(DMA) Digital Media Arts
DMA 105 - Introduction to Computer Art (3 credits)
Introduction to the use of the computer as an art and design tool. Emphasizes fundamental color computer graphics skills through practical experience with two-dimensional drawing and image editing programs currently used by art and design professionals. Hardware used includes Macintosh computers, scanners, and black-and-white and color printers. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 110 - Digital Imaging (3 credits)
Designed to meet the needs of artists and designers in diverse fields, involves the leading professional paint and photo retouching software. Addresses the practical and creative aspects of producing art and illustrations and manipulating photographs and other images through a series of hands-on assignments. 1 lecture/4 laboratory hours
course outline
DMA 120 - 3-D Modeling I (3 credits)
Develops visual problem-solving abilities using computers as art and design tools. Students create and manipulate three-dimensional forms and scenes, their colors, surface textures, lighting and cameras to design effective compositions in virtual 3-D space. Useful for graphic arts, communications, interior design and architectural professions, prepares students for Animation I and 3-D Modeling II. Windows-based PC computers, scanners, and current professional software are used. 1 lecture/4 laboratory hours
course outline
DMA 125 - Pre-Production Design (3 credits)
Prerequisites: ART 102, ART 105, and DMA 105 with minimum C grades or divisional permission
Corequisite or Prerequisite: ART 104
Pre-production planning and design for animation and interactive media. Without use of computers, students learn to apply creative thinking, design principles and production processes essential to the creation of successful animations and multimedia programs. Practical experience in concept generation, concept drawing, storyboarding, and project organization. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 135 - Digital Video and Audio (3 credits)
Prerequisite: DMA 105 with a minimum C grade or divisional permission
Techniques for editing and synchronizing video and sound on the desktop computer, with focus on acquisition of practical skills in planning, editing, and design. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 140 - Interactive Web Animation (3 credits)
Prerequisite: basic computer literacy
Introduction to two-dimensional animation using the professional software application Flash to create short animations for the web or television and simple web games and interfaces. Specific instruction includes how to draw and animate vector graphics, import audio, create buttons and symbols, and use Actionscripting to create nonlinear interactivity and animation. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 145 - Web Design I (3 credits)
Introduction to Web design using a professional software application. Focuses on principles of design and interactivity. Students learn how to create images for the Web, manage files, organize imagery using tables, style text using cascading style sheets, create animated gifs, and add interactivity using basic Java behaviors. HTML knowledge is useful but not required. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 210 - Motion Graphics (3 credits)
Prerequisites: DMA 110 and DMA 135 with a minimum C grade or divisional permission
Digital art in motion: concepts and techniques of visual storytelling emphasizing issues of pacing, continuity and dramatic structure. 2-D graphics, video and sound are combined using new media tools to explore the possibilities of new media art. Course content is applicable to the fields of 3-D animation, film and television title sequences, commercials, multimedia design and music videos. Spring offering. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 211 - Digital Imaging II (3 credits)
Prerequisites: DMA 110 and PHO 203 with a minimum C grade or divisional permission
Develops intermediate skills in digital imaging using a professional software application. Focuses on principles of masking and compositing, including how to use high-resolution capture devices, shoot photographs in a digital studio, composite photographs seamlessly, and manipulate light and color to create continuity. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 220 - 3-D Modeling II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: DMA 120 with a minimum C grade or divisional permission
Covers advanced concepts and materials of 3-D modeling and virtual scene creation for those who wish to explore 3-D modeling and illustration in depth. Topics include environment creation, 3-D paint, modeling for games, character models, modeling with nurbs/patches and compositing. Fall offering. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 225 - Computer Animation I (3 credits)
Prerequisite: DMA 120 with a minimum C grade
Corequisite: DMA 125 or divisional permission
Using 3-D animation software and video interface, students produce special effects and character animations from storyboard to output on videocassette. Windows-based personal computers and current professional software are used. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 226 - Computer Animation II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: DMA 225 with a minimum C grade or divisional permission
Advanced 3-D character animation and special effects involving character animation, inverse kinematics, and particle systems. Students produce a recording of their work and develop presentation skills. Windows-based personal computers and current professional software are used. Spring offering. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
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DMA 245 - Web Design II (3 credits)
Prerequisite: DMA 145 with a minimum C grade or divisional permission
Intermediate skills in Web design using a professional software application. Focuses on principles of organization, interface design and usability. Students learn how to create a site map, design navigational systems, integrate Flash and video content, batch process images, create templates, insert forms, design pages using cascading style sheets, and add advanced interactivity using JavaScript behaviors. HTML knowledge is useful but not required. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 246 - Web Design III: Advanced Project (3 credits)
Prerequisites: DMA 245 and DMA 110 with a minimum C grade or divisional permission
Develops practical skills and knowledge of web design while executing a project for a community client in a professional atmosphere. Visual design, information architecture, and web production are all based on client goals, messages, and deadlines outlined during the project definition phase. Advanced web design techniques are implemented utilizing professional-level software and applications. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
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DMA 250 - Digital Portfolio Seminar (3 credits)
Prerequisites: DMA 245, DMA 211 or DMA 225 with a minimum C grade or divisional permission
Introduction to the culture, technologies, history, and theories of new media. Advanced digital media arts students explore topics in digital media while developing a digital portfolio to present their work. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 275 - Digital Fine Art (3 credits)
Prerequisites: ART 105, DMA 105 with a minimum C grade or divisional permission
Students explore the possibilities and implications of combining digital and traditional tools and techniques in the service of personal expression as fine art. Focuses on exploring each individual's aesthetic expression and the development of individual style. A variety of techniques, software, and theoretical issues are presented. Students are expected to create a series of pieces for exhibition, with emphasis on the printed output. Occasional offering. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
course outline
DMA 281 - CD Authoring (3 credits)
Prerequisite: DMA 110 or ADV 210 with a minimum C grade or divisional permission
Introduction to interactive multimedia compact disc production includes project conceptualizing and planning, plus screen and interface design. Students use professional-level software to create multimedia CDs that integrate graphics, photographs, animation, sound, video, and interactivity. Those with a background in computer graphics, advertising design and fine art are best prepared. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
DMA 285 - Special Studies in Digital Media Arts (3 credits)
Prerequisites: DMA 226 or DMA 245 and divisional permission
Special courses in specific art forms allow students who have completed regular course offerings to continue their studies at advanced levels. Individual students and faculty develop a project contract that sets forth objectives, standards of quality, evaluation guidelines, and deadlines. Occasional offering. 1 lecture/4 studio hours
