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New Mexico State University
Undergraduate Catalog
2009-2010

CMT-CREATIVE MEDIA TECHNOLOGY

CMT 100. Introduction to Visual Communications 3 cr.
Overview of the process of crafting a digital product from conception to final. Incorporates basic principles of art and design, typography, layout, color and imagery, logos and advertising basics. Same as OEGR 105.
CMT 110. Introduction to Web Design 1 cr.
Basics of creating simple web sites for personal use.
CMT 115. Digital Photography and Imaging I 3 cr. (2+2P)
Principles and techniques of photography using digital equipment with an emphasis on lighting, focus, and composition.
CMT 120. Introduction to Creative Media 3 cr. (2+2P)
Exploration and discovery of the creative processes through art, music, theater, narrative, and other avenues.
CMT 126. Film Crew Training I 9 cr.
Introduction and hands-on experience in all craft areas of film production.
CMT 130. Introduction to Web Design 3 cr. (2+2P)
Introduction to web development techniques, theory, and design. Incorporates HTML and industry-standard web editing software in developing various web sites. Community Colleges only.
CMT 135. Introduction to 3D Computer Animation 3 cr. (2+4P)
Learning to work in a 3D environment. Introduction to the basics of modeling, animation, dynamics, and rendering. Working with polygons, NURBS and subdivisions, and editing in multiple interfaces. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 140. Print Media I 3 cr. (2+2P)
Creation and design of publications and presentation materials using page layout software. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 142. Computer Illustration 3 cr. (2+2P)
Preparation of digital graphics with a vector or draw program for use in print, web, video, animations, and multimedia. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 145. Image Processing I 3 cr. (2+2P)
Design and creation of digital graphics using a raster or bitmap program for use in print, multimedia, video , animation and web. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 146. Digital Foundations 4 cr. (2+4P)
Accelerated course covering concepts and techniques of industry-standard raster and vector graphics programs with focus on design and application. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
CMT 150. 2D Animation 3 cr. (2+2P)
Concepts and techniques in storyboarding and creating interactive 2D animations for web, multimedia and video. Prerequisites: CMT 142 or CMT 146.
CMT 151. Evolution of Electronic Games 3 cr. (2+2P)
Focus on the evolution of video games and how they have shaped mainstream entertainment. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
CMT 155. Selected Topics 1-4 cr.
Specific titles to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credits. Same as OEGR 155.
CMT 156. Film Crew Training II 9 cr.
In-depth training in specific craft areas. Prerequisite: CMT 126. Restricted to Community Colleges.
CMT 160. Modeling and Animation 3 cr. (2+2P)
Building on student’s knowledge of 2D animation, covers modeling and animating objects and scenes in a 3D environment using various camera and lighting effects. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: CMT 150.
CMT 165. Writing and Storyboarding 3 cr. (2+2P)
Learning good writing principles to create storyboards and scripts that communicate the overall picture of the project, timing, scene complexity, emotion, and resource requirements. Prerequisite: CMT 135 or CMT 160.
CMT 170. History of Film: A Global Perspective 3 cr.
Explores the history of cinema from the earliest 19th century developments to the present digital video revolution. Offers students a broader base of understanding of the tools and methodologies used in the craft.
CMT 175. 3-D Character Design 3 cr. (2+4P)
Focus on designing a character and then taking that design and building it in 3D using intermediate modeling techniques. Prerequisite: CMT 135 or CMT 160. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 180. Principles of Media Design 3 cr. (2+2P)
Techniques and theories of design principles, including layout foundations, logo building, type, color, and story-boarding and their application to print, web, animation and video. Prerequisite: CMT 142 or CMT 146.
CMT 182. Environmental Modeling, Shading and Lighting 3 cr. (2+4P)
Modeling design techniques to create natural and architectural environments to be used for animated films and gaming. Study of various lighting techniques, shading and shadowing. Prerequisite: CMT 135 or CMT 160.
CMT 185. 3D Shading and Lighting Techniques 3 cr. (2+4P)
Study of various global, scene and character lighting techniques, shading and shadowing, and creating atmospheres and reflections that bring computer generated 3D scenes to life. Examines environmental and studio lighting to bring real life experience into the digital production process. Prerequisite: CMT 135 or CMT 160.
CMT 190. Digital Video Production I 3 cr. (2+4P)
A hands-on study of the tools and techniques used to produce the independent video. Through the production of various short projects, the student explores how the ideas of the writer/director are translated into a visual story. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 192. Acting for the Camera 3 cr. (2+2P)
Covers acting techniques, body movement, monologues and auditioning. Students will gain professional acting experience on camera as well as learn what is expected on a film or video set. Restricted to: Community College campuses only.
