  

  • 24-6098 Indep Proj:Film/Video Prod

    1-6 Credits
  

  • 24-6101 Post Production Audio I

    This is the graduate portion of a combined undergraduate/graduate course. The techniques of digital sampling (i.e., the storage, manipulation, and playback of sound effects using a computer) has become an important tool of the contemporary filmmaker. This course will explore the concepts of the digital storage and processing of sound and methods of creating and manipulating sound effects using a microcomputer. Students will progress through a series of production exercises that allow them to gain actual practical experience in the creation of a film soundtrack.

    4 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6021 Production II 
  

  • 24-6103 Location Sound Recording

    4 Credits
  

  • 24-6200 Lighting I

    Course introduces basic film lighting techniques for students with little or no studio lighting experience. Students become familiar with important safety procedures and the uses of standard pieces of lighting equipment. The role of grip and gaffer on the film set is also explored. Special attention is given to important light measuring techniques, including use of the spotmeter. Course encourages intelligent, thoughtful approaches to lighting based on dramatic structure and script.

    4 Credits
  

  • 24-6201 Image Design for Cinema

    The class deals with issues of visual communication and design of the cinematographic image. Through lectures, practical assignments and critiques, students refine their ability to see, conceive, and communicate with images. They also develop critical thinking necessary for filmmakers when creating the visual concept of the story.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6011 Production I 
  

  • 24-6202 Cinematography:Camera Seminar

    Course gives students working knowledge of 16mm motion picture camera equipment. Operation and maintenance procedures are specified for each camera. Instruction also covers duties of the camera assistant and operator.

    4 Credits
  

  • 24-6300 Acting Tech for Filmmakers

    Designed for Film and Video students, introductory course covers basic acting principles using monologues and scene study to achieve understanding of the acting process. Course is ideal for those studying a related field such as directing or screenwriting. Content provides experience on the other side of the camera without the pressure of performing among acting students.

    4 Credits
  

  • 24-6302 Introduction to Screen Directing: Character and the Visual Expression of Character

    This course is designed to ensure that students entering the MFA Screen Directing program in Film & Video have a broad, basic knowledge of screen directing and how they will develop as directors as they proceed through the program. This three-week full time workshop uses lectures, demonstrations and hands-on practice to cover the key foundational principles, analytical skills and requisite technical information for understanding Character and revealing Character through Cinematic Expression in both documentary and fiction film. The course is led by a team of two Film & Video faculty members and includes case studies and guest presentations.

    6 Credits
    Requirements Acceptance in the prgm
  

  • 24-6312 Directing I (MFA)

    This course teaches the basics of the craft of directing, including text analysis, characterization, casting, blocking, rehearsal and performance. Students learn the tool of the director’s breakdown and its uses in preparing a movie for production, concentrating on scenes from well-known plays and films. The emphasis is on conversion of dramatic texts into emotionally effective performances; camerawork is withheld so as to focus on the relationship between actor, text, and director. Students also learn to make connections between their own inner lives and the work they direct, as well as to apply the lessons of society, history, and current events to the text at hand. Everyone acts as well as directing. As a final project, each student casts and directs a scene of his or her own choosing.

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6341 Directing II

    In this workshop class, students direct short scenes for the camera in order to refine the material and bring it to dramatic life. Students guide scenes from pre-production through production and post-production, and exercise a broad range of directorial responsibilities. Exercises utilize pre-existing material, two of which are chosen by the instructor. The class concentrates on developing blocking skills, using composition and actor movement to emphasize the dramatic subtext of a scene. Students work at defining character, motivation, and conflict throughout directing the material.Besides the discussion of necessary craft skills, emphasis is placed on developing basic directing and storytelling skills such as: visual continuity, effective blocking, appropriate composition, and movement within a scene. Inevitably, this is tied to the student’s ability to define character, motivation, and conflict through an understanding of story and subtext.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6031 Production III  and 24-6033 Short Forms  and 24-6832 Documentary I 
  

  • 24-6351 Directing III

    Using a short script developed in Ideation and Theme, this course covers the whole process of directing one’s own dramatic material, from preparation of a breakdown through final cut. Students will learn the collaborative skills needed to work with a cinematographer and editor, as well as how to maintain continuity of direction through each stage of production. Projects generated by this course may be short independent pieces, or exploratory work on MFA theses in early stages of development.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6700 Ideation and Theme  and 24-6341 Directing II 
  

