Animation and Game Fundamentals

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Courses - September 2026

Level 1

Course details

Life Drawing
ARTS1910

Description:

Creating believable characters relies on understanding anatomy and physiology, and how they contribute to natural movement. This course is designed to give students an introduction to life drawing and how it relates directly to the development of animated characters, with a focus on gesture, structure, and form.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  ​No cost.

Story Development
ARTS1915

Description:

This course focuses on the essential elements of story development tailored for animation, game design, and game art. Students will learn to craft compelling narratives that enhance the interactive and visual experiences of their projects. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical exercises, students will develop the skills needed to create engaging stories that resonate with audiences and support the overall design of their animations and games.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  Not available at this time.

College Reading & Writing Across Contexts
COMM1085

Description:

This course explores the intersections of reading, writing, and critical thinking with an emphasis on academic and workplace competencies for the 21st century. Through regular reading, writing, and discussion, students will develop the ability to analyze texts, construct well-supported arguments, and express their ideas effectively by learning to meet the expectations of selected audiences, purposes, and contexts. The course also provides a foundation for understanding the complexities of research, information literacy, and ethical communication in relation to various contemporary social and cultural issues.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  ​No cost.

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  ​No cost.

Gameplay Programming I
DMED1525

Description: Building a game is complex and laborious and the overall management of this process within a game engine requires the study of production of a game across its lifespan. Assembling assets, managing game-play, animation, simulations, and game programming are all parts of this process which will be emphasized in this class. Proper design processes and programming techniques provide an authentic, high quality interactive environment
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  ​No cost.

Games, Art and Animation
DSGN1570

Description:

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the intersection of game design, art, and animation, essential for students in game design, animation, and game art programs. Students will explore the artistic and technical aspects of creating visually compelling and interactive game environments. Through hands-on projects and collaborative exercises, students will develop the skills needed to produce high-quality game art and animations.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  Not available at this time.

Principles of Layout
DSGN1580

Description:

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles of layout, essential for creating visually compelling and functional designs in game design, animation, and game art. Students will learn to apply layout techniques to enhance storytelling, gameplay, and user experience. Through practical projects and theoretical study, students will develop the skills needed to create effective and engaging layouts for various digital media.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  Not available at this time.

Media Studies for Game Design
MDIA1080

Description: An important element of designing games is an understanding of how past media was created to invoke specific feelings in their audiences. In looking back on former media efforts using both technical and artistic lenses, students will acquire tools to look at their own work critically, reflecting on style, technique, themes, emotions, and message.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  ​No cost.

Level 2

Course details

Digital Art I
ARTS1880

Description:

Explore modern digital painting techniques and unique art styles used in popular videogames with this introduction to digital painting. This course will build on traditional art skills using digital techniques and processes with industry standard software and hardware. Students will learn the fundamentals of 2D asset creation, including custom brushes and toolsets, to achieve their full creative potential.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  ​No cost.

3D Foundations
ARTS1890

Description:

A strong knowledge in 3D concepts and principles will prepare students to develop their skills as computer-graphic artists. This course introduces the game art production pipeline currently used in game studios. Students will gain a basic understanding of 3D asset creation, texturing, and implementing inside of a game engine.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  ​No cost.

Game Design
DMED1480

Description: From the earliest game of Pong to the latest Triple A release, you will study the influence of games from a historical perspective, their impact on the industry, and look toward future trends. Game structure and the mechanics of play will be explored by constructing basic games. Principles of design and strategy will be applied to your work.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  ​No cost.

Sound Design for Games
DMED1490

Description: This course will introduce you to the technologies and techniques used in audio production relating to gaming applications. You will learn about sound fundamentals and theories including basic editing techniques, digital audio formatting, mixing, editing and working in online studios and workspaces, as well as game specific concepts such as multitrack music and SFX (special effects), looping and branching audio with primary migration, and application to mobile devices/environments. The role of audio within a game environment and its impact on player experience will also be examined.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  ​No cost.

Digital Tools
DMED1600

Description:

This course introduces students to essential digital tools used in professional 2D animation production. Focusing on compositing, motion graphics, and sound design, students will develop technical proficiency in enhancing their animations with dynamic visuals and audio.

Through hands-on projects, students will learn to integrate digital compositing techniques into their animation workflow, applying keyframe animation, effects, and camera movements to bring their work to life. Additionally, they will explore sound editing and design, mastering techniques such as audio cleanup, layering, and synchronization to create compelling soundscapes that complement their animations.

By the end of this course, students will be equipped with strong foundational digital skills that will enhance the visual and auditory storytelling of their 2D animation projects

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  ​No cost.

2D Digital Character Animation 1
DSGN1140

Description:
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  $29.55

Please note:

Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.

Program outcomes

  1. Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional art and design projects using a diverse range of materials, processes, and techniques to meet assigned criteria.
  2. Engage in the creative process to develop various strategies for visual idea generation.
  3. Create compositions and studio-based projects that demonstrate a clear use of the formal elements and principles of art and design.
  4. Compile and edit a collection of one's best art and design projects to professionally present a portfolio.
  5. Articulate art and design concepts to explain their connection to historical context and visual culture globally.
  6. Describe decolonial and anti-oppressive perspectives, and sustainability practices in relation to art and design production.
  7. Employ art and design terminology in making verbal and written evaluations of work.