Animation for Non-Majors (ANI 101-101)

This course is an introduction to the art and practice of animation. While looking at the history and theory of the medium, we will practice many essential and foundational animation techniques. The goal is to prepare you for further study in the field, to compile several strong examples of your work and to expand your awareness, appreciation and understanding of this art form.

Textbooks and printed resources

Required Text:
The Animators Bible by Maureen Furniss. HNA Books, 2008.
Recommended:
The Animators Survival Kit by Richard Williams, Faber & Faber, 2001
After Effects 7.0: Visual QuickPro Guide by Antony Bolante, Peachpit Press, 2006

Prerequisites

there are no prerequisits

Grading

For animation projects, I look at the amount of effort, content and overall attitude given to a project. For written assignments, I am looking for you to intelligently and meaningfully communicate critical ideas derived from screenings and research.

Course grade scale is as follows:

A = excellent. Work demonstrates superior comprehension, ability and effort.

B = above average. Work demonstrates very good comprehension, ability and effort.

C = average. Work demonstrates basic comprehension, ability and effort.

D = below average. Work demonstrates poor comprehension, ability and effort.

F = unacceptable. Work fails to demonstrate minimal comprehension, ability and effort

Grade breakdown:

1. Animation Projects: 70%

2. Essays #1, #2, #3: 15% (5% each)

3. Participation 15%

Attendance is always required. Missing three or more classes will constitute continual reductions in your grade. Missing more than 5 classes will result in a failing grade. Attending the final exam critique period is also mandatory.

Class Work

Animation is time consuming simply by nature of the medium! You will do a lot of work that results in only a few seconds of movement at a time. Prepare to invest several hours per assignment.

Participation and Critiques

Participation is mandatory. Vocabulary, ideas, and information will be exchanged during group discussions, in critiques and during workdays. It is important that everybody be engaged in the exchange of ideas and participates, we learn from each other.

Group critiques will be held on the days the assignments are due. Critiques are essential in developing your ability to understand and discuss the formal and conceptual aspects of your work and the work of others. I expect everybody to contribute to critiques. Crits are valuable learning opportunities and are a very important part of this course. All students must be present and participate in every critique. Treat the presentation of your work seriously. Come prepared to introduce your work and to describe your process.

Assigned work must be completed and submitted via COLWeb at least one hour before class begins. In most cases, projects will need to be exported and compressed to QuickTime format (instruction on this will be provided).

School policies:

Online Instructor Evaluation

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over two weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online at https://mycti.cti.depaul.edu/mycti

Email

Email is the primary means of communication between faculty and students enrolled in this course outside of class time. Students should be sure their email listed under "demographic information" at http://campusconnect.depaul.edu is correct.

Academic Integrity Policy

This course will be subject to the academic integrity policy passed by faculty. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/

Plagiarism

The university and school policy on plagiarism can be summarized as follows: Students in this course should be aware of the strong sanctions that can be imposed against someone guilty of plagiarism. If proven, a charge of plagiarism could result in an automatic F in the course and possible expulsion. The strongest of sanctions will be imposed on anyone who submits as his/her own work any assignment which has been prepared by someone else. If you have any questions or doubts about what plagiarism entails or how to properly acknowledge source materials be sure to consult the instructor.

Incomplete

An incomplete grade is given only for an exceptional reason such as a death in the family, a serious illness, etc. Any such reason must be documented. Any incomplete request must be made at least two weeks before the final, and approved by the Dean of the College of Computing and Digital Media. Any consequences resulting from a poor grade for the course will not be considered as valid reasons for such a request.

Resources for Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.

To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted either:

PLuS Program (for LD, AD/HD) at 773-325-4239 in SAC 220
The Office for Students with Disabilities (for all other disabilities) at 773-325-7290 Student Center 307