  • 24-6360 Introduction to Cinema Directing

    This course is designed to ensure that students entering the MFA Cinema Directing program in Film & Video have a broad, basic knowledge of screen directing and how they will develop as directors as they proceed through the program. This three-week full time workshop uses lectures, demonstrations and hands-on practice to cover the key foundational principles, analytical skills and requisite technical information for Cinematic Expression in both documentary and fiction film. The course is led by a team of two Film & Video faculty members and includes case studies and guest presentations.

    6 Credits
  

  • 24-6361 Directing for Character

    With an emphasis on narrative form, the course covers basic skills in revealing complex fictional characters on the screen. Students learn to develop craft as well as personal voice with the study of the basic relationship between actor, text, and director, the course expands to include staging, rehearsal techniques, and effective critiquing skills. Emphasis is on the development of director’s breakdowns, beat analysis, rehearsal techniques, and casting. Students work on their own projects as well as those of their peers.

    6 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6361 Directing for Character
  

  • 24-6362 Directing the Drama

    Building on the foundations of Directing for Character and MFA Screenwriting I, students will develop, cast, rehearse, prepare, shoot, and edit a 5- to 8-minute narrative film through a series of lectures, written assignments, shooting exercises and training workshops. These classroom experiences are designed to provide the student with a better understanding of the relationship of character to dramatic scene and story.

    6 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6361 Directing for Character  COREQUISITES: 24-6605B Cinema Studies II  and 24-6700 Ideation and Theme 
  

  • 24-6363 Directing Workshop

    This is an advanced directing workshop in which students will further develop material generated in Ideation & Theme. Students will explore that material through a series of rehearsals, pre-visualization exercises, exploratory shoots, critique and discussion. These will provide the students with the opportunity to develop and sketch material from character-based, theme-based, traditional and nontraditional narrative perspectives as ways to test out active creative decisions that will help them prepare a strategy and finished script for their thesis film.

    6 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6362 Directing the Drama 
  

  • 24-6423 Editing for Film & Video

    This course provides a basic narrative editing experience in three areas: developing information-handling skills to deal with large amounts of film and audio material, acquiring the means to apply ideas about that material in order to develop an authorial approach, and using digital, non-linear off-line video editing equipment for each student to edit their own filmic interpretation. Students learn the organizational skills necessary to edit a film; advanced knowledge of post-production protocols in digital editing; and how to use elements of narrative editing strategies, including rhythm, pacing, point-of-view, screen direction, matching cuts, script analysis and communication with collaborators. Students receive critiques of their work after each project to determine the development of their proficiency of craft and creativity. Students do exercises in editing dialogue and visuals as well as the cutting of their final project in Production II.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6011 Production I  and 24-6713 Screenwriting I  and 24-6312 Directing I (MFA) 
  
  

  • 24-6501 Authorship:

    This screening/discussion class is an intensive study of a single director (or directors) as auteur. The featured director(s) changes each semester. Class examines recurring themes, stylistic innovations, and differeing interpretations of directors’ films. This course may be repeated as featured directors change.

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6510 Studies in Film Genre:+

    Course explores the conventions of film genres and their influence on style and content of motion pictures. Topics covered in the past have included The Thriller, Cult Classics, and Science Fiction Visions of a Post Human Future. Course may be repeated as topics change.

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6520 Studies in National Cinema:

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6540 Studies in Film History:

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 99-2410
  

  • 24-6580 Sexual Perspectives in Film:

    Course includes historical, psychological, and sociological examinations of sexual behavior and relationships, shifting concerns, and changing morals as presented in cinema. Topics for examination might include gay and lesbian filmmaking, the image of women in film, male myths, and feminist filmmaking. This course may be repeated as the subject changes.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-1700 , 24-1500 , 24-1510 , 51-1271 Gay and Lesbian Studies II: 1980 to Present , 52-2655 Queer Literature , or 52-1152 Writing and Rhetoric II 
  

  • 24-6601 Introduction To Creative Producing

    This course is designed to ensure students entering the MFA in Creative Producing degree have broad, basic knowledge about what creative producing is and how they will develop as creative producers as they proceed through the degree program. It is delivered as a three-week full time workshop made up of distinct but connected units that cover the key foundational principles and requisite technical information and analytical skills using lectures and hands on demonstrations. The course is led by a team of two Film & Video faculty members and includes case studies and guest presentations.