CMT 195. Digital Video Editing I 3 cr. (2+2P)
A study of the basic tools and techniques of non-linear digital video editing. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 200. Critical Game Studies 3 cr. (2+2P)
Focus on creating a complete design document utilizing techniques and standards used in the industry today. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. Prerequisite: CMT 175.
CMT 205. Cinematography 3 cr. (2+2P)
Theory and techniques of visual design in cinematography and the aesthetics of lighting. Prerequisite: CMT 190. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 206. Principles of Sound 3 cr. (2+2P)
A study of the development of soundtracks for media, which includes sound recording, composing music with software, digital audio editing, soundtrack design, processing and mixing audio for final delivery formats. Prerequisite: CMT 195. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 210. Digital Video Production II 3 cr. (2+2P)
Advanced techniques of the tools and application of professional film making. Prerequisite: CMT 190. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 215. Digital Video Editing II 3 cr. (2+2P)
Advanced features of digital video, audio/music, and titling production software. Included are color correction, vector scopes, motion effects, and advanced editing techniques used by filmmakers. Prerequisite: CMT 195 or OEGR 210. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Same OEGR 215.
CMT 216. Digital Photography and Imaging II 3 cr. (2+2P)
Provide understanding and skills needed for advanced digital capture, editing, optimizing and manipulating photographic images for print, web and multimedia applications. The course will prepare students to make more advanced technical and more refined aesthetic decisions relative to specific photographic applications. Prerequisite: CMT 115 and CMT 145.
CMT 220. Environmental Scene Design 3 cr. (2+4P)
Modeling design techniques used to create environments and scenes for use in animated films and games. Investigation of both natural and architectural environments to be recreated in the virtual world. Prerequisite: CMT 135 or CMT 160.
CMT 221. Cooperative Experience 1-3 cr.
Student will be employed in approved work site; supervised and rated by employer and instructor. Each credit requires specific number of hours of on-the-job work experience. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. Graded S/U.
CMT 222. Pre-production Management 3 cr. (2+2P)
Pre-production planning paperwork breakdowns, budgeting, and scheduling; taking a project from start to finish from a producers standpoint. Prerequisite: CMT 190
CMT 223. Media Production Services 1-3 cr.
A design studio environment in which students obtain real-world experience while providing service to college and non-profit associations with faculty supervision using a variety of media. Can be used with permission to fulfill cooperative requirement. Prerequisite: CMT 180 or ART 163. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 225. Anatomical Character Design 3 cr. (2+4P)
Focus on building anatomy-based 3D characters. Advanced study in NURBS, subdivisions, and polygon modeling techniques used to create fully functional and realist models. Prerequisite: CMT 175. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 226. Film Crew Experience 6 cr.
Industry production experience in specific craft areas for film crew technicians who have successfully completed two semesters of FTTP. Prerequisite(s): CMT 156.Restricted to: All Community Colleges.
CMT 227. Advanced Character Animation 3 cr. (2+2P)
Focus on complex rigging techniques as well as utilizing advanced animation functions to blend multiple animations into complex animations. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: CMT 175.
CMT 228. Level Design Concepts 3 cr. (2+2P)
Focus on the design and creation of video game levels. Dealing with the challenges and pitfalls of different video game genres. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: CMT 200
CMT 230. Web Design II 3 cr. (2+2P)
Creating and managing well-designed, organized web sites using HTML and web development software. Prerequisite: CMT 145. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Same as OEGR 230. Community Colleges only.
CMT 232. Script Development & Storyboarding 3 cr.
Examines effective writing principles for creating storyboards that communicate the overall picture of a project, timing, scene complexity, emotion and resource requirements. Same as ENGL 232 and CMI 232
CMT 235. Web Design for Small Businesses 3 cr. (2+2P)
Technology and techniques for designing and building a web presence for small business. Prerequisite: CMT 230. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Same as OEGR 235.
CMT 240. Print Media II 3 cr. (2+2P)
Refining of technical design skills using advanced features of page layout software in preparing a variety of business-related documents. Prerequisite: CMT 140 or OEGR 140. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 241. Game Animation I 3 cr. (2+2P)
Introduction to basic game play theory of 3D game design, including levels, character development and game playing concepts. Prerequisite: CMT 160.
CMT 242. Advanced Computer Illustration 3 cr. (2+2P)
Advanced techniques in 2D vector drawing and fundamentals of 3D illustration for use in print, web, and multimedia applications. Prerequisite: CMT 142. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Same as OEGR 270.
CMT 245. Image Processing II 3 cr. (2+2P)
Advanced techniques in editing and manipulation of raster images for digital graphics for print, multimedia and web. Prerequisite: CMT 145. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Same as OEGR 260.
