Catalog 2024-2025

FMX - Film, Animation, and New Media

FMX 201 World Animation

A critical and analytical study of the history of animation, from the earliest experiments in countries around the world to modern day computer and videogame animation in Western and non-Western contexts. The course content may consist of lectures, screenings, and discussions, as well as the production of simple animation projects in response to course material. Course readings go in depth to provide an understanding of animation from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, the United States and Canada, each in its own context.

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

FMX 207 Digital Drawing

A studio production course that provides an introduction and investigation into digital drawing techniques, principals, concepts and styles. This course involves the correlation between digital drawing and themes. Emphasis is on studying digital drawing styles and techniques. Laboratory fee required.

Spartan Studies:

VPA

Credit Hours: 4

FMX 210 Digital Media

A studio production course that introduces electronic and digital tools for use in diverse media projects. Covers the history, evolution and theory of relevant technology in order to provide context for the hardware and software used in the class. Laboratory fee required.

Spartan Studies:

VPA

Credit Hours: 4

FMX 211 Media Arts: History and Theory

A survey of media in art, including theatre, architecture, sculpture, painting, film, video, sound/music, photography, performance, games and computing and an exploration of how these art forms have been changed by technologies that are digital, networked, immersive, biotechnical and interactive. Within this context the course explores the use of technology as both a medium and a tool. Recent developments in media arts are examined in relationship to historic art movements with an emphasis on the history of art and its critical interpretation.

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

FMX 213 3D Printing and Modeling

A studio production course that explores 3D computer modeling and creation of physical reproductions of the 3D models using 3D printers. Includes an investigation into the theory and concepts  of additive manufacturing and design. Laboratory fee required.

Spartan Studies:

VPA

Credit Hours: 4

FMX 217 3D Animation I

A studio production course that gives an introduction to three-dimensional computer animation, exploring the basic techniques of modeling and animation. The course also includes necessary aspects of texture mapping, deformation, motion control, lighting, cameras and rendering. Laboratory fee required.

Spartan Studies:

VPA

Credit Hours: 4

FMX 238 2D Animation I

A studio production course that teaches the technique of animation as a visual medium, and enables students (regardless of major) to design, script, write, direct and communicate concepts through animation. Emphasizes art, history, movement, audio design and writing. Laboratory fee required.

Spartan Studies:

VPA

Credit Hours: 4

FMX 240 Screenwriting Fundamentals

An introduction to the practice and principles behind the art and craft of screenwriting. Class includes writing exercises, pitching sessions, script readings, and screenings and film analysis of dramatic narrative films, animation and emergent media. Students complete a series of writing assignments, write short screenplays with Final Draft software, and multiple drafts leading to complete short format screenplays. Students learn about major screenwriters and the art, structure and aesthetics of various types of films and emergent media. 

Spartan Studies:

TBH

Credit Hours: 4

FMX 241 Sound, Image and Motion

A studio production course that teaches introduction to hands-on digital film production and post-production. Each student will complete a short documentary, narrative and experimental film. Technical instruction will include level-one instruction on non-linear digital editing software and an introduction to HD cameras. Students will be introduced to portable equipment at the cage (including cameras, tripods, audio recording tools and more) and production facilities, including the black box studio space. Class will be comprised of technical demonstrations, in-class shoots and critiques of student work. Basic history, theory and aesthetics of related media are presented. Laboratory fee required.

Spartan Studies:

VPA

Credit Hours: 4

FMX 285 Special Topics in FMX Studies

A studies course offered at the discretion of the FMX department. Subject may focus on a topic of current interest in the field, or topic that is of interest to a particular group of students. The course may be taken for a maximum of four credits. Two credit offerings may be repeated for credit, if the topic is different, and the total is limited to four credits.
Credit Hours: 2-4

FMX 286 Special Topics in FMX Studio

A studio production course offered at the discretion of the FMX department. Subject may focus on a topic of current interest in the field, or topic that is of interest to a particular group of students. The course may be taken for a maximum of four credits. Two credit offerings may be repeated for credit, if the topic is different, and the total is limited to four credits.
Credit Hours: 2-4

FMX 298 Professional Seminar

A studio production course, students develop professional online portfolios, as assigned, to include: 1) work completed within their majors at UT; 2) work from other institutions in transferred courses; 3) bios, project statements, resumes and cover letters. Final portfolios will be submitted for FMX 398 Junior Portfolio Review to be reviewed by FMX faculty. Class will include brainstorming sessions to solve technical and conceptual problems with the support of fellow students, invited faculty and guest professionals. To be taken with FMX 398 after completion of 44 credits. For Animation, Digital Arts, New Media, or BFA Film and Media Arts programs.

