Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

The field of motion graphics has expanded rapidly, with its application extending beyond the role of cinematic storytelling to applications for title sequences, music promotion, marketing, computer games and information design. This unit provides an introduction to animation and motion graphics concepts and practices, with an emphasis on the principles of design in motion. This unit provides an introduction to the world of animated graphics, paying particular attention to pre-production techniques, design in motion, and idea generation. Through the development of screen-based works, you will apply traditional animation principles and techniques to communicate innovative temporal and spatial design solutions.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the design principles and historical developments relating to motion graphics and their application in design contexts.
It will support you to apply these principles in the production of animated outcomes, including training in hardware and software production terms and techniques and how these may be applied in the context of motion graphics for animation and design.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. display a foundational knowledge of animation skills and techniques;
2. generate and express creative ideas through screen-based animations, using appropriate principles and processes;
3. apply animation and time-based design principles and production processes to your creative practice;
4. use appropriate technologies to manipulate various elements to produce animated sequences;
5. situate your work within the field of animation and design practice.

Content

This unit addresses content such as:

- historical developments involved in the growth of animation and motion graphics,, emphasising its relationship with traditional animated film production, and to cinema in general;
- foundation theories and principles involved the production of content for screen based works, examining both technical and conceptual models. This includes principles of lighting,and cinematography as they relate to animated shorts, as well as titles and instructional design, motion graphics and their relation to abstraction in animation and contemporary theoretical practices in communication design;
- the use of a variety of software and hardware tools to produce short animated works, which address specific concepts and practices related to animation design or motion graphics.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The subject combines theory and practice. It is delivered via a combination of seminars, lectures and tutorials. Tutorials cover exercises, which expand and explore principles of motion graphics and animation with a variety of media.
Activities are designed to investigate specific themes pertaining to the lecture series. They offer an opportunity to engage with tutors and with the language of animation and motion graphics. Tutorial activities will include discussions of content and process, demonstration of the software, or personal consultation.

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
During the tutorials you will be provided with feedback on your experimentations in screen based animation which will inform your assessment work for the unit. There will be opportunities in tutorials to present your developing ideas to your peers and tutor for feedback. Weight: 0%

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

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: In response to a creative brief, demonstrate the appropriate procedural workflow for the production of Motion Graphics content in a professional environment.
Relates to objectives: 1,3,4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Creative Work
Description: Design and Produce an animated project which exemplifies the principles of motion graphics introduced throughout the unit. The project should contain supporting documentation that contextualizes the final rendered work and demonstrates an understanding of the iterative process of design, milestones and delivery.
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3,4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late 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 texts
Meyer, Trish, (2005) Creating motion graphics with After Effects, San Francisco, CA: CMP Books

Greene, David. (2003), How did they do that? : motion graphics, Gloucester, Mass. : Rockport Publishers, c.

Krasner, Jon S. (2008), Motion graphic design : applied history and aesthetics, Amsterdam; Boston : Focal Press

Drate, Spencer, (2006), Motion by design, London: Laurence King,

Plummer, Mary. (2005), Getting started with Motion, Berkeley, CA: Peachpit.

Matt Hanson, (2004.) Motion blur : graphic moving imagemakers, onedotzero. London : Laurence King

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: 28-Mar-2013