    6 Credits
    Requirements Acceptance in the prgm
  
  
  

  • 24-6605A Cinema Studies I

    This is the first of three courses designed to investigate key historical moments of cinema and media through close critical analysis. The goal is to develop a sophisticated approach to the aesthetics of cinema and media as the basis of a professional vocabulary and methodology for creative producing. Particular attention will be paid to dramatic structure, meaning, subtext and authorship within specified film movements or niche markets.

    1 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6601 Introduction To Creative Producing 
  
  

  • 24-6605C Cinema Studies III

    This is the third of three courses designed to investigate key historical moments of cinema and media through close critical analysis. The goal is to develop a sophisticated approach to the aesthetics of cinema and media as the basis of a professional vocabulary and methodology for creative producing. Particular attention will be paid to dramatic structure, meaning, subtext and authorship within specified film movements or niche markets.

    1 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6611 and 24-6616 and 24-6613 Marketing, Distribution and Exhibition 
  

  • 24-6605J Cinema Studies III

    This is the third of three courses designed to investigate key historical moments of cinema and media through close critical analysis. The goal is to develop a sophisticated approach to the aesthetics of cinema and media as the basis of a professional vocabulary and methodology for creative producing. Particular attention will be paid to dramatic structure, meaning, subtext and authorship within specified film movements or niche markets.

    1 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6611 and 24-6616 and 24-6613 Marketing, Distribution and Exhibition 
  
  
  
  

  • 24-6609 Critical Analysis of Contemporary Film & Media

    This seminar critically examines contemporary trends in domestic and international film, television and media ideas, production and distribution and its symbiotic relationship with culture. Select indigenous industries and the role of the Internet in the globalization of entertainment are examined.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6605B Cinema Studies II  and 24-6607 Story Development  and 24-6615 Line Producing II 
  

  • 24-6610 Business and Legal

    This course introduces basic legal and financial concepts for media producers including production financing, international co-productions, standard business practices in the entertainment industry, and essential components of entrepreneurial producing. Additionally it will explore contracts and negotiations associated with delivery items intellectual property ownership, copyright, rights agreements, licensing, and chain-of-title.

    3 Credits
    Requirements Acceptance in the prgm
  

  • 24-6611L Business Affairs

    Business Affair is a Los Angeles-based seminar that introduces students to market trends in financing ranging from entrepreneurial business plan driven investment scenarios to more conventional distributor-driven opportunities that include fundamentals in the roles of agents and managers. Students develop negotiating skills and further examine the art of effective negotiations.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6616 and 24-6605B Cinema Studies II 
  

  • 24-6612 Acquisition, Development & Presentation

    This course explores the development and execution of creative producing in all media. Starting with a story idea and ending with the distribution of a finished product, the creative producer is one of the few participants present throughout the entire life cycle. This course will include: finding, analyzing, and acquiring intellectual property, collaborating with writers/directors, pitching, packaging material, pre-visualization, casting, financing, and working with a line producer to execute the vision. In addition it will prepare students to take their creative ideas into the real world by tracking current changes in media relating to studios, financiers, web content, television and cable programming, and distributors.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6604 Line Producing I  and 24-6605A Cinema Studies I  and 24-6610 Business and Legal 
  

  • 24-6613 Marketing, Distribution and Exhibition

    The Marketing, Distribution and Exhibition seminar is a course that explores the roles and professional practices of a producer during the Marketing, Distribution and Exhibition phase of the process. Participants actively develop sophisticated metric analyses through a variety of case studies.

