Total Credits Required: 120
2-D animation continues to be an expanding and popular medium.
If you select the two-dimensional major you’ll use traditional drawing skills to create perspective and character, with the computer playing a secondary production role. You’ll develop your technical skills through life drawing, composition, and perspective courses -- studying proportion, line of action, structure, and basic anatomy.
Then you’ll move on to skills specific to animation – areas such as character design, clean-up, doping, modeling, slugging, and storyboarding.
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Core 2-D Animation Classes: 54 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course explores the evolution of the animation art form, its ways of expression, the power of its language, symbolism, variety of mediums, communication of ideas, political viewpoints, creation of impact and mood. Students study the visual and design styles of both commercial and independent animation from America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Far East. At the conclusion of this course, students will understand the art of animation from its early roots through the present, having studied the development of animators, studios, technologies, styles, business, and the influence of social/political change. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course focuses on gaining an understanding of the basic principles of movement, which form the foundation of both 2-D and 3-D animation. Students analyze motions of people and objects, and translate that knowledge into animation. Motion attributes such as gravity, weight, spacing and timing are studied, in order to create animation that is believable and that expresses mood and personality through a character’s individualized movement. Also discussed are various technical aspects of animation filmmaking, typical production workflows, and standard industry terms and tools. At the conclusion of this course, students will have a clear understanding of motion dynamics and the associated practices and principles of animation that provide a strong foundation for their continuing animation studies. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThe emphasis of this course is on developing imaginative concepts, using the language of film and animation through the storyboard process. Students illustrate animated story ideas, focusing on expressive character development, layout and set design. At the conclusion of this course, students will be capable of using the storyboard process to write animated story ideas, utilizing elements of composition, camera angles, continuity, character and motion dynamics. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course begins with a broadened definition of the word “animation”: a viewpoint of the animator as artist, and an emphasis on the importance of the concepts an animator brings to explorations of frame-by-frame filmmaking. Hands-on experimentation includes a variety of non-standard techniques and materials: pixilation, painting and scratching on film, cut-out collage animation, sand or gravel animation, silhou¬ette animation. Students study the work of early and contemporary experimental animators. By the conclusion of the course, students have learned to utilize numerous innovative methods for creating animation and developed their ability to integrate an experimental approach when working with more conventional 2-D and 3-D animation production techniques. Prerequisite: AN 1310 History of International Animation
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents are introduced to the digital tools necessary to integrate animated, live action and still imagery into a final video production. Techniques include image capture and manipulation, matte generation and keying, keyframe animation using layered digital images, color correction and special effects. Students each create a customized interactive DVD, using rendered class productions. At the conclusion of this course, students will have learned to composite a variety of digital elements, correct and eliminate inherent problems, and enhance the video imagery with effects. Prerequisite: FD 1010 Digital Image Making
- Name3CreditsDescriptionDrawing and Acting for Animation requires a solid understanding of human and animal anatomy and behavior. Within the course, students work in a studio life-drawing environment, and participate in field trips focused on the outdoor lab, character model building and sculpture. Simplified drawing technique is examined, along with character behavior as it applies to “moving drawings,” with an emphasis on mass, volume, structure, and design. By the end of the course, students have learned the value of solid character structure, how to create drawings that convey emotion and how to more effectively create key poses and realistic facial and body expressions. Prerequisite: AN 2310 Creative Visualization and AN 2230 Fundamentals of Animation
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents learn sound design and production for creation of dialogue, sound effects, and music tracks. Recording techniques for the creation of these audio elements are studied and practiced. Video production, including DV camera operation and non-linear editing will be studied in the second half of the term. Sound and video editing as well as pre-visualization software are used to link and finish these elements of the animation post-production process. At completion of the course, students will demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of video editing and sound design, and their practical application to an understanding of animation production. Through numerous tutorials and individual projects, students will evidence comprehension and creative application of course material. Prerequisite: AN 2340 Tools + Techniques of Contemporary Animation
- Name0CreditsDescriptionStudents who have completed 60 – 90 credit hours must participate in a first Animation portfolio review. Each student’s portfolio is critiqued for style, creativity, composition, color, execution and presentation of the work, with direction of how to improve the work. Prerequisite: FD1990 Freshman Portfolio Review
