UCC/UGC/ECCC
Proposal for New Course
Fall 2016
Please attach proposed Syllabus in approved university format.
1. Course subject and number:
VC 405
2. Units:
See upper and lower division undergraduate course definitions.
3. College:
Social and Behavioral Sciences
4. Academic Unit:
3
School of
Communication
5. Student Learning Outcomes of the new course. (Resources & Examples for Developing Course
Learning Outcomes)
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate their motion design skills by creating projects of increasing
levels of difficulty throughout the semester.
- Students will demonstrate their ability to apply advanced techniques relating to 2D and 3D
animation by completing motion design projects.
- Students will show advanced levels of knowledge, theory and practice in motion design by
engaging in extended projects.
- Students will demonstrate advanced understanding of properties of sequence and series
as evidenced by script, storyboard, animatic and final project.
- Students will be able to duplicate advanced technical, design and critical skills required to
create convincing 2D and 3D animation within the computer by incorporating those
techniques in their projects.
- Students transfers compositing and video output skills to allow for the combination of liveaction shots with computer-generated animation in their projects.
- At the end of the class, students should be able to critically analyze kinetic forms both
individually and in group critique.
- Students should master how to effectively communicate and formally present concepts in
presentation and group discussion.
6. Justification for new course, including how the course contributes to degree program outcomes,
or other university requirements / student learning outcomes. (Resources, Examples & Tools for
Developing Effective Program Student Learning Outcomes)
This course builds on motion graphics fundamentals covered in VC 305 Kinetic and
Sequential Design and VC 365 Motion Graphics 1. In this class students will work to develop a
better understanding of how to develop a distinct visual style in both personal work and in
work for clients. This course is part of a new emphasis in Motion Design, which will
Effective Fall 2015
consolidate the program’s current Motion Design instruction as an emphasis, and offer
students a directed education to a career in animation, broadcast design, or in the game
design industry.
7. Course Title: MOTION DESIGN II
(max 100 characters including spaces)
8. Catalog course description (max. 60 words, excluding requisites):
Studio course. Students will build on the skills learned in VC 365 Motion Design I, and
produce more ambitious projects. They will be expected to exhibit sophisticated technique,
storytelling and content, and work to develop as creative artists through self-critique. Time
management and planning skills for projects in motion design are emphasized.
9. Will this course be part of any plan (major, minor or certificate) or sub plan (emphasis)?
Yes
If yes, list and include the appropriate plan proposal.
Visual Communications; B.F.A.
No
10. Does this course duplicate content of existing courses?
Yes
No
If yes, list the courses with duplicate material. If the duplication is greater than 20%, explain why
NAU should establish this course, and include applicable support/correspondence.
11. Grading option:
Letter grade
Pass/Fail
Both
12. Proposed Co-convene with:
14a. UGC approval date*:
See co-convening policy.
*Must be approved by UGC before UCC submission, and both course syllabi must be presented.
13. Proposed Cross-list with:
See cross listing policy.
14. May course be repeated for additional units?
14a. If yes, maximum units allowed?
14b. If yes, may course be repeated for additional units in the same term?
15. Proposed Prerequisites:
VC 365 with a grade of C or better
If prerequisites, include the rationale for the prerequisites.
Students will build on the skills developed in VC 365.
16. Proposed Co requisites:
NONE
If co requisites, include the rationale for the co requisites.
Effective Fall 2015
Yes
No
Yes
No
17. Does this course include combined lecture and lab components?
Yes
If yes, include the units specific to each component in the course description above.
No
18. Does this course include an experiential learning component?
No
19. Class Instruction Mode:
In-person
If In-person or Blended, where will the course be offered?
20. Which terms will the course be offered?
Fall
Winter
Other
Yes
Online
FLGMTN
Blended
Other
Spring
Summer
(Fall/Even Yrs, Spring/Odd Yrs, Intermittent, etc.)
21. Do you anticipate this course will be scheduled outside the regular term?
Yes
No
If yes, please refer to: http://nau.edu/Registrar/Faculty-Resources/Schedule-of-Classes-Maintenance/