Credit Hours: 2

Prerequisites

FMX 210 or FMX 241, and 44 or more earned credits, with at least one of the following: FMX 217, FMX 238, FMX 310, FMX 312, FMX 313, FMX 314, COM 339, or FMX 463; or consent of instructor.

FMX 310 Creative Coding

A studio production course that is a continued exploration of graphic and time based tools with emphasis on the creative usage of programming languages. The class will be centered around the interactive manipulation of traditional and experimental time based media and graphics. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 210

FMX 311 UX/UI User Experience & User Interaction

A studio production course that studies the nature of interactive media development from the perspective of User Experience (UX) and User Interface and Interaction (UI) development, analyzing the differences and applications of such concepts. The class is divided into two main areas: the first part explores the nature of Interactivity using widely available production and prototyping tools, and the second part studies the optimization of user experiences through the creation of engaging, communicative, and efficient interfaces, fulfilling the Interaction Cycle requirements. Laboratory fee required.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 210

FMX 312 Narrative Production

A studio production course that offers students a hands-on opportunity to explore narrative filmmaking using digital technologies in a combined theory and practice approach. Each student completes a series of short digital films relating to the history, theory and aesthetics of narrative film. Technical instruction includes digital cinematography, lighting, sound and editing. Class includes screenings and discussions on the history and theory of the narrative film. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 226 or FMX 240 and FMX 241 or FMX 313.

FMX 313 Documentary Production

A studio production course that offers students a hands-on opportunity to explore documentary filmmaking using digital technologies in a combined theory and practice approach. Each student completes one or more short digital films relating to the history, theory and aesthetics of the documentary film. Technical instruction includes digital cinematography, lighting, sound and editing. Class includes screenings and discussions on the history and theory of documentary film and video. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 241

FMX 314 Experimental Filmmaking

A studio production course that offers students a hands-on opportunity to explore experimental filmmaking in a combined theory and practice approach. Each student completes one or more short films relating to the history, theory and aesthetics of the experimental film. Technical instruction includes cinematography, camera operation, lighting, editing and sound. Class includes screenings and discussions on the history and theory of experimental cinema. Laboratory fee required.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 241 or FMX 313

FMX 315 3D Sculpting

An advanced studio production course that further develops skills in 3D printing skills with a focus in 3D sculpting. Applications in 3D sculpting will be studied in depth to create different types of highly detailed 3D models, from hard surface objects to fantastic creatures and characters. Industry standard software and techniques will be used during class. Retopology, exporting and portfolio/demo reel creation will also be a component of the course. Laboratory fee required.,

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 217

FMX 317 3D Animation II

A studio production course that investigates three-dimensional computer animation, including advanced techniques of modeling and animation. This course also includes necessary aspects of texture mapping, character rigging, motion control, animation principles, digital lighting, virtual camera principles, particle effects, dynamics and rendering. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 217

FMX 320 Animation for Interactivity and Games

An advanced studio production course that investigates and develops skills and knowledge in, 3D computer modeling for game graphics, game asset and animation clip development, coding for interactive content and game engines, and content for virtual and augmented reality. The course will also cover character rigging, surface texturing and digital lighting as it applies to games and interactivity. The integration of content into game engines and the distribution of content along with multiplayer experiences will be covered. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 217

FMX 321 Motion Capture

An advanced studio production course that investigates and develops skills in, simple script writing, directing, choreography, and animation in the area of motion capture for film, games, computer simulations, and interactive media. Computer character design and computer character rigging will be a component to facilitate original creative outcomes. This course offers the opportunity for students to offer professional services to the community in the form of motion capture data. It also seeks to prepare students to work with dancers, performers, athletes, and actors in their animation, VFX and game development careers. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 217

FMX 322 Visual Effects

A studio production course that introduces students to digital visual effects (VFX) for film, animation, new media and television. Through hands-on creative VFX assignments students will gain basic skills, including: compositing, keying, matchmoving, rotoscoping, camera projection and basic 3D animation. Students will learn how visual effects have evolved globally, and are used in the gamut of productions from cutting edge music videos to groundbreaking films and documentaries. Students will create portfolios of their own work through the exploration of contemporary VFX techniques used within the professional and independent industry.  Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 241

FMX 323 AI: Imaging the Future

A studio/production course that explores the diverse realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools. Through 'Prompt' development methods and practices, this course seeks to unleash AI's creative power in story-telling, script development, digital imaging, video creation, music composition, 3D modeling, UI/UX prototyping, gaming, API interfaces, custom models, and other applications, from analysis to synthesis. The course will simultaneously study the ethical implications of AI in our society, exploring how artificially generated information may seamlessly blend with authentic sources, considering historical and theoretical perspectives. Studio fee required.
Prerequisite: FMX 210 or FMX 241, or instructor's authorization
 
