SEQA 100 Introduction to Sequential ArtThis course introduces the components of sequential art, exploring storytelling theories and techniques. Students also learn the variety of materials and techniques involved in creating sequential art in the studio. Prerequisites: DRAW 101, DSGN 101.
SEQA 104 Drawing for Sequential ArtThis course focuses on students' observational skills as they apply to storytelling for sequential art. Models demonstrate how characters interact with their environment and manipulate props. Prerequisite: DRAW 200.
SEQA 205 Survey of Sequential ArtThis lecture course addresses the historical roots and influences of sequential art. Students analyze trends, styles, techniques, subject matter and works of significant artists across the sequential art spectrum. Prerequisite: ENGL 123.
SEQA 215 Materials and Techniques for Sequential ArtThis course examines the process of producing sequential art. Each week focuses on a new technique and gives insight into and training on the tools of the trade. Prerequisite: SEQA 104.
SEQA 220 CartooningThis course examines and explores the art of cartooning. Students create and develop their own single- and multi-panel comic strips, as well as editorial and political cartoons. Prerequisite: DRAW 101.
SEQA 224 Character Design and Storyboarding for AnimationStudents create appropriate model sheets for character animation and generate storyboards. Attention is focused on the ability to observe the details that help define and individualize cartoon characters and backgrounds. Prerequisite: SEQA 215
SEQA 244 Comic Book ScriptingStudents develop narrative ideas and express them in written form, from the basic plot to the finished script. Dialogue, captions, sound effects, panel and page layouts, and the relationship of image to text in dramatic situations are covered. Prerequisites: ENGL 123, SEQA 100.
SEQA 277 Digital Coloring and Lettering Applications for ComicsFocusing on digital problems and concerns relevant to creating a sequential narrative, students in this course develop their understanding of color theory, digital coloring techniques, digital lettering and sound effects, and the use of appropriate applications as they relate to visual storytelling. Prerequisite: SEQA 215.
SEQA 304 Advanced Drawing for Sequential ArtThis course is intended to further develop techniques introduced in Drawing for Sequential Art and is aimed at helping students develop enhanced drawing skills that specifically apply to sequential art. Prerequisite: SEQA 104.
SEQA 306 Comics PaintingThis course is designed for students who wish to explore fully painted sequential art. Students create pages of comics storytelling, with particular emphasis on applying watercolor, acrylics and other media. Prerequisite: SEQA 215.
SEQA 308 Special Topics in Sequential ArtThe topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various issues in the field of sequential art and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the topic of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic.
SEQA 310 Painting for Comics CoversThe dynamic elements for successful design and execution of graphic novel covers are explored through a series of demonstrations and projects focusing on general color theory the treatment of light and shade, representation of depth, surface textures, environment, and the human form. Prerequisites: SEQA 104, SEQA 215.
SEQA 311 Conceptual IllustrationThis course enables students to explore comprehensively the characters, themes and environments of their own creation. Prerequisite: SEQA 224.
SEQA 312 Advanced StoryboardingThis course helps students increase their knowledge of storyboarding and how it applies to the advertising, animation and motion picture fields. Students break down ideas and scenes sequentially to promote visual storytelling. Prerequisite: SEQA 224.
SEQA 317 Getting Published and Self-publishingStudents are introduced to the business of researching, marketing, packaging and distributing comics. Approaches to selling work to mainstream comics companies are emphasized, along with the business of independent publishing. Students may have the opportunity to participate in a comics publication. Prerequisite: SEQA 277.
SEQA 325 Environments, Props and StructuresThis course focuses on the objects that most students find taxing and tedious but that are vital to telling a believable story. Students study objects such as cars, lampposts, and building interiors and exteriors from different perspectives and locations. Prerequisite: SEQA 104.
SEQA 326 Conceptual Maquette Design Through the manipulation of various sculptural materials, this course introduces students to the process of designing maquette characters for three-dimensional rendering. Students learn to work with diverse types of character designs, styles, proportions, and genres. They study classical and contemporary sculptural techniques and subsequently learn to utilize the various working methods described. Prerequisite: SEQA 224.
SEQA 337 Fantasy IllustrationsIn this course, students produce a variety of projects beyond panel-to-panel comics formats, incorporating fantasy or science fiction themes and comics-related subjects. Prerequisite: SEQA 277.
SEQA 340 Superhero ComicsThis course showcases the art of drawing superheroes. Students are introduced to techniques for making characters dynamic and pages exciting through the use of camera angles, page layout and perspective. These techniques help students pace stories and choose views that best accentuate the characters' heroic abilities. Prerequisite: SEQA 277, SEQA 325.
SEQA 344 Advanced Writing for ComicsThis nonstudio course builds on content from Comic Book Scripting. Particular emphasis is placed on problems posed in scripting for longer works, such as graphic novels. Prerequisite: SEQA 244.
SEQA 345 Figure Drawing for Sequential ArtThis course focuses on the basic form, anatomy and gesture of key human elements that are essential in creating effective sequential art. Aided by a thorough understanding of anatomy, students refine rendering techniques and construct 3-D representations. Prerequisite: SEQA 104.
SEQA 354 Speed Sketching for Sequential ArtThis course focuses on improving the students' ability to execute a drawing of a reasonable likeness of an original or imagined subject in a limited amount of time. Sketches continue to be used to build complex drawings and are applied to storytelling for sequential art. Prerequisite: SEQA 104.
