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

Since the arrival of digital technologies, animation has become increasingly pervasive and is now embedded in many disciplines. Contemporary Issues in Animation recognises the diversity of animation practice and explores theoretical and critical debates about its role and place within the context of media globalisation. It examines animation practice across a range of contemporary media; investigates the relationship between evolving digital technologies and existing media; and considers the effect of new animated image forms on the experience of visual culture.

Aims

This unit aims to develop historical, critical and analytical skills in reading and writing about issues in animation practice and contemporary culture. It aims to foster both critical research skills, and an awareness of the wider context of contemporary animation practice.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. locate, evaluate and synthesise information from a variety of sources and be able to articulate them in written and oral forms;
2. situate an animation project within its focal and broader field;
3. analyse current issues relating to our engagement with, and the impacts of, advances in animation practices upon society, and present arguments associated with these analyses within written texts;
4. build critical/reflective frameworks for the contextualisation of personal animation and artistic practice.

Content

This unit is a theoretical subject, which covers current approaches to Animation Studies. The unit addresses the diverse application of animation, the embrace of new technologies and techniques, and acknowledges the importance of history and the vitality of tradition. The unit explores how these issues impact upon contemporary animation practices. The content of the discussions will involve specific studies of animation practices in conjunction with case studies of aesthetic, artistic and cultural issues.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is run as a combination of lectures and seminars, involving formal presentations and discussion both individually and in groups. You are also expected to pursue your own line of inquiry outside formal sessions.

Assessment

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

Faculty Assessment Information
To access complete Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. Your contribution to the unit will be considered in terms of teamwork, ethical and collaborative behaviour, engaged and reflective participation and understanding of contemporary animation issues. Weight 0%

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

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: (formative and summative) You will deliver an oral presentation/s that articulates a given position and argument in relation to a topic within the field of contemporary animation practice. It should demonstrate your understanding of the changing debates on animation studies as well as interpretive and analytical skills within a coherently developed argument.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Early-Mid Semester

Assessment name: Project (research)
Description: (formative and summative) You will produce a written research proposal, which articulates a methodology, and a coherent method for animation production and evaluation.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End 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:

Wells, Paul. (2007) Understanding Animation. Routledge

Wells, Paul. (2002) Animation: genre and authorship. London: Wallflower

Wells, Paul (Ed). (1997) Art and animation. London : Academy Editions

Wells, P., Hardstaff, J. (2008) Re-imagining animation: the changing face of the moving image. Worthing: AVA Academia

Cholodenko, A. (2007) The illusion of life 2: more essays on animation. Sydney: Power Publications

Furniss, M. (Ed) (2009) Animation: art & industry. Herts [England]: John Libbey; Bloomington, IN: Distributed in North America by Indiana University Press

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

Furniss, M. (1998) Art in motion: animation aesthetics. Sydney: John Libbey

Pilling, J. (2001) 2D and Beyond, Crans- Pres-Celigny, Switzerland: RotoVision SA.

Klein, N. (1993) 7 Minutes: The Life and Death of the American Animated Cartoon, London, Verso.

Crafton, D. (1982) Before Mickey: The Animated Film 1898 -1928, Cambridge: MIT Press

Schon, D. A. (1991) The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. England: Ashgate

Society for Animation Studies website:

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

Animation: an interdisciplinary journal:

Animation World Magazine:

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks for 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: 19-Oct-2012