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CDAN200 Animation 1: Basics 3 cr.
An introduction to the fundamental principles of expression through movement in time, sequential composition, editing, and integration of image sequences and sound. A series of short projects will apply basic animation principles. Presentations and projects involve simple phenomena of cycles, transformations, transitions, sequential structure and the expression of emotional and kinetic states. The use of digital still and video cameras is introduced, as well as sound integration, editing and story structure using current digital software combined with traditional techniques.
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Fall
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CDAN202 Drawing for Animators 3 cr.
Drawing for Animators will build drawn animation skills through in-class exercises and related assignments. Students will animate all their work on paper using a variety of dry and wet media. They will gain knowledge of the physics of motion, squash and stretch, time-based blurring, perspective in motion, kinesthesia, and the use of light and shadow. Observational skills will be enhanced by using a live model, and by analyzing live-action footage and exemplary animation.
Prerequisites: CDAN202, MPFV214 or consent of instructor
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Spring
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CDAN203 Intro to Digital 2D Animation 3 cr.
This course serves as an introduction to various alternative animation techniques, with emphasis on how an individual animation artist might innovate ways to integrate continually emerging digital tools into his or her work. Software applications such as Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Flash, Illustrator and After Effects are introduced and incorporated into assignments that include “old-school” animation devices and techniques such as Zoetropes, flipbooks, rotoscoping and multi-plane shooting. Additionally, Mini-DV, and digital still cameras, along with digital audio recorders are introduced. A semester-long, image-based digital animation will be produced, along with numerous shorter assignments. There will be portions of class time made available for workshop.
Prerequisites: CDAN-203 or by permission of instructor.
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Fall
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CDAN207 Toolbox II 3 cr.
This course will explore how concepts and creative project solutions can be further articulated through an expanded use of digital software and media. Toolbox Two will build on principles and techniques introduced in Digital Toolbox. Students will work on project-based assignments that require use of both 2D and 3D software. Through screened examples, workshops, visiting lecturers, critiques, and trial and error, participants will gain familiarity with problem-solving strategies and inventive use of digital resources in animation.
Prerequisites: CDAN203
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
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CDAN212 Design for Animators I 3cr.
An introductory exploration to the application of a range of fine art materials with a focus on
water-based media. Through demonstrations, in-class exercises and comparative assignments,
students build technical skills and increase knowledge of color, form, space, light and
composition in applied problems.
Fall and Spring
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CDAN215 Stop Motion Animation I 3cr.
Stop-motion animation covers a vast array of techniques, skills and history.
We will discover underlying common principles through screenings, demonstrations and exercises.
Since students don’t have access to the 300 person, three year production schedule that a
stop-motion feature requires, we will learn effective strategies to make more with less. Most
assignments will require students to isolate production elements and explore multiple paths to
solutions. Emphasis here will not be on product, but on process. Therefore it will be expected
that various paths may reveal failed strategies. The point will be to gain broad experience
rapidly. It is expected that students will learn skills needed to produce expressive and engaging
stop-motion animated pieces.
Prerequisites: CDAN301 or Permission of Instructor
Departmental Requirement
Fall and Spring
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CDAN217 Life Drawing 3cr.
The study of the human figure emphasizing observational response to movement, form, light
and shadow, expression, and concepts of pictorial space.
Fall and Spring
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CDAN218 Figurative Clay Construction 3cr
Working in clay, students are introduced to the basic forms of the human body and clay
application as a foundation to begin sculpting the figure. Form relationships, gesture,
movement, human proportions as well as relevant anatomy are discussed and explored as we sculpt
from a live model. Students finish class with two complete pieces ready for kiln firing as well as
a deeper ability to visualize the human body in three dimensions and the foundations for
translating that skill into sculpture, drawing or animation.
Undergraduate Elective
Fall & Spring
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CDAN219 Motion Graphics 3CR
Motion Graphics works towards an exploration of
the intersection of design and movement as
employed in the pursuit of communication. Course
assignments are intended to bring the kinetic
principles of animation into the design realm.
Prerequisites: Open to SO, JUN, and SENIORS
Hybrid Studio Critique
Instructor’s Discretion
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CDAN224 VFX Alchemy: Pixels & Grain 3cr
Through the completion of short assignments,
students use an integrated approach to producing
visual effects with historic and contemporary
techniques. Adobe After Effects, analog film
camera systems, and motion control are some of
the technologies explored. A full range of
examples from the avant-garde to the mainstream
provide insight into methodology and design
solutions. No prior experience with film is
necessary. Students of all disciplines are
welcome.
Hybrid Studio Critique
Fall
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CDAN225 Puppet Animation & Fabrication 3cr
Character and set fabrication is explored with an
eye toward contemporary practices in the field of
stop motion puppet animation. A variety of
armatures and rigs will be used in exercises that
emulate challenges found in the field.
Hybrid Studio Critique
Fall
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CDAN226 3DCG Character Animation 3cr
Leaping directly to animating 3DCG characters by
utilizing pre-existing rigs, the goal is to
create realistic performances that are applicable
to all forms of animation. Topics like workflow,
staging, acting choices, dialogue and more are
explored. Work will primarily be completed using
Autodesk Maya.