    3 Credits
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  • 24-6700 Ideation and Theme

    Ideation & Theme (MFA) is a course designed to help students approach the creativeprocess in multiple ways and to explore story and theme in conjunction withconsiderations of personal vision and expression. Students develop a range of simpleideas and work through the conceptualization and proposal process using various writingand visualization strategies. These film possibilities are filtered in a variety of waysthroughout the course. Work completed earlier in the graduate program can be drawnfrom and work produced in this class may be further developed in subsequent graduatecourses.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6832 Documentary I  and 24-6031 Production III  and 24-6033 Short Forms 
  

  • 24-6705 Comparative Screenwriting:

    This is a repeatable course that provides the student with an extensive examination of the screenwriter’s role, career and development, and relationship to the production process. These objectives are achieved by comparing and contrasting two writers who operate in different ways. For example, a screenwriter who directs his or her own materials is compared to a writer whose work is directed by someone else; a Hollywood screenwriter is contrasted with an independent writer; a classical narrative writer is compared to a nontraditional writer. Students study the role of the screenwriter and the impact of the writer on the production process.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6705
  

  • 24-6710 Screenwriting II:Feature Film

    This course has been developed to provide graduate students from Fiction, Poetry and Film with a variety of experiences (including in-class and out-of-class assignments) designed to hone observation, problem-solving, creativity and writing skills as they apply to developing feature-length screenplays. The class operates as an intensive workshop meeting for several day-long sessions along with individual conferences, usually summer semester. The goal is to help students produce longer (feature-length) and more complex screenplays; to facilitate a deeper understanding of the screenwriting process; to assist students in better developing character, story and linear structure; to assist in developing systematic work habits to carry the student from idea development through revisions to completed script; to provide students with the opportunity for critique of their screenwriting.

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6710J Screenwriting II:Feature Film

    MFA SWII teaches students to produce longer and more complex screenplays; facilitate a deeper understanding of the screenwriting process; and enables students to develop character, story and linear structure. Students master systematic work habits in order to fully develop the screenplay from initial idea to completed script. The course also provides students with the opportunity for consistent critique of their scripts.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6832 Documentary I  and 24-6031 Production III  and 24-6033 Short Forms 
  

  • 24-6713 Screenwriting I

    This course introduces students to techniques for finding story ideas and for developing them in a variety of script formats. It aims to provide approaches to writing screenplays drawing from the writer’s own life experiences and direct observations; to facilitate a deeper understanding of the screenwriting process and writing for an audience; to teach students the elements and structure of Western drama as applied to short screenplay form, including character, story/plot and cause/effect structure; to assist in developing systematic work habits to carry the student from conception to idea development through revisions to polishing scenes/scripts; and to provide students with the opportunity for critique of their screenwriting.Students learn to write in treatment form as well as shot outline, split script, and master scene formats.

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6715 Adaptation

    Course examines problems, obstacles, and reconstruction principles inherent in adapting a literary work for the screen. Content focuses primarily on the kinds of short work attractive to low-budget filmmakers and works possible within the Columbia production program.

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6720 Genres In Screenwrtg

    This course will study several screenplays, each of which effectively captures a sense of the genre chosen for the current semester. Students examine the screenplays in terms of the writers and the scripts’ ability to deal with contemporary or universal issues and themes in the context of the designated genre. Students will develop and write the first draft of a screenplay based upon techniques and elements of the specific genre but reflective of their own personal themes as well. This is a repeatable course wherein the genre rotates from semester to semester. Previous genres have included Film Noir, Horror, Science Fiction, Comedy, Action Adventure, Psychological Thriller, etc.

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6721 Writing for Producers

    This course examines all forms of writing associated with professional producing ranging from business writing, creative writing (development), screenwriting, and writing associated with distribution, movie-marketing and exhibition.

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6730 Screenwriting Workshops

    This course is designed to help the students write better and more effective short scripts. Students will learn a variety of approaches and techniques. This is a repeatable course with rotating topics, which in the past have included Co-writing and Experimental Screenwriting.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6710 Screenwriting II:Feature Film 
  

  • 24-6731 Topics in Screenwriting

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6740 Screen Treatmnt&Presentaton

