Here are the classes that we recommend you take during your first year as a Animation and Visual Effects major at Chapman.
For your first semester, we recommend taking 12-15 credits (most classes are 3 credits; those with labs are 4). You must be enrolled in 12 credits to be considered a full-time status student. The recommended courses below will put you at 15 credits per semester (fall and spring).
Introductory Math Requirement
As an incoming first-year student, you must take a math assessment. If you place into Math 100 (Learning and Studying Mathematics for Understanding), then you must enroll in this course in your first year (fall or spring semester). For more information, visit our Math Assessment webpage.
General Education Classes
You can choose a General Education (GE) class from any GE category – it’s your choice. In general, the following GE areas are recommended to begin/complete during your first year:
- GE Language Study (strongly recommended)
- GE Quantitative Inquiry
Note: Some GE courses may “double count” with your major or minor. Students can share up to 9 credits between major and GE requirements and can share up to 6 credits between minor and GE requirements. Visit the General Education Program site to review the GE policies and see a list of approved courses for each GE area.
You can learn more about general education on our General Education: How it Works page.
| AVE 247 | Fulflills AI |
Fall Semester
Note: VFE is part of the Block Scheduling program. If you are a first-year student, you will be pre-registered in THREE of the below AVE courses in May/June. You can then build the rest of your schedule around these required major courses.
AVE 247 - History and Aesthetics of Animation and Visual Effects (block scheduled)
Credits: 3
AVE 120 - Introduction to Animation and Visual Effects (block scheduled)
Credits: 3
AVE 109 - Fundamental Graphics I for Animation and Visual Effects (block scheduled)
Credits: 3
SW 127 - Writing for Film and TV I (block scheduled)
Credits: 3
FFC 100A - You Choose!
Credits: 3
All first-year students at Chapman have to take First Year Foundations. The class will introduce you to college and there is a different topic for every major.
Certain major programs require that their students take a specific FFC course, or give you a choice from a list of FFC courses specific to the major. If you are in a major that doesn't require you to take a specific FFC course, then you will be directed to choose from a listing of all FFC course options for Fall 2023. See the First-Year Focus GE page for your major’s list of FFC options.
GE Class (optional)Credits: 3
Spring Semester
FTV 130 - Introduction to Visual Storytelling
Credits: 3
AVE 209 - Fundamental Graphics II for Animation and Visual Effects
Credits: 3
AVE 206 - Mechanics of Motion
Credits: 3
Any GE class/minor exploration
Credits: 3
Any GE class/minor exploration
Credits: 3