Hybrid Studio Critique
Fall
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CDAN300 Character Animation 3 cr.
A study of the use and dynamics of the character in animation. Through screenings, guest lecturers, workshops, critiques, design, performance and animation exercises, students will explore the fundamentals of character animation. Course emphasis is on 2D formats, although there may be some 3D content mixed in.
Prerequisites: Completion of Foundation Year
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Elective
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CDAN301 Animation 2: Experiments 3 cr.
Animation II will introduce students to various mixed media approaches to animation design. Students will learn strategies enabling them to complete several short animated films within a single semester. They will be instructed in numerous elements necessary to create an independently authored animated film, including the concept of unity, advanced camera techniques, and the language of the cinema. Further emphasis will be placed on experimentation, auteurism, and expressionistic use of materials. There will be regular screenings of exemplary animation and regular classroom critiques.
Prerequisites: CDAN202, MPFV214 or Drawing for Animators
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Requirement
Spring
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CDAN302 Animation 3: Communication 3 cr.
Animation III is a course that focuses on various narrative forms for animated short films. A wide range of exercises are employed to address issues of both content and form, such as: creating an animated film by utilizing documentary audio or found sound, interpreting an existing work of poetry, adapting a news article, and translating a theatrical script into a visual storyboard. Students are expected to work both individually and collaboratively.
Prerequisites: CDAN301
Critique
Departmental Requirement
Fall
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CDAN303 Sound Design for Animators 3 cr.
Soundtracks for motion pictures are possibly the least noticed element, yet provide the strongest cues to the viewers’ emotional response. This course will enhance the student’s understanding of the power of sound as well as providing the vocabulary to make meaningful aural decisions. Students will create audio pieces that stand alone and later synchronize them with animation.
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Elective
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CDAN306 Toolbox III 3 cr.
Continued study of the digital realm in animation. Primary focus is on 3D computer animation.
Prerequisites: CDAN 207 - Toolbox Two
Hybrid Studio/Critique
Departmental Elective
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CDAN307 Advanced Character Animation 3cr
This course will build upon the principles
covered in Character Animation. Strategies in
acting, walk and run cycles, experimentation with
movement and timing, critical animation thinking
and advance studio techniques (tricks of the
trade ) will be covered.
Prerequisites: Take Character Animation
Hybrid Studio Critique
Fall and Spring
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CDAN392 AN Course Assistantship
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CDAN399 AN Independent Study 3 cr.
Critique
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CDAN400 Degree Project I 3 cr.
The first of two semesters involving investigation and articulation through animation of a topic of personal interest for each student. This course involves extensive scholarly research and experimentation including short trials runs of techniques and strategies. All these are used on the path towards completion of a comprehensive film or set of films. At the close of the first semester, students will have defined their intentions through a completed animatic essay on purpose and intent, design studies, trial shorts, and a minimum of one minute of completed footage representative of their final product.
Critique
Departmental Requirement
Fall
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CDAN401 Animation Portfolio 3 cr.
Animation Portfolio provides a concentrated opportunity for graduating seniors to develop content and practices directed towards their professional goals in the field of animation. Through a series of projects, lectures and workshops, students develop professional standards and produce a finished portfolio and show reel.
Critique
Departmental Requirement
Fall
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CDAN402 Degree Project II 3 cr.
The second of two semesters involving investigation and articulation through animation of a topic of personal interest for each student. Students complete all phases of production and promotion of their chosen project.
Prerequisites: CDAN400
Critique
Departmental Requirement
Spring
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CDAN403 Animation 4: Production 3 cr.
Animation IV is an advanced-level production course in which students produce one high-end, purpose-driven animation. Emphasis is placed on clear communication of ideas, which is challenged through intensive group critique of every phase of the process: from script to storyboard to animatic to finished animation. Complete musical score and sound design is coordinated via a semester-long collaboration with students from Berklee College of Music. Additionally, students will complete three, ten-second “style emulations”. which closely examine the work of independent animators.
Prerequisites: CDAN302
Critique
Departmental Requirement
Spring
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CDAN404 Stop Motion Collaboration 3cr
Students will work cooperatively on a short animated sequence designed to demonstrate and develop advanced stop
motion animation skills. Topics will include miniature set construction and detailing, tabletop and practical lighting, motion control
cinematography, front light/back light and compositing, casting of foam puppets, armature fabrication, use of surface gauges and frame grabbing, and puppet animation.Formerly titled Stop Motion Animation II]
Prerequisites: Must complete foundation year.
Studio
Spring
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CDAN405 Advanced 3D Digital Animation 3cr
Advanced 3D Digital Animation builds upon digital animation skills developed in Intro to 3D Digital Animation, specifically 3D computer-generated animation in Maya . The course is primarily focused upon techniques of advance
biped-character modeling, introduction to NURBS-based modeling, UV mapping, character rigging, and advanced character animation.[Formely Titled Toolbox IV]
Prerequisites: CDAN-306
Spring
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