The Course List displayed here is for the most recent version of the program only.
Current students should always consult their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) on myDawson.
Term 1
Course Number
Course Name
C - L - H
Hrs
Concentration
510-191-DW
Perspective Drawing Techniques
1 - 3 - 1
60
Description:
This course will introduce students to a variety of perspective free hand and tool assisted techniques enabling them to choose appropriate methods for sketching on location; thumb-nailing; storyboarding; environment and prop design. Topics include: horizon line and 1, 2, 3 point perspective, perspective grids for interiors and exteriors, eye level, figure placement, shadow projection and building complex forms.
510-192-DW
Drawing Anatomy and Expression
1 - 3 - 1
60
Description:
This course will introduce students to the animator's approach to figure drawing, by beginning with quick sketches and progressing towards specifics. The student will explore the relationship between gesture and basic shapes and how they relate to human anatomy. Topics include: spheres forms, box forms, ellipses and cylinders, combining forms, sequential posing, measuring, foreshortening, anatomical landmark tools, skeletal and muscular systems.
520-191-DW
History of Visual and Graphic Arts
2 - 1 - 1
45
Description:
This course will examine major art movements from the past and present, their cultural and historical context and their impact on the present day popular culture of film and video games. Topics include: media, trends, subjective factors and perception, and icons.
574-111-DW
Introduction to Preproduction
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course will introduce students to the visual development of an animated film. Design foundations will be covered in terms of how they related to visual storytelling. Students will work from a short script. Topics include: story beat visualizations, environments designs, layout and choreography, props and character designs, cinematography and film structure.
574-121-DW
Principles of Animation I
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This will be a 2D digital animation course. It will use hand drawn animation to explore the fundamentals of movement and will introduce students to observing the characteristics of movement and how to achieve believable movement by following and exaggerating these characteristics. Topics include: timing and rhythm, ease in/ease out, squash and stretch, drag and overlapping action, wave principle, key-frames and pose to pose animation.
574-131-DW
Introduction to 3D Animation
2 - 3 - 3
75
Description:
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the 3D digital tools that will be utilized in the development of animation processes and products. Students will be introduced to the latest software tools used in a 3D animation production. Through interactive lecture, discussion, demonstration and application, students prepare for further classes in 3D animation. Topics include: 3D application tools and functions, modeling, animation, materials and mapping, and rendering.
The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of three-dimensional form as described by the human body. The course will include life modelling sessions along with studio practice as a way of studying the principles of three dimensional forms, with the aim of producing a 3-D likeness. The student will also conduct preliminary research using varied visual resources and exploratory work using drawing techniques, photographs, maquettes, and proposals in clay. Students learn to use clay and the techniques of modelling. Topics include: three dimensional form and composition, modeling feet, hands and head, anatomy, gesture, movement, bone structure, proportion, and balance, and major muscle groups.
530-292-DW
History of Film Production Techniques
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course will cover the history of film from the formative stages of the series photography of the 1870's up to the present by way of 3D Animation and Digital Cinema. The areas of Fiction, Documentary, Animation and Experimental styles will be considered. Technical and aesthetic developments will be addressed as well as the important notion of cinema as an international medium. Topics include: framing and photographic space, editing, sound, genre and narrative form, acting style, and lighting.
574-222-DW
Principles of Animation II
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course will continue the exploration of animated movement using 2D techniques and will specifically focus on the principles of human and animal mechanics, posing and body language. Students will observe and analyze various examples in animated films. A variety of exercises will be used to help the student explore emotional states and their effects on human and animal movement. Topics include: bio mechanics, posing, walk cycles, anticipation, and emotionally driven antics.
574-232-DW
3D Animation Techniques
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course builds on Introduction to 3D Animation and explores the technical fundamentals of animation using 3D software. Students will learn the physics and controls used in 3D software including physical simulation. Through assignments and exercises, the students will gain experience, setting the stage for more advanced topics and exercises in the third semester. Topics include: posing, timing, IK vs FK, key-framing, interpolation and animation curves, transformations and secondary animation, and physical simulation.