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 210 or FMX 241 or instructor's authorization

FMX 324 Cinematography

A studio production course that covers the aesthetics and techniques of motion picture cinematography through hands-on demos and assignments. Instruction includes camera operation with in-class workshops utilizing  Canon DSLR, RED Scarlet and Blackmagic cameras, inter-changeable lenses, filters, lighting, diffusion screens, car-mounts and support systems. Underwater cinematography, macro cinematography, time lapse, and other specialized techniques will be covered. Through this course students will creatively explore the principles of cinematography including, composition, exploring the X and Z axis, use of light, color theory, depth of field, and more. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 241

FMX 328 Sound in Media

A studio production course that will encourage experimentation and innovation in sound design for motion pictures, animation, and new media. Instruction and assignments will include techniques in location and studio recording, audio post-production, including ADR, sound effects editing, and mixing that can be applied to a wide array of media - from films, to mobile applications, to audio installation. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 241

FMX 331 The Creative Triangle

A studio production course that explores the roles in the creative decision-making processes of the director, cinematographer and production designer.  It emphasizes the technical, administrative and communication skills that provide the means for successful realization of drama, television, documentary and new media projects.  The aim is to develop a wide range of skills necessary for effective performance in these roles in the context of complex creative collaboration.  Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Any of the following: FMX 312, FMX 313, FMX 314.

FMX 338 2D Animation II

A studio production course that professionalizes the implementation and production of animation techniques, including the use of computers. Advanced projects deal with specific problems and exercises in drawing, storyboard and script/visual analysis. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 238 or consent of instructor.

FMX 339 Game Design and Production

A studio production course in creative digital interactive game design and production. Each student will pitch a unique game concept, develop storyboards, prototypes, and layouts, explore user interfaces, interactivity and application architecture, and create the game through industry standard programming languages and mobile platforms. Classes will be comprised of hands-on workshops on UX/UI design concepts, software and coding, critiques of students works in-process, and the basic theory and history behind successful games. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 310 Creative Coding or ITM 251 Application Development or COM 315 Web Design

FMX 340 Screenwriting Development

Covers the elements of developing and writing scripts for feature films, animation projects, and other long form media, including character development, dialogue, and dramatic structure.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 226 or FMX 240

FMX 341 Screenwriting Shorts

A writing intensive workshop course designed to generate and refine short-form script-writing for narrative filmmaking, animation, and other short-form narrative media. Students will analyze short narratives in cinema, literature, and other media, and explore structure, character, situational drama and conflict, and cinematic modes of the short form story on screen through workshops of original stories, revised screenplays, and stories adapted for screens from previously-written material.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 226 or FMX 240

FMX 342 Producing Motion Pictures and Digital Media

A studio production course that teaches producing of professional Hollywood style and independent episodic, serial, and long form, and/or interactive digital media productions. Students acquire skills in production budgets, package development, assignment of production roles, script breakdown, shooting schedules, call sheets, location permits, guilds and unions contracts, marketing and sales presentations and including distribution plans for potential projects.  Relevant producing software is taught and utilized. Laboratory fee required

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 240 or FMX 241, or consent of instructor.

FMX 343 Advanced Post-Production

A studio production course that teaches advanced creative and technical possibilities of motion picture editing using the University's advanced digital editing facilities. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 241, or consent of the instructor.

FMX 350 Virtual Production

Virtual Production focuses on the creation of films and immersive media using a LED Volume in combination with VR/XR game development engines, such as Epic Games Unreal Engine. Focusing on industry standards, this course will cover pre-visualization, development and post production of Virtual Production projects. The course will focus on script, props, virtual lighting, etc. to implement the best strategies to achieve a successful shoot on a LED volume. Laboratory fee required.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 217 or FMX 241

FMX 363 Webisode Production and Distribution

A studio production course that introduces students to the necessary software, and methodology used for writing, shooting and editing the web series for distribution.  Students will write a web series, shoot, edit, and distribute the pilot episode of their web series. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

One of the following: FMX 240 and FMX 241 or consent of instructor.

FMX 374 Internship in FMX

Inquiry based on experience working in the related field.  May be repeated for credit.  Students gain experiential credit for working within the field in a variety of available positions.

Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

Sophomore standing or higher with GPA 3.0

FMX 381 Digital Imaging

A studio production course that simultaneously explores digital based photography and digital manipulation of imagery. Relevant history, theory and aesthetics of related media are presented, along with discussions of the societal impact that digital imaging has introduced. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 210 or FMX 241

FMX 382 Global Perspectives in Film and New Media

This unique course integrates a film, animation and new media seminar with a workshop component. It provides the opportunity for in-depth discussion and inquiry in to film, animation and new media in relationship to a variety of theoretical, cultural and historical topics covering artists, museums and exhibits world-wide. Students respond to course material through social media, blogs and personal research in digital format related to topics covered in the class. Varying subjects of study cover Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
Credit Hours: 2,4

FMX 382A Global Perspectives in Film and New Media Travel Course

This travel course is open to all students interested in learning and exploring historical movements and current trends in Film, Animation and New Media. Focusing on experiential learning, students will visit cities, museums, institutions and events that are relevant to the fields of Film, Interactive Media, Animation and New Technologies. Varying destinations include Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
Credit Hours: 2
(T)

Prerequisites

FMX 382 Global Perspectives in Film and New Media

FMX 392 Independent Study in FMX

Independent project developed under the guidance of a Film, Animation, and New Media Instructor.  Students will apply by submitting a project proposal to an FMX professor for 1-4 credits.  May be repeated for variable credits of 1-4 hours per course.

Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

Junior standing and minimum GPA of 3.0, and consent of instructor.

FMX 398 Junior Portfolio Review

The Junior Portfolio Review is for students in one of the following: BFA in Film and Media Arts, BFA in Animation, BFA in Digital Arts, BFA in New Media, or BA in New Media Production programs only. The review of on-line portfolios developed within the Professional Seminar, will be made by made by at least two FMX faculty members, and / or guest evaluators. It is a zero-credit course taken concurrent with Professional Seminar, during the second semester sophomore year (after completing 44 credits, before 60 credit hours in the major). The review provides feedback and identifies areas of improvement.

Credit Hours: 0

Prerequisites

Prerequisite or Co-requisite: FMX 298. Earned 44 credits, or more. Or permission of instructor.

FMX 410 Special Topics in Digital and New Media

A studio production course that allows faculty and/or professionally oriented students to intensively explore topics in digital & new media.  May be repeated for additional credit, with a maximum of 6 credits total.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Prerequisites

Consent of instructor.

FMX 417 Special Topics in Animation

A studio production course that allows faculty and/or professionally oriented students to select and intensively explore topics in animation.  May be repeated for additional credit, with a maximum of 6 credits total.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Prerequisites

Consent of instructor.

FMX 430 Spatial Computing

This studio production course offers a hands-on approach to exploring the methods through which humans communicate with computers and interact with physical and virtual spaces. Students will create works that explore self-expression and interaction with analog and virtual interfaces, in tangible, digital, or expanded realities. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 310, or permission of the instructor.

FMX 440 Screenwriting Features

Screenwriting Features will deepen students’ understanding of the craft of screenwriting by deep analysis of structure and form of feature screenplays and other long-form screenwriting, and by planning and executing a narrative feature length screenplay.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 340

FMX 460 Senior Seminar in Film and Digital Production

A studio production capstone course for seniors to complete a thesis film production as the requirement for graduation in the film and media arts degree programs, and the Culminating Experience in the Spartan Studies Program. Pre-production and production of the senior thesis project will be completed by the end of the semester.  Students pursue production projects of sufficient breadth and depth as to crystallize their experiences at the University. Should be taken two semesters prior to graduation (fall semester, for spring graduation; spring semester for fall graduation). Laboratory fee required.
 

 
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Senior standing in the Film and Media Arts major, Spartan Studies Core, and any one of the following: FMX 312, FMX 313, or FMX 314, or consent of instructor.

FMX 463 Multimedia Installation

A studio production course that introduces students to contemporary multimedia installation through both the study of the cutting-edge practitioners within the field and through the production of related projects. Modes of production covered include digital video projection, audio installation, mixed, virtual and augmented reality, and hybrid combinations of the above. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FMX 241 or permission of the instructor.

FMX 492 Independent Study in FMX

Independent project developed under the guidance of a Film, Animation and New Media instructor.  Students will apply by submitting a project proposal to a FMX professor for 1-4 credits. May be repeated for variable credits of 1-4 hours per course.

Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

Senior standing and minimum GPA of 3.0, or consent of instructor.

FMX 499 Senior Project in FMX

A studio production capstone course mandatory for Animation or New Media majors. Each student will develop a creative thesis project in their major area that demonstrates the depth and breadth of their learning, leading to exhibition of this work.  This course is required to be taken in students' final semester in the program, and that they exhibit and present their thesis work during the scheduled showcase. Laboratory fee required.
 
 
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

UTAMPA 101 [or equivalent], UTAMPA 102, UTAMPA 200, UTAMPA 201, Math requirement, AWR 101, AWR 201, Social Science Core course, Humanities Core course. In addition FMX 398 and senior standing in Animation or New Media major, after completion of 106 credits, or consent of instructor.