    3 Credits
  

  • 24-6832 Documentary I

    This course introduces the history and practice behind a range of documentaries, from the institutionally based to the individual. It emphasizes developing a personal approach to material and explores how the principles of dramatic struggle relate to documentary practice, often through a character-based focus. Students use digital video to explore a range of common documentary situations, both controllable and uncontrollable. As they define subjects for given approaches, students acquire hands-on practice at structuring documentary materials. Work includes: research for a biographical film; learning basic shooting and editing precepts; and doing various exercises in interviewing, shooting, and editing. The final project is a short biographical profile combining direct cinema and cinema verite approaches.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-6021 Production II  and 24-6423 Editing for Film & Video  and 24-6022 Theory & History of Cinema 
  

  • 26-1000 Animation I

    As an introduction to basic film animation techniques for persons with little or no animation production experience, course will explore basic animation techniques including object, drawn, and 3-dimensional, including concept development, storyboarding, and final production techniques. Animated films and videos, both domestic and international, will be screened and discussed. You will be expected to complete short exercises in each of the techniques mentioned, then complete a 10-second final project from storyboard to final shooting onto film.

    4 Credits
    Requisites COREQUISITES: 52-1151 Writing and Rhetoric I 
  

  • 26-1080 Directed Study: Animation

    Course consists of learning activities involving student independence within the context of regular guidance and direction from a faculty advisor. Directed Studies are appropriate for students who wish to explore a subject beyond what is possible in regular courses or for students who wish to engage in a subject or activity not otherwise offered that semester by the College. Directed Studies involve close collaboration with a faculty advisor who will assist in the development and design of the project, oversee its progress, evaluate the final results, and submit a grade.

    1-3 Credits
    Repeatable
  

  • 26-2010 Animation Layout & Sound

    Course focuses on establishing a thorough understanding of the traditional animation production process, from storyboard creation to final shooting. In class exercises will explore both analog and digital equipment and terminology used in the process, as well as the procedure for exposure sheeting camera and compound moves culminating on the completion of a 20-second lip-sync animated film shot on a LunchBox Sync DV. The recording and editing of dialogue and sound effects will be an integral part of the process.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2025 Drawing for Animation I  and 26-2040 Animation Storyboard & Concept Development 
  

  • 26-2015 Introduction to Computer Animation

    This course will focus on establishing a beginning level of CG skills, introducing the computer animation application used in future semesters: Autodesk’s Maya. Exercises and quizzes will help to establish a solid understanding of polygonal and digital rendering.

    4 Credits
    Requisites COREQUISITES: 26-1000 Animation I 
  

  • 26-2025 Drawing for Animation I

    Drawing-intensive course allows students to acquire an understanding of figurative human emotions and movements, enabling them to create believable animated characters. Students will create model sheets, learn the principles of animation, and learn how to endow your characters with believable actions and acting. Digital pencil testing will allow for the building of the animation from basic motion to more refined movements and emotion. Particular attention will be given to timing, layout, the creation of extreme drawings, and the process of inbetweening.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-1000 Animation I 
  

  • 26-2028 Alternative Strategies in Animation

    Course explores alternative approaches to the normally highly structured, technically oriented process of creating an animated film. Students will be expected to be curious and imaginative as they are introduced to unorthodox approaches including sand, pastels, drawing directly on film stock, paint-on-glass, and other techniques. Students will also view and discuss films created by non-mainstream artists/animators such as Len Lye, Norman McLaren, and others, which will introduce them to highly graphic and imaginative movement and messages.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-1000 Animation I 
  

  • 26-2030 Stop-Motion Animation

    Course provides a basic understanding of three-dimensional animation using armatures, puppets, and objects. With the use of a Video Lunchbox, students will investigate the nature of human movement, and cover topics such as timing, weight, exaggeration, composition, lighting, and narrative approaches. Students will also become familiar with various materials and tools as you explore ways to create characters and simple scenery. A variety of stop-motion films, spanning a wide range of genres, will be viewed and discussed.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-1000 Animation I 
  

  • 26-2040 Animation Storyboard & Concept Development

    This course will emphasize story and concept development. You will research, develop, illustrate, and present your concepts on storyboard panels. Different graphic approaches will be explored and discussed, and weekly you will present your work and receive constructive feedback. Assignments will include storyboarding a fable, a personal experience, a myth, and a poem. Your final project will involve creating a story reel, where you will explore timing and story communication via scanned and projected storyboard panels.

