Objectives

The Animation program offers students a classical approach to this complex and multifaceted medium based on traditional fundamentals, such as hand drawn, clay, stop motion, pixilation, mixed media and cut-outs animation. The program represents a broadband approach to animation education within a liberal arts framework. There is course work in both traditional and digital animation, plus studies in experimental, interactive storytelling and alternative forms of the medium in small classroom settings.

In four years at LMU, animation majors move from a traditionally based foundation in animation production techniques during the freshman year to the theory and practice of digital filmmaking and computer animation during the sophomore year. The third year is devoted to the study of multimedia and alternative forms of animation. During the senior year, students write, animate and direct a thesis film/project for their portfolio.

We propose that this degree represents a solid cross-disciplinary approach in Animation Studies. Accordingly, we choose to stress a solid lower division knowledge base across the salient animation disciplines taught in any given animation curriculum. Moreover, we also choose to stress a higher dimension of flexibility in upper division courses—without regard to specific track or emphasis - to allow any student the freedom to determine their own course and career destination within the protocols of a classical Ignatian education.

Animation Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Have a unique personal artistic vision and work effectively in a collaborative filmmaking process.
• Be ethical and humanistic animation storytellers, grounded in traditional skills while being prepared in the pillars of innovation, diversity and social justice.
• Be active leaders in the new emerging industries; whether it will be in the studio system or as independent artists.
• Demonstrate understanding of technological foundations for the ever evolving world of animation innovation
• Integrate animation workflows in a collaborative filmmaking process

Major Requirements

Four-Year Planning Guidelines

• Normal course load is 15 semester hours or 5 courses per semester. Beginning sophomore year, the remaining semesters also include the 1 unit Figure Drawing requirement.
• ENGL 110  should be taken freshman  year. All other university core should be distributed based on interests and availability.
• Lower division major requirements should be completed by end of sophomore year.
• 45 semester hours of upper division  coursework are required; these are comprised of upper division core requirements, upper division major requirements, and upper division electives taken.
• Proper sequencing of major requirements is indicated by  prerequisites of individual courses and as suggested in the outline below. Please consult assigned academic advisor.
• Fall and Spring term designations indicate that a course is only offered in either the Fall or  Spring semester. Courses listed as “Any” may be taken either semester in the year noted. A blank term means that a course can be variable by term and year.
• Acting, cinematography and lighting, computer   programming, dance, multimedia design, editing, music, mythology and literature, and sound design classes are among suggested electives for Animation majors.

Lower Division Major Requirements

Upper Division Major Requirements

Check course descriptions for prerequisites and sequence.