574-241-DW
Digital Video and Photography
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This course will introduce students to still and video photography. Students will use digital and video cameras to gather images. The proper lighting setup for acquiring reference and texture art will be explored. Students also will learn the aesthetics and theory of lighting for film, video and animation. The goal is to give the student animator a look at some of the professional techniques and theories necessary to conceive and create images for the screen and games. Topics include: seeing light, colour, framing the composition, selective focus, shooting actors as reference, and rotoscoping
574-251-DW
Sketching Techniques for Animation
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course will focus on the role of thumb-nailing in animated film. Students will use thumb-nailing techniques to explore a large variety of design and action possibilities before making final decisions. The role of thumb-nailing as a quick form of visual communication and the importance of a sketch book will also be covered. Topics include: layouts and posing, environmental design, breakdown of complex movement, and character design and props.
574-261-DW
Digital Colours and Textures
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This course will cover an introduction to imaging and the fundamentals of colour and textures using Photoshop. Special focus will be placed on colour in the context of creating textures. Students will create textures with channels including metal, wood, cloth and skin and apply different methods of projection for the use of displacement maps. Topics include: file formats, colour resolution, management, fundamentals and depth, image manipulation, textures and texture mapping, and image reproduction for video and film.
General Education
603-10x-DW
English 102 or 103
2 - 2 - 3
60
Please see the English Department's offering of courses for:
This course explores the basic principles of modelling and rigging as applied to a series of very different characters. Students explore basic tools and apply them to various anatomical problems to find modelling and rigging solutions for character motion. Major emphasis is placed on proper identification and placement of controls. Topics include: polygon character modeling, forward and inverse kinematics, efficient use and planning of polygons, character rigging, skeletal structures, bone weighting, behavioural expressions, morph targets, and constraints and expressions.
574-352-DW
Character Design
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course will expand upon students' previously acquired figure drawing techniques with a focus on character traits and expression. Quick sketch techniques to capture weight, balance, mood and emotion will be explored, as well as refinement and presentation. Topics include: attitude and exaggeration, visual character design elements and their role in typecasting, and model sheets and their production.
574-362-DW
Matte Painting
1 - 3 - 2
60
Description:
This course follows Digital Colors and Textures. Using Photoshop, students learn to apply 3D textures and create digital matte paintings. The course will explore several texture mapping techniques and apply painted surface details onto 3D geometry. Students will be asked to apply their knowledge of 2D and 3D applications to create texture maps and backgrounds for future production. Topics include: building a color palette, paint sketching techniques, blocking in of shapes, colors on a perspective grid, believable atmospheres, atmospheric perspective, composition, lighting and cinematography.
574-363-DW
Virtual Worlds
1 - 3 - 0
60
Description:
Students will study the simulated environment of virtual worlds and 3D genre, including tutorials in 3D modelling. This course in scene design addresses all the traditional cinematic concepts using digital tools. The 3D software will be used to design and build all the aspects of set components, including: scenery, lighting, and props, and landscape. The dynamics of moving sets are also studied. Topics include: building environments, animating moving sets, choreographing lighting, creating visual effects, fog, snow, smoke, mood lighting, lightning, and rain.
574-371-DW
Modelling Props
1 - 3 - 2
60
Description:
Modelling clean animate-able meshes is an essential skill in the 3D industry. Modelling props will focus on instilling proper modelling workflow including concept development and reference gathering. Through lectures, in class demonstrations and assignments, students will learn tools and techniques to model non organic objects, seamless texturing of props and rendering. Topics include: polygon modeling techniques, deformations, hierarchy and linking, utilizing system scaling and units, and lighting and rendering of props.
574-381-DW
Lights, Camera and Rendering I
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course will study rendered images achieved by using advanced software making real, all natural visual phenomena. Illumination, color, shadows, darkness and light will be studied. This course introduces the student to the concepts of light, shadow and surface properties as they apply to creating environments and visual effects within 3D graphics applications. The study of the natural properties of light and human perception will be the focus. Topics include: three point lighting, global illumination, camera lens properties, depth of field, caustics and radiosity, shaders and rendering.
