
The School of Arts & Humanities offers a variety of undergraduate courses in the Arts & Technology Program that are appropriate to the study of Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the digital arts.
ATEC 3320 Introduction to Writing and Editing for the World Wide Web
ATEC 3327 Digital Lighting and Texturing for Computer Animation
This writing-intensive course focuses on writing for new and emergent media environments. The course will introduce digital and electronically augmented information-gathering techniques for use in emerging media and communications. Prerequisite: RHET 1302 or permission of instructor. (3-0) Y
The course will examine the history of electronic communications with a critical view of their effects on society. The focus will be on the role of the internet in contemporary life, the commodification of news and information, and will introduce electronic and digital research methods for emerging media and communications. Prerequisite: RHET 1302 or permission of instructor. (3-0) Y
Students learn pre-visualization techniques for planning out time-based media projects (film, video, animation, interactive, etc.). Students are given a survey of visual storytelling techniques, such as framing, composition, camera movements, and editing techniques. Students gain an understanding of narrative story structure and plot construction, as well as learn how to communicate their ideas clearly through the use of storyboards and concept arts. (3-0) S
Provides introductory experience in the use of computer software for image making. Digital graphics and photography methods are presented and applied to art and design applications. Computer images are published both in print form and as digital images on the Internet. (3-0) S
Students learn techniques for traditional hand-drawn animation and fundamental principles of animation that are universally applicable to 2D, 3D, and web based animation. (3-0) S
Explores computer-generated 3D modeling concepts and techniques for 3D computer animation. A conceptual understanding of the elements of surface modeling will be the main focus of this course. Prerequisite: ATEC 2382. (3-0) S
Introduction to web content writing and editing and the theory and practice of writing online, interactive multi-media text. Emphasis will be placed on editing for the web, fact-checking, and style. The course will emphasize process writing and editorial practices. Prerequisite: RHET 1302. (3-0) S
An introduction and exploration of the impact of computer technology's influence on human communications. Emphasis will be placed on survey and study of emerging modalities of computer mediated communication activities. Additional analysis of theoretical perspectives involving linguistics and cultural studies among other approaches. Prerequisite: RHET 1302. (3-0) S
The course will introduce emerging practices in new media, such as mobile, distributed, time-shifted, and personal media. It will blend theoretical studies and project-intensive practice in leading-edge applications of digital media, interactive media, and internet communications. Prerequisite: ATEC 2321 or ATEC 2322 or permission of instructor. (3-0) Y
This course focuses on digital lighting, texturing, camera composition, and rendering issues for 3D computer animation. Prerequisite: ATEC 3317. (3-0) Y
Introduction to methods and techniques used in the design and creation of interactive computer games. Topics will include basic principles of animation, architecture, and deployment. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). Prerequisite: CS 1337 or CS 2336. (3-0) S
Introduction to Internet based art. Explores the history and methods of web art through readings, class discussions, and creative projects. Class projects will integrate multiple disciplines, including design, animation, interactivity, audio, and writing. Students will use contemporary software tools to create personal and group web sites. Prerequisite: ATEC 2382. (3-0) Y
Study of human-machine interaction for art and design applications. Students explore existing models for interaction as used in web-based publishing, game development, entertainment and artistic performances. The creation of new models of interaction using multi-modal devices (haptic devices) is pursued. Prerequisite: ATEC 2382. (3-0) Y
The course explores production studio and field practices in the development of emerging forms of digital media and communications. Students will work individually and in teams to produce new media projects using a variety of different methods and technologies. Areas of investigation may include weblogs, video blogs, podcasts, mobile media, and social media projects. Prerequisite: ATEC 3326 or permission of instructor. (3-0) Y
This course focuses on applications of the principles of animation. Students learn to create expressive motions through the production of 3D key-frame animations. Prerequisite: ATEC 3327. (3-0) Y
Explores significant artistic, cultural, educational, and philosophic issues created by the emergence of the interactive arts. Topics will include the potential applications and implications of interactive media. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing. (3-0) Y
Theory, principles and practice of narratives created for distribution via digital media. Includes study of the creation of both linear and nonlinear digital content for Internet distribution. Prerequisite: ATEC 3361. (3-0) Y
Explores advanced concepts and techniques in design including the use of computer assisted creation of images. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). Prerequisite: ATEC 3361 or ATEC 3363. (3-0) Y
Explores application of advanced computer imaging techniques to the creation of visual art. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). Prerequisite: ATEC 3361 or ATEC 2382. (3-0) Y
Study of advanced methods and techniques (literary, artistic, conceptual, technical) used in original game development. Students will be required to design, develop, and deploy computer games independently and as members of a team. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). Prerequisite: ATEC 3351. (3-0) Y
Study of fundamental principles and basic techniques of arts and technology. Sections may be devoted exclusively to a single aspect of the arts and technology or to a multiplicity of subjects related to the field. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (9 hours maximum). Prerequisite: Upper division standing. (3-0) R
The course studies fundamental principles and basic techniques of emerging media and communications. Sections may be devoted exclusively to a single aspect of emerging media and communications or to a multiplicity of subjects related to the field. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (12 hours maximum). Prerequisite: Upper division standing. (3-0) R
Culminating course in Arts and Technology. Students will engage in the creation of an advanced creative and/or research project exploring the interaction of the arts with digital technology. Restricted to students majoring in Arts and Technology who are within one semester of graduation. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. (3-0) Y
Independent study under a faculty member's direction. Signature of instructor on proposed project outline required. May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing, and completion of all lower-division requirements in ATEC and permission of the instructor. ([1-3]-0) R