Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Animators have employed a wide range of media to create animated imagery for a variety of contexts. The broad scope of available 2D and 3D media allows images to be developed in diverse ways to display virtual reality, digital three-dimensional objects, traditional two-dimensional formats, stop-motion processes, and integrated effects within live-action motion pictures. Animation Methodologies recognises that any given production technique provides just one of many possible ways to realise an animation project whether for game development, film or television, Web or emergent media. This unit explores the varied nature of animation methods from traditional practices to approaches using digital techniques.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with experiences of methods and techniques used by animation production studios, and the flow of a production from concept to finished work. It will introduce you to a range of skills in traditional and digital animation media.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. interpret a design brief;
2. Identify and describe the complex workflows and scheduling required of the animated industry;
3. work with the key tools of animated productions;
4. produce correctly formatted design elements which form part of the animation production process;
5. Critically reflect on methodological approaches to animation production.
6. Apply written, oral and visual communication skills in the presentation of an analysis and evaluation of collaborative practice.

Content

This unit will introduce the form, tools, methods of a variety of animation production processes, and include workflows and an overview of production roles within the animation industry. The unit will also provide working processes for thumbnail generation, delivering communication through content, character sheets, presentation of artwork, colour roughs, exploration of silhouette, idea generation, and design critique.

Information literacies and written communication skills for academic practice.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The teaching and learning approaches of this unit incorporate studio content and the delivery of masterclasses, tutorials, industry presentations, guest lecturers, mentoring and peer critique. Production studios are structured as a combination of an intensive production environment and supportive studio work, and you will provide evidence of progress on creative projects on a regular basis. Your contribution to the studio will include teamwork, ethical and collaborative behaviour, engaged and reflective participation and understanding of the process and roles in a studio environment.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
The studio environment allows for ongoing communication and feedback with relevant teaching staff and peers, which will be incorporated through the iterative design process. Weight: 0%

You will be awarded a final grade on a 1 to 7 scale.

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: (formative and summative) You will participate in the development of a series of animated works that respond to the conceptual and technical requirements of a prescribed creative brief.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: (formative and summative) Reflecting upon the methods and strategies introduced in the first assessment, you will deliver an oral presentation, with a written essay component, that evaluates and critiques a particular methodological approach to animation production.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4, 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set text for this unit.

Refer to the Unit Blackboard Learning Resources.

Recommended References

Furniss, M. (2008) The animation bible: a practical guide to the art of animating, from flipbooks to flash. New York: Abrams

Williams, Richard. (2001) The animator's survival kit. London: Faber

Taylor, Richard. (1996) The encyclopedia of animation techniques. Sydney: Simon and Schuster

Purves, Barry. (2007) Stop Motion: Passion, Process and Performance. London: Focal Press.

Periodicals:
Animation World Magazine

Web sites:
Society for Animation Studies website:

Society for Animation Studies peer reviewed online journal for animation history and theory:

Animation: an interdisciplinary journal:

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 05-Nov-2012