The creative professions require innovative individuals with clear vision. Freshmen at The Art Institute of Philadelphia will work together to develop the vision of what makes a successful student and professional. The course begins by welcoming students into The Art Institute of Philadelphia community and helping them integrate into this student environment. Students will become acquainted with college and community resources, explore their goals for success, and work on establishing a visionary course for the development of their professional portfolio. The course concludes with attending the portfolio show of the graduating class. (0 quarter credits, 2 hours per week)
Prerequisites: None
Fundamentals of animated cinematography addressed through a historical survey. Course will consider trends and genres of animated film in a variety of media. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course continues the study of the human figure. Students work primarily from undraped models and receive thorough instruction in analytical draftsmanship, which is the basis of drawing any subject. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: GR10110 OR Academic Director Approval
An explanation of the basic language of two-dimensional design and color, and the attendant corollary theories as applied to commercial art. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Students develop basic image processing and manipulation skills in a raster-based computer environment. Students learn the fundamentals of scanning, digital painting, color management, imaging, photo retouching, filters and masks. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: LS10110
This course will examine the construction and application of typographic text and headline display. Typography will be introduced as an essential element of multimedia and animation art and design. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Students use a variety of media to produce drawings of three-dimensional objects in one, two, and three point perspective. Emphasis is on using observational skills to create proportionally correct renditions of structures and environments. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: GR10110
Employing a variety of sculptural materials and techniques, the class will design and build a series of models for use in animation design. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Through critical analysis, the student will apply basic design principles to the solution of visual problems using elements of 3-D design. The student will conceptualize 3-D coordinate systems, construct 3-D models and perform mathematical computations as they apply to geometric construction. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10231 and AD10250 OR IM10210 and IM10220
The focus of this course is on traditional painting concepts applied in a digital environment. Both content and process will be explored through the use of color theory and visual perspective. Problem solving and image creation skills learned here will enable students to successfully develop 2-D and 3-D animation projects including background painting, 3-D environments, rendering, texturing, lighting and presentation of finished artwork. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10210, AD10231
Continuing to develop the basic drawing course, students will focus on rendering life forms in space. Emphasis will be placed on the basic anatomical structures of human and animal forms. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10210, AD10210
In this course, students will gain an understanding of animation through the development of timing, rhythm and movement. They will develop traditional animation sequences using the pencil test system. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10210 or permission of Academic Director
In this course, students explore the features and functions of video editing systems and learn to edit video using non-linear video editing systems. Students will also explore various media available for output of animation and use the appropriate equipment to output animation to tape. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10350 OR VE20510
This course explores the fundamental techniques to create animation in a 3-D environment on a computer. Specific animation features and functions of the given software will be discussed and applied to the creation of short 3-D animation compositions. Emphasis will be placed on transferring basic animation techniques into a computer-generated 3-D animation composition. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10350
Students will learn basic techniques in designing and rendering still backgrounds for their animations. The course will examine registration points and match-lines. Moods, action and lighting will be considered and different color media will be explored. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10311
The second course in animation makes use of more advanced animation techniques used in the production of traditional animation sequences. Students will experiment with various tools and theories associated with this medium. A student who completes this course will employ inspirational sketches for animated sequences, learn camera movements and painting skills to complete a short, animated segment. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10441
A course in which students learn to utilize drawing skills, expressive techniques and dramatic/comedic character traits to develop model sheets of selected personalities for use in animated sequences. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10210
This course covers advanced modeling techniques used for building organic and hard surface objects and environments. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Students develop a basic understanding of computers as an animation tool. They gain hands-on experience with 2-D computer animation software. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10231, AD10250, AD10441
This course provides a basis for story and plot development in animated stories and communications. An emphasis on concept, as well as translating ideas into acceptable visual performance through the development of working storyboards, will be stressed. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10311, AD20550, AD10441
This course will explore various methods of compositing and compositing concepts to enhance and expand productivity. Specific animation features and functions of the given software will be discussed and applied to the production of short animation projects. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10231 and AD10250 OR IM10210
This course is a conceptual introduction to audio production techniques for animation. Students will learn to digitize sound and apply it for audio enhancement of their animations. Students will also learn how to produce appropriate audio effects and transition in computer animation. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: LS10110, AD20531
