Courses
Due to constantly evolving technology, the DMD department regularly updates their course offerings. This page should serve only as a guide. To view an updated list of DMD courses, see the official Course Catalog
Foundation Curriculum/Senior Capstone
Foundations in Digital Media and Design I
DMD 1001
Creative problem solving; empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing as means to innovate discovery in diverse fields.
Foundations in Digital Media and Design II
DMD 1002
Introduction to the fundamentals of storytelling through the use of a variety of practical digital media applications.
Design Lab I
DMD 1101
Exploration of the creation, manipulation, and reception of digital images through project-based work using image-editing software. Through lecture, discussion, projects and critique, students will develop, refine, and evaluate digital images and understand their artistic, social, and ethical ramifications.
Design Lab II
DMD 1102
Theory, principles, and practices of digital screen-based visual communication. Through a multi-disciplinary perspective involving art, design, art history, and media studies, students will address how culture visualizes screen-based communication through both image and type.
Independent Study
DMD 3099
Independent study in a Digital Media area of concentration.
Critical Perspectives on Digital Media
DMD 3010W
Critical thinking and writing about digital media objects, contexts, and “texts,” and how these participate in the social construction of human identities and belonging.
Variable Topics
DMD 3998
Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.
Portfolio and Professional Development: Putting it All Together
DMD 4025
Preparing advanced students for the transition to work by developing a professional grade portfolio, website, social media presence and communications collateral and skills.
Agency
DMD 4040
An immersive study of the role, structure, procedures, techniques and processes employed by a Brand Agency within the digital and social media spaces. May be repeated for up to six credits.
Senior Project
DMD 4075
Development of a project in the student's area of concentration that demonstrates vigorous and consistent thematic engagement and articulates both technical and conceptual sophistication.
Digital Media Internship
DMD 4081
Supervised professional experience in the student's field of study.
Senior Thesis
DMD 4086
Preparation and presentation of a thesis that demonstrates vigorous and consistent intellectual engagement and articulates technical, conceptual, and scholarly sophistication.
Motion Design & Animation
Motion Design and Animation I
DMD 2200
Introduction to creating visual effects and animated graphics.
Film and Video Editing I
DMD 2210
Introduction to digital editing, project management, working with sound and time-based storytelling.
3D Motion I
DMD 2230
Introduction to techniques of 3D motion such as modeling, lighting and texturing 3D forms; keyframes and keyframe interpolations; and motion graphics effectors and simulations.
Motion Design and Animation II
DMD 3200
Designed for digital animators and filmmaker to develop advanced skills using a combination of techniques and effects; including green screen, 2D particle systems, mattes, rotoscoping, sound sync and 2D character animation.
Experimental & Alternative Techniques
DMD 3210
An exploration of non-traditional techniques and mediums for creating motion graphics and animation.
Character Animation
DMD 3215
An in-depth exploration of character animation using a combination of digital and traditional techniques and principles.
Animating Science
DMD 3240
A project-based exploration of animated scientific visualizations and digital artworks inspired by science.
Advanced Motion Media
DMD 4200
Advanced exploration of motion media topics, including large-scale, collaborative, and interdisciplinary projects, and investigations in emerging motion media technologies.
3D Animation
Motion Design and Animation I
DMD 2200
Introduction to concepts and strategies for creating motion designs, animations, and visual effects.
3D Animation I
DMD 2300
Introduction to 3D Animation techniques including key framing, curve editing, timing, squash and stretch, walk cycles, and the 12 principles of animation.
3D Modeling I
DMD 2310
Introduction to creating polygonal 3D models using industry standard modeling tools, focusing on geometry construction based on reference images, edge flow, clean topology, and polygon density.
3D Lighting & Rendering I
DMD 2320
Introduction to dramatic lighting, 3-point lighting, shadows, materials, procedural textures, bump maps, displacement maps, ambient occlusion, ray tracing, and global illumination.
3D Animation II
DMD 3300
Continuation of the core animation principles to explore advanced animation techniques including character animation, deformations, and non-linear animation.
3D Modeling, Lighting and Rendering II
DMD 3310
Instruction and guidance in the techniques and critical understanding of modeling, including texturing the model, lighting, and rendering in animation specific to a 3D environment.
3D Simulations
DMD 3350
Offers students an intermediate understanding of the art and science of creating physical simulations, using particle systems and collision detection. Creation of complicated rendering and compositing setups that make animations both easier to render and more flexible within the bounds of any animation or VFX sequence.
3D Rigging
DMD 4310
Concepts of rigging, with emphasis on animated props and characters. Techniques for using and creating bones, constraints, skeletons, skinning and weight painting.
Advanced Compositing for Visual Effects
DMD 4340
Takes the students further into the art of visual effects, combining computer generated animation together and with live action footage.
Advanced 3D Research and Production
DMD 4350
Explores, develops and evaluates the research and skills in 3D animation production, focusing on each student’s own path of study.
