Course Offerings

FALL 2024 COURSES

THEA 291Q – Digital Art and 2D Animation

MW 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Contact instructorChris Irvin for permssion code - cirvin@unl.edu

Open to all UNL Students

This course introduces students to digital art and 2D animation. Students learn digital painting and drawing basics, including color theory and brush techniques, and 2D animation principles like keyframe animation, timing, spacing, and motion. They use Procreate, Procreate Dreams, and Adobe After Effects, and work on projects such as character design, storytelling, and world-building. The course emphasizes creativity and experimentation. By the end, students understand digital art tools and can create illustrations, animations, and short films. iPads, pencils, and licensed apps are provided.

MUSC 283 – Music Technology: Foundations of Audio Recording and Production

TR 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Contact instructor Tom Larson for permission code - tlarson3@unl.edu 

Introduction to the basic theory, practice, and procedures involved in recording and producing music in the modern digital audio production suite. Principles of sound, acoustics, and the fundamentals of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and hardware (microphones and mixing consoles).

MUSC 350 – Film Scoring

MWF 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Contact instructor Tom Larson for permission code - tlarson3@unl.edu 

Exploration of the craft and art of scoring for visual media though practice, analysis and discussion. Develop creative and technical skills in audio editing and music composition for synchronization to picture.

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Spring 2024 COURSES

MUSC 383 – Music Technology: Advanced Audio Recording and Production 

TR 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 

Contact instructor Tom Larson for permission code- tlarson3@unl.du

Advanced work in audio recording and production with an emphasis on creating dynamic audio mixes for different musical contexts. Extensive work with DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and audio hardware such as microphones and mixing consoles, as well as foundational experience in using editing/mastering software. 

MUSC 290Q Digital Arts Special Topics: Creative Coding (iOS Music App Development)

TR 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. 

Contact instructor Brian Moore for permission code - brian.moore@unl.edu

This course is an introduction to writing software for musical, creative and artistic contexts: Using iOS (iPhone and iPad) as a platform, you will learn the computer language Swift (the language which is the basis for native iOS applications) as well as Xcode, a professional Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Assumes no previous experience.

THEA 291Q Digital Art & 2D Animation

MW 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. 

Contact instructor Chris Irvin for permission code – cirvin@unl.edu

This course will explore the use of mobile devices as art creation tools. Utilizing Apple iPads, mobile devices, and applications that include Procreate, Flipaclip, Adobe Rush, and Adobe After Effects, students will gain a foundation in digital art and 2D animation. Areas of study include exploration and experimentation with storytelling, character design, digital drawing & illustration, 2D animation, digital compositing, and motion graphics. Students are supplied with Apple iPads, Pencils, and licensed versions of the required apps for the semester.

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FALL 2023 COURSES

THEA 291Q – Digital Art and 2D Animation

MW 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Contact instructorChris Irvin for permssion code - cirvin@unl.edu

Open to all UNL Students

This course introduces students to digital art and 2D animation. Students learn digital painting and drawing basics, including color theory and brush techniques, and 2D animation principles like keyframe animation, timing, spacing, and motion. They use Procreate, Flipaclip, and Adobe After Effects, and work on projects such as character design, storytelling, and world-building. The course emphasizes creativity and experimentation. By the end, students understand digital art tools and can create illustrations, animations, and short films. iPads, pencils, and licensed apps are supplied.

MUSC 283 – Audio Recording and Production

TR 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Contact instructor Tom Larson for permission code - tlarson3@unl.edu 

Introduction to the basic theory, practice, and procedures involved in recording and producing music in the modern digital audio production suite. Principles of sound, acoustics, and the fundamentals of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and hardware (microphones and mixing consoles).

MUSC 350 – Film Scoring

MWF 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Contact instructor Tom Larson for permission code - tlarson3@unl.edu 

Exploration of the craft and art of scoring for visual media though practice, analysis and discussion. Develop creative and technical skills in audio editing and music composition for synchronization to picture.

