Experimental Animation (ANI 356-401) |
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Summary of the courseThis class is an introduction to experimental approaches to animation. This is a production class. There will be six projects over the course of the quarter. The most important thing about this class is the amount of work produced, and the spirit in which it is produced. These projects are designed to require thought and planning on your behalf, but also to be starting points for following your inspiration and for re-designing your piece as you work. I want to see smart, focused work this quarter, but I also want to see work that shows evidence of playfulness and real experimentation. Throughout the quarter, we will look at historical examples, covering a variety of artists from a variety of time periods. We will break down and study their techniques. This class is fundamentally about approach, concept and inspiration - tools that transcend media. We will spend a good amount of time looking at historical work. Much of this will involve unconventional materials as animation tools; things like sand, beads, paper cut-outs, charcoal, and even humans. You will have opportunities to revisit these media and techniques, but I want to stress that mastering old techniques is not the point of this class. Instead, the class will look at this work in context, in order to see how the artist might have questioned and reconfigured what was known and available at the time in order to create something unique, interesting, beautiful or powerful. A key philosophy for this class is that it is inclusive rather than exclusive. To that end, a goal for the class is to demonstrate how you can always be expanding your understanding of what animation is, and how it can be made. Written Papers There will be three short (one-page) papers on topics I assign. These are largely to show me that you are developing a critical awareness of what constitutes "experimental" animation. To that end, they will not necessarily be formally structured, but also not as casual as a journal. Spelling and grammar count. In-class Presentations At the start of each class period, two people will present interesting work they have found. This can include any sort of animation, both contemporary and classic, as well as movie clips, still images or games. Work can be presented online, from a DVD, or in the case of print work, just brought in. Tell us why this caught your eye, and what you know about it. This will be very casual, but will help to broaden the class's understanding of the world of film, art and design. Attendance Attendance will be taken at the start of each class. It is your responsibility to let me know if you arrive to class after attendance is taken. Three absences constitute a lowered final grade by one letter, and four absences will result in a failing grade for the quarter. In-class Work Policy A good deal of class time will be devoted to working on projects. Please come to class ready to work. We will primarily be working in two labs on the 8th floor, 803 and 818. Be courteous with playing music when people are working. Please make any phone calls during work days very brief, and take them outside.
Textbooks and printed resourcesThe textbook for this course is The Animation Bible by Maureen Furniss (ISBN 978-0-8109-9545-1.) Readings will be assigned from this book throughout the quarter, with a special emphasis on the technical explanations she gives for various types of animation. GradingSix projects - 75%
School policies:Online Instructor EvaluationEvaluations 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 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 PolicyThis course will be subject to the academic integrity policy passed by faculty. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ PlagiarismThe 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.
IncompleteAn 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 DisabilitiesStudents 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:
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