General Education
603-10x-DW
English 102 or 103
2 - 2 - 3
60
Please see the English Department's offering of courses for:
This course in Storytelling for Animation introduces the students to the art of writing and scripting for animation. Throughout the semester the student will develop and conceptualize an idea and create a story structure in order to animate key frames to effectively narrate the story. This course will help to generate and workshop ideas, develop a story and characters and their characteristics, focus on linear or non-linear narratives to present the conflict effectively – with emotions and poignancy. At the end of the semester the students will be able to develop a storyboard for an animated short film. The course will also provide the students with a clear idea of the Principles of Animation. Topics include: idea generation, story development, visual scripting, creation of the three act play, storyboards.
574-434-DW
Expression and 3D Movement
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course delves deeper into the creative and technical world of character setup. Methods and techniques for creating highly interactive spines and simulation of skin deformation will be explored. Topics include: complex facial rigs, lip syncing, morph targeting, muscles, and facial deformation animation.
574-453-DW
Storyboard
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This course will expand upon students' skills and understanding of the art and practice of storyboarding. Students will use their storytelling and film making skills in order to create storyboards. In addition the storyboards will portray emotion and mood through lighting and camera angles. Students will become well versed in storyboard terminology and technical directives, film structure, hooks ups and spacial continuity. Topics include: composition, continuity, line of axis, lighting and atmosphere to create mood, strong posing, and cinematography and film structure.
574-472-DW
Character Modelling
1 - 4 - 2
75
Description:
This course emphasizes anatomical construction and digital re-creation of believable characters. Students develop and construct digital 3-D character models intended for their animation. The course covers advanced topics in 3-D character design and modelling using the latest 3D modeling and digital sculpting software, with an emphasis on anatomy as it applies to predetermined movement requirements. Topics include: polygon modeling, advanced smoothing algorithms, edge loops, biped and quadruped characters, and displacement mapping.
574-473-DW
Character Rigging
1 - 3 - 2
60
Description:
Character setup is one of the most important steps in the character building process. A good character rig will allow you to get the most out of your characters. This course will cover basic and advanced rigging solutions. This course is designed to run in conjunction with the Character Modelling course. This course covers the major concepts and techniques for successful 3D character rigging. Topics include: fundamentals in biped rigs, custom rigs using an internal bone systems, mechanics of a walk cycle, and mechanics of other character joints.
574-482-DW
Lights, Camera and Rendering II
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
In this course, students explore advanced techniques in realistic lighting and rendering of images. The course will focus on shader networks, caustics, global illumination, and mental ray rendering techniques. The practice of lighting set up and camera control will be a constant theme throughout the course. Time will be spent on how to split scenes into separately rendered passes, and then composite renders into final footage. Topics include: practice lighting scenes with final gathering, advanced global illumination, ambient occlusion, rendering systems and separate component rendering, and HDRI.
This course provides an introduction to the craft of acting including improvisation, script analysis, building a character and scene study, through a series of practical exercises and discussion. Students learn the fundamentals of acting essential to the enhancement of the animators' skills, developing the relationship between the idiosyncrasies of a character and their behaviour in movement and speech. Examples will also be drawn from live-action and animated films. Topics include: distinctive gestures and expressions, inner life of a character, development of character thought, how to plan the performance and arc of a character's journey.
574-501-DW
Visual Effects
2 - 2 - 2
60
Description:
This course will be an introduction to digital compositing principles and visual effects skills using compositing software. Students will explore and understand main compositing and visual effect tools. Concepts such as creating a composite branch, layering images and animation will be introduced and practiced. Topics include: composting, particle systems, tracking, and image stabilization
574-502-DW
Non-linear Sound and Video Editing
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
In this course students will learn the practical processes and the software skills required to combine digital animation and audio into a final production which the graduates will then use to enter the workforce. The course will consist of training in digital video and audio standards, as well as compression techniques including the authoring of appropriate output formats for a student reel or web. Topics include: tools and techniques for digital video editing, coherent sequencing and continuity, camera angles, shots, and framing, mixing a soundtrack, basic titles, and output.