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Spring 2023 COURSES

THEA 291Q – Digital Art and 2D Animation

TR 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Instructor: Chris Irvin - cirvin@unl.edu

This class will explore the use of mobile devices as art creation tools. Utilizing Apple iPads, mobile devices, and applications that include Procreate, Flipaclip, Adobe Rush, and Adobe After Effects, students will gain a foundation in digital art and 2D animation. Areas of study include exploration and experimentation with storytelling, digital drawing and illustration, character design, 2D animation, motion graphics, and digital compositing. Students are supplied Apple iPads, Pencils, and licensed versions of the required apps for the semester.

MUSC 291Q – Creative Coding: iOS Music App Development

TR 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Instructor: Brian Moore - brian.moore@unl.edu

This course is an introduction to writing software for musical, creative, and artistic contexts. Using iOS (iPhone and iPad) as a platform, student will learn the computer language Swift (the language which is the basis for native iOS applications), as well as Xcode, a professtional Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This course assumes no previous experience. 

MUSC 383 – Music Technology: Advanced Audio Recording and Production

TR 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Instructor: Tom Larson - tlarson3@unl.edu 

Advanced work in audio recording and production with an emphasis on creating dynamic audio mixes for different musical contexts. Extensive work with DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and audio hardware such as microphones and mixing consoles, as well as foundational experience in using editing/mastering software.

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FALL 2022 COURSES

THEA 291Q – Digital Art and 2D Animation

TR 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Instructor: Chris Irvin - cirvin@unl.edu

This class will explore the use of mobile devices as art creation tools. Utilizing Apple iPads, mobile devices, and applications that include Procreate, the Adobe mobile apps, and Adobe After Effects, students will gain a foundational knowledge of digital art and 2D animation. Areas of study include exploration and experimentation with storytelling, digital drawing and illustration, character design, 2D animation techniques, motion graphics, and digital compositing. Students are supplied Apple iPads, Pencils, and licensed versions of the required apps for the semester.

 

MUSC 189H Sec. 003 – The 21st Century Scholar/Artist: Digital Music Creation

TR 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Instructor: Brian Moore - brian.moore@unl.edu

In areas of musical and artistic creativity, digital media has become an important aural and visual palette for expression. The ability to be creative and communicate in an expressive and compelling manner are also important skills in today’s world. This seminar seeks to (1) understand the expressive aspects of music as an art form through learning to compose and create original music, (2) develop and equip students with the skills and knowledge to use personal and multimedia technology within the context of musical and artistic creation and scholarship, and (3) be an active participant in the research/creative process of the development and deployment of new technologies. NOTE: This seminar requires each student to have access to an Apple iPad. For those enrolled students that do not have an iPad, one will be made available for checkout as well as access to creativity software/hardware for music production, graphic design, and video production In areas of musical and artistic creativity, digital media has become an important aural and visual palette for expression. The ability to be creative and communicate in an expressive and compelling manner are also important skills in today’s world. This seminar seeks to (1) understand the expressive aspects of music as an art form through learning to compose and create original music, (2) develop and equip students with the skills and knowledge to use personal and multimedia technology within the context of musical and artistic creation and scholarship, and (3) be an active participant in the research/creative process of the development and deployment of new technologies. NOTE: This seminar requires each student to have access to an Apple iPad. For those enrolled students that do not have an iPad, one will be made available for checkout as well as access to creativity software/hardware for music production, graphic design, and video production.

 

MUSC 283 – Music Technology: Foundations of Audio Recording and Production

TR 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Instructor: Tom Larson - tlarson3@unl.edu 

Introduction to the basic theory, practice, and procedures involved in recording and producing music in the modern digital audio production suite. Principles of sound, acoustics, and the fundamentals of Digital Audio Workshop software and hardware (microphones and mixing consoles).

