DAT Courses Offered
Overall, if you plan to run the entire Creative Cloud, you should be running Windows 10, have a minimum of a 64-bit processor running 2 GHz or faster, 32 gigabytes of RAM, 4 gigabytes of VRAM, and adequate space (over 65 Gigabytes of space on your hard-drive to handle the installs and leave space for the computer to be able to process things). Look at the minimum specs for each Adobe App at the bottom of the page if you only plan on downloading a select few.
DAT 1001 Introduction to Digital Arts: (Previously DAT 101 Introduction to Digital Arts)
This course explores different Adobe Creative Cloud tools. We begin with Photoshop and move through the following in the order listed: Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Animate, Premiere, After Effects, Audition, and Dreamweaver. This course is designed to introduce you to the similarities and differences of each program. This course is required of DAT majors, but any student can benefit from what is taught. There is a small writing component and ethics will be discussed throughout. The main objective of this course is a small portfolio piece culminating in a simple website that includes a short promo video. *
DAT 1002 Introduction to Photography: (Previously DAT 102 Introduction to Photography)
The course helps students understand using DSLR camera functions to creatively capture quality photographs. Composition, light and dark, rule of thirds are concepts that will be explored. At the end of the semester, you will have a portfolio of photographs that will represent your growth in the medium. This course requires a DSLR camera (or an approved digital camera with manual functions) and a memory card; cell phones will not suffice past the first week or two of classes. It is also beneficial to have a USB drive and a tripod. The instructor can help guide you on finding an affordable camera.
DAT 1111 - Foundations of Web Development: (Previously DAT 104 Multimedia Authoring I)
This is a coding class that introduces you to HTML, CSS, and some JavaScript. While the course is designed to use Adobe Dreamweaver, it can be completed using NotePad ++ (free but cumbersome for newbies to coding). This course will explain in detail what goes into creating anything an audience views in a digital format. All software and apps that we use have some type of code/programming allowing us to see the colors, words, placement, animation, and interaction, to name a few. This trio is the best segue into that world. HTML provides the content, CSS gives the appeal, and JavaScript adds interactivity. This course will result in the creation of a much more sophisticated website than that of DAT 1001. *
DAT 1221 - Digital Layout: (Previously DAT 106 Digital Design)
This course focuses on the use of Adobe InDesign for both print and web. The final product will be an interactive PDF resume/portfolio template that can be refined as you progress through the DAT program. *
DAT 1211 - Digital Graphics: (Previously DAT 108 Digital Imaging I)
This is the backbone of all the other digital art courses. The overarching idea is to gain a strong working knowledge of the tools in Photoshop (PS) to produce convincing composite images. Tools in Illustrator will be explored initially and then translated into the PS workspace. Efficient workflow and organization will be emphasized. The final piece produced will be an original surreal creation utilizing multiple images (ethically sourced) into a print worthy color poster. *
DAT 1411 - Video Foundations: (Previously DAT 110 Digital Video Production I)
This course concentrates on the production process including pre-production, production, and post-production. Composition, lighting, and storyboarding, among other key topics, will be explored early in the semester. Cell phones are acceptable for capturing video footage. The book for this course is The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video. **
DAT 1125 - Interactive Media Design: (Previously DAT 116 Interactive Media)
The book for this course is TBD. DESCRIPTION COMING SOON!
DAT 1311 - 2D Animation for Digital Arts: (Previously DAT 205 Multimedia Authoring II)
The focus of this course is on asset creation and the art of animation. The 12 principles of animation will be introduced and explored. It is rare that one person is responsible for an entire animation, so understanding what is needed for a given project and producing it for others to work with will prepare you for working in the animation field. **
DAT 1321 - Fundamentals of 3D Graphics: (Previously DAT 212 3D Graphics & Animation I)
This course will explore animation utilizing Autodesk's Maya software. Proper modeling will be stressed. **
DAT 2131 - Multi-platform Web Development: (Previously DAT 215 Multimedia Web Authoring)
DESCRIPTION COMING SOON!
DAT 1511 - Electronic Audio Production I: (DAT 218 Electronic Music & Audio Technology I)
DESCRIPTION COMING SOON! ***
DAT 2511 - Electronic Audio Production II: (DAT 219 Electronic Music & Audio Technology II)
DESCRIPTION COMING SOON! ***
DAT 1525 - Acoustics and Sound Design: (Previously DAT 220 Acoustics & Sound Design)
This is a field-recording course with some Foley work (applying audio sound enhancements/effects to video in post-production). It is a post-production course, but you will be responsible for acquiring some original sound. The book for this course is The Recording Engineer’s Handbook, 3rd edition. ***
DAT 2411 - Video Editing and Enhancements: (Previously DAT 224 Digital Video Production II)
As a continuation of the DAT 1441 course, you will utilize the knowledge gained there and add more complex editing skills into the mix. Advanced editing techniques, color correction, and sound sweetening are some of the skills that will be refined. Premiere is the main software that will be used, with Audition handling the audio sweetening. A cell phone should be sufficient for gathering any necessary footage. ***
DAT 2211 - Image Compositing: (Previously DAT 230 Digital Imaging II)
DESCRIPTION COMING SOON!
DAT 2321 - 3D Animation: (Previously DAT 234 3D Graphics & Animation II)
This course is a continuation of DAT 1331 and will utilize Autodesk's Maya. The 12 principles of animation will be employed. **
DAT 2221 - Vector Imaging: (Previously DAT 236 Digital Illustration)
After initial exposure to Illustrator during the DAT 1221 course, this is a deep dive into the powerhouse of the software. Working with vector graphics is necessary for anyone who plans to work in the digital realm. This course will push your creativity further than you thought possible, exposing you to several ways to utilize the tools at hand. **
DAT 2535 - Studio and On-Site Recording: (Previously DAT 237 Principles of Sound Recording)
This course presents an in-depth study of the techniques and methodologies used in studio and live recording. You will be expected to complete work resulting in the recording, editing, and mastering of a live or studio project. If you decide to work from home, you will also need to purchase Avid Pro-Tools, a microphone, and an audio interface. ***
DAT 2145 - Programming for the Arts: (Previously DAT 240 Multimedia Authoring III)
DESCRIPTION COMING SOON!
DAT 2990 - Digital Arts Project: (Previously DAT 290 Digital Arts Project)
This is intended as the final course in your DAT journey. You will choose the project that will be included in your portfolio. This could be a website, an interactive magazine, a 30second to 1.5-minute animation, a 3 to 7-minute video, a demo reel, an EP, or countless other options that would help highlight what path you would like to pursue post-graduation. The software you need depends on the project you choose. You will be working independently with guidance and deadlines that replicate real world experience. At the conclusion of the semester, you will be responsible for handing in a digital version of your project on a USB that also includes a digital version of your accompanying paper. Also required is a hard copy of your paper that follows set expectations and, if your project has a tangible component, like a printed magazine, that should be included as well.
* A USB drive (minimum of 8 gigabytes) is required.
** While you could get away with a USB drive (minimum of 64 gigabytes), it is strongly suggested you get an external hard drive (250 gigabytes or more). During the holiday season, they tend to significantly decrease in price, so if you need to wait that is an option.
*** A USB drive (minimum of 8 gigabytes) is required, along with a set of over-the-ear stereo headphones with a 1/4 jack or adapter. If you decide to work from home, you will also need to purchase Avid Pro-Tools and an audio interface.