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Course Descriptions - Animation

AN110 – History of Animation
This course follows the evolution of animation from its historical beginnings to its current forms from a global perspective. Animation’s development through a social context will be covered.

 

AN200 – Digital Filmmaking
Students learn how film as a visual medium began, and the basics of applying the following concepts; including the elements of visual structure, shot angles, sound, lighting, and editing. The impact of these concepts and techniques on animation and the artist’s video are discussed as each section is covered.

 

AN201 – Basic Animation Skills
In this course, students will develop essential drawing skills through the practice of contour and gesture drawings. Sketchbooks and other animation exercises will be used to develop creative thinking and imaginative drawing methods. A variety of sequential drawings will be created as an introduction to the 12 principles of animation, elements of style, motion studies and animation basic equipment usage.
Prereq: FA100, FA200

 

AN202 – Character Development
The development of a personality, character mannerisms, emotions and character model sheets are the goals of this class. How a character looks, feels and reacts to situations, and the “personal” movements of the character are developed, discussed and
reviewed during this course.
Prereq: FA100-102, FA201, AN201

 

AN203 – Character Movement
Character Movement continues the physical practice of the principles of animation. Each principle is demonstrated and applied with emphasis on timing and spacing. Students learn about how characters move based on mechanics, aesthetics, and character motivation. In every project, the animation workflow and animated drawing principles
are used.
Prereq: FA100, FA200, FA201, AN201

 

AN300 – Pre-Production Techniques
Through lectures and hands-on assignments, students will study the planning process of an animated project and discuss the influence of animation style on the planning stages. Storyboarding, style decisions, scripting, animation story visualization and soundtrack decisions will be explored.
Prereq: CP102, FA201, AN200-203

 

AN301 – Animation Timing
In this class, the timing of animation and its relationships are explored along with the other components of animation movement. The student will experiment with timing and spacing, character acting, charting and in-betweens, extremes and breakdowns, slow-in and slow-out and other essential principles. This class builds on the AN203 Character Movement class.
Prereq: FA201, AN200-203

 

AN304– Animation 3D I
Understanding fundamental concepts and methods for working in 3D is essential for computer animation. The basics of 3D modeling and animation are studied through lecture and hands-on use of computer modeling techniques. The basics of lighting, rendering, and compositing for computer models and animation are also covered.
Prereq: FA100-FA102, CP102, AN200

 

AN305 – Animation 3D II
This course explores advanced modeling and texturing of 3D characters appropriate to animation in both game and story applications. Later in this course, basic character setup for posing and articulation of movement will also be covered.
Prereq: CP102, AN200, AN202, AN304

 

AN307 – Motion Graphics
Basic editing concepts will be covered while creating moving text and images for television and cinema. Identity design appropriate to film or television is applied to a variety of projects. Digital compositing of live action footage as well as digitally created elements will be explored.
Prereq: FA100, FA101, CP102

 

AN308 – Flash Animation
This course is an introduction to using Flash as an animation medium. Topics include navigating the user interface; creating characters, backgrounds, and special effects; and developing a variety of motion studies incorporating the 12 principles of animation including how to add sound files. The class culminates in the creation of a character-based, story driven final animation sequence.
Prereq: FA201, AN200-AN203

AN310 – Animation 2D I
Students, working in teams on commercial projects, will create pencil test animations in this course by first refining storyboard presentations, selecting styles and color, producing keys and in-betweens. After review, critique and revision, pencil tests will be shot for motion tests. A personal animation short will also be produced during this class.
Prereq: FA102, FA201, CP102, AN200-AN301

 

AN320 – Animation 2D II
This course provides the essential understanding of how computers and traditional animation techniques co-exist. Students will study and practice how to move their animation to the computer for production.
Prereq: FA102, FA201, CP102, AN200-AN301, AN310

 

AN401 – 3D Character Animation
Students learn how to apply character movement, aesthetics, and character motivation explored in prior animation courses to the medium of 3D. In every project planning, visual research, and animation principles are used, as well as an animation workflow appropriate to 3D. Acting for animation is the basis for creating appealing and believable character performances in this course.
Prereq: FA100-101, FA201, AN200-AN301, AN304

 

AN402 – Digital Environments
This class involves creating a variety of digital environments in which animated characters can perform, with an emphasis on concept development, story telling, and art direction. Topics include creation of props, architectural elements, natural forms, and environmental effects to be used in both story and game applications.
Prereq: FA101-102, AN200-AN301, AN304

 

AN405 – Animation Portfolio
Students will create demonstration reels using various projects, animated sequences and techniques. The reels represent the students’ culmination of skills in Animation Graphics. Students also prepare a portfolio that showcases their drawing, design and production skills. A final presentation is required.
Prereq: All animation studio courses except AN402 and AN500 can be taken concurrently

 

AN500 – Senior Animation Studio
Students independently develop and present a major animation project. Emphasis is on showcasing personal career strengths and interests in the form of a short film or other in-depth study. The project must meet the program’s guidelines and be presented to a panel of faculty members.
Prereq: All animation studio courses except AN402 and AN405 can be taken concurrently