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

This unit explores the creative potential offered by the study of the history and practice of animation. You will be introduced to the cultures and theoretical approaches of past and present animators and the contribution they have made to the development of the language of animation. You will be encouraged to critically analyse, engage with, and respond to their works and reflect on diverse approaches to the use of the medium. A critical approach, developed by this content, provides a context for developing your own personal style and ongoing practice.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with a theoretical backdrop to your studio practice and an historical and contemporary context for your work. Such a framework will aid the orientation of your future within the animation industry or associated practice, and will provide the critical tools for negotiating an informed path through the course.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. understand the substantial body of academic writing on the subject;
2. synthesise historical knowledge and expertise in the development of your creative works;
3. articulate various cultural and practical issues that may confront you upon entering the animation industry and/or engaging a continuing interest in the subject;
4. apply a personal style for your personal studio practice.

Content

This unit addresses content such as
- an introduction to the development of the language of animation;
- social, cultural, economic and technological factors as they affect animation practice;
- animation as an artistic expression;
- the diversity of outcomes within the field of animation practice.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The course work in this unit is directed at examining the diverse history of animation. It will involve lectures, which address social, cultural, economic and technical themes that have continued to shape animation, its practitioners, genres and methodological approaches. Lectures include film screenings to illustrate topics and to provide material for critical assessment. Tutorials consist of problem-based learning activities, and your presentation of ways in which styles can be interpreted.

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 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. Weight: 0%

Assessment name: Seminar Presenation
Description: (formative and summative) Seminar presentation and documentation, which critically analyses an animated work. You will be required to facilitate a short presentation outlining key aspects of a chosen practitioner or animated work, themes, genre or methodological approach to animation practice.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: Critical Response
Description: (summative) Critical response to animated works. You will provide brief written responses to a series of questions seeking critical assessment of animated films screened during specified tutorials. The questions will relate to issues raised by material presented in lectures and tutorials.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: Interpretive Animated Work
Description: (summative) You will produce an audio-visual and text-based project, which reflects the theoretical and practical expression of a noted animator, genre or methodological approach to animation practice. The project's development will be supported by historic reading and will seek to marry the relationship of contemporary animation practice to historical continuum.
The creative work will also be accompanied by a critical reflection, which outlines key aspects of the historical and theoretical context for the creative work - 1500 words.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
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

Required Text:
There is no set text for this unit.

Recommended References:
Wiedemann, J. (ed). (2004) Animation now!: Anima Mundi, Koln, Taschen

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

Bendazzi, G. (1994) Cartoons: One Hundred Years of Cinema Animation, London: John Libbey

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

Furniss, M. (1998) Art in Motion: Animation Aesthetics, London: John Libbey.

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

Pilling, J. (1997) A Reader in Animation Studies, London: John Libbey.

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

Russett, R. & Starr, C. (1976) Experimental Animation: Origins of a New Art, New York: Da Capo.

Wells, P. (1998) Understanding Animation, London: Routledge

Wells, P. (2007) Scriptwriting, London: AVA Publishing

Maltin, L. (1990) Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons, New York : New American Library

Noake, R (1988) Animation: A Guide to Animated Film Techniques, London & Sydney: Macdonald & Co.

Allan, R. (1999) Walt Disney and Europe, London: John Libbey.

Blanc, M. (1988) That's not all Folks!, New York: Warner Books.

Schodt, F. (1983) Manga! Manga! the World of Japanese Comics, Japan: Kodansha

Brophy, P. (1994) Kaboom: Explosive Animation from America and Japan, Sydney: Museum of Contemporary Modern Art.

Periodicals:
Animation World Magazine

Web sites:
http://www.awn.com
http://www.animationjournal.com
http://www.animationarchive.org/animationbookmarks.html

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: 06-Aug-2012