Animation (ANIM)

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

An integration of various creative arts used in animation, including analysis of visual language, to complete a survey course of this selected topic. University Core fulfilled: Explorations: Creative Experience.

Introduction to visual techniques: color theory, design composition, and storyboarding. University Core fulfilled: Flag: Oral Skills.

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. Lab fee required.

Introduction to 3D digital film production. Topics of study include: modeling techniques, image processing and manipulation strategies, motion and articulation solutions, digital production techniques, texture, lighting and rendering methods, compression technology, and systems for computer-created animation. Lab fee required.

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. Lab fee required.

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 co-requisite and must be taken at the same time as Intermediate Animation Workshop. Prerequisite: ANIM 101. Lab fee required.

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. 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.

Further practical study in computer animation including: modeling; advanced articulation methods, techniques, and solutions; lighting; texture mapping; compositing; and rendering solutions. Prerequisite: ANIM 230.

2D digital film production. Topics of study include: image processing and manipulation, motion and articulation strategies, digital production techniques, rendering, and compression techniques.

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; Flags: Information Literacy, Quantitative Reasoning.

Introduction to creative and technical aspects of interactive animation technology. Prerequisite: ANIM 250.

The iterative process of game design will allow students to develop prototypes of their original games and storylines. Important topics include design issues, balanced play, theming, game theory, intellectual property, and playtesting.

Development, production, marketing, and distribution of electronic games. Technical details of game and physics engines. Modeling, programming, and interaction techniques, with the practical application of skills used to develop an interactive project. Prerequisite: ANIM 352 or CMSI 375.

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.

An intermediate study of 3D character animation and software proficiencies, with an emphasis on the technical construction of an animated performance. Prerequisites: ANIM 230 and ANIM 260.

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.

This course will cover genre studies and relevant topics in the development of the past, present, and future of the videogame industry.

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. Juniors and seniors only.

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

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. Seniors only. 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. Seniors only. Animation majors only.