CGAUIW / Computer Graphic Arts at the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
 
- BFA Curriculum
- Portfolio Review
- Course Descriptions
- Downloadable Forms
  BFA Packet (Fall 06)
  BA Packet (Legacy)

The following are simple descriptions of the courses that are offered in the CART program. The track, semester taught and course level are listed, along with the prerequisite (if necessary).

CART 1101 - Orientation to CART
This lecture course serves as the entry-level course for incoming freshman entering the computer graphic arts program. The course will cover curriculum issues, industry norms and standards, curriculum expectations, and graphics standard practices.
Prerequisites: None
 
CART 1301 - Introduction to Computer Graphics
This studio lecture course is a basic overview of computer graphics. Hands-on training with web browsing, word processing, page layout, digital image making, scanning and printing. Topics include computer graphics concepts, terminology, processes, and procedures. This course fulfills the UIW Computer Literacy core requirement for CART majors only.
Prerequisites: None
 
CART 1302 - Digital Imaging
This studio/lecture course covers principles of digital image processing and electronic illustration. Emphasis on raster and vector image making and the creative aspects of electronic illustration for commercial and fine art applications. Topics include integration of text and images, creative drawing and painting, photography concepts and printing practices.
Prerequisites: None
 
CART 1310 - Visual Language
This studio course examines concepts that allow design and visual media to communicate a specific message. Students will undertake projects that examine the role of visual semantics, syntatics and pragmatics in order to better understand the role of design in communication.
Prerequisites: GD Track
 
CART 1380 - Foundations of Digital Design
This studio/lecture course investigates the fundamental concepts of two-dimensional design elements and principles and how they relate to visual communication design. Emphasis for this course is in the theory of design incorporating standard digital tools to aid in this exploration period. Topics include understanding communication design using two-dimensional design elements and principles, comparing and contrasting various design styles using digital techniques and tools, and a historical overview and analysis of design through art and design history.
Prerequisites: None
 
CART 1390 - Typography (GD only)
This studio/lecture course explores fundamental concepts of typography and the relationship between typography and communication. Topics may include letterforms, the expressive qualities of type, typographic systems and use of type as a visual problem-solving tool.
Prerequisites: None
 
CART 2300 - Web I - Basic Web Design
This studio/lecture course covers internet web page design, web page animation and related graphic design issues including mark-up languages, web sites, Internet access software, and interactive topics.
Prerequisites: CART 1390
 
CART 2300 - Web I - Basic Web Design for 3D
This studio/lecture course covers internet web page design, web page animation and related graphic design issues including mark-up languages, web sites, Internet access software, and interactive topics.
Prerequisites: 3D track
 
CART 2301 - 3D Animation I - Modeling
This studio/lecture course covers basic 3D modeling and rendering techniques. Emphasis on building and modifying 3D geometry, defining surface materials, lights and cameras, rendering still images. Topics include historical overview and theoretical analysis of digital 3D modeling and rendering.
Prerequisites: 3D track
 
CART 2304 - Concepting
This lecture/studio course focuses on the design process as it is used to enhance creative visual communications. Emphasis will be placed on throughly exploring multiple solutions through drawing and on the critical analysis needed to develop ideas into successful and refined design solutions. Students will use a combination of drawing techniques, problem solving methods and verbal/visual ideation.
Prerequisites: GD track
 
CART 2310 - Print I - Basic Print Design
This studio/lecture course covers basic issues in page layout, development of grid systems and page design for sequence and series applications. Also covered are print and pre-press production concepts.
Prerequisites: CART 1390
 
CART 2311 - 3D Animation II - Animation
This studio/lecture course covers basic 3D animation techniques. Emphasis on keyframe animation, hierarchical motion, inverse kinematics, morphing and camera motion. Topics include historical overview and theoretical analysis of digital 3D animation.
Prerequisites: CART 2301
 
CART 3300 - Web II - Advanced Web Design
This studio/lecture course is an advanced seminar in a web design. Topics include scripting, web site planning, testing, security, production, and marketing. Incorporation of recent developments in the field of Internet communications into a web site.
Prerequisites: CART 2300
 