    4 Credits
    Repeatable
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-1000 Animation I 
  
  

  • 26-2070 History of Animation

    Course explores the origins of the animation process, beginning with animated films by J. Stewart Blackton, Emil Cohl, Len Lye, Winsor McCay, and many others through to present day productions. The lives and environments, as well as the artistic and narrative influences on these and other animators, will be dissected and studied. The class will involve weekly screenings of films and videos from around the world, including both independent and commercial, to get an understanding of where this art form has been and where it might be going. Emphasis will be on understanding the motivations and influences on animation artists, and how as contemporary animators you might benefit from studying them.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 52-1111 Writing and Rhetoric I - Enhanced  or 52-1121 Writing and Rhetoric I for Non-Native Speakers of English  or COMPASS Placement Test score >= 97 or 52-1151 Writing and Rhetoric I  or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) score >= 710 or ACT (American College Test) score >= 30
  

  • 26-2075 Digital Animation Techniques: Ink, Paint & Composite

    Course introduces students to what has become the norm at most studios: digital ink and paint and compositing. Students will work with animated drawings created in 26-2025 Drawing for Animation I  , or create new drawings to scan, paint, and render with independent peg moves, using computers as the medium, creating a full-color 20-second piece of animation for a final project.

    3 Credits
    Repeatable
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2025 Drawing for Animation I  COREQUISITES: 26-2010 Animation Layout & Sound 
  

  • 26-2076 Digital Animation Techniques II

    Course expands on the concepts and techniques introduced in 26-2075 Digital Animation Techniques I. Advanced compositing techniques, which include creating texture maps, applying gradients, and multi-plane camera set ups, are explored. Course focuses on a final project, which requires the combination of at least two of the following medium: traditional animation, 3-D animation, stop-motion, and live action.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2075 Digital Animation Techniques: Ink, Paint & Composite 
  

  • 26-3000J Animation Studios in L.A.

    This course offers students the opportunity to explore career opportunities at major animation studios in Hollywood. Throughout the week in L.A. students are given tours of several studios, learn requirements for employment opportunities (internships and full-time positions), and have their portfolios reviewed by recruiters and industry professionals. Students will submit a paper detailing the overall experience and will also write a self-assessment based on professional feedback given to them over the course of the week.

    1 Credits
    Requirements Accept in Sem in LA Prog
  

  • 26-3016 Advanced Computer Modeling

    Course builds on the knowledge learned in 26-2015 Introduction to Computer Modeling. Students experience using advanced Lightwave techniques. Students develop a short animation project, either one begun in the previous class or a completely new piece. Storyboards are reviewed, and timing is discussed prior to actual work on the film.

    3 Credits
    Repeatable
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2015 Introduction to Computer Animation 
  

  • 26-3026 Drawing for Animation II

    Course focuses on further development of animated characters. Students explore the skills necessary to understand and communicate the emotions and intentions of a character. Students explore and communicate theatrical acting through their characters’ actions and movements, applying the principles of classical animation. Students are also given the opportunity to explore lip-sync-ing and adding personality and depth to their creations.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2025 Drawing for Animation I 
  

  • 26-3031 Stop-Motion Animation II

    Course requires that students be responsible for creating a short stop-motion to complete during this 15-week class. Students will be responsible for constructing sets, props, and stop-motion puppets, and will be assigned exercises that help to refine and perfect key scenes within your project. Students will have the option of incorporating sound and lip-sync into your project. Various digital shooting methods will be explored, including using a mini-DV camcorder with a video Lunchbox DV, or using a digital still camera, and editing in an NLE application.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2030 Stop-Motion Animation 
  

  • 26-3036 Advanced Computer Animation: 3-DS Max

    Course expands upon the skills and concepts introduced in 26-3045C Computer Animation: 3DS Max. Using Discreet Logic’s computer animation software, students will be introduced to advanced concepts and techniques using inverse kinematics/forward kinematics, dynamics, and simulations. Using MAX scripting for animation will also be covered. A series of short exercises will ensure that students understand these skills and techniques as the class progresses. A final project will encourage students to exhibit these acquired skills.