Web / Interactive Media Design
Fundamentals of Programming for Game, Web, and Interactive Media Design
DMD 1060
Introduction to programming for artists and designers through a combination of lecture and hands-on studio exercises. Students learn the basic principles of computer programming which set the foundation for future courses in game, web, and interactive media design.
Web Design I
DMD 1070
Introduction to concepts, technologies and strategies for building contemporary websites.
User Interface Design
DMD 2470
Interface design fundamentals of websites, mobile applications, and interactive media installations. Students learn aesthetically engaging and usable human-computer interfaces through hands-on course projects, critiques, and discussions.
Interaction Design
DMD 3035
A critical overview of interaction design (including usability, evaluation, and cultural aspects) and a practical program of website and computer software interface creation.
Wearable Electronics and Interactive Objects
DMD 3420
Provides a basic understanding of electronics, key components, function, construction, and project design for wearable electronics and interactive objects. Concepts learned will form the core for students to continue to proactively explore and experiment with wearable electronics and interactive objects beyond the classroom.
Introduction to Mobile Application Development
DMD 3440
Through lecture and hands-on exercises, students will be introduced to the processes, technologies, and environment of mobile applications.
Advanced Web Design & Development
DMD 3470
Intermediate and advanced web design and development techniques, covering Cascading Style Sheets, XML, dynamic HTML with JavaScript, common frameworks, and the principles of site management. Advanced design concepts in website creation, such as efficient navigation design, designing for portability and accessibility, separating content from presentation for easy site updating and maintenance, planning interactivity, and search engine optimization.
Coding for Web and Interactive Media Design
DMD 3475
Explores intermediate programming techniques for web and interactive media projects.
Web III: Expert Topics in Web Development
DMD 4470
Expert topics in web design and development, including intensive instruction and hands-on development with databases and server-side programming to build web applications.
Web and Interactive Design Practicum
DMD 4475
Web technology is ever-changing and so, too, are techniques and workflows required in the production of web, mobile, and other digital products. Through the completion of real-world projects, this course examines modern workflows, emerging technologies, and the client-facing process in the world of web, mobile, and interactive design and development.
Game Design
Fundamentals of Programming for Game, Web, and Interactive Media Design
DMD 1060
Introduction to programming for artists and designers through a combination of lecture and hands-on studio exercises. Students learn the basic principles of computer programming which set the foundation for future courses in game, web, and interactive media design.
Introduction to Digital Game Design
DMD 2500
Introduction to the principles of game design and development. History of the industry, story and game mechanics.
Introduction to Game Scripting
DMD 2542
Fundamentals of gameplay scripting utilizing a current game engine. Numbers, strings, assignment, loops, functions, arrays, and available engine commands.
Game Production
DMD 2550
Practical investigation into the successful management of video game projects. Budgets, asset management plans, and risk evaluation of game development options. Relationship and team management, business aspects of the video game industry, and development of a video game project.
Wearable Electronics and Interactive Objects
DMD 3420
Provides a basic understanding of electronics, key components, function, construction, and project design for wearable electronics and interactive objects. Concepts learned will form the core for students to continue to proactively explore and experiment with wearable electronics and interactive objects beyond the classroom.
Interactive Storytelling
DMD 3500
A project-based exploration of the relationship of story, character and player in games. Students in this course will generate a short role-playing video game storyline.
3D Virtual World and Simulations
DMD 3520
Investigation of different virtual environments, simulations, and serious games and examine how game engines can be used to generate a three-dimensional computer-based environment. Students will create a 3D environment based on their own imagination and research.
Game Systems Design
DMD 3530
Students in this course are challenged to create a unique or refined interface within the context of websites or computer software. We examine various usability aspects of interaction to give a broad overview of critical topics within cultural requirements of interfaces, interface design, and evaluation.
Multiplayer Game Development
DMD 3540
Students create a multiplayer game experience based in a relevant game engine that adheres to or modifies the core mechanics to create a new multiplayer game experience.
Advanced Digital Game Design and Development
DMD 4500
Advanced study and application of digital game design and development, programming, 3D game environments, game testing, human computer interaction, quality assurance, and publishing.
Disruptive Technologies
DMD 4536
Exploration of emerging interactive technologies, creating rapid fire prototypes utilizing experimental hardware and software. These skills enable students to develop interactive installations and unique gameplay scenarios.
Advanced Game Scripting
DMD 4545
Master gameplay scripting within a commercial game engine. Emphasis is on foundational knowledge required for developing artificial intelligence models, rendering, and networking for games.
Digital Media Business Strategies
Digital Media Strategies for Business I
DMD 2700
Introduction to digital media concepts and platforms that are being used in companies’ marketing strategies and plans.
Social Media Business Applications
DMD 2710
Introduction to social media marketing, focusing on the platforms and strategies being employed by brands.
Brand Lab
DMD 3102
An interdisciplinary lab that explores and deploys the principles of strategic branding and identity design across traditional and digital environments.