The introduction of acting as a tool of research through studies of animated movement. Characters’ personality, expression, motivation, body language, and posture will be studied through classroom exercises in a variety of media. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD20531
The course is an introduction to storytelling and the components of story. The goal is to develop storytelling skills, and an understanding of story form. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD20531 OR Academic Director Approval
This course allows students to learn basic portfolio presentation techniques. All prior work is examined and portfolio quality work is gleaned with an eye towards excellence. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD10460, AD20531, AD20631
This course begins to acclimate students into the team environment by completing pre-production work on a group project. Teams will utilize learned skills in pre-production practices including, but not limited to: animatics, storyboarding, character layout, background layout and design. This coursework will be carried into Production Team to complete proposed projects. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD20860
Relationships of letters, space, and type systems will be studied and applied as students copy-fit and style text type, space render display arrangements, and markup and specify both text and display type. Typographic attributes will be systematically applied to enhance the readability of typographic communications, including computer-animated and broadcast graphics. Students will develop the ability to work within traditional and contemporary design contexts. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD20631
This course in production work places students in creative production teams where they can utilize their knowledge of traditional animation, 2-D animation, 3-D modeling and animation, interactivity, processing and compositing software. The team will work cooperatively to achieve a common goal similar to industry experience. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD30911
This can be used as either a computerlab or traditional studio course. This is where students learn the final technical competencies to create capstone projects for their portfolios. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD31011
In this course students will complete portfolio pieces, organize them for presentation, and focus on works that reflect and enhance their individual strengths in animation art and design. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Topics are based upon important trends and developments in animation. Lectures, demonstrations, or research reports pertaining to areas of interest in animation will be presented by resident faculty, expert visitors, and working professionals. Group projects may also be assigned. Topics selected are based upon important trends and developments in the industry. Study and discussion of interactive digital media, streaming media, entrepreneurship marketing, workgroup organization, and film industry are but a few possible topics that might be covered. The student will be exposed to the various applications of animation and apply animation skills to chosen topics. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: minimum of 120 credits earned or Academic Director Approval
The objective of this course is to complete the digital portion of the student’s portfolio, to assess its strengths and weaknesses, to correct those weaknesses and augment the student’s strengths, and to produce a professional level demo tape. This course will also stress the importance of professional development and help the student complete the initial job search requirements. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD41121
Utilizing advanced computer programs, students will be able to design, produce, and edit imaginative animation sequences. Special topics in modeling and animation will be covered such as advanced concepts, lighting, compositing, special effects, camera moves, audio and inverse kinematics. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This is a composition course that stresses the writing process. Students will write multi-paragraph essays using the following expository modes: description, narration, example, comparison/contrast, classification/division, process analysis, and causal analysis. Nonfiction readings will be covered to help illustrate writing structures and the organization of ideas. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: ASSET placement OR successful completion (grade "C") of GE0011EN and/or GE0012RD
This course surveys Western art forms relative to political, social, religious, and economic movements from antiquity to the Mannerist period. Topics include painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and architecture. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This is a composition course that focuses primarily on analytical and persuasive writing, as well as the research paper. Emphasis is also placed on critical reading and thinking. Cultural issues such as diversity, multiculturalism, tolerance, and effective communication will be discussed in connection with some writing assignments. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: GE10110
This course surveys Western art forms relative to political, social, religious, and economic movements from the Baroque to present day. Topics include painting, sculpture, decorative arts, architecture, photography, and conceptual art. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
In this course, students will learn professional methods of speaking and of communicating their ideas and experience to others. Students will prepare and deliver demonstration and persuasive speeches designed to be effective with a variety of audiences. Students will also participate in small group presentations. Topics include subject selection, audience analysis, research, organization, and the use of voice and body in speech delivery. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course focuses on points in a coordinate system, formulas for figures in one, two, and three dimensions: points, directions, lines, triangles, polygons, conic sections, general quadratic equations, and spheres. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: ASSET placement OR successful completion (grade "C") of GE0013MA
This is course an introduction to the concepts, theory and practice of ethical decision-making in the personal and social realms. Concepts such as justice, mercy, responsibility, and morality are considered. Students will learn about a broad range of ethical theories and theorists, ancient to modern. These theories will be compared, contrasted, and applied to a variety of ethical problems, dilemmas, and controversies. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210