 

MUSC 350 – Film Scoring and Creative Sound Design

MW 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Instructor: Tom Larson - tlarson3@unl.edu 

Exploration of the craft and art of scoring in visual media through practice, analysis, and discussion. Develop creative and technical skills in audio editing and music composition for synchronization to picture.

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Fall 2021 Courses

THEA 291Q – Digital Art and 2D Animation

MW 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Instructor: Chris Irvin - cirvin@unl.edu

This class will explore the use of mobile devices as art creation tools. Utilizing mobile phones, Apple iPads, Apple Pencils, and applications that include Procreate, FlipaClip, Adobe mobile apps, and Adobe After Effects, students will gain a foundational knowledge of digital art and 2D animation. This includes exploration and experimentation with storytelling, digital drawing & illustration, character design, 2D animation techniques, digital compositing, and motion graphics. Students will be supplied with an Apple iPad, Pencil, and licensed versions of the required apps for the duration of the class.

MUSC 283 – Music Technology: Foundations of Audio Recording and Production

TR 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Instructor: Tom Larson - tlarson3@unl.edu 

Introduction to the basic theory, practice, and procedures involved in recording and producing music in the modern digital audio production suite. Principles of sound, acoustics, and the fundamentals of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and hardware (microphones and mixing consoles).

MUSC 350 – Film Scoring and Creative Sound Design

MW 12:30-1:50 p.m. 

Tom Larson

Exploration of the craft and art of scoring for visual media though practice, analysis and discussion. Develop creative and technical skills in audio editing and music composition for synchronization to picture.

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Fall 2020

THEA 291Q Introduction 2D Character Design

MW 12:30-1:50p

Instructor: Chris Irvin

MUSC 350 – Film Scoring and Creative Sound Design

MW 11:00-12:20

Instructor: Tom Larson

Exploration of the craft and art of scoring for visual media though practice, analysis and discussion. Develop creative and technical skills in audio editing and music composition for synchronization to picture.

MUSC 283 – Music Technology: Foundations of Audio Recording and Production

MW 11:30-12:45

Instructor: Tom Larson

Introduction to the basic theory, practice, and procedures involved in recording and producing music in the modern digital audio production suite. Principles of sound, acoustics, and the fundamentals of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and hardware (microphones and mixing consoles).

Non-DAI Courses

MUSC 189H (sec 03) - The 21st Century Scholar/Artist: Digital Music Creation

TR 12:30 -1:45

Instructor: Brian Moore

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Fall 2019

THEA 282 – Digital Video Production

MW 11:30-1:20

Chris Irvin

This course is an introduction to digital video production. The student will learn basic camera, sound and lighting technique, as well as elementary story structure. Students will learn concepts of shot composition, shot sequences, movement, pacing and timing. They will also learn the basics of preproduction, production and postproduction. Participants will develop many basic production skills and will be introduced to conceptualizing, planning, storyboarding, directing and editing. Students will be introduced to Digital Non-Linear Editing (DNLE). Students will also learn about traditional and new distribution possibilities, including delivery to large screen, mobile devices and the internet.

While technical proficiency is important to any aspiring digital visual storyteller, even more important is the ability to express ideas clearly and creatively. Students are expected to push their creativity to develop original stories that can be expressed visually and in a short format.

MUSC 350 – Film Scoring and Creative Sound Design

MW 1:30-2:45

Tom Larson

Exploration of the craft and art of scoring for visual media though practice, analysis and discussion. Develop creative and technical skills in audio editing and music composition for synchronization to picture.

ARTS 291Q – Special Topics in Digital Arts: Introduction to 3D computer graphics

MW 5:30-8:20

Chris Irvin

This introductory course will examine the rise of 3D computer graphics as an art creation tool, including its use beyond the traditional formats of video games and visual effects. We will also explore how contemporary artists are using 3D computer graphics within their work.

Students will gain basic knowledge of modeling techniques, texture mapping, and lighting within a 3D environment. Topics include modeling of organic and non-organic objects, character creation, 3D printing, and art creation utilizing 3D computer graphics.