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThe final step in the animation creation process is the delivery to an audience. Students may study HDTV, IMAX, multi-view dimensional imaging, rapid prototyping, mobile video and robotics. They participate in studio work applying their own animation techniques to some of these new formats. At the conclusion of the course, students will have developed strategies and experience in assessing future technologies and integrating them into their own animation work flow. Prerequisites: AN 1310 History of International Animation
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis class continues to develop the student’s skills in motion analysis. More advanced action and movement concepts are introduced. Further study of human and animal locomotion is covered. Students are encouraged to develop some of their own characters in the latter half of the course and will begin to investigate personality and emotion in their animation. Other subjects covered during this class will be dialogue or lip sync and effects animation, such as fire, smoke, rain and snow. At the conclusion of this course, students will have a greater understanding of weight, motion, timing, and various aspects of drawing as they relate to believable character animation. Prerequisite: AN 2360 Drawing + Acting for Animation
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course deals with the preproduction, scanning, digital ink and paint, and postproduction techniques of traditional hand-drawn animation. Individual projects include work with digital camera moves, 3-dimensional space, sound editing and scene timing. Each project is designed to be suitable for a demo reel, encouraging students to challenge and exceed current expectations of their abilities. At the conclusion of this course, students have a body of work that represents attention to professional 2D computer production techniques, and several creative shorts appropriate for demo reels. Students must demonstrate an ability to adhere to a demanding schedule and evidence an understanding of 2D digital pre-production and post techniques, as well as creative filmmaking and direction. Prerequisite: AN 2340 Tools + Techniques of Contemporary Animation
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents direct their knowledge of 2-D hand layout and drawing, scanning, digital ink and paint knowledge into designing, planning, and producing a high quality animation, including sound and computer post-production. At the conclusion of the course, students will have completed a schedule of milestones, including script/storyboard, schedule development, design and layout of characters and sets, acquisition of music, effects and dialog, and the production of an animatic of the story. Subsequently, within AN 3840, students will produce and post the film. Prerequisites: AN 2420 Animation Sound Design + Video Production
- Name3CreditsDescriptionUsing clay figures and wire armature puppets, students will explore the world of stop motion animation. Application of fundamental animation principles in a stop motion setting is emphasized, along with expression of personality through movement. Students will gain experience with techniques and concepts for lighting dimensional characters and sets, and will analyze outstanding examples of stop motion animation. At the conclusion of this course, students will have learned how to: build a puppet suitable for animation; operate a camera and software for capturing their work; achieve smooth movement and believable timing in stop motion animation. Prerequisite: AN 2420 Animation Sound Design + Video Production
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis second thesis class provides students with continued opportunity to create and produce an animated film that further expands their styles, skills and techniques. Students utilize pre-production progress gained within AN 3341 and AN 3342. Following the schedules developed in Thesis I, students are able to successfully complete the animation production process. Using the plan visualized through the animatics, students work through tasks and problems as each shot is animated and rendered. Post production includes editing the shots, syncing all sound and music and final delivery and projection of the film. At the conclusion of the class, students have completed the process of animation production and the film envisioned in Thesis I. Prerequisites: AN 3341 2-D Animation Thesis 1 or AN 3342 3-D Animation Thesis 1
- NameCreditsDescriptionThe Senior Portfolio Review is scheduled at the end of the term preceding the final term of study. The review begins students’ preparation for the graduation exhibition and for transition from the academic environment to the professional world. The student’s demo/graduation show reel is critiqued by department faculty, as well as discuss about their post graduation plans. Prerequisite: AN 3000 Animation Sophomore/Junior Portfolio Review
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents explore different stylistic approaches for individual animated productions, and design original characters and environments. Areas of study include perspective, character and prop model sheets, background and character layouts, and proportion sheets (for multiple characters in a production). In addition, students produce full color samples of their master backgrounds and color keys of the main characters. Upon completion of this course, students will have a greater working knowledge of perspective and composition, knowledge of how these pertain to cinematic motion and design, and several finished works for their portfolios. Prerequisite: AN 3310 Character Animation + Motion Studies or AN 3720 3-D Computer Animation Motion Studies