574-511-DW
Preproduction
1 - 3 - 2
60
Description:
In this course, students learn how to effectively plan, coordinate, and execute a feature film idea. Students will design their characters, environments, and camera action. In this advanced course students will continue to build upon their skills. Time will be spent refining scenes, objects and characters in preparation for their final production project. Students explore methods for cultivating original ideas suitable for production as a short animated reel. Preliminary exercises lead to the development of a production-ready concept package that they will present for critique. Modelling approaches will be discussed and chosen. Each project will be fully scripted, critiqued, and rewritten before going into production. Topics include: storyboard, script, modeling design of props environments and character, and animatic production with sound.
574-512-DW
Production Pipeline
2 - 4 - 2
90
Description:
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to generate an animated group project. Students organize and develop production technique similar to that experienced in industry. Emphasis is placed on the development of a production schedule and adherence to the schedule, problem solving and working effectively as a production team. In addition, students demonstrate the ability to develop work that demonstrates teamwork, organization, effective sequencing, continuity, consistency in terms of style, production. Topics include: teamwork, organization, effective sequencing, continuity, consistency in terms of style, and production.
574-535-DW
Character Animation I
1 - 4 - 3
75
Description:
This course focuses on the task of creating a believable animated performance using advanced character tools. Students study the elements of complex motion, performance structure, and their relationship to digital inverse kinematics. Digital characters with natural movement, emotion, and density are created. The primary focus of this course is creating digital characters that act, and improve realistic movement by developing animation techniques that extend the realism of 3D animation. Topics include: IK systems, timing ease in out, line of action and arcs, anticipation and emotion, exaggeration and realistic movement, and acting for animators.
General Education
345-BXH-DW *
Applied Ethics in Humanities
3 - 0 - 3
45
Please see the Humanities Department's offering of Applied Ethics (345-BXH-MQ) courses.
Continuing from the course Visual Effects this course will teach students to seamlessly integrate multiple visual components for effects to be used in animation, films, commercials, and television, along with more advanced particle system control. Students will use Adobe After Effects and Discreet Combustion in a post-production environment to solve design challenges and create special effects and motion graphics. All the key elements that make up the concept of compositing and motion design are covered. Topics include: keying, creation of mattes, color correction, stabilizing, and tracking, and fluid dynamics, such as smoke creation and liquid and water.
574-613-DW
Production Project
1 - 11 - 11
180
Description:
This course will be used by the students to produce the animation. This is primarily a demo reel class where the faculty take on the role of technical and creative director and assist each student with his or her final project of creating models, backgrounds, motion, and soundtracks. With the developed animatics and scripts from previous semesters, the student's production will present a cohesive demo reel that highlights animation skills for future employers. Topics include: production, standards for output, and authoring of project.
574-636-DW
Character Animation II
1 - 4 - 3
75
Description:
This 3D animation course will focus on advanced control systems including the creation of scripting as an animation time saver. Motion Capture and interpretation of MoCap data with be introduced. The key element of the course is for the student to give expression to an animated character. The course will link to the final production project and focus on the student's characters and the acting. The underlying principles that make a character work expressively will be covered. Students will further develop their character's lip synchronization, and facial expressions. The student will focus on the fundamentals of creating characteristic movement and personality. Topics include: scripting, motion and expression, acting, and working with MoCap data.
574-691-DW
Career Development
2 - 2 - 2
60
Description:
In this course students will produce materials and employ techniques to enhance their effectiveness in the work place. Emphasis will be placed on resume/portfolio and reel preparation, interview/networking techniques, public speaking and presentation skills. Students will hone their skills to industry standards in a workshop setting that encourages self-evaluation, constructive feedback and teamwork. Topics include: the business of animation, presentation, attitude, networking, the curriculum vitae, the cover letter, business cards, the interview, following up, and entrepreneurship.
