FVA 101. Introduction to Film (3;AR)
Three hours per week. A seminar course that explores various aspects of filmmaking, which may include script development, pre-production, film music, new technology, sound design, digital cinematography, basic computer animation, studio versus independent films and other interesting film concepts.

FVA 201. Elements of Screenwriting (3;AR)
Three hours per week. Prerequisites: FVA 101. A basic immersion in and introduction to screenwriting, which will cover idea development, outlining, treatments, story, character, conflict, visual story-telling, setting, dialogue, emotional tone, stage directions, professional format, the Five-Minute Short Film, and the Workshop Process.

FVA 260. 3D Modeling and Design (4; F)
Six hours per week. No pre-requisites. This introductory class teaches effective techniques for designing, modeling, texture-mapping, lighting and rendering 3D models. Students explore polygonal, NURBS and Subdivision Surfaces modeling techniques. The instructor emphasizes efficiency, animatability and quad-based topology throughout the class. Students learn appropriate methods of displaying their models in print and video.)

FVA 261. Basic Computer Animation (4; S) 
Six hours per week. Prerequisite: None. This is a course in bringing characters to life through proper animation mechanics. Starting from a simple bouncing ball and proceeding to more complex characters, students will learn the principles of animation by animating characters to solve animation problems. The class also addresses the necessary modeling and rendering skills needed to turn their animations into a working demo reel.

FVA 276. Special Topics in Film (var. 1-4, AR)
Three hours per week. May be repeated for credit as content changes. Particular topics or themes in film and its technology.

FVA 301. Advanced Screenwriting (3;AR)
Three hours per week. Prerequisites: FVA 201. Advanced study and practicum in writing feature-length screenplays, with emphasis on creating works for production, sale, and/or publication.

FVA 361. Time Based Art (4;F)
Six hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 251 or permission of instructor. This course examines the effect time has within the digital domain and in the physical world. It places a primary focus on the exploration of digital sound environments, 2-D animation, broadcast graphics, and digital video. Instruction encompasses screen-delivered computer graphics, as well as alternative output options.

FVA 362. Character Modeling and Animation (4;F)
Six hours per week pre-requisites FVA 261. This course covers the fundamentals of designing, modeling, texture mapping and articulating characters to be used in an animation environment. Building on lessons learned in previous animation classes, students learn how modeling and rigging relates to and facilitates 3D Character animation. This class connects with and enhances Intermediate Computer Animation.

FVA 365 Intermediate Computer Animation (4; F)
Six hours per week. Prerequisite: FVA 261 Basic Computer Animation. Building on topics from earlier classes, this class will explore mid-level animation projects involving weight transfer, lip synch and action sequencing. Efficient compositing, proper animation editing and appropriate project development techniques will serve as core concepts for the class.

FVA 371: Cinematography Workshop (4;AR)
Three hours per week. Prerequisites: FVA 101. A hands-on workshop and lab course in which students learn video and film photography, including basic essentials such as composition, cameras, lenses, film stock, lighting and related areas. The workings of departments such as Technical Operations will be explored, as will Electric, Grip, Gaffer and lab skills.

FVA 376. Special Topics in Film (var. 1-4, AR)
Three hours per week. May be repeated for credit as content changes. Particular topics or themes in film and its technology.

FVA 461. Advanced Computer Animation  (4; S)
Six hours per week. Prerequisite: FVA 362. May be repeated for credit up to nine hours. This class covers complex issues in computer animation production. Students are expected to be capable of seeking out knowledge. Students learn effects animation and advanced rendering techniques coupled with preproduction and pre-visualization methodologies. The goal is the production of a short 45 second film while demonstrating the ability to independently plan and execute a longer thesis next year.

FVA 471: Directing Workshop (4;AR)
Three hours per week.  Prerequisites: FVA 371.  A survey workshop exploring the visualization of script material through the directing of scenes and exercises. A special focus will be working with the actor, along with interpreting the screenplay through the camera and performance, directing the camera and the actor, and running the set.

FVA 476. Special Topics in Film (var. 1-4, AR)
Three hours per week. May be repeated for credit as content changes. Particular topics or themes in film and its technology.

FVA 480WI. Senior Thesis (3;F)
Three hours per week. Prerequisites: Senior classification in Film major, completion of at least 50 credit hours in the major, and review by faculty. This course involves intensive development and enhancement of film studies concentration. Creation of cohesive body of work in support of thesis; expansion and presentation of portfolio in writing format or electronic reel.

FVA 481SI. Senior Thesis (3;S)
Three hours per week. Prerequisites: Senior classification in Film Studies major, successful completion of FVA 480, and successful completion of at least 50 credit hours in major. Continuation of Senior Thesis, while focusing on development of public speaking skills. Students learn to deliver skillful visual presentations, in a range of speech formats, including demonstration, advocacy/sales, mock job interview, etc.