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents learn about business practices in the animation industry, including business organization and operation as employer or employee, studio specialist or freelance generalist. Current and historic developments in copyright law are studied, as well as the ethical/non-ethical uses of animation. At the conclusion of this course, students will have assessed their animation education through the lens of the reality of the business world, and assessed their expectations for a career in animation. Students will understand the realities of the budgeting process, learned procedures for legal use and protection of copyright, and developed an understanding of the ethical use of this art form. Prerequisite: AN 1310 History of International Animation
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course is designed to simulate a real production studio environment. Students work together to produce a high-quality short film. Together, students combine their ideas into a cohesive theme, using skill sets learned in previous courses. Students’ collective knowledge is used to develop an idea, write the script, produce a storyboard, and design the look and feel of the animation. Students experience the importance of successful leadership and team member interactions. At the conclusion of the course, students will have completed the pre-production necessary for AN 4445 Collective 2. Prerequisite: AN 3840 2-D/3-D Animation Thesis 2
- Name3CreditsDescriptionAdvanced students explore their creative ideas by stepping outside the boundaries of digital animation technology and art through the historic study and creation of unique animation. This experimental course allows the exploration of various forms of computer animation as a means of expression. Upon completion of the course, students will have expanded their artistic style through the creation of a finished animation. Prerequisites: AN 4420 3-D Advanced Dynamics + SFX
- Name3CreditsDescriptionFollowing AN 4330 Animation Collective 1, this course focuses on completion of the animation production and post-production, including key-frame character animation, effects animation, rendering, editing, and final sound. Students learn the value of cooperation for achievement of a goal, and gain experience in conflict resolution. At the conclusion of the course, the collective team will have successfully completed a high-quality film suitable for entry in film festivals. Prerequisite: AN 4330 Animation Collective 1
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents study compositing techniques for matting 2-D and 3-D animation with live action. Techniques include blue/green screen set-up, lighting and camera techniques, using 2D/3D, motion tracking and compositing software. Students explore necessary pre and post-production project planning strategies to ensure seamless results invisible to the viewer. This is an advanced class/ Technical Director level. At the conclusion of the course, students will have practical experience in visualizing, planning, and executing original and innovative approaches to the seamless combination of different layers of art, as well a finished piece representing the work. Prerequisite: AN 3320 2-D Computer Animation or AN 3660 3-D Computer Animation Lighting + Materials
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Animation Electives: 6 credits
We recommend any two of the following:
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course is designed to give students an opportunity to experience another facet of animation pre-production: the script. Students develop a rough story idea, including characters, settings, conflicts, resolutions, and develop of a final, 22-minute script. Several smaller creative assignments lead to the final project. At the conclusion of the course, students will understand how to write a short script, have a body of creative pre-production suitable for animation development, and understand the aspects of storytelling that make a film memorable and successful. Prerequisite: AN 2310 Creative Visualization
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis elective is an introduction to the arena of interactive game design. Students create digital animations that may be used in game design and creation. At the conclusion of the course, students understand the foundations of good game design, including story development, level design and modeling, lighting and texturing. Prerequisite: AN 3360 3-D Computer Animation Concepts + Techniques
- Name3CreditsDescriptionAn advanced Technical Director class that examines basic programming and scripting techniques as related to specific CGI applications. Included are research, development, writing and testing of expressions and plug-ins for 2-D and 3-D software. Projects are integrated with other animation classes to solve production problems or create new CGI tools. At the conclusion of the course, students will have gained practical experience with various professional scripting/programming procedures by applying them to specific Animation Department production problems, and have a finished piece representing the work. Prerequisite: AN 4420 3-D Advanced Dynamics + SFX
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Foundation Studies: 21 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the use of the computer as an image-making tool used across all art/design disciplines. Students are introduced to Photoshop and Illustrator techniques as well to printing and type management. At the conclusion of this course students will demonstrate their ability to solve visual, compositional, and technical problems on Mac/PC platforms. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course investigates the language, theories, and practices of color and two-dimensional design in the visual arts. This course familiarizes students with the basic relationships between color and compositional practices such as space, unity, emphasis, balance, rhythm, and proportion. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course investigates the creative possibilities found in the act of drawing and thinking. Students draw from seen and invented subject matter to practice with conceptual ideas, experimental materials, and techniques. Drawing exercises emphasize composition, positive/negative space, figure-ground relationship, and multiple points of view. At the conclusion of this course students demonstrate improved ability to implement creative, expressive, and personal solutions to visual problems. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to methods of structural based drawing through rigorous observational practices. With an emphasis on composition, ideas such as light, shade, value contrast, tone, proportion, texture, mass, volume, and technique are introduced. Utilizing the study of natural and man-made objects, students become familiar with one, two, and three point perspective. At the conclusion of this course the students demonstrate improved knowledge and skills in translating what is observed from life into 2-D picture plane. Prerequisite: FD 1275 Drawing 2c
