B.A. in Animation

Introduction to the principles of animation and sequential art techniques that make up the visual communication art of storytelling through animation.

Creation of digital art as needed for animation using industry-standard software through the medium of digital photography and its application to individual expression.

Students explore and practice 2-D traditional techniques in animation.

Fundamentals of motion graphics including basic motion graphics principles and elements, design and composition, timing and effects, storyboarding and planning, sound and music synchronization. Industry-standard computer applications introduced and applied.

Study of 3-D animation principles using Autodesk’s Maya. Prerequisites: ANIM 100 and ANIM 103.

Study of the unique opportunities and challenges found in writing for animation in a variety of formats: the short subject, half-hour program, and feature length film, with an emphasis on integrating visual elements such as sketches and storyboards into the writing process from the very beginning in order to maximize creative discovery. Prerequisite: ENGL 101.

Students gain the skills required to rig and animate characters in Maya. A fully planned, animated, rendered, and edited 10-second animation is required. Prerequisite: ANIM 203.

Study techniques to develop professional storyboards for animation and film. Addresses styles of storyboards and their specific target audiences for utility and value. Prerequisite: ARTA 120.

Explores the roles of the various people and positions involved in the production of animation. Pitching, budgeting, and business plans are covered. Each student submits a budget and a business plan for a project. Students also present a pitch for their final project. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Texture mapping, lighting, cameras, dynamics, rendering techniques and MEL are addressed. Prerequisite: ANIM 213.

A critical look at the development of animation styles, both American and international. Students view animation and analyze the social, technological, financial, and political factors that helped shape the development of this art form from its beginnings to how television, computers and the Internet have affected the form.

Designed to help students build a compelling, well-rounded artistic portfolio to best represent their work to potential clients. Students evaluate and develop presentations of their own artistic work and address deficiencies in their portfolios. Both hard-copy and digital portfolios will be covered. Prerequisite: Senior Standing.

History and aesthetics of the field of motion graphics as they are used in film & television. Prerequisites: ANIM 112, ANIM 115, ANIM 203.

Course focuses on the motion techniques for 3-D actions that fall between the key frames. Prerequisite: ANIM 314.

The process by which digital special effects are applied to film and video productions, using advanced 3-D computer-generated techniques. Prerequisite: ANIM 314 or Permission of Instructor.

Under the supervision of the instructor, students work independently to develop a 5-minute animation project, meeting weekly to discuss their progress. Permission of advisor and instructor. Prerequisite: ANIM 310.

Students will learn observational skills and drawing techniques to enhance technical abilities and creative responses to materials and subject matter. In-depth investigation of line, perspective, space, atmosphere, erasure, and other key components of animation in a wide range of drawing media will be covered. Weekly group critiques and sketchbook assignments are integrated.

Intensive practice in correct rendering of the human and animal forms through skeletal and muscular studies looking at stationary poses as well as figures in motion and basic gesturing. Prerequisite: ARTA 120.

Three-dimensional phenomena in fine art and design. Cultivates the ability to think, perceive, visualize, design and build in three dimensions using traditional methods and a broad skill set of fabrication techniques.