Students will study the following principles: motion and the effects of unbalanced force systems acting upon rigid bodies; Newton’s laws of motion; motion along straight and curved paths; weight; work, energy and power; impulse, momentum and impact. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: GE10220 OR GE10450
This course focuses on aesthetics, which is alternately defined as philosophy of art, philosophy of beauty, and philosophy of taste. All three definitions point to the ways in which we create, experience, think about, and write about the fine arts. Through texts, lectures, videos, and discussions, students will learn about the variety of ways in which individuals generate their own critical voice and aesthetic theories. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210 AND GE10120 OR GE10230
This course will introduce the student to the historical development of music and the composers of different eras. Students will focus on the role that music plays in our lives today as well as examining the cultural influences that have determined the varied musical languages throughout the world. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Visual awareness is expanded through the observation of the principles of light and the translation of three-dimensional form into two-dimensional drawings. Advancing from simple to complex forms, skill levels in construction and an understanding of line and perspective will be developed. Students study the effects of light and movement on the human body. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course will introduce the basic principles of design. Using a variety of materials and techniques, the creative process will be introduced and developed. An exploration of design elements and relationships will establish a basic aesthetic sensitivity. An introduction to basic typography will be explored, in order to integrate simple type with imagery. A demonstration of basic tools for learning craftsmanship and presentation skills will be emphasized. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course introduces the theories and applications of both the IBM and Macintosh computers. Topics include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, PowerPoint, computer graphics, file preparation for high-end output, file management, basic data storage and retrieval and the Internet. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course gives an overview of basic legal principles related to starting and conducting a business. Topics include legal systems, litigation, dispute resolution and contracts. The protection of intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and service marks, is also emphasized. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course is designed for students who wish to study abroad. Students will travel between the spring and summer quarters and will return to campus to complete a final exhibition project during the summer quarter. The course will consist of lectures, activities, research, and discussions designed to examine the culture, history, and aesthetics of the city or cities chosen for the study abroad experience. Students will also be encouraged to explore issues of identity and place, ideology (values, norms, customs), society (conformity/autonomy, gender, class), and structure (religious, political, economic) as they share, analyze, and reflect upon their experiences throughout the course. (3 quarter credits, 44 hours over two week break)
Theatre Appreciation introduces students to the art, in theory and in practice, of live theatre and the many types of artists who collaborate to create a theatrical production. This course will enhance students’ appreciation of the nature and place of theatre in contemporary culture. Students will experience theatre in depth through reading scripts, analyzing productions, and completing a creative theatre project. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course introduces students to the aesthetic, technical, and historical principles of film and the artists who were instrumental in its development and growth. Students will examine the creative process and analyze the different genres of film. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course is an introduction to theories about the process of communication, including key concepts and terms for human communication. Additionally, listening and feedback, nonverbal communication, intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, group and organizational communications will also be a focus. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course focuses on the development of critical reasoning skills, including the ability to evaluate a wide variety of information. Students will consider what an argument is, how arguments go wrong and what makes an argument valid. Students will study both informal and formal logical arguments and structures. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course focuses on past and current social issues and political and economic trends that influence America and its people. Additionally, the course will focus on how political and economic trends impact world affairs. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course offers students the opportunity to explore the diversity of cultures through the reading and analysis of modern literary works. Included in the study will be historical and political influences, social trends, customs and values. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course will focus on the museum and its function in society. Topics will include the role of museums, their history and philosophy, and their structure and nature. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: GE10110, GE10210, AND GE10120 OR GE10230
This course will cover the history of 20th Century art. It will explore the inter-relationship between historical, social, political, religious and technological developments in the 20th century and the art that was a reflection of these developments. The course will discuss the modern artist’s role in society as innovator, social activist, explorer, critic and prophet. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course will consider up to three genres of creative writing: fiction, poetry and the nonfiction essay. Throughout the quarter, assignments and activities will provide students with opportunities to hone their creative voices and have their work, as well as that of their peers, critiqued in a workshop setting. In addition to producing creative writing, critical and formalist approaches will be applied to contemporary and canonical works; these exercises will provide students with an objective vocabulary with which to evaluate two rather polished pieces that they will generate during the course. Students will also be introduced to the methods and procedures of the publishing market. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course is designed for students who wish to study abroad. Students will travel between the spring and summer quarters and will return to campus to complete a final exhibition project and an in-depth research paper during the summer quarter. The course will consist of lectures, activities, research, and discussions designed to examine the culture, history, and aesthetics of the city or cities chosen for the study abroad experience. Students will also be encouraged to explore issues of identity and place, ideology (values, norms, customs), society (conformity/ autonomy, gender, class), and structure (religious, political, economic) as they share, analyze, and reflect upon their experiences throughout the course. (3 quarter credits, 44 hours over two week break)
