ANIM - Animation

Course Descriptions

 

ANIM 1000 Fundamentals of Animation (3)

Students study the principles of animation through drawing-based exercises, with emphasis on traditional processes, techniques, and styles employed in creating the illusion of movement on motion media. This course combines lecture, demonstration, critique, and hands-on production of short animation studies.

ANIM 1010 Animation II (3)

Students further expand upon the foundation built in Animation I by learning the basics of syncing audio and creating soundtracks for animation. Animation principles will be reviewed and honed. This is a drawing-heavy course that combines theory, lectures and hands-on experience. Prerequisite: ANIM 1000.

ANIM 2040 Cartooning (3)

Students learn the art of cartooning, comic strips and editorial cartoons, with an in-depth exploration of visual theory, tools and techniques, characters, composition, dialogue, lettering, inking, panel layout and graphic narrative. Each student explores comics history, develops a personal visual/writing approach and creates a finished comic series.

ANIM 2100 2D Animation Structure and Form (3)

Students study the visual foundations of 2D animation through drawing. Emphasis is placed on developing fundamental structure and form of the art in order to explore character, motion, and expression.

ANIM 2200 3D Animation Structure and Form (3)

Students study the visual foundations of 3D animation through modeling. Emphasis is placed on developing fundamental structure and form of the art in order to explore character, motion, and expression.

ANIM 3010 Voice Acting (3)

Students learn the art of the voice-over for animation with an in-depth exploration of acting techniques and delivery. Additionally, students create and work with sound effects and soundtracks and how they relate to motion, timing, performance, and the composition as a whole. This class reviews the work of a wide range of voice talents and composers within several different genres. Prerequisite: AUDI 1000

ANIM 3040 Comic Book Creation (3)

Students learn a step-by-step introduction to comic book publication. This course will address the basics of concept development, storytelling, cartooning, penciling, inking, color, layout, publishing and distribution within the comic book industry. May be repeated if content varies.

ANIM 3100 2D Animation and Rigging (3)

Students further expand upon the foundation built in ANIM 1000 by learning more advanced tools and techniques used in 2D animation production for film, video, and games. This is a drawing and basic rigging course that will combine animation theory, lectures and hands-on experience.  Prerequisite: ANIM 1000.

ANIM 3150 Special Topics in Animation (1-3)

This course is designed to periodically feature topics in animation not covered by regularly offered courses. Topics will be dedicated to narrow aspects of the discipline, time dependent materials, or guest lecturers. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: May vary with topic. 

ANIM 3200 3D Animation and Rigging (3)

Students further expand upon the foundation built in ANIM 2200 by learning more advanced tools and techniques used in 3D animation production for film, video, and games. This is a basic rigging course that will combine animation theory, lectures and hands-on experience. Prerequisite: ANIM 2200.

ANIM 3220 3D Procedurally Generated Environment (3)

Students will learn fundamental and advanced Procedural Content Generation (PCG) techniques to explore and create multi-scale environments for various contexts. Prior exposure to 3D modeling or game engines may enhance the learning experience.

ANIM 3300 Experimental Animation (3)

Students learn the potential of animation as a fine art medium. Experimentation is encouraged, using a wide range of techniques toward producing individual and group projects. Current and past works are screened and discussed in class.

ANIM 3599 Independent Study (1-12)

Independent study involves research work on a specialized subject or project, artistic work, or study of an interdisciplinary nature. In contrast to a practicum, the emphasis in an independent study is usually on individual pursuit of a specific content area. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: Requires instructor permission and the filing of official form.

ANIM 4000 Animation Seminar (3)

The Animation Seminar gives students the opportunity to craft short-form animations while prioritizing teamwork and innovation. By engaging in both experimental and commercial projects, participants will reflect on their personal growth and collaborate with peers to hone their artistic voice. This experience will help students tap into their creative potential and produce contemporary and relevant work. Prerequisites: ANIM 3100 or ANIM 3200, and junior standing.

ANIM 4010 2D Character Design (3)

Students explore an in-depth study of the character in multiple styles, genres and eras, bringing to life known, as well as original characters onto model sheets for critique and discussion. These studies will factor in costuming, period research and artistic skills. May be repeated once for credit.

ANIM 4030 Storyboarding (3)

Students apply principles of scene blocking, character development, and cinematic composition while learning how storyboards function as a collaborative bridge between directors, animators, sound designers, and performers. This course focuses on the development of detailed storyboards for animation as a tool for visual storytelling and production planning. 

ANIM 4040 Concept Art (3)

Students will learn advanced painting techniques using Photoshop and other supplementary software. Over this 16-week course, students will explore basic painting techniques, process work, thumbnailing, critique, taking direction, and methods to maximize workflow productivity. May be repeated once for credit.

ANIM 4050 3D Character Design (3)

Students will learn advanced sculpting techniques using the ZBrush platform for character modeling. Over the 16-week course students will explore the basics of the interface and its customization, the concepts of sculpting digitally, and advanced tricks/techniques for getting the most out of ZBrush. May be repeated once for credit.

ANIM 4100 2D Animated Short Film (3)

Students learn full animation production for creating an animated short. This class expands upon the advanced tools and techniques introduced in ANIM 2100 2D Animation: Structure and Form. May be repeated twice for credit. Prerequisite: ANIM 3100.

ANIM 4200 3D Animated Short Film (3)

Students learn full animation production for creating an animated short. This class expands upon the advanced tools and techniques introduced in ANIM 3200 3D Animation: Structure and Form.. May be repeated twice for credit. Prerequisites: ANIM 3200.

ANIM 4400 Photorealistic 3D Animation (3)

Photorealistic animation provides an introduction to the tools and techniques of photogrammetry modeling, physically based shader and texture rendering, and motion capture animation used in professional 3D animation, game development and VFX production pipelines.

ANIM 4620 Senior Capstone (3-6)

This course provides an opportunity for seniors to demonstrate their proficiency in a selected area of animation. The student assumes responsibility for the production of a project under the direction of a faculty member. The projects can be collaborative and must demonstrate creative strategies using 2D or 3D animation. Prerequisites: Senior standing, acceptance of the petition to proceed with Senior Overview, and permission of the instructor.