CART 3300 - Web II - Advanced Web Design for 3D
This studio/lecture course is an advanced seminar in a web design. Topics include scripting, web site planning, testing, security, production, and marketing. Incorporation of recent developments in the field of Internet communications into a web site.
Prerequisites: 3D track
 
CART 3301 - 3D Animation III - Narrative Animation
This studio/lecture course covers narrative 3D computer animation. Emphasis on storytelling, continuity, virtual cinematography, and digital editing. Topics include historical overview and analysis of 3D special effects in cinema and video.
Prerequisites: CART 2311
 
CART 3310 - Print II - Visual Systems
Intermediate Print Design. This studio/lecture course covers concepts and techniques used in establishing visual identity, establishing brand identity and working on multiple platforms (PC and Macintosh). Also covered are additional commercial print and production concepts.
Prerequisites: CART 2310
 
CART 3311 - 3D Animation IV - Character Animation
This studio/lecture course covers 3D character animation. Empahsis on the creation of a detailed charater with personality and complex, expressive movement. Topics include historical overview and analysis of 3D animated characters in cinema and video.
Prerequisites: CART 3301
 
CART 3321 - History of Animation (3D only)
This lecture course is a survey of the history of animation and special effects. Overview includes traditional, experimental, and digital media. Emphasis is placed on the history of US animation; however, international animation will also be covered extensively.
Prerequisites: None
 
CART 33xx - Visual Narrative Conventions
This lecture course applies the concepts in visual literacy towards understanding core concepts of narrative structure. How to create mood and message through lighting, music, framing, composition, and duration will be analyzed through film vocabulary, cinematic technique observation, and film history overviews.
Prerequisites: CART 2311 & 3321
 
CART 4100 - Commercial Arts Seminar*
The lecture course serves as an introduction to the trends of the business. It includes presentations by professional digital artists, business people, and vendors. Also includes research projects to increase awareness of digital media source information. This one credit course can be repeated every semester. Minimum of five times is required for graduation.
Prerequisites: None
 
CART 4300 - Web III - Adv Multimedia & DB Integration
This studio/lecture course covers integration of e-commerce centered web design. Emphasis on online purchasing, multimedia content optimization, and web content delivery.
Prerequisites: CART 3300
 
CART 4301 - Advanced Projects Practicum
This studio/lecture course gives students an opportunity to apply all the skills and concepts gained in earlier classes. Emphasis on producing large-scale, high-quality, creative work for inclusion in the Senior Portfolio. Topics focus on areas of specialization, thoroughly investigating issues of current interest in Computer Graphic Arts.
Prerequisites: CART 3300 & 3310
 
CART 4302 - Co-op Internship
On-the-job training and observation at a Computer Graphic Arts related business. Work 15-20 hours per week and meet with instructor 1 hour per week. Topics include ’real-world’ work place conditions and standards.
Prerequisites: CART 3300 & 3310 (GD) or 3311
 
CART 4303 - Senior Portfolio
This studio/lecture course is the final course for the CART Degree. Emphasis on preparation and enhancement of a professional portfolio. Topics include job-seeking strategies, presentation skills, enhacement of a professional portfolio.
Prerequisites: Taken your last Spring semeste
 
CART 4310 - Print III - Information Design
This studio/lecture course covers concepts and techniques for informational and wayfinding design. Also covered are additional print and production concepts.
Prerequisites: CART 3310
 
CART 4311 - 3D Animation V - Production
This studio/lecture course covers theories and procedures for producing digital video/audio files using desktop computers. Much focus will be on the team aspect of 3D production.
Prerequisites: CART 3311
 
CART 4330 - History of Communication Design
This lecture course covers the history of contemporary communication design with an emphasis on the design in the context of society and culture. The focus will be on 20th century to present.
Prerequisites: ARTH 2362
 
CART 43xx - Special Topics
Not available.
Prerequisites: CART 4300 & 4310
 
CART 43xx - Business of Design
This lecture course covers how the communication design industry is structured, and issues related to work as a professional designer. These include estimating and billing, legal, ethical and tax issues, running a studio, professional resources and other issues likely to be encountered in a design career.
Prerequisites: Taken final Spring semester
 

* This course must be taken five (5) times for those in the Graphic Design track, and six (6) times for the 3D Animation track.

   
Change Style: