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.