ART 263 ANIMATION I SYLLABUS SP14
Prof. Farquhar
Section 02, 11068, T/TH 8am-10:45am
Email: mfarquhar@csun.edu
Office Hours By Appointment AC402: T/Th 7:30am-8am AC402 1:45pm-2:15pm AC330
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.
Course Student Learning Objectives
1. Learn and practice the Principles of Animation: timing, motion, & weight, thus gaining the basic skill set needed
2.
3.
5.
6.
for those proceeding into 2-D and 3-D Computer Animation. Produce a Reel of original exercises that
demonstrates this knowledge.
Learn to critically analyze one’s own animation work and do active problem solving to improve work.
Learn course specific technology: Down shooting Pencil Test technology, 2D and 3D animation software such
as “Pencil”, Adobe Flash and Maya software.
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.
• Become aware of cross discipline nature of animation and cultural influences.
Learn animation career paths. Learn and practice professional teamwork, professional behavior, and protocols.
Student Evaluation & Grade Criteria: Assignments are specific and evaluated for both process and product.
70% Exercises of principles of animation.
20% Writing and drawing Assignments, participation in lectures and critical analysis of animation screenings.
10% Class Attendance, participation, and promptness.
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.
END OF TERM:
Copies of all work must be submitted digitally online in the DROP BOX. Failure to do so may result in late or missed
assignments, thus a grade reduction. Student work may be used as examples in current or future courses.
Attendance Policy & Student Behavior/Professional Deportment:
Attendance is important for fluid 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 class-time.
Students are expected to practice professional behavior, treat people with respect and cooperate with faculty & lab
techs.
Recommended Books:
Animator's Survival Kit, Richard Williams, Faber & Faber, 0-571-20228-4, year 200. Timing for Animation, Harold Whitaker,
Focal Press (Butterworth-Heinemann), 0-240-51714-8. Edition: 2002, pbk.
The Illusion of Life, Disney, Frank Thomas, Hyperion, 0-7868-6070-7, 1981.
Character Animation Crash Course, Eric Goldberg, Silman-James Press, ISBN: 978-1-879505-97-1, year 2008.
Cartoon Animation, Preston Blair, Publisher: Walter Foster ISBN: 1-56010-084-2, Edition 1994.
Supplies & Stores:
• Required: 4 gig Flashdrive
Professor will keep a copy of all assignments at the end of term
Syllabus and weekly assignments subject to change at Professor’s discretion