ART 170 Motion Graphics

5 credits

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of animation, exploring both traditional and digital techniques. Students will learn the fundamental principles of animation, including timing, motion, and storytelling, while gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard software and tools. The course covers various animation styles, from 2D hand-drawn animation to digital character creation, and introduces key concepts such as character design, scene composition, and visual effects. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to create short animations, understand the creative process, and develop a foundational portfolio for further exploration in the field of animation. No prior animation experience required.

Prerequisites: ABED 40 or AHSE 56 (or placement into MATH 87 or AHSE 66 or higher) and ABED 46 (or placement into ENGL 93 or higher)

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Name and identify the twelve principles of animation such as squash and stretch, anticipation, and follow-through
Create 2D animations using traditional techniques and digital tools
Develop a character design and animate basic movements, including walking, running, and simple actions
Apply storytelling techniques to create animations that convey a narrative, emotion, or idea
Experiment with different animation styles, including stop-motion, frame-by-frame, and digital animation
Demonstrate proficiency in animation software by creating short animated clips or scenes
Evaluate animation work critically, both their own and others’, to understand strengths and areas for improvement

Total Hours: 70 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 30 Guided Practice (Lab or Clinical) Hours: 40