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.
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.
Fall 2020
THEA 291Q Introduction 2D Character Design
MW 12:30-1:50p
MUSC 350 – Film Scoring and Creative Sound Design
MW 11:00-12:20
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
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 (sec 03) - The 21st Century Scholar/Artist: Digital Music Creation
TR 12:30 -1:45
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).
MUSC 189H (sec 03) - The 21st Century Scholar/Artist: Digital Music Creation
TR 12:30-1:45
Brian Moore
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.
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.
ARTS 291Q – Special Topics in Digital Arts – Performative Video Acts
This interdisciplinary course will explore different methodologies of creating performative acts and the strategies behind the visualizations of the performance for the second-generation viewer using video.
MUSC 283 – Music Technology: Foundations of Audio Recording and Production
Glenn Korff School of Music
A further exploration into the craft and art of scoring for visual media though practice, analysis and discussion. Advanced development of the creative and technical skills used in composing music for synchronization to picture.
MUSC 291Q – Special Topics in Digital Arts – Creative Coding: iOS Music App Development
Glenn Korff School of Music
ARTP 291Q – Special Topics in Digital Arts – Immersive Experience Design
Due to the popularity of transmedia, hyperlinked content, and virtual production, immersive design is providing storytellers and artists with innovative approaches that augment traditional linear storytelling. As a result, the future generation of artists and designers must be adept at working with all story-driven media and processes, including worldbuilding, interactive media, and live audience environments. This course will allow students to explore this shift in the media landscape as well as act as a platform for working in teams to create their own immersive narrative-based experiences.
THEA 368 – Digital Media Production
This course is intended to provide an introduction to motion graphic design, digital art creation, and character animation. Students will learn to integrate visual, auditory, and spatial elements. Course content will consist of three interconnected areas: exploration of the creative process, application of motion graphic design, and utilization of various tools, technology, and software.
PHOT 365 – Time Based Media
School of Art, Art History & Design
PHOT 365 Time-Based Media is a three-credit course that 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 283 – Foundations of Audio Recording and Production
Glenn Korff School of Music
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 Apple’s Logic DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and hardware (microphones and mixing consoles).
ARTS 398 - Special Topics: Digital Media in Art
School of Art, Art History & Design
This course is designed as an extension of conceptual and technical problems and processes introduced in the Digital Literacy courses. Students will create projects that span media and software/hardware both individually and in collaborative group projects. The goal of all coursework is an open-ended exploration that results in the students finding an artistic voice of their own. Depending on the expertise and interests of the students, we will define a “research topic” for the course (such as the landscape and technology, etc).
Specifically, this course will continue work with Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, FinalCut Pro, and basic programming skills. In addition, students will be introduced to other technologies as needed, possibly including interface design for interactive projects, spatial possibilities of installation and multi-media environmental works, and non-musical sound.
** This course requires either a prerequisite of either 170 or 171. However, if students can demonstrate technical qualifications (expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, FinalCut, programming, or some other area) exceptions are possible. Diversity of approach and background encouraged.
ARTS 398 – Special Topics: Performance, Programming, and Interactivity
School of Art, Art History & Design - Glenn Korff School of Music
Learn to program for interactive musical and visual performances using Max/MSP/Jitter (cycling74.com), a graphical creative programming language. Create your own expressive instruments and visual interfaces, including audio and video synthesis and sampling, 3d images using OpenGL, and gestural input with webcams, Wii Remotes, and Kinect. The course will culminate in a collaborative public performance. A rare chance to participate in a completely collaborative course, team-taught by two professors in the state-of-the-art Digital Arts Initiative studio.
THEA 282 – Digital Video Production
Johnny Carson School of Theater and Film
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.
THEA 368 – Digital Media Production
Johnny Carson School of Theater and Film
This course is an introduction to varying types of digital media production. The student will learn basic web design and motion graphics as well as DVD authoring. Students will learn concepts of web usability, on-line structure, basic color theory and image optimization. The class will be introduced to motion graphics using After Effects and Motion software. Students will ultimately be tasked with generating a media package that brings together all of their elements into one cohesive self-branding portfolio.
THEA 387 – Digital Animation
Johnny Carson School of Theater and Film
This course is an introduction to computer generated animation. The students will learn basic modeling techniques, core animation principles, texture mapping basics and lighting for digital environments. The class will be introduced to these concepts using the software package, Maya. Students will learn to think and navigate in 3D space as they generate their own 3D models (both organic and non-organic), construct a basic character, learn to make objects move in 3D and explore the art of digital lighting.