Animation for Non-Majors (ANI 101-403)

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Summary of the course

This course will draw you into the creative process and give you a sense of the delights and challenges of animating. It will send a gale force wind through your inhibitions, shake the dust out of your mental attic and put protein in your kinetic sensibilities. (Your willingness to take the plunge into the art of animation, of course, is critical to this transformation).

After an introduction to an array of animation techniques and aesthetic issues, you will be taken through a sequence of exercises using Photoshop, After Effects, Maya 3D, and editing and sound software.

NOTE: Syllabus may be modified, where appropriate, as the semester unfolds.

Textbooks and printed resources

The Animation Bible, by Maureen Furniss, Abrams, New York, 2008

Prerequisites

No course prerequisites, but a passion to create interesting works of art is useful.

Grading

Grades will be based largely on the quality of the final animation project, but papers and energetic participation in class are also factored in. Students are expected to put great care and insight into their animations, to jump into discussions with interest, and to learn the necessary software to complete their projects. This course is being taught by an active, exhibiting artist and he will be looking for signs of curiosity and personal expression. Predictable, formulaic work will be graded lower than work which demonstrates originality and exploration.

Poor attendance will be noted and be reflected in the final grade. Given the sequential nature of software instruction, missing classes may cause a break in comprehension. Missing even one class is not recommended.

Grade breakdown:

1. Animation Projects: 60%

2. Essays 1-3 @ 5% each: 15%

3. Class discussion, critiques and general participation: 25%

Week 1

DISCUSSION: Introduction to animation. Inspiration, concept and planning.
TECHNIQUE: Human factors.
PRODUCTION (Due next Tuesday): Flip book warm-up exercise (due next Thurs). Begin Photoshop-based GIF animation.
READING (Due next Tuesday):
Animation Bible, Chap. 1: Concept, Animation & Style, pp. 10-35
PAPER (Due next Thursday): Describe your first recollection of an animation from a child's point of view. 2-3 pages.

Week 2

DISCUSS READING
PRODUCTION (Due next Tuesday): Flip Books due Thursday. Intro. to Photoshop animation.
READING (Due next Tuesday):
Animation Bible, Chap. 2, Storytelling Strategies, pp.36-63.
PAPER (Due next Thursday): Describe your first recollection of an animation from a child's point of view. 2-3 pages.

Week 3

(MEET AT 11am for PHOTOSHOP INTRODUCTION)
DISCUSS READING
EXERCISE: Photoshop introduction.
PRODUCTION (Due next Tuesday): Basic bouncing balls using Photoshop.
READING (Due next Tuesday):
Animation Bible, Chap. 3, Pre-Production, pp. 65-85

Week 4

DISCUSS READING
PRODUCTION (Due next Tuesday): Intro. to After Effects. Bring Photoshop images into After Effects, outline of animation (1 page) and screenplay due next Tuesday.
READING (Due next Tuesday):
Animation Bible, Chap. 4, Production & Post-Production, pp. 87-113
PAPER (Due next Thursday): Discuss the psychological differences between 3 different types of animation (such as claymation, live action and digital 3D animation). Use examples from actual motion pictures.

Week 5

DISCUSS READING
PRODUCTION (Due next Tuesday): Share screenplays/overviews. Discuss changes to make projects more realistic. Create key characters. Create temporary environments (and refine in weeks ahead).
READING (Due next Tuesday):
Animation Bible, Chap. 5, Early Motion Devices, pp. 115-137.

Week 6

DISCUSS READING
PRODUCTION (Due next Tuesday): Develop characters and environments. Walk cycles and parenting.
READING (Due next Tuesday):
Animation Bible, Chap. 6, Direct Filmmaking: Practice & Presentation, pp. 139-153

Week 7

DISCUSS READING
PRODUCTION (Due next Tuesday): TBA.
READING (Due next Tuesday):
Animation Bible, Chap. 7, Direct Filmmaking: Vision, Sound, and Collective Experience, pp. 153-179.
PAPER (Due next Thursday): Discuss the significance of virtual worlds and computer games on our conception of information. 2-3 pages.

Week 8

DISCUSS READING
TECHNIQUE:
PRODUCTION (Due next Tuesday): TBA.
READING (Due next Tuesday):
Animation Bible, Chap. 8, 10, 11.

Week 9

DISCUSS READING
TECHNIQUE:
PRODUCTION (Due next Tuesday): TBA.
READING (Due next Tuesday):
Animation Bible, Chap. 12 & 13.

Week 10

DISCUSS READING
FINAL CRITIQUE
PRODUCTION (Due next Tuesday):TBA.

EXAM (actually, final presentation of projects): Nov. 24 11:45am-2pm.

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