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course focuses on the basic anatomy of the human figure. Students improve their understanding of figure drawing through the studies of skeletal structures and muscle masses. Issues such as foreshortening, accurate proportion, lighting, and composition are explored. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to expressive issues in drawing the human figure. Students learn to analyze the figure in terms of planes, masses, shapes, action, proportion, rhythm and personal mark making. Areas covered include: gesture, quick sketch, long poses, foreshortening and composition. Prerequisite: FD 1370 Life Drawing 1
- Name0CreditsDescriptionThis is a non-credit portfolio review taken by all Freshmen at the end of their second semester of study. Attendance at the Freshman portfolio review is mandatory as this is a graduation requirement. Prerequisite: two semesters of Foundation study
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course explores theories and practices of three-dimensional design. Students use a variety of materials, processes, and techniques to explore fundamental issues such as volume mass, gravity, tension, compression, light, color, and structure. Prerequisite: FD 1115 Visual Design 1
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Communication and Critical Thought: 6 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the first course in the Liberal Studies sequence and serves as an introduction to college-level reading, writing, discussion and presentation. Relying upon significant works from our intellectual tradition as stimuli, students will increase their writing skills using a number of different genres and further develop oral communication skills commensurate with those required at the college level. Prerequisite: none
- Name0CreditsDescriptionWritten and Oral Communication Lab is designed to promote student success in college. By focusing on strategies and skills critical to academic progress and to personal adjustment, students become successful in college and throughout adult life. Six major topics such as research methods and are addressed within the Lab curriculum. Each topic is introduced within a large group session, then explored in depth within small group sessions. Students attend twelve sessions altogether, with the first session scheduled during Week 3 of the semester. At the conclusion of the labs students will demonstrate increased understanding of what academic success entails and be empowered to make appropriate choices for their own academic careers. Prerequisite: must be taken concurrently with WO1020 Written + Oral Communication
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn this second and final course in freshman reading and writing, students explore major paradigms of aesthetic theory. Building upon the work of WO 1020, WO 1060 challenges students to greater complexity of thought and greater competency in verbal and written argumentation. Together, WO 1020 and WO 1060 provide the foundations for the rest of the Liberal Studies curriculum. Thus students will develop information literacy and research abilities, will critically examine the understanding of their own aesthetic, and will foster appropriate levels of communication necessary to proceed in their college careers. Prerequisite: WO 1020 Written + Oral Communication and WO1025 Written + Oral Communication Lab
History of Art + Design: 12 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the first of four required courses in the history of art and design, students explore the major artists, movements and artistic themes of the Western tradition, beginning with Prehistoric art and concluding with the Gothic in the late thirteenth century. Lectures and readings examine ways in which artists conceive of religion, society, politics and the role of men and women within their historical and stylistic context. In addition, the course considers various media and materials, such as painting, sculpture, and architecture, and the fundamentals of design and composition. At the conclusion of this course, students will recognize a broad range of artists, works, and styles from ancient to medieval art. Further, students will learn to conduct research within the discipline of art history, and write knowledgeably on topics from ancient to medieval art. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the second of four required courses in the history of art and design, students explore the major artists, movements and artistic themes of the Western tradition, beginning with the Renaissance and concluding with contemporary art of the twenty-first century. Lectures and readings examine ways in which artists conceive of religion, society, politics and the role of men and women within their historical and stylistic context. In addition, the course considers various media and materials, such as painting, sculpture, and architecture, and the fundamentals of design and composition. At the conclusion of this course, students will recognize a broad range of artists, works, and styles from Renaissance to contemporary art. Further, students will learn to conduct research within the discipline of art history, and write knowledgeably on topics from Renaissance to contemporary art. Prerequisite: AH 1010 Art + Design History 1: Ancient to Medieval
