Module Identifier SG21520  
Module Title COMPUTER-AIDED SCENOGRAPHY  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Miss Rebecca A Mitchell  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Mr Simon J Banham  
Pre-Requisite SG21120 and SG21220  
Course delivery Other   10 x 3 hour Group Tutorials  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment 1. Individual project and presentation100%
Supplementary Assessment The mode of assessment permits repeat submission (in response to a new project brief) during the August re-sit period.100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the potential applications (and limitations) of computer-modeled space as a means of making and evaluating propositions for real (and virtual) performance environments.
2.Construct and manipulate a complex three-dimensional and animated virtual model.
3.Employ a range of presentational and transferable IT skills.

Brief description

This module introduces students to the concept and application of Computer-Aided Scenography as a means of creating, investigating and presenting virtual environments as representative (or actual) spaces of performance. This is achieved through a programme of tutorials that establish a basic familiarity with the principles and skills particular to three-dimensional, animated, computer modeling. In the latter part of the course students have the opportunity to apply this learning to the guided generation of an individual project. The conception, realisation and presentation of this project constitute the basis of assessment.

Aims

This module aims:
1 To introduce students to the concept and application of Computer-Aided Scenography as a means of creating, investigating and presenting virtual environments as representative (or actual) spaces of performance.
2 To establish the ability to generate and present ideas utilizing a complex three-dimensional, animated, computer model.
3 To foster and develop presentational and transferable IT skills.

Content

1. Introduction and overview: concepts and applications; the interface.
2. Constructing a basic scene 1: modeling.
3. Constructing a basic scene 2: materials.
4. Constructing a basic scene 3: rendering and animation.
5. Walkthrough Animation.
6. Light: generation and manipulation.
7. Sub-object modeling.
8. Materials: generation and manipulation.
9. Applications within the aesthetic event 1.
10. Applications within the aesthetic event 2.

Module Skills

Problem solving * Identify conceptual problems * Identify factors which might influence potential solutions * Develop creative thinking approaches to problem solving * Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions * Construct a rational proposal in response to a problem  
Research skills * Plan and carry out background research.  
Communication * Read in a specific context * Communicate through specific software application * Speak in different contexts and for different purposes (inc presentation and discussion) * Listen effectively  
Improving own Learning and Performance * Devise and apply realistic learning and self management strategies  
Team work * Knowledge sharing through discussion.  
Information Technology * Use a range of commonly used and specific software packages * Present information and data * Manage storage systems * Use email /internet appropriately and effectively  
Application of Number * Tackle problems involving number within IT data handling  
Personal Development and Career planning * Whilst not an especial focus or assessed element of teaching and learning, the module extends a range of conceptual, creative, and IT specicfic skills, and students are made aware of the transferable applications of these across academic and career borders. The skills of three-dimensional, animated, computer-modeling have a particularly high industry value.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Beardon, Colin (ed.) (1999) Digital Creativity (Vol. 10, No. 3) Swets & Zeitlinger
Carver, Gavin (1996) Computer-Aided Scenograpy, some observations on procedures and concepts� Studies in Theatre Production No 14, 20 � 33
Carver, Gavin ((2000)) Designing by Numbers: the use of computers in the development of designs for the stage Scenography International No. 3
Payne , Darwin Reid (1994) Computer Scenographics Southern Illinois University Press

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5