    4 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-3045C Computer Animation: 3-DS Max 
  

  • 26-3040 Animation Storyboard & Concept Development

    Course will emphasize story and concept development. Students will research, develop, illustrate, and present their concepts on storyboard panels. Different graphic approaches will be explored and discussed, and weekly students will present their work and receive constructive feedback. Assignments will include storyboarding a fable, a personal experience, a myth, and a poem. Their final project will involve creating a story reel, where they will explore timing and story communication via scanned and projected storyboard panels.

    4 Credits
    Repeatable
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 24-1700 and 26-1000 Animation I 
  
  

  • 26-3045B Computer Animation: Softimage/ XSI

    Course emphasis will be on establishing the modeling skills and knowledge necessary to create a character that can be animated using the Softimage/XSI software application. Exercises and quizzes will help to establish a solid understanding of polygonal modeling, rigging, lighting, rendering, and animation using this application. Students will be expected to log a minimum of four hours of lab time outside of class each week.

    4 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2015 Introduction to Computer Animation  COREQUISITES: 26-2025 Drawing for Animation I  or 26-2030 Stop-Motion Animation 
  

  • 26-3045C Computer Animation: 3-DS Max

    Course will explore the Discreet Logic 3DS Max software application. Exercises and quizzes will help to establish a solid understanding of polygonal modeling, rigging, lighting, rendering, and animation using this application. Emphasis will be on establishing the modeling skills and knowledge necessary to create a character that can be animated using this application. Students will be expected to log a minimum of four hours of lab time outside of class each week.

    4 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2015 Introduction to Computer Animation  COREQUISITES: 26-2025 Drawing for Animation I  or 26-2030 Stop-Motion Animation 
  

  • 26-3046 Advanced Computer Animation: Maya

    Course will expand upon the skills and concepts introduced in Computer Animation I. Using Alias/Wavefront’s Maya computer animation software, students will be introduced to advanced concepts and techniques using inverse kinematics/forward kinematics, dynamics, and simulations. Using MEL scripts for animation will also be covered. A series of short exercises will ensure that students understand these skills and techniques as the class progresses. A final project will encourage students to exhibit these acquired skills.

    4 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-3045A Computer Animation: Maya 
  

  • 26-3047 Digital Animation Techniques Current 2D Trends

    Course introduces students to the Flash digital animation technique and aesthetic that is quickly becoming the chosen method for traditional animators. Students will apply fundamental animation principles learned in Drawing for Animation 1 (26-2025) as well as visual storytelling techniques in Animation Storyboard and Concept Development (26-3040) and apply them using the Flash technique. Students will also learn to create paperless animation, using a digital drawing tablet and computer, creating a short animated piece by the end of the semester.

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2025 Drawing for Animation I 
  
  

  • 26-3049 Computer Animation: Visual Effects

    This course introduces the advanced Computer Animation Concentration student to the visual effects process of integrating computer-generated elements with live action footage. Early assignments integrate pre-existing computer generated elements with live action content. Subsequent assignments introduce advanced texture-mapping, rendering and camera tracking techniques. The course concludes with the development of a solo visual effects sequence that combines idea generation, production strategy and advanced CG rendered objects, particles, effects and camera. Screening of film examples and a presentation assignment about the visual effects industry will underscore the aesthetic impact of CG elements in a live action film.

    4 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2015 Introduction to Computer Animation 
  

  • 26-3050 Acting For Animators

    This course, recommended for both Traditional AND Computer Animation students, focuses on acting techniques for animators exploring the similarities and differences of stage and screen acting. Students will learn acting techniques through physical and emotional acting exercises in addition to viewing scenes from a variety of live action and animated films. Focus of this class is exploring the emotional feelings of characters which lead to their physical movement. Animation assignments include creating a performance with a CG rig (for Computer Animation Students) and hand-drawn character animation (for Traditional Animation Students).

    3 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2025 Drawing for Animation I  or 26-3045A Computer Animation: Maya 
  

  • 26-3060 Traditional Animation Studio

    After successfully completing Animation Preproduction & Story Development Traditional Animation, students enroll in this course to begin and subsequently complete production of their solo thesis films required for the BFA degree in Traditional Animation. Traditional Animation Studio is a repeatable course offering students sufficient time to complete production of their animated films.

