SYLLABUS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will concentrate on creating animation using Adobe After Effects, including text animation, title design, and character animation.  Students will learn the basic principles of animation, overview the history of the medium, storyboard shots, create an animated character, and more.  Students will view and analyze a variety of animated films in order to understand and evaluate the form.  Students will also review and critique peer work.

GOALS

This course has three main goals.  The first is to develop a diverse and adaptable set of animation-related skills in After Effects.  The second is to gain an appreciation for animation as a medium in its various forms, including stop-motion, hand-drawn, and computer-based methods.  The third is to develop creative problem solving skills as you create dynamic video content.

MEETING TIMES

Class meeting time: Thursdays 3:00 – 4:22, Marts 003

Some sessions will meet in the Bertrand Library Video Editing Lab.  You will be emailed in advance if the course location is not Marts 003.

Office hours are Thursday 1:30 – 3:00, Marts 003.  Other times are available by appointment.

MATERIALS

No books are required for the course and the software is available on computers in the Digital Video Editing Lab (Bertrand Library) and the Video Production Studio (Marts).  You will need an external hard drive with a USB 3.0 connection for storing files and projects.  I would suggest at least 500GB of storage space.  1TB drives are available on Amazon at at the Bertrand library equipment desk for around $60.

POLICIES AND GRADING

1. Because this course only meets once a week, attendance is especially important.  This course will move from topic to topic quickly, without much time for review.  If you must miss a class, please let me know so that we can make arrangements.  Multiple absences will negatively affect your final grade.

2. Please come to class on time and prepared for discussion and work.

3. Projects are due on the date and time assigned.  Late projects will be penalized.

4. All work must be individual and original. Any evidence of unauthorized collusion (working with another student without permission) or plagiarism (use of another’s ideas without acknowledgement) will lead to the procedures set up by the university for academic dishonesty.

Weekly projects: 50%
Final project: 30%
Attendance and participation: 20%

CONTACT INFORMATION

Daniel Nienhuis
dan014@bucknell.edu
Marts office: 570-577-7245