Animation Courses

Motion Graphics

Course No. ANIM 310  Credits: 3.0

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.

Motion Graphics II

Course No. ANIM 311  Credits: 3.0

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

3D Rigging and Problem Solving

Course No. ANIM 312  Credits: 3.0

Students will learn technical skills associated with navigating the 3D Animation and VFX pipelines. This course covers aspects of 3D production that bridges 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.

Narrative Production I

Course No. ANIM 313  Credits: 3.0

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. 3 credits. * 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.

Narrative Production II

Course No. ANIM 313A  Credits: 3.0

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.

Intro to 3D Modeling

Course No. ANIM 345  Credits: 3.0

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.

3D Texture, Mapping, Digital Lighting

Course No. ANIM 347  Credits: 3.0

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.

Community Projects: Animation Production (EP)

Course No. ANIM 350  Credits: 3.0

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.