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the third of four courses focusing on the history of art and design, students study the painting, sculpture, craft, architecture and design of Africa, India, Southeast Asia, China, the Pacific, and the Americas. Students encounter appropriate works from the prehistoric period to the present, exploring the cultural, religious, political and historical circumstances of their creation. Nonwestern art and design are studied both in their own national and cultural contexts and from the perspective of the European cultures. Prerequisite: AH 1020 Art + Design 2: Renaissance to Contemporary
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the last of four required courses, students concentrate on one topic in the history of modern and contemporary art and design. Advanced studies are designed to allow students to focus intensively on themes, issues, and theoretical frameworks that define twentieth and twenty-first century art and design. Lectures, readings and assignments emphasize research, writing, and oral presentations. Topics vary from one semester to another. Sample topics include: Modern Latin American Art, Abstract Expressionism, The History of Photography, Modern German Art. At the conclusion of this course, students possess a deeper understanding of art historical movements, methods, and theories. Further, students refine and deepen their research and writing skills, researching and writing knowledgeably on topics from the course. Prerequisite: AH 2010 History of Art + Design in the Nonwestern World
Humanities + Contemporary Thought: 9 credits
Seminar 1, Seminar 2 and one other course.- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the first of three courses in which students examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. Students read primary source materials from a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, social and political history, drama, poetry, fiction, music, sciences and religion. The goal of this course is not to provide full historical “coverage,” but to give students a basic intellectual vocabulary with which to engage in honest self-examination and thoughtful, reflective discourse. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the second in a series of three courses in which students examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. Students read primary source materials from a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, social and political history, drama, poetry, fiction, music, sciences and religion. The goal of this course is not to provide full historical “coverage,” but to help students develop increasingly sophisticated intellectual vocabulary with which to engage in honest self-examination and thoughtful, reflective discourse. Prerequisite: HU 2010 Humanities Seminar 1
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. In this final course, students focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. At the conclusion of the course students will have developed paradigms to understand the body from a variety of forms and across disciplinary and institutional contexts. Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspectives from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. In this final course, students focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. At the conclusion of the course students will have developed a heightened awareness of theatre through a multi-disciplinary study, incorporating both theoretical perspectives and practical experiences. Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. “Identity and Power” examines the role of society and culture in the construction of gender and ethnic differences in the American historical and contemporary contexts. As a result of work in this course, students will: know the history of the feminist movement and the civil rights movement in the United States from the 1800’s to the present; understand the impact of these movements on politics and self-identity; critically examine the role of society and culture in the construction of gender and ethnic differences; understand and use social theory to explore social inequalities. Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the third in the series of three courses in which students examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. This seminar focuses on the activity of consumption in a variety of forms, emphasizing the various relations of human beings to the goods they produce, desire, exchange, and use. In this final course of the Humanities series, students focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. Thus students develop a broad familiarity with the nineteenth century rise and twentieth century development of economic trends and their impact on philosophical, historical and social relations. Further, students gain a greater awareness of the complexities of economic structures and systems that permeate every aspect of contemporary culture. Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2
Mathematics: 3 credits
Choose one of the following:
