Art 263 Animation I Syllabus SP16
Prof. Lee Crowe
Email: MyFriendlyCrow@gmail.com
Class meets Mondays and Wednesdays 7:00 PM – 9:45 PM
Ms. Crowe’s Office Hours: Room AC402, by appointment, Mondays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Course Description:
Introduction to the fundamental principles of animation that are the basis for traditional and
computer animation. Hand-drawn exercises are utilized to learn timing, motion and weights.
Covers introduction to the early history of animation.
Art Dept. Student Learning Objectives Addressed in this class:
1. Basic Skills: Acquire a basic knowledge, theories, and concepts about art; develop a foundation of art skills
and a high level of craftsmanship; communicate ideas and concepts through writing, speaking and art making;
acquire a competency with the tools and technologies associated with the visual arts.
2. Art/Animation Knowledge: Broaden knowledge of early through contemporary animation art; develop an
understanding of the theoretical, cultural, and historical contexts of the art form.
3. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Apply processes of generating and solving problems in art; analyze,
interpret and question traditional methodologies and preconceived notions of art and art making.
4. Interdisciplinary Connections: Explore and engage in interdisciplinary forms of animation production.
5. Global Perspectives: Develop an appreciation of diverse artistic expressions from around the world.
6. Professional Preparation: Aid in developing a career path for an art profession or an art-related field;
develop an understanding of the demands and expectations of that area of art profession or art field.
Team effort projects will be assigned.
Student Evaluation & Grade Criteria: Assignments are specific and evaluated for both process and
product.
Course Student Learning Objectives
1. Learn and practice the Principles of Animation: timing, motion, & weight, thus gaining the basic skill
set needed for those proceeding into 2-D and 3-D Computer Animation. Produce a Reel of original
exercises that demonstrates this knowledge.
2.
Learn to critically analyze one’s own animation work and do active problem solving to improve work.
3. Learn course specific technology: Down shooting Pencil Test technology, 2D and 3D animation
software such as ToonBoom Pencil, Adobe Flash, etc.
5. This is an Animation survey class. Students will develop critical thinking skills of analyzing and
comparing animation context, styles, content, social political, economic and global factors that
influenced animation over the years.
•
Student will become aware of Animation historical and cultural context through screenings,
lectures, and individual research.
•
Identify milestones, studios, and key players in US Animation and why they were significant to the
industry.
•
6.
Become aware of cross discipline nature of animation and cultural influences.
Learn animation career paths. Learn and practice professional teamwork, professional behavior, and
protocols.
%
The final grade will be based on the following:
Homework 1: Stop Motion piece
5
Homework 2: circles, flag, bean man, and flour
sack sketches
5
Homework 3: Resume, cover letter, website
5
Assignment 1. Flipbooks
5
Assignment 2. Bouncing ball
10
Assignment 3. Flag
10
Assignment 4. Bi-ped
10
Assignment 5. Flour sack
10
Assignment 6. Group Project
10
Midterm Quiz
10
Final Quiz
10
Class Participation
10
Total
100
Letter Grade
Numerical Grade
A+
97 - 100
A
93 - 96
A-
90 - 92
B+
87 - 89
B
83 - 86
B-
80 - 82
C+
77 - 79
C
73 - 76
C-
70 - 72
D+
67 – 69
D
63 - 66
D-
60 - 62
F
59 or lower
Assignment Delivery:
This is not an on-line course. All assignments must begin in-class and submitted digitally (via Box.com
or some other designated means). Students will be notified directly if there is a Moodle or other online
component requirement for class. It is not appropriate for students to email instructor assignments. Late
and incomplete assignments will be penalized. Too many late or failed assignments will keep the student
from passing the course.

Assignments are due at the start of class. We will view and
critique most assignments together as a group.

For each class a project is late, it will lose a letter grade.

Assignments that are more than four classes late will not
be accepted
Collecting work:
It is vital that you save your own work for the duration of the semester via an online cloud or a portable
hard drive. Flash drives are acceptable but not ideal. The instructor may collect all work at the end of the
term for school collections.
Attendance Policy & Student Behavior/Professional Deportment:
Attendance is important for effective instruction and class participation. Written documentation is
needed for all absences.
• 4 absences will lower the student’s grade.
• 6 or more unexcused absences will keep a student from passing this course.
This Studio course requires class attendance, actual work in class, homework/lab work outside of classtime. Students are expected to practice professional behavior, treat people with respect and cooperate with
faculty & lab techs.
Arriving late to class, leaving early, and missing multiple classes is unprofessional and will affect your
reputation with professionals that you come in contact with while at school. It is strongly advised that
you show up to all classes on time and stay for the duration of the class. Missing class time and not
discussing it with the instructor could negatively affect your grade. Please discuss any variations on this
with the instructor.
Recommended Books:
Animator's Survival Kit, Richard Williams, Faber & Faber, ISBN 0-571-20228-4, 2001 Edition.
Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life, Disney, Thomas/Johnson, Hyperion, ISBN 0-7868-6070-7, 1981 Edition.
Character Animation Crash Course, Eric Goldberg, Silman-James Press, ISBN: 978-1-879505-97-1, 2008 Edition.
Cartoon Animation, Preston Blair, Publisher: Walter Foster ISBN: 1-56010-084-2, 1994 Edition.
Required supplies

Sketchbook

Pencils

Flash drive or Portable Hard drive (recommended)

Other materials to be discussed
Professor may request copies of assignments at the end of term. Please save all of your assignments!
Syllabus and weekly assignments subject to change at Professor’s discretion but for the benefit of the
student.