Digital Media Analytics
DMD 3720
Provides a working knowledge of the array of metrics and analytics needed to understand the digital consumer and measure the effectiveness of digital media marketing.
Digital Consumer Behavior
DMD 3730
Explores and analyzes the changes in consumer decision-making and behavior in today’s digital world.
Digital Sports and Entertainment Studio
DMD 3740
The digital marketing landscape in sports and entertainment, including changes in the production, marketing, distribution, and consumption of sports and entertainment media properties.
Advanced Digital Analytics
DMD 4725
A project-based study of advanced digital analytics and social media listening tools and techniques. Students will utilize social listening and media intelligence platforms to conduct market research, analyze campaigns and digital initiatives, develop marketing strategy, and execute ongoing brand listening, crisis management, competitive intelligence, content analysis and reputation management initiatives. May be repeated for a total of six credits with a change in topic.
Digital Culture
History of Digital Culture
DMD 2010
Key episodes in the history of digital technology and digital media; values and norms that adhere to digital culture.
Introduction to Digital Humanities
DMD 2610
Application of digital technology and media to such subjects as art history, classics, cultural and area studies, history, languages, literature, music, and philosophy. A broad survey of the landscape of international and interdisciplinary digital humanities through the lens of ongoing work of faculty and staff researchers at the University of Connecticut.
Human Development, Digital Media, and Technology
DMD 2620
Social, economic, and cultural influences on youths' interactions with, and use of, technology for formal and informal learning. Examples include media literacy, digital divide, technology in education, cyberbullying, and other issues that have emerged since the rise of the World Wide Web and growth of social media.
History of Animation
DMD 3205
A history of animation from the late 19th-century through contemporary and emerging digital technologies.
History of Computer Graphics
DMD 3305
The history of computer-generated imagery (CG) from its beginnings to the present.
Collaborating with Cultural Organizations
DMD 3620
Exploration of the roles that current and emerging digital media technologies play in museums, archives, and other cultural organizations' public engagements. Partner collaborations are grounded in a critical review of history, theory, and contemporary practice. Integrated service learning component. Some class sessions held at collaborating institutions on campus.
Digital Film/Video Production
Motion Design and Animation I
DMD 2200
Introduction to creating visual effects and animated graphics.
Film and Video Editing I
DMD 2210
Introduction to digital editing, project management, working with sound and time-based storytelling.
Digital Cinematography I
DMD 2810
Introduction to the fundamentals of cinematography in the digital realm, including both technical knowledge and aesthetics. Emphasis on camera angles, movements, composition, and lighting to enhance storytelling.
Narrative Workshop
DMD 3030
An open forum where students will “workshop” their own narratives and works-in-progress, using each other as collaborators, editors, and ideators to investigate emerging forms of storytelling.
Broadcast Graphics & Title Sequence
DMD 3220
A survey of broadcast design and title sequences made for film, games and television.
Cinematic Storytelling
DMD 3230
A survey of film and media, in particular, the close analysis of graphic storytelling techniques in television, animation, shorts, and movies.
Visual Effects
DMD 3250
Exploration of compositing and visual effects through production, manipulation, and combination of live action footage with 2D and 3D animated effects.
Documentary Film Production
DMD 3820
This course introduces students to camera and sound recording for small-crew documentary filmmaking. Students learn interviewing, ethics in documentary, and basic story structure. Through analysis of short and feature length documentary films, as well as hands-on directing, filming, and editing, students will learn the art and technique of documentary filmmaking.
Film Writing
DMD 3830
Theoretical and practical work in the content and form of the fiction scenario.
Creative Producing for Independent Film
DMD 3840
Examination of each phase of the filmmaking process, from conception to marketing and distribution, through the role of a creative producer. Students develop pitching materials and entrepreneurial business plans for their original narrative, documentary or new media film projects.
Digital Sound Design
DMD 3850
A practical introduction to sound recording, editing, and mixing, designed to give students both the technical and artistic skills necessary to provide sound design for a variety of different media, including stand-alone audio, live-action film, animation, games, and more.
Immersive Media Production
DMD 3880
Production-oriented course focused on multi-platform experiential storytelling. Students create interactive stories using 360-degree video that is experienced through virtual reality headsets, smartphones, and laptops.
Advanced Digital Cinematography
DMD 4810
Advanced course focused on the technical craft and aesthetics of cinematography / videography in the digital realm. Emphasis on advanced camera techniques (angles, movements, composition and blacking) and complex lighting and shot designs to enhance storytelling. Students will be required to buy/own a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a lens, data storage tools and basic cinematographer grip kit needed for class.
Narrative Short Film Production
DMD 4835
Production of narrative short films, delineating the role of the director, from script breakdown through post-production, with emphasis on directing actors and other methodologies necessary to realize the dramatic possibilities of a cinematic story. Students create several shorts and analyze the works of master directors.