Animation (ANIM)

A survey of the historical developments, styles, techniques, theory, and criticism of animation as an art form. History of creative arts used in animation to form effective communication in film and video.

An exploration of various creative arts used in animation, including analysis of visual language, timing and motion.

University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Creative Experience.
Lab Fee required.

Introduction to visual techniques: color theory, design composition, and storyboarding.

Intermediate workshop in the art of traditional animated film production. Topics of study include digital sound production, motion and articulation strategies, camera and post-production techniques.

Prerequisite: ANIM 260.

Introduction to 3D digital film production. Topics of study include: modeling techniques, computer character animation, digital production techniques, texture, lighting and rendering methods, and workflows for computer-created animation.

The integration of animation and interactivity is explored to show how user-controlled animation for games is different than for film and linear narratives. There is also an emphasis on design issues and scripting for interactivity.

Introduction to principles and practices of digital imaging as applicable to film and video, with an emphasis on software instruction for animated filmmaking. This course is a pre-requisite for ANIM 220 Intermediate Animation Workshop.

Prerequisite: ANIM 101.

Animated Perspectives aims to provide students the opportunity to think deeply about the role their art will play after graduation. As creators, we are responsible for the impact our work has, and so it's important that we understand the big picture conversations that are happening in entertainment, such as: lack of racial diversity, breaking gender stereotypes, and more. By having an open discussion about relevant topics, students will create more socially conscious work. A diverse set of guest speakers from the animation industry will also provide honest advice on what it's really like to work in entertainment, including topics like dealing with unemployment and labor issues.

Animation Majors and Minors only.
University Core fulfilled: Flag: Engaged Learning.

Development of industry-standard storyboards for animation. Students will apply visual directing to draw storyboards as digital animatics, basing these on written scripts, existing sources, and also their own creative work.

Prerequisites: ANIM 210 and ANIM 220.

Workshop in the art of animated film production.

Prerequisite: ANIM 220.

Building technical skills for animators: how to automate animated graphics, write tools and customize user interfaces using Python scripting.

Prerequisite: ANIM 230 or by instructor's approval.
University Core fulfilled: Integrations: Interdisciplinary Connections.

An introduction to the principles of classical character design.

Prerequisite: ANIM 220.

An intermediate study of the principles of character animation, with an emphasis on performance and the development of advanced proficiencies.

Prerequisite: ANIM 220.

Concepts and approaches to production work in cinematic visual effects. A combination of digital and traditional methods will be discussed, with a concentration on exercises using computer graphics to illustrate these techniques.

Prerequisites: ANIM 220, 230, and 260.

Advanced research and practice in creating and planning animated film and video. Professional experience in storyboard production.

Prerequisite: ANIM 310.

Workshop and practical applications of experimental aesthetic techniques for animation, with an emphasis on visual innovation in a non-narrative setting.

Lab fee required.

Advanced production and design of animated interactive content.

Prerequisite: ANIM 250.

Development of animated content using immersive media software tools to create a user-controlled experience.

Prerequisite: ANIM 250

Professional experience in animation. Animation internship. Portfolio and demo reel development. Vocational strategies.

Prerequisite: ANIM 220

Pre-production design and development of an approved animated thesis, demonstrating the proficiencies of student's emphasis within the major. This is the first semester of a full-year production leading to the completion of the senior thesis.

Prerequisite: ANIM 220
Animation majors only.

Continuation of practical experience in animation production. Completion of animation thesis project.

The student must provide a professional copy of all senior thesis-level projects to the School of Film and Television in partial fulfillment of degree requirements.

Prerequisite: ANIM 495.
Animation majors only.