CMT 246. Professional Digital Audio Applications 3 cr. (2+2P)
Advanced techniques in digital audio composing, recording, editing, processing, mixing and mastering. Media industry standards are taught using current professional level digital audio equipment and computer software. Prerequisite(s): CMT 206. Restricted to: Community College campuses only.
CMT 250. Advanced Graphics for Digital Media 3 cr. (2+2P)
Advanced techniques in design and creation of high-level 2D animations and interactive interfaces for web, multimedia, and video. Prerequisite: CMT 150. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 251. Gaming Platform and Standards 3 cr. (2+2P)
Focus on the different gaming platforms and their corresponding gaming demographics and standards. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: CMT 200.
CMT 252. Game Tools and Techniques 3 cr. (2+2P)
Focus on the different engines and gaming technologies that power the games of today. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: CMT 200.
CMT 254. History of Media Design 3 cr.
An introduction to the principles of design history and theory within a chronological framework of historical and emerging media.
CMT 255. Special Topics 1-4 cr.
Specific topics to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credits.
CMT 256. Typography 3 cr.
Foundation in typography with an emphasis on history of typography and the practical application and impact of font choices for print, web, animation and video. Deals with studies in font or letter construction and font choices focusing on design, application, incorporation and visual impact.
CMT 258. Advanced Camera Techniques 3 cr. (2+2P)
Professional camera techniques and training for electronic news gathering and studio filmmaking. Utilizes high-end handheld shooting techniques, cranes, dollies, and steadicam training. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: CMT 190.
CMT 260. 3D Special Effects 3 cr. (2+4P)
Creating advanced virtual special effects for both rigid and soft bodies. Using MEL, dynamic principles, mixing nodes, and advanced particle systems. How to drive particles over surfaces, add texture to flow, create surface tensions, and use collision events to drive texture. Study of integrating computer-generated images with real-life video and audio. Prerequisite: CMT 160 or CMT 225.
CMT 265. Personal Character Development 3 cr. (2+4P)
Focus on the development of personal character(s), from sketch to render. Develop complete biographies of character, then build, skin and animate with as many personal attributes as possible. Prerequisite: CMT 225.
CMT 270. Digital Video Game Theory and Animation I 3 cr.
Prepares students for creating 3D animated graphics in gaming modalities. Provides foundation of skills in gaming development, branching and alternate scenarios. Extensive use of rendering and advanced software packages. Prerequisites: CMT 135 and CMT 142.
CMT 271. Digital Video Game Theory and Animation II 3 cr.
Continuation of CMT 270. Prerequisite: CMT 270.
CMT 275. Advanced Web Techniques 3 cr. (2+2P)
Creating and managing complex web sites using advanced techniques and tools. Prerequisites: CMT 145 and CMT 230. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Community Colleges only.
CMT 280. Interactive Design 3 cr. (2+2P)
Design and development of interactive multimedia projects such as gaming, that incorporate graphics, video, sound and animation. Prerequisite: CMT 150 or CMT 160. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 285. Print Media III 3 cr. (2+2P)
Refinement of skills needed to prepare a variety of documents for print and the service bureau. Prerequisite: CMT 140 or CMT 240. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 287. Personal Animation Development 3 cr. (2+4P)
Students choose from producing an original animated short OR research, gather, develop and prepare concepts, models and materials to be used for their Final Workshop Project. (Should be taken semester prior to Workshop.) Consent of instructor required.
CMT 290. Advanced 3d Animation Workshop A 3 cr. (2+4P)
Program capstone. Students will utilize the skills learned in the program to produce their final animation. Group integrated projects are strongly recommended to emulate a real-work animation studio environment. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Corequisite: CMT 291. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits.
CMT 291. Advanced 3d Animation Workshop B 3 cr. (2+4P)
Program capstone. Students will utilize the skills learned in the program to produce their final animation. Group integrated projects are strongly recommended to emulate a real-work animation studio environment. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Corequisite: CMT 290. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits.
CMT 292. Creative Media Studio 3 cr. (2+2P)
A studio environment where students specialize in creating film-festival quality and portfolio-ready projects under the supervision of faculty. Prerequisites: CMT 190 and CMT 195 or CMT 160. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
CMT 295. Professional Portfolio Design and Development 1-3 cr.
Personalized design and creation of the student’s professional portfolio including hard-copy, demo reel, and online. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Same as OEGR 280.
CMT 298. Independent Study 1-3 cr.
Individual studies directed by consenting faculty with prior approval of department head. Prerequisite: minimum GPA of 3.0 and sophomore standing. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Same as OEGR 298.