- Name3CreditsDescriptionFor students who need a fresh start, this course will cover the basic mathematical concepts and skills that are relevant to anyone. This course starts with elementary mathematical operations, followed by the basic concepts of functional analysis, graphs, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability and statistics. Concepts will be introduced with examples that emphasize problem solving using visualization of the problem. Applications will address the many manifestations of mathematical laws in nature. Intended for those with little mathematical background. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to solve simple mathematical equations, use and understand graphical methods, understand the mathematics of patterns found in nature and art, and appreciate the relevance of mathematics to everyday life: general scientific issues, polls, finance and business. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to aspects of mathematics that are particularly relevant to art and design. A basic knowledge of mathematics is required (first year of high school level). Topics include: numeric and geometric patterns in art and nature (Fibonacci series, tilling), symmetry, perspective, polyhedra, equations and graphs of trajectories, computer graphics, and fractals. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to apply mathematical equations to solve problems related to the topics listed above. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents are exposed to the principles and practices of financial management in the contemporary world. Topics include basic financial concepts and tools, business plans, financial statement analysis, and working capital management investment strategies. Students set an earning goal and design a business plan and investment strategy to reach that goal. Prerequisite: none
Physical + Natural Science: 3 credits
Choose any one of the following:
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course examines climate change from the perspective of several scientific disciplines. The class will introduce students to scientific thinking with concepts from plant ecology, glaciology, earth science and meteorology. Students will learn how scientists have begun to understand the earth as an integrated system. Special note will be taken of features in the intermountain West such as snowfields, glaciers, gas, oil and coal fields and emerging trends in energy use. At the conclusion of this course students will have the tools to critically evaluate climate issues using scientific principles to critique a rapidly evolving world of conscious consumerism and energy use. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the major processes responsible for the physical appearance of our planet and for the changes in our environment. Through the study of minerals and rocks, and through field trips to explore the striking geology of Colorado, students study plate tectonics, volcanism, oceanography and ecological issues. Students explore the connections between art and design and earth science. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents explore the basic aspects of life on Earth, including its requirements and patterns; its basic units; the organization of the living world; and the interdependence of living organisms. The concepts of flow of matter and energy; heredity and natural selection; population dynamics; and community interactions are also examined. Field trips and case studies are used to evaluate the living world. After completion of this course, students will be able to understand how biology explains the living world, and to address the questions of evolution and ethics that face the world today. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionHuman Ecology examines our relationship to the environment through an analysis of our historical and theoretical understanding of the relationship amongst the environment, our biology, and our cultures and through a review of ecological principles and terms. Topics will include, amongst others, disease, sustainability, famine, and pollution at the local and global levels. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to knowledgeably discuss and write about the key theories in ecological anthropology, including the historical contexts in which they arose and environmental issues within the contexts of politics, economics, culture, and the environment. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
Social + Behavioral Sciences: 6 credits
Choose two of the following:
- Name3CreditsDescriptionAnthropology is the study of human beings throughout time and across space. In this course, students explore human evolution, our place in the animal kingdom, our knowledge of others, and our knowledge of ourselves through a focus on specific peoples and cultures. Students also critically evaluate our perceived understanding of other cultures and the role of that understanding in our own culture. Outcomes: Students will learn about a variety of cultures; grasp and use the principles governing the discipline of anthropology, including its methods of research and writing. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents investigate the multitude of environmental elements that contribute to the development of the personality or the “self.” Humans are born into a preexisting world of social demands and expectations, and so each person’s entry into and journey through that world shapes the personality in many ways; the individual journey takes place in the midst of social forces over which one has little or no control. This course provides an understanding of the balance between the internal workings of individuals and the external forces surrounding them. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents explore the nature and function of belief structures or “world views.” The dynamic, living relationship between a religious organization or world view and its immediate cultural environment provides a “living laboratory” for the study of beliefs and believers. Students will gain initial exposure to Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The course focuses on the understanding of basic tenets of, as well as the similarities and differences between, belief systems and on developing tolerance for others’ views. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionBiological Anthropology examines human biology and genetics within an evolutionary framework. Beginning with basic genetics, students explore how we are similar to other animals and how we are unique. From this foundation, the uses, ramifications, and ethics of our knowledge of our biology and genetics will be studied and discussed. At the end of the course students will be able to knowledgeably discuss and write about biological anthropology, genetics and related ethical implications; human evolution; and our biological and genetic adaptations to the environment. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design