ANIM 201 Concept Development I

A core requirement to learn digital painting in motion, scene design, character development, technical direction, and related animation production pipeline standards for developing animated stories, shorts, films, and animated cinematography. This course examines the media production requirements for animation students in applied professional studios. This course serves to develop the animator’s core mechanics and vocabulary in the broad areas of animation integrated workflow (story conception, storyboarding, animatics, motion studies, character flow and design, scene, set, and props (look artists), technical direction, and summary of post-production flow) to meet industry expectations and professional output. 3 credits.

ANIM 209 Intro to 2D Animation

This course is an introduction to 2D animation with a focus on gaining fundamental knowledge and the application of the 12 principles of animation. Students will discover the importance of applying timing, spacing, weigh, squash & stretch, pose to pose, anticipating, exaggeration and more to their drawings to create the illusion of life. 3 credits.

ANIM 220 Drawing for Animation

Drawing for Animation is an essential course for anyone who is interested in visual storytelling. This course will teach students how to draw ideas, actions, and gestures that effectively communicate a story. Students will draw from live models in costumes, animals in motion, and create characters that capture storytelling poses. An emphasis will be placed on exaggeration, silhouetting, line of action, balance, and gesture: all of which are needed to communicate a character’s attitude and story. This course is highly recommended for animators and illustrators. 3 credits.

ANIM 231 Acting + Directing

Acting & Directing is an intense production course designed for aspiring art directors, screenwriters, and actors who wish to pursue a career in film and/or animation. The course requires both performance and cinematic practice. Directors will create and produce short scenes taking on the full responsibility of creating clear communication using the audio/visual language of cinema and focusing on the developing and execution of performance on screen. Beyond just holding the responsibility of successful execution of a project, directors will also switch roles with the actor, working from the other side of the lens to better understand the acting process and what kind of specific direction an actor needs to perform according to another director’s vision. 3 credits.

ANIM 240 Experimental Animation

This course will introduce students to the history and experimental techniques used in the animation industry. Students will learn how to bring stories to life through stop-motion, charcoal drawings, and mixed-media animation. Students will learn how to build sets, rig puppets, and use technology such as the green screen/lighting studio and cameras. This course serves as a great introduction to non-traditional animation for students who are interested in bringing physical materials to life. 3 credits.

ANIM 300 Specialized Animation Production

This course provides students with the ability to focus on a specific area of the animation production pipeline to research, produce a body of work and learn advanced techniques through individualized assignments. 3 credits.

ANIM 307A Intro 3D Animation: Character

This is an introductory course in 3D animation as an art form, with an intensive focus on the use and development of characters in animation. Successful animation breathes life into motion with clear communication of thought, emotion, narrative or experience. Any moving object is a “character” in film or animation. We will hold regular discussions and workshops on how the dialogue of an otherwise stagnant object changes and evolves when put to motion. Methods of instruction will consist of lectures, demonstrations, artist research, studio assignments, in-class lab time, and group critiques. 3 credits.

ANIM 308 Body Mechanics for Animation

Students will animate scenes from planning to polish through their choice of 2D or 3D animation. In this course, we will learn how to set up character rigs for animation, body mechanics, facial animation, acting and motion studies. Students will be required to compete in monthly animation competitions and produce polished animated scenes in the medium of their choice for their reel. Prerequisite: ANIM 209. 3 credits.

ANIM 310 Motion Graphics

An advanced project-based course whose goal is to create finished broadcast- or web-ready animation or motion graphics pieces. Emphasis will be on learning After Effects. This course covers contemporary issues in motion graphics and broadcast design. In this class, students will visualize, develop, and realize various creative solutions for tasks in 2D and 2.5D animation projects. Concept development, visual storytelling, montage theory, typography, sound design, and principles and meanings of movement will be explored. Ultimately, the student will be expected to produce two complete pieces. 3 credits.

ANIM 311 Motion Graphics II

Motion Graphics II is an advanced project-based course that builds on the principles of design and motion covered in ANIM 310 Motion Graphics. Emphasis will be placed on image creation, transitions, compositing, typography, sound, design and movement in 2D, 2.5D, 3D and/or live action-based productions. 3 credits.

ANIM 312 3D Rigging and Problem Solving

Students will learn technical skills associated with navigating the 3D Animation and VFX pipelines. This course covers aspects of 3D production that bridge the gap between 3D modeling and 3D Animation. Exercises will include creating character rigs, using 3D simulations, and discovering technical solutions while using a variety of software and tools available. Pre-reqs include coursework in 3D Modeling or 3D Animation using Autodesk Maya. 3 credits.

ANIM 313 Narrative Production I

This course will focus on students working in teams to create assets in the pre-production phase of development for an animated short film. This will include story development, asset development (character design, environment design, prop design, color scripting, 3D modeling, rough animation and 2D and or 3D character rigging). Tools students need include: drawing materials, working knowledge of Maya, working knowledge of Adobe Animate, TVPaint or Toon Boom Harmony; working knowledge of film and cinematic language; working knowledge of digital painting using Adobe Photoshop. Books and supplies to be determined by instructor. * While there is not a prerequisite course for this class, juniors must exhibit knowledge in these areas gleaned from courses that were taught during their sophomore year. Required for all junior Animation majors. 3 credits.

ANIM 313A Narrative Production II

This course will focus on the production and post production phases of the animated film that was begun the previous semester in Narrative Production I. This includes 2D or 3DAnimation, Lighting/Texturing, Editing, Compositing, Special FX Animation and Sound Production. Tools students will need include: working knowledge of Maya, working knowledge of Adobe Animate, TVPaint or Toon Boom Harmony; working knowledge of film and cinematic language; working knowledge of Adobe After Effects. Required for all junior Animation majors. Prerequisite: ANIM 313. 3 credits.