SEQA 360 Mini-ComicsConcentrating on skills associated with printing, bookbinding and packaging, students develop a variety of mini-comics that showcase their sequential art in the form of handmade publications. Prerequisite: SEQA 215.
SEQA 362 Constructive Anatomy for Drawing Hands and FeetA thorough working knowledge of the form and dynamics of the human hand and foot is given to the student through a complete exploration of sculptural ecorche, analytical drawing, and lecture. Drawing and sculpting from the live model is included along with course specific anatomical investigation. Prerequisite: SEQA 104.
SEQA 377 Constructive Head DrawingA thorough working knowledge of the form and dynamics of the human head is given to the student through a complete exploration of sculptural ecorche, analytical drawing, and lecture. Drawing and sculpting from the live model is included along with course-specific anatomical investigation. Prerequisite: SEQA 104.
SEQA 380 Online ComicsDigital delivery and the empowerment of the independent creator are achieved by creating marketable, well-branded Web-comic sites that demonstrate intelligent formal use of the medium. Students gain skills necessary for site construction and promotion while learning the artistic history of the genre. Prerequisite: CMPA 100 or CMPA 110, SEQA 224, SEQA 277.
SEQA 382 Visual Storytelling IDeveloping graphic storytelling skills and the craft of penciling comic book pages, students in this course learn page layout, panel design, and work with scripts while penciling traditional panel-to-panel sequential art. Prerequisites: SEQA 215, SEQA 244.
SEQA 386 Hand Lettering and Typography for ComicsThrough lectures, demonstrations, and studio work students are introduced to the tradition of hand-lettering and typography in sequential art. The use of word and image in service to a narrative is explored as the students practice conventional and contemporary techniques. Emphasis is placed on skill-building and practical application. Prerequisite: SEQA 215.
SEQA 388 Constructive Animal Anatomy for Creature DesignThrough direct observation, sculptural ecorche, analytical drawing, lecture, and action analysis, students develop a thorough working knowledge of the form and dynamics of animals. This body of knowledge is applied to the understanding of creatures that inhabit the fantasy worlds in comic books, video games, and movies, which enables each student to develop an animal or creature/character of their own creation. Prerequisite: SEQA 382.
SEQA 394 Advanced Inking TechniquesThis course engages students in the professional practices of comic arts inking. Proficiency of method and application of media are stressed through a wide variety of inking techniques. Students integrate various forms of inking applications into the graphic narrative in support of developing a personal direction and style. Prerequisite: SEQA 325.
SEQA 401 Sequential Arts in Tokyo, JapanThrough visits to studios, galleries, and publishing companies in Tokyo, Japan, this course investigates the art and business of sequential art in that country. Students visit and consult with various professional cartoonists and comic book companies. The production component of the medium, as it exists today in Japan, also is observed in detail. Prerequisite: SEQA 224.
SEQA 405 Visual Storytelling IIContinuing to develop the skills introduced in Visual Storytelling I, students explore the integral relationship between pencils and inks while honing their visual storytelling skills. Prerequisite: SEQA 382.
SEQA 410 Sequential Art Senior ProjectThis course is a culmination of the sequential art curriculum. Students incorporate various skills, including storytelling, scripting, drawing technique, and use various materials and media to produce sequential art suitable for publication or for incorporation into a portfolio of professional quality work. Prerequisites: SEQA 277, SEQA 405.
SEQA 411 Advanced Conceptual IllustrationUsing characters, environment, and technology established in previous course work, students continue to develop their individual creations as well as work on collaborative projects. An increased focus is placed on developing a professional, cohesive portfolio. Prerequisite: SEQA 311.
SEQA 419 Sequential Picture Books for ChildrenIn this course, students create artwork for children's books in which the picture primarily tells the story. Students have the option of generating original story ideas or adapting existing works of children's literature. Prerequisite: SEQA 382.
SEQA 420 Alternative and/or Experimental ComicsThis studio course allows students to explore the history, theory and practice of alternative comics. Students discover how alternative approaches and markets are relevant to their practices. Students are encouraged to discover a unique voice in their writing and visual execution. Prerequisite: SEQA 382.
SEQA 424 Manga ComicsJapanese manga is an immensely popular genre of comics. This course explores the two definitive elements of manga: visual style and unique storytelling. Students learn to recognize and adapt Japanese influences into their own sequential artwork. Prerequisite: SEQA 382.
SEQA 427 Electronic Cover Illustration for ComicsThis course provides an opportunity for students to generate ideas and execute concepts for comic book covers. Emphasis is placed on storytelling and design. Covers for sequential art publications are created using both electronic and traditional means. Prerequisite: SEQA 277.
SEQA 430 Advanced MangaFocusing on the creation of a complete short story in the Manga (Japanese Comics) format and style, students in this class are expected to create a self-contained narratives featuring 15-20 pages of finished art. The class is augmented with in-class critiques, presentations, and lectures purposed towards an in-depth development of a signature style within this unique format. Prerequisites: SEQA 244, SEQA 424.
SEQA 460 Digital PortfolioStudents showcase their work by developing sample reels and an interactive portfolio. Existing projects are expanded through the addition of music, interactivity and timing provided by the digital realm. Prerequisite: SEQA 277.
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