22. Will there be a course fee?
If yes, please refer to: http://nau.edu/Registrar/Faculty-Resources/Course-Fees/
Yes
No
23. Is this course being proposed for Liberal Studies designation?
Yes
No
24. Is this course being proposed for Diversity designation?
Yes
No
Answer 23-24 for UCC/ECCC only:
FLAGSTAFF MOUNTAIN CAMPUS
Scott Galland
Reviewed by Curriculum Process Associate
11/16/2015
Date
Approvals:
Department Chair/Unit Head (if appropriate)
Date
Chair of college curriculum committee
Date
Dean of college
Date
For Committee use only:
UCC/UGC Approval
Effective Fall 2015
Date
EXTENDED CAMPUSES
Reviewed by Curriculum Process Associate
Date
Approvals:
Academic Unit Head
Date
Division Curriculum Committee (Yuma, Yavapai, or Personalized Learning)
Date
Division Administrator in Extended Campuses (Yuma, Yavapai, or Personalized
Learning)
Date
Faculty Chair of Extended Campuses Curriculum Committee (Yuma, Yavapai, or
Personalized Learning)
Date
UGC Approval (Graduate-Level Courses Only)
Date
Chief Academic Officer; Extended Campuses (or Designee)
Date
College: SBS
Department/ Academic Unit: School of Communication, Visual Communication
Course prefix, Section number and Title: VC 405 Motion Design II
Term/ Year: Fall / Senior Year
Total Units of Course Credit: 3 credits
Course Pre-requisite(s): VC 365 with grades greater than or equal to C or better.
Instructor’s Name: Professor Chris Johnson
Instructor’s Contact Information: 928-523-8114; E-mail: c.s.johnson@nau.edu
Instructor’s Availability:
Professor: Chris Johnson
Class time: Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:45-2:45
Office hours: M & W 9:20-9:50; T & Th 3:20-3:50
Office: School of Communication Room 327
e-mail: c.s.johnson@nau.edu
Twitter: csj2arts
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/csj2
Effective Fall 2015
Academic Catalog Description: Studio course. Students will build on the skills learned in VC 365
Motion Design I, and produce more ambitious projects. They will be expected to exhibit sophisticated
technique, storytelling and content, and work to develop as creative artists through self-critique. Time
management and planning skills for projects in motion design are emphasized.
Course Purpose: Identifies the overall goals or aims of the course. Includes such things as
clarification of how the course “fits into” or contributes to the university’s educational programs, such
as a degree program (or programs), University-wide requirements, etc., and clarification of what is
studied in the course, such as an overview of content, skills, breadth/depth, etc.
This course builds on motion graphics fundamentals covered in VC 305 Kinetic and Sequential
Design and VC 365 Motion Graphics 1. In this class students will work to develop a better
understanding of how to develop a distinct visual style in both personal work and in work for clients.
The course also focuses on gaining familiarity with contemporary styles and trends in professional
motion graphics, and an awareness of motion graphics production. This course is intended to go
beyond the basics of motion graphics and assist students in refining their personal style. Advanced
techniques relating to combining 2D and 3D animation will be explored in depth.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate their motion design skills by creating projects of increasing levels of
difficulty throughout the semester.
- Students will demonstrate their ability to apply advanced techniques relating to 2D and 3D
animation by completing motion design projects.
- Students will show advanced levels of knowledge, theory and practice in motion design by
engaging in extended projects.
- Students will demonstrate advanced understanding of properties of sequence and series as
evidenced by script, storyboard, animatic and final project.
- Students will be able to duplicate advanced technical, design and critical skills required to create
convincing 2D and 3D animation within the computer by incorporating those techniques in their
projects.
- Students transfers compositing and video output skills to allow for the combination of live-action
shots with computer-generated animation in their projects.
- At the end of the class, students should be able to critically analyze kinetic forms both individually
and in group critique.
- Students should master how to effectively communicate and formally present concepts in
presentation and group discussion.
Assignments/ Assessments of Intended Course Student Learning Outcomes: Articulates key
assignments/ assessments that will be used to provide clear indications of student achievement of
course learning outcomes, and provides a summary of the purpose and description of the
assignments/ assessments.
Effective Fall 2015
• Advanced projects: focusing on more complex and in-depth motion solutions to design utilizing the
grid and the abilities of Cinema 4d and Adobe After Effects to create longer detailed Motion Graphics.
- News Sports Slider: Select a Sport and create a short intro that can be inserted into a news
cast. Create a short 10 second opener/slider according to specifications given to you. To
develop work needed for demo reel. Expand on previous knowledge of After Effects and
Cinema 4d, rendering, applying design principles, and working with a deadline.
- Studio Indent: To demonstrate an advanced understanding of working with storyboards,
applying animation design principles, and mastery of motion design software.
- TV Opener: Create a message that persuades the viewer to watch a show. The message
must clearly encourage the viewer to watch the show without giving away too much. Must
be approved by the instructor. Students learn to effectively communicate through graphics
and sound in a time-based format. To expand on the motivational techniques previously
learned to apply emotional & persuasive techniques in motion design. To demonstrate
advanced knowledge of screen composition, information and sound.
Grading System
Projects are due on the day of the final critique, and will not be accepted late or partially
complete.
Process and Documentation of Work
Instructor will be looking for obvious dedication, process and continuous work on a
project. This means showing work regularly at class meetings.
Creativity and Innovation
Work demonstrates thought, meaningful making and design, not just the most obvious
design outcome and literal interpretation.
