HUM 203: The World in Motion, Animation in Theory and Practice

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SYLLABUS

Please note that this information is subject to modification as the course progresses.

DESCRIPTION

This class studies animation to explore what it means to live in a world of constant change and transformation. Students will learn by viewing a diverse selection of animated work, reading about how media informs our perceptions of time and space, and working on creative projects. They will finish the quarter with a piece of creative digital animation that develops the themes of the class in innovative directions. More specifically, students will ask: What does it mean to be animated? What techniques are used to create the illusionary gestures of animation? How do animation practices differ in different parts of the world? How has time-based media developed in the West? How can technology expand our perceptions about animation? Join us as we span the globe from Africa to Asia to Europe, pondering what it means to live in an animated world and exploring possibilities for putting this world in motion.

COURSE GOALS

• Build awareness of the impact of animation on world culture and society
• Understand varieties of animation technique through hands on practice
• Integrate a philosophical exploration of ideas and creative production
• Develop skills of project managent and vision
• Reimagine the meaning of the word animation

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

• Attend all lectures, discussion seminars, and lab sessions
• Complete weekly reading assignments
• Participate in class discussions and learning environments
• Complete homework tasks as assigned: late work will not be accepted
• Complete midterm and final project: late work will not be accepted

ASSIGNMENTS

(There will be periodic updates to elaborate on assignment requirements.)

Animation basics

In the first few weeks, students will also be set a task that they should complete in time for their lab session. These small assignments are meant to help students orient to the animation workflow and explore fundamental techniques.

Assignment 1: Keys to the Sequence
Using skills introduced in the lab sections, create a short animation that uses simple shapes to tell a short story. For this introductory assignment, do not concern yourself with the subtlties of motion over time, rather use only a series of key poses to communicate the main sequence of the story. Focus on arrangement of visual information into 'snapshots' or 'moments' in time that summarize the crucial points you want to express. Your sequence should contain at least four key poses.You will upload your finished sequence to your student gallery website for grading.

Assignment 2 (due next week)
Starting with your previous keyframe assignment, make any improvements suggested by your feedback. Then, divide your story approximately in half, and develop the motion between your keyframes using two approaches.

1. Smooth transitions using the ‘tweening’ feature to create a sense of time and motion that is flowing and continuous.
2. Frame by frame movement, simulating techniques used in Stop Motion animation that give time and motion a more textured, erratic feeling.

Midterm Project

By the fifth week of the quarter, and due during section, students are required to finish a five-page, double-spaced project proposal describing their final project. Good proposals should include a statement on what you intend to do, an explanation of how the project engages with themes from the class, and a description of how you intend to go about it. In addition to the five pages of prose, students are also required to submit a storyboard detailing the shots and sequences that the student plans to animate.

Click here for midterm details.

Final Project

The class will culminate in an integrated final project, which consists of a the finished animated piece as developed from your midterm proposal, a short written artists statement, and a self reflection paper that explores the ideas discussed in class and their relationship to your creative project.

Click here for final details.

Reading

In addition, each week there will be a number of readings to be completed. These are required: you need them to participate in the class discussions and to succeed in the animation tasks.

All readings are available in a course packet which can be obtained at the Ave Copy Center, 4141 University Way. In addition, selected readings will be available in color on eReserve for images and illustrations that are difficult to view properly in black and white photocopy.

GRADING

• Participation will be weighted approximately 20% of the overall grade.
• Animation basics assignments will be worth cumulatively 15%.
• Midterm project will be worth 15% as well.
• The final project will be weighted 50%.
• Late work will not be accepted.

POLICIES

• No smoking in the lecture theater, classroom or building.
• Back up your data. No excuses for losing essays, web documents, images, etc. Keep at least three copies of everything: one on your hard drive, one on a CD, and one somewhere else just in case.
• Please do not read email or surf the web during lectures and discussions - it's distracting to all of us, not just you!
• If you have a disability that you think may impact your participation in this class, please contact Disabled Student Services. Every effort will be made to accommodate your needs.