This course includes representing and analyzing data through such measures as central tendency, dispersion, probability theory, the binomial distributions, the normal curve and normal distributions, central limit theory, and sampling distributions. Graphing and using polynomial functions and systems of equations and inequalities in the interpretation and solution of problems will be examined. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
The Comparative Religions course is an introduction to the academic study of religion. The course objectively examines religious beliefs and practices across human history, with particular emphasis upon how the human past has shaped worldwide religious belief and experience in the present. Students learn about a broad range of religious traditions, and how particular beliefs might affect ritual behavior, interpersonal relationships and the practice of “community.” (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: GE20510 OR GE20530
In this course students will explore the different media theories and their impact upon society, ethics, and popular culture. Students will use this information to inform and enrich their own work and to critically evaluate media art. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Students, through brainstorming exercises, acting, sound exercises, games, research, and the critique process, explore creative strategies for the development of strong concepts for animation. Students demonstrate knowledge of basic principles of creative problem-solving by developing process books and creating animatics for their animations. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: must have completed 150 credits OR Academic Director Approval
This course will explore the history, psychology, and artistic interpretation of typography and digital design elements. Focus will be upon systematic application of typographic elements to enhance readability and visibility as well as communications for video, digital publishing, computer animation, and broadcast graphics. Desktop publishing activities will include the integration of computers and a vector-based drawing program. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD30940 AND must have completed 150 credits OR Academic Director Approval
Effects animation takes students through the basics of making special effects. Students will be using such tools as particles, soft bodies, dynamics and expressions to create several scenes. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: AD20560
This course will expose students to the disciplines used in finalizing an animation project using compositing software. The class will reinforce compositing concepts, techniques, and vocabulary that students have learned in previous classes. More sophisticated tools and techniques will be introduced, and each student will produce a final edited animation including special effects. Concepts presented will include; non-linear digital editing, sound, composition, layering, file management, color management, and video concepts. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
This course represents the capstone of the 3-D animation course series. Students will have the opportunity to further enhance their animation skill sets through projects under the supervision of faculty. Course may be taken only with the permission of the instructor and/or academic director. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
The course provides a detailed view of the concepts, practices, strategies, legalities, and decisions involved in successfully establishing and operating an animation business. The basic structure of this course will guide the student in developing a strong working knowledge of the animation industry. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Through a field internship experience, students will be able to apply acquired subject matter and career/professional skills in a real and practical situation. The main objective of the internship is to allow students the opportunity to observe and participate in the operation of successful businesses in relation to their fields of study. The students will gain experience needed to enter the field upon graduation.
Prerequisites: must have earned 150 credits OR Academic Director Approval
Prerequisites: Completion of IN31010AD
This class is designed to emulate a real world environment by combining the skills of students from more than one curriculum to complete a singular, group project. The group will achieve its goal by working with/for a professional organization and preparing the project for real-world application. The purpose of the class is to facilitate an environment for students from different disciplines to connect with one another, develop professional relationships, and to gain experience with client relations. Projects will vary from quarter to quarter. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: minimum of 120 credits earned AND permission of Academic Director
This course will exhibit the role of the Art Director in producing multifaceted design projects. Exercises will train students in coordinating creative efforts from concept to finished product. A team environment is emphasized and aims to acquaint the students with the necessity of leadership ability, communication and negotiating skills. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Provides students with a basic understanding of design, function, materials, and manufacturing of furniture and the relationship to other aspects of design (graphics, fine arts, etc.). Students design and develop scale models, as well as one full-scale piece of furniture. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: IT20811, IT20731
This course is an introduction to clay modeling for transportation and other related fields. Measuring processes, tools, and clay will be developed to execute detailed scale models. Emphasis will be on precision and surface quality rather than creative development. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)
Prerequisites: IT20831