Presentation and Critique
Formal presentations of work during class meetings and critiques, clearly describing the
project, design decisions and answering questions from the instructor and the class.
Design, Craftsmanship and Skill
Design work is carefully put together with consideration to technique, craftsmanship,
final output, and audience. Designers should always consider the grid structure,
resolution, and the quality of images (photos, graphics and art work.)
Participation, Effort, Group Work and Collaboration
Class participation is key. This includes: demonstration of effort, commitment and
determination on class work, participation in group exercises, tutorials, class critiques
and collaborative projects.
Grade Breakdown
I will keep all grades and attendance in the iPad app Gradebook. At any point during the
semester you may request to view your grade.
Effective Fall 2015
VC 405 Assessments:
Tutorials are worth 20 points (total of 5)
Midterm and Finals are worth 50 points
Project 1 is worth 100 points
Project 2 is worth 100 points
Project 3 is worth 100 points
= A total of 400 points possible for the entire class
Grades are assigned on a point system, with specific rubrics for each assignment, with projects
receiving one or more grades, according to the scale as follows:
 90-100 % = A range (Excellent, professional quality)
 80-89.9 % = B range (Good, above Average)
 70-79.9 % = C range (Average, competent with some major concept and/or execution issues)
 60-69.9 % = D range (Below Average, poor concept and/or execution)
 0-59.9 % = F (Fail does not meet minimum standards)
Structure/ Approach
All Projects will follow the same format:
Phase 1: Introduction, Selection, Analyze and Sketch (in storyboard format)
Phase 2: Design Storyboards, collect sample images, compose, and caption
Phase 3: Develop, Collect & Capture images and videos (no stock or clip art)
Phase 4: Make & Create motion sequence, test out ideas, explore options
Phase 5: Edit & Revise project according to the feedback
Phase 6: Refine & Present for class critique.
Readings and Materials
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You must be able to log onto your Lynda.com account at www.nau.edu/lynda
You must have access to Cinema 4d in and out of class.
You must have access to After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator.
You will also need to become a member of Vimeo (which is free). In order to turn in
assignment you must upload your files to Vimeo.com
Drawing materials for Storyboards. Storyboards are graphic organizers in the form
of illustrations or images displayed in sequence for the purpose of pre-visualizing a motion
picture, animation, motion graphic or interactive media sequence.
Class Outline or Tentative Schedule
Week 1
Week 2
Effective Fall 2015
Class 1 / 8.31: News Sports Slider Project Assigned
Class 2 / 9.02: Type C4d Tutorial
Class 3 / 9.07: Labor Day - No Class
Class 4 / 9.09: Storyboard Due for Critique / Must See animations #1
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Class 5 / 9.14: Models Developed
Class 6 / 9.16: After Effects introduced / Cloners and Dynamics
Class 7 / 9.21: Deflate and Inflate Tutorial Must See animations #2
Class 8 / 9.23: Completed and uploaded News Sports Slider DUE for FORMAL
Presentation
Class 9 / 9.28: Project 2 Assigned: Studio Indent
Class 10 / 9.30: Tennis Ball Collisions/Soft Body Tutorial / Must See animations
#3
Class 11 / 10.05: Project 2 storyboard due Guest Speaker
Class 12 / 10.07: Lecture on Physics for Animation
Class 13 / 10.12: Refine / Must See animations #4
Class 14 / 10.14: Project 2 in progress critique
Week 8
Class 15 / 10.19: / Must See animations #5
Class 16 / 10.21: / Must See animations #6
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Class Policies
Class 17 / 10.26: Midterm Evaluations
Class 18 / 10.28: Project 2 Due / Project 3 Assigned
Class 19 / 11.02: Workday
Class 20 / 11.04: Workday / Must See animations #7
Class 21 / 11.09: Workday
Class 22 / 11.11: Workday / Must See animations #8
Class 23 / 11.16: Workday
Class 24 / 11.18: Workday / Must See animations #9
Class 25 / 11.23: Workday
Class 26 / 11.25: No Class
Class 27 / 11.30: Refine / Must See animations #10
Class 28 / 12.02: Workday
Class 29 / 12.07: Final Testing and Revision
Class 30 / 12.09: Project 3 Due / Undergraduate Symposium
Final Class / Monday, 12.14: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Attendance
Students must arrive promptly at the start of class, with cell phones off, and full attention on the
class discussion. You are not to use Facebook, Instant Messenger, Email or Text Messenger
in class. If you are given time to work in class, you are not to work on other class work. If you
are, you will be asked to leave and you will be counted as absent for that day.
Three absences will deduct one letter grade for the semester. In this class there are no
Effective Fall 2015
excused or unexcused absence. When you miss class you miss lectures and very important
information. Your attendance is mandatory. If you think you will be missing more than three
meetings, you should consider taking this class another semester.
