Overview

Course Description

Motion basics and advanced narrative/storytelling through motion. Expands motion literacy into narrative sequence planning, animation design process, and multimedia technologies.

Process phases include research, concept, formulation/exploration, experiments/tests, selection and refinement, storyboard, animation using Adobe After Effects.

Main Objectives & Goals

— understand and apply motion literacy (WHAT and HOW something can move to communicate effectively)
— create digital or analog animations (stop motion)
— create meaningful animations on an abstract level
— design with type for motion
— use animation software
— integrate audio components

Other Objectives & Goals

— find original solutions through research, experiment and discovery
— exploration/exploration within a certain framework, within certain restrictions
— play with basic elements such as typography, color, basic graphic shapes, photography or/and video
— develop personal, cohesive visual language that's appropriate for the given task
— solving problems of visual communication in unconventional ways
— develop sensitivity for quality beyond current trends

Attendance Policy

Students who are actively engaged in class sessions are more likely to be successful. You are expected to attend each class session and to be on time. If you are sick, especially contagious, do not come to class. This is an excused absence.

If you cannot come to class or have to leave notify me before class. If you miss a class, please notify me with the reason for the absence. Students who accumulate 3 or more unexcused absences may be asked to withdraw from class and/or risk receiving a failing grade.

Assignment make-up/revision policy

If you miss a class, you are responsible for getting the class handouts and instructions from one of your classmates. You may notify a classmates to pick up materials and explain the instructions to you.

Grading

Grading is based on the aesthetic quality and craft of the work, as evidenced in the finished pieces; the course of research and/or process of design exploration pursued to achieve the finished pieces, as evidenced by your work in process; attendance and class participation. Grading percentages: Daily research/process/product (25%), mid-term review (25%), and final project (50%). All work must be handed in by the date set for finals in order to avoid a failing grade. Growth from class to class is based on concept, working process, problem solving, presentation, participation and motivation.

A = Work of exceptional quality and craft. Level of interest and quality of research exceeds expectations. Deep understanding of material and concepts presented. Active/enthusiastic class participation, perfect attendance.

B = Work of overall good quality and craft. Level of interest and quality of research meets expectations. Clear understanding of material and concepts presented. Attentive/ open class participation, good attendance.

C = work of average quality and craft. level of interest and quality of research is average. understanding of material and concepts presented is uncertain. class participation is minimal, inconsistent attendance

D = work of poor quality and craft. level of interest and quality of research is poor. lacks understanding of material and concepts presented. class participation is nonexistent weak attendance

F = work is incomplete or missing. no demonstrated interest or evidence of research. no understanding of material and concepts presented. class participation is nonexistent poor attendance.

If you have any concerns about the class or if you need to see me outside of class, e-mail to me to schedule an appointment.