ANIM 345 Intro to 3D Modeling

The course is designed to cover concepts in digital 3D organic and device model construction, whereby the virtual models designed are rendered and composited for 2D illustration purposes to solve specific conceptual problems. The subject matter within the Game Design curriculum reflects the development of characters, game environments and specific assets for game development. Students outside the Game Design Major, are required to work with subjects appropriate to their major field of study for concept development and for long term portfolio objectives. Projects include concepts and workflow for constructing a virtual 3D surface by: (1) defining the visual problem within a concept sketch in pre-production, (2) utilizing specific introductory modeling methods to build the 3D illustration components, (3) the use of basic lighting and rendered materials, (4) export methods into Adobe Photoshop for augmentation, finishing and final illustration techniques and layout. Projects require the student to gain and improve upon conceptual skills, problem-solving in specific media situations (digital 2D & 3D) and technical proficiency at an introductory level in 3D modeling. 3 credits.

ANIM 347 3D Texture, Mapping, Digital Lighting

This course is designed to cover concepts in digital application of texture maps for 3D game models rendered in a real-time 3D game engine. Optimization of textures, maps, and materials. Poly count limits, and how to “bake” extremely high levels of detail into low detail models capable of being rendered in real-time, and the benefits of using “Levels of Detail” with static, and dynamic lighting concepts, design, and optimization. The use of toggle-able lighting, and attachment of lighting to game assets and players. The importance of creating immersive environments, capable of being walked through, and/or viewed from multiple, often unspecified angles of view. Projects include concept integration into technical production workflow for describing, and optimizing digital 3D surfaces for rendering in a real-time game engine; creating immersive environments that express mood, and narrative through the materials, and lighting. Projects require the student to continually improve upon conceptual problem solving, time management strategies, communication/presentation and technical skills. 3 credits.

ANIM 350 Community Projects: Animation Production (EP)

Students will animate and provide art and production services for individual clients as well as for organizations in a professional studio setting. The course emphasizes the student’s development in problem solving, meeting client demands, communication skills, organization, effective time management and teamwork and collaboration. This course will be an introduction to real-world projects and challenges. 3 credits.

ANIM 367 Storyboarding + Sequential Art

Students will be introduced to the craft of storyboard creation, cinematography, and its specific application within the pipeline of the Animation Industry. 3 credits.

ANIM 401 BFA Research + Preparation

This course is structured to support the individual in shaping her/his own project and the production of all elements of the BFA Thesis, strong conceptual skills developed through a professional planning and a good, researched idea are core to this process. 3 credits.

ANIM 413 Narrative Production III

Students learn how to fully develop a narrative-based concept for production. In this class, students will: 1. develop their ideas, 2. write a script based on those ideas, 3. deconstruct their script in order to fully understand their proposed piece, 4. rewrite their script, 5. produce, review and edit storyboards, and finally, 6. produce, review and edit an animatic based on their storyboards. This is a project-based learning experience designed to help students develop narrative-based work and will be especially helpful for seniors doing BFA project development. 3 credits.

ANIM 420 Animation Portfolio Reel & Shorts

This course is a requirement for Animation students but also recommended for any student interested in the entertainment industry. Students will build and present a professional portfolio while learning career search and interviewing skills. Students will have the opportunity to create animated shorts and refine their best work. Each student will leave this course with a professional portfolio and a demo reel in their area of expertise. 3 credits.

ANIM 454T 3D Modeling for Concept Vehicles 1

This course focuses on 3D Modeling for Concept Vehicles 1 (Automobiles, Sci- Fi, Fantasy & Tactical). For students focused on transportation, animation or game design, 3D modeling is essential in developing and translating ideas into data that can be used for industry applications. Course content will provide a foundation in 3D modeling using rapid polygonal and hard modeling techniques. An emphasis will be placed on documentation of basic surfaces, designing around a package and/or free-form exploration in order to support Industrial Design (Transportation Track), Animation or Game Design content development for the auto and entertainment industries. Studio lab time will include lectures, demos, in-class exercises, project support and one-on-one instruction. Intro to 3D Modeling (Game/Animation) is required. Prior 3D modeling experience is helpful. Required of senior Industrial Design majors (Transportation Track), recommended for Animation and Game Design majors and open to any students. 3 credits.

ANIM 455T 3D Modeling for Concept Vehicles 2

This course is a continuation of 3D Modeling for Concept Vehicles 1 and is focused on vehicle modeling such as Automobiles, Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Tactical. For students focused on transportation, animation or game design, 3D modeling is essential in developing and translating ideas into data that can be used for industry applications. This course will provide further instruction in 3D modeling using rapid polygonal and hard modeling techniques. An emphasis will be placed on documentation of basic surfaces, designing around a package and/or free-form exploration in order to support Industrial Design (Transportation Track), Animation or Game Design content development for the auto and entertainment industries. Studio lab time will include lectures, demos, in-class exercises, project support and one-on- one instruction. Prior 3D modeling experience is required, specifically courses like Intro to 3D Modeling (Game/Animation). Required of senior Industrial Design majors (Transportation Track), recommended for Animation and Game Design majors and open to any students. 3 credits.

ANIM 498 BFA Thesis + Exhibition

The course is structured to support the individual in shaping her/his own project and the production of all elements of the BFA thesis. Strong conceptual skills developed through professional planning and research are core to this process. 3 credits.

ANIM 299-399-499 Animation Internship (EP)

Elective credit can be given on a case-by-case basis for student internships developed through the Center for Career and Workforce Development, with advance permission of instructor and Division Chair. Fulfills Engaged Practice requirement.