What is a tardy? My definition: being more than five minutes late. Three tardies equals one
absence.
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
POLICY STATEMENTS FOR COURSE SYLLABI
SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY
NAU’s Safe Working and Learning Environment Policy prohibits sexual harassment and assault, and
discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual
orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, or veteran status by anyone at this university. Retaliation
of any kind as a result of making a complaint under the policy or participating in an investigation is also
prohibited. The Director of the Equity and Access Office (EAO) serves as the university’s compliance
officer for affirmative action, civil rights, and Title IX, and is the ADA/504 Coordinator. EAO also assists
with religious accommodations. You may obtain a copy of this policy from the college dean’s office or
from NAU’s Equity and Access Office website nau.edu/diversity/. If you have questions or concerns
about this policy, it is important that you contact the departmental chair, dean’s office, the Office of
Student Life (928-523-5181), or NAU’s Equity and Access Office (928) 523-3312 (voice), (928) 5239977 (fax), (928) 523-1006 (TTD) or equityandaccess@nau.edu.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you have a documented disability, you can arrange for accommodations by contacting Disability
Resources (DR) at 523-8773 (voice) or 523-6906 (TTY), dr@nau.edu (e-mail) or 928-523-8747 (fax).
Students needing academic accommodations are required to register with DR and provide required
disability related documentation. Although you may request an accommodation at any time, in order for
DR to best meet your individual needs, you are urged to register and submit necessary documentation
(www.nau.edu/dr) 8 weeks prior to the time you wish to receive accommodations. DR is strongly
committed to the needs of student with disabilities and the promotion of Universal Design. Concerns or
questions related to the accessibility of programs and facilities at NAU may be brought to the attention
of DR or the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (523-3312).
ACADEMIC CONTACT HOUR POLICY
Based on the Arizona Board of Regents Academic Contact Hour Policy (ABOR Handbook, 2-224), for
every unit of credit, a student should expect, on average, to do a minimum of three hours of work per
week, including but not limited to class time, preparation, homework, studying.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Integrity is expected of every member of the NAU community in all academic undertakings. Integrity
entails a firm adherence to a set of values, and the values most essential to an academic community
are grounded in honesty with respect to all intellectual efforts of oneself and others. Academic
integrity is expected not only in formal coursework situations, but in all University relationships and
interactions connected to the educational process, including the use of University resources. An NAU
student’s submission of work is an implicit declaration that the work is the student’s own. All outside
assistance should be acknowledged, and the student’s academic contribution truthfully reported at all
times. In addition, NAU students have a right to expect academic integrity from each of their peers.
Effective Fall 2015
Individual students and faculty members are responsible for identifying potential violations of the
university’s academic integrity policy. Instances of potential violations are adjudicated using the
process found in the university Academic Integrity Policy.
RESEARCH INTEGRITY
The Responsible Conduct of Research policy is intended to ensure that NAU personnel including NAU
students engaged in research are adequately trained in the basic principles of ethics in research.
Additionally, this policy assists NAU in meeting the RCR training and compliance requirements of the
National Science Foundation (NSF)-The America COMPETES Act (Creating Opportunities to
Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science); 42 U.S.C 18620-1, Section
7009, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy on the instruction of the RCR (NOT-OD-10-019;
“Update on the Requirement for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research”). For more
information on the policy and the training activities required for personnel and students conducting
research, at NAU, visit: http://nau.edu/Research/Compliance/Research-Integrity/
SENSITIVE COURSE MATERIALS
University education aims to expand student understanding and awareness. Thus, it necessarily
involves engagement with a wide range of information, ideas, and creative representations. In the
course of college studies, students can expect to encounter—and critically appraise—materials that
may differ from and perhaps challenge familiar understandings, ideas, and beliefs. Students are
encouraged to discuss these matters with faculty.
CLASSROOM DISRUPTION POLICY
Membership in the academic community places a special obligation on all participants to preserve an
atmosphere conducive to a safe and positive learning environment. Part of that obligation implies the
responsibility of each member of the NAU community to maintain an environment in which the
behavior of any individual is not disruptive. Instructors have the authority and the responsibility to
manage their classes in accordance with University regulations. Instructors have the right and
obligation to confront disruptive behavior thereby promoting and enforcing standards of behavior
necessary for maintaining an atmosphere conducive to teaching and learning. Instructors are
responsible for establishing, communicating, and enforcing reasonable expectations and rules of
classroom behavior. These expectations are to be communicated to students in the syllabus and in
class discussions and activities at the outset of the course. Each student is responsible for behaving
in a manner that supports a positive learning environment and that does not interrupt nor disrupt the
delivery of education by instructors or receipt of education by students, within or outside a class. The
complete classroom disruption policy is in Appendices of NAU’s Student Handbook.
August 25, 2015
Effective Fall 2015