    4 Credits
    Repeatable
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2050 Animation Preproduction & Story Development 
  

  • 26-3063 Computer Animation Studio

    After successfully completing Animation Preproduction & Story Development, Computer Animation students enroll in this course to begin and subsequently complete production of their solo thesis films required for the BFA degree in Computer Animation. Computer Animation Studio is a repeatable course, offering students sufficient time to complete production of their animated films.

    4 Credits
    Repeatable
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2050 Animation Preproduction & Story Development 
  

  • 26-3065 Animation Work-in-Progress

    Course is designed to provide feedback to students if they choose to work on an independent project outside of any particular Animation class. Students will be expected to be self-motivated, and they must come to the first class with a concept or project to work on during the 15-week period. The class will meet five times during the semester, with the schedule finalized at the first meeting. At that time, students will be expected to make a presentation outlining their goals and expectations for the project they’ve chosen to undertake. At the final class meeting, students will be expected to present the work they’ve completed during the class to their classmates and to invited faculty and students in the 402 screening room.

    2 Credits
    Repeatable
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-3060 Traditional Animation Studio  or 26-3063 Computer Animation Studio 
    Requirements Permission of Instructor
  

  • 26-3067 CG Topics

    This course continues to refine and advance the aesthetic understanding and technical abilities needed in advanced Computer Generated (CG) animation through a series of rotating topics courses. Computer Animation software such as Autodesk’s Maya will be used for classroom review, professional examples and student assignments.

    1 Credits
    Repeatable
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-3045A Computer Animation: Maya 
  

  • 26-3070 Cartooning

    Course introduces different aspects of cartoon drawing. Course teaches basic techniques of cartoon drawing and investigates five genres of cartooning. Students study in-depth one liner, multi-panel, advertisement, illustrative, and political editorial cartoons. Instruction includes historical study of specific types of cartoons dating from 1745. Course explores style of cartoons, thematic types, and construction of cartoon character for the technique of animation.

    4 Credits
  

  • 26-3080 Motion Capture I

    Course provides an introduction to motion capture terms, concepts, and history. Students learn the process of capturing motion data by conceptualizing, planning, and directing on-site sessions. A 3-D character performance is created by converting data from sessions and linking it to a character skeleton created in a computer animation class.

    4 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2015 Introduction to Computer Animation 
  

  • 26-3081 Motion Capture II

    Course emphasizes the skills needed to edit and assemble motion capture data. Students learn the technical and aesthetic considerations necessary through a series of homework exercises and classroom critiques. Various motion editing applications will be introduced and discussed. By converting final edited data to work with a variety of 3-D animation packages, students learn how to apply data from motion capture sessions to either create a series of rendered aniamtion images for film/video or create animation content for game production.

    4 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-3080 Motion Capture I 
  

  • 26-3082 Environmental Design & Modeling I

    Course emphasizes the design and technical ability needed to model non-character 3-D objects. Students will be introduced to level design, industrial design, and architectural terms and concepts. Using 3-D software, students will design and build environments, set dressing, and vehicles. Level of detail exercises will introduce the concept of polygon and image budget creation. Exercises in stand-alone software packages will teach advanced texture/mapping.

    4 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-3045A Computer Animation: Maya 
  

  • 26-3083 Environmental Design & Modeling 2

    Course continues to refine and advance the design and technical abilities needed to model non-character 3-D objects. Using 3-D software ability, students will design and build environments, set dressing, and vehicles based on Game Production 1 & 2 parameters.

    4 Credits
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-3082 Environmental Design & Modeling I 
  

  • 26-3085 Animation Production Studio I

    Course is the first of two semesters in which students will be working collaboratively with classmates on a single project, the purpose of which is to simulate an actual production environment that they might face once having left academia. Each participant will be assigned a particular production role based on a portfolio review at the beginning of the class in which each student will be asked to share portfolio work from previous classes with the executive producer (the instructor) and fellow classmates. This first semester of pre-production includes screenplay, design of characters and backgrounds, storyboards, recording of vocal talent, and completion of a story reel.

    6 Credits
    Repeatable
    Requisites PREREQUISITES: 26-2070 History of Animation  and 26-2075 Digital Animation Techniques: Ink, Paint & Composite  or 26-3045A Computer Animation: Maya 
    Requirements 90 Enrolled Hours and Senior Status required
 

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