MUSC 283 – Music Technology: Foundations of Audio Recording and Production

TR 11:00-12:15

Tom Larson

Introduction to the basic theory, practice, and procedures involved in recording and producing music in the modern digital audio production suite. Principles of sound, acoustics, and the fundamentals of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and hardware (microphones and mixing consoles).

Non-DAI Courses

MUSC 189H (sec 03) - The 21st Century Scholar/Artist: Digital Music Creation

TR 12:30-1:45

Brian Moore

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Spring 2019

THEA 368: Digital Media Production

MW 11:30-1:15

Chris Irvin

Introduction to motion graphic design and animation integrating visual, audio, and spatial elements.

PHOT 365: Time Based Media

MW 2:30-5:20

Walker Pickering

This course explores various media that integrate a time component, including but not limited to video, stop-motion, and sound art. The content of this course builds on PHOT 161/261 and requires that students are familiar with using cameras and Adobe Creative Cloud.

MUSC 282: Introduction to Composition and Digital Production

TR 12:30-1:45

Joshua Spaulding

Fundamentals of music composition with attention to creating original music in digital mediums especially via MIDI and software instruments. Theory and practice in the musical creative process including developing unique and creative ideas and techniques for reworking those musical ideas towards a finished composition.

ARTS 291Q – Special Topics in Digital Arts: Introduction to 3D computer graphics

TR 2:00-4:50

Chris Irvin

This introductory course will examine the rise of 3D computer graphics as an art creation tool, including its use beyond the traditional formats of video games and visual effects. We will also explore how contemporary artists are using 3D computer graphics within their work.

In this class, students will gain basic knowledge of modeling techniques, texture mapping, and lighting within a 3D environment. Topics include modeling of organic and non-organic objects, character creation, 3D printing, and art creation utilizing 3D computer graphics.

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Fall 2018:

THEA 282 – Digital Video Production

MW 11:30-1:20

Chris Irvin

This course is an introduction to digital video production. The student will learn basic camera, sound and lighting technique, as well as elementary story structure. Students will learn concepts of shot composition, shot sequences, movement, pacing and timing. They will also learn the basics of preproduction, production and postproduction. Participants will develop many basic production skills and will be introduced to conceptualizing, planning, storyboarding, directing and editing. Students will be introduced to Digital Non-Linear Editing (DNLE). Students will also learn about traditional and new distribution possibilities, including delivery to large screen, mobile devices and the internet.

While technical proficiency is important to any aspiring digital visual storyteller, even more important is the ability to express ideas clearly and creatively. Students are expected to push their creativity to develop original stories that can be expressed visually and in a short format.

MUSC 350 – Film Scoring and Creative Sound Design

MW 1:30-3:20

Tom Larson

Exploration of the craft and art of scoring for visual media though practice, analysis and discussion. Develop creative and technical skills in audio editing and music composition for synchronization to picture.

MUSC 283 – Music Technology: Foundations of Audio Recording and Production

TR 11:00-12:15

Tom Larson

Introduction to the basic theory, practice, and procedures involved in recording and producing music in the modern digital audio production suite. Principles of sound, acoustics, and the fundamentals of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and hardware (microphones and mixing consoles).

MUSC 189H – Honors composition

TR 12:30-1:45

Brian Moore

ARTS 291Q – Special Topics in Digital Arts: Introduction to 3D computer graphics

TR 2:00-4:50

Chris Irvin

This introductory course will examine the rise of 3D computer graphics as an art creation tool, including its use beyond the traditional formats of video games and visual effects. We will also explore how contemporary artists are using 3D computer graphics within their work.

Students will gain basic knowledge of modeling techniques, texture mapping, and lighting within a 3D environment. Topics include modeling of organic and non-organic objects, character creation, 3D printing, and art creation utilizing 3D computer graphics.