ANI 101

Introduction to Animation – Theories and Techniques (3 Cr.)

Prerequisites: None

Description: This course introduces students to the principles of animation through classical animation techniques. Students will explore the art of creating convincing movement through good timing, spacing, and drawing. Works of master animators will be screened and analyzed frame-by-frame to illustrate the principles covered in class, and students will put their knowledge to work through a series of exercises. The ultimate goal of both this course and its sequel is to introduce methods by which animators “act” and bring characters to life through sequential images.

ANI 125

Acting for Animation (3 Cr.)

Prerequisites: None

Description: An animator’s ability to express attitude, thought, and emotion through body language is a fundamental skill necessary for success. Therefore, the focus of this course is to present tools and techniques for translating thoughts and feelings into specific gestures and actions. The course introduces students to the history of acting in the theater, animation, and film. Students will explore the basic fundamentals and differences of acting for the stage, film, and animation through a series of acting exercises and problems. Special emphasis will be given to classical method acting.

ANI 151

Advanced Animation- Theories and Techniques II (3 Cr.)

Prerequisite: ANI 101

Description: In ANI 151 students will continue to explore and exercise the concepts and techniques of classical animation through a series of assignments. The exercises in this course will be considerably more demanding than those completed in ANI 101 as they will be longer and will require more refinement, subtlety, and creativity. There will also be a greater emphasis on character development – the expression of personality, mood, thought, and attitude through motion and posing.

ANI 300

Acting Through an Interface (3 Cr.)

Prerequisites: ANI 125, ANI 151, ART 225, CG 275

Description: An animator’s ability to express attitude, thought, and emotion through a surrogate is a fundamental skill of animation. This course builds upon the earlier acting curriculum and introduces the traditions of puppetry and marionettes. It next explores stop-motion animation techniques. Finally, students will extrapolate their knowledge to 3D biped animation and 2D character animation problems.

ANI 350

Voice Acting for Animation (3 Cr.)

Prerequisite: ANI 300

Concurrent Course: ENG 315

Description: This course explores the nature of acting through the medium of the human voice. The curriculum will explore narration, expressive reading, diction, and vocal refinement. It will introduce students to basic audio technology and recording equipment. The course also covers lip synchronization techniques in animation and culminates in a series of practical exercises in both 2D and 3D animation.

ANI 400

Cinematic Animation (3 Cr.)

Prerequisites: ANI 350, ART 401, FLM 275

Description: This course is a culmination of the student’s ability to use animation as a storytelling medium. It also provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate his or her personal artistic growth. Each student will work to complete a short piece of cinematic animation. Working independently or in small groups with the instructor’s approval, students may use either 2D or 3D tools.