Project Modules

Courses

DAA 1401: The Basics of Production

Credits 5
This module investigates production pipelines adopted by schools and companies. Topics include career opportunities, best practices and methodologies, efficient workflows, and basic navigation of common industry software. Projects range from small individual assignments to a limited team-based project within a game engine.

DAA 2401: 2D Animation Production

Credits 7
This module is the first semester of a two-semester 2D animation project. Students will work in small teams, focusing on learning the 2D animation production pipeline and efficiently integrating AI tools to enhance the animation workflow. Additional topics covered include story development, research, visual development, and production pipeline management.

DAA 2402: Game Art Project 1

Credits 7
This module is the first semester of a two-semester project that focuses on the creation of a simple real-time game or simulation with 2D graphics. Artists work on cross-discipline teams of three or more members. Topics include visual design, game art pipeline, essential development practices, fundamentals of team dynamics, and task prioritization methods.

DAA 2451: 2D Animation Production

Credits 7
This module is the second semester of a two-semester 2D animation project. Students will work in small teams, focusing on learning the 2D animation production pipeline and efficiently integrating AI tools to enhance the animation workflow. Additional topics covered include cleanup, scanning, coloring, raster and vector-based software, production pipeline management and post-production.

DAA 2452: Game Art Project 1

Credits 7
This module is the second semester of a two-semester project and focuses on the creation of a simple real-time game or simulation with 2D graphics. Topics include art polish, visual consistency, formal playtesting, game pacing, and game balance.

DAA 3400: 3D Production Pipeline

Credits 8
This module is the first trimester of a two- trimester sequence on the production of a 3D art production.Students produce storyboards and designs for characters, environments and gameplay mockups for this pre-production phase. A range of artistic disciplines will be covered, including modeling, texturing, rendering, rigging, and animation. Students will learn how-to use their assets into the industry-standard game engine, Unreal Engine.

DAA 3450: Cinematic Production

Credits 8
This module is the second trimester of a two- trimester sequence on the production of a 3D film. With pre-production completed, the sequence continues with final animation, rendering, and post-production. Commercial art direction, quality control, production deadlines, team dynamics, and technical challenges are addressed. Students will also be introduced to basic blueprint functions in the Unreal Engine.

DAA 3452: Game Art Project 2

Credits 8
This module is the first semester of a two-semester team production of a game. Topics include advanced art pipeline, game engine rendering, visual consistency, and advanced testing techniques.

DAA 4400: Cinematic Production

Credits 8
This module introduces students to a streamlined 3D production pipeline through a focused, one-trimester project. Students will create a showcase project that highlights either an environment or a character, utilizing Unreal Engine as the primary tool. The course emphasizes effective project scoping, enabling students to set realistic goals and achieve them within a limited timeline. Both technical and artistic guidance will be provided to help students deliver polished, professional-quality results.

DAA 4402: Game Art Project 2

Credits 8
This module is the second semester of a two-semester team production of a game. Topics include advanced art pipeline, game engine rendering, visual appeal and consistency, user interface design, animation polish, and advanced testing techniques.

DAA 4450: Professional Practice

Credits 8
This module focuses on building portfolios and reels in preparation for the professional world. Emphasis is placed on professional practices, methodologies, and presentation.