COURSE TITLE: ANIMATION I COURSE NUMBER: 4435 CBEDS NUMBER: 2908 DEPARTMENT: Visual Arts or Visual and Performing Arts LENGTH OF COURSE: One Year CREDITS PER SEMESTER: 5 GRADE LEVEL(S): 10-12 REQUIRED OR ELECTVE: Elective PREREQUISITES: Art I (middle or high school) or consent of instructor BOARD OF EDUCATION ADOPTION: August 8, 2006 COURSE DESCRIPTION This comprehensive course introduces students to animation through theory and hands-on training in art fundamentals, drawing, cartooning, and animation basics. Computer graphics imaging is also introduced. Students demonstrate creative self-expression as they enhance basic drawing skills and learn techniques for original character design, the natural flow and movement of objects and characters, and background development which includes an in-depth study of perspective. Aesthetic valuing and perception will be realized through classroom and one-on-one discussions concerning the visual effectiveness of each student s work compared to a professional s work. COURSE OUTLINE 1. MAJOR GOALS 1.1 To acknowledge creative expression as a means of communication 1.2 To develop enthusiasm and interest in learning and discovery 1.3 To develop a sense of aesthetic appreciation 1.4 To become literate in the language and concepts of basic elements and principles of design 1.5 To develop an understanding of the foundations of story telling 1.6 To understand how the need for planning and organization are crucial in the creation of effective expressions of ideas Page 1 of 12
1.7 To become familiar with various animation resources 1.8 To function effectively in a technological environment 2. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES Artistic Perception 2.1 Process, analyze, and respond to sensory information through the language and skills unique to animated art 2.2 Gain a working knowledge of and use the terminology inherent in the animation process 2.3 Develop an understanding of the elements and principles of design 2.4 Understand and use the twelve principles of animation Squash and stretch 2.4.1 Staging 2.4.2 Follow through and overlapping action 2.4.3 Arcs 2.4.4 Timing 2.4.5 Solid drawing 2.4.6 Anticipation 2.4.7 Straight ahead action and pose to pose 2.4.8 Slow in and slow out 2.4.9 Secondary action 2.4.10 Exaggeration Page 2 of 12
2.4.11 Appeal MT. DIABLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 2.5 Use the newly learned vocabulary and concepts to compare and contrast current student work, past student work, and professional work 2.6 Develop an understanding of the foundations of story telling 2.6.1 Introduction 2.6.2 Action 2.6.3 Reaction 2.6.4 Conclusion 2.7 Plan and organize an effective expression of ideas by producing a short, original animation 2.8 Become familiar with various animation resources (e.g., books, instructional videos, reviews of professional animation) Creative Expression 2.9 Create a series of animations 2.9.1 Use simple drawing techniques, the basics of fluid movement, the timing element in story telling, and a creative ending 2.9.1.1 Demonstrate the ability to simplify human and animal images into cartoon characters 2.9.1.1.1 Drawing 2.9.1.1.2 Character development 2.9.1.1.3 Story 2.9.1.1.4 Technical aspects Page 3 of 12
2.9.1.2 Show how hands, feet and expression can be used to give personality to their creation 2.9.1.3 Demonstrate a knowledge of simple perspective in both one and two point perspective techniques 2.9.1.4 Create stereotypes that are recognized as such by their audience 2.9.1.5 Use simplified props and objects to create a setting for their characters 2.9.1.6 Develop a personality in their character 2.9.1.7 Interact their character with another or with a prop 2.10 Learn and put into practice the animation fundamentals of basic animation principles, character and object construction, pre-production, production, postproduction, sound/voice, and lighting (where available) 2.10.1 Create a loop animation using a bouncing ball 2.10.2 Demonstrate the ability to render hands, feet, and facial expressions 2.10.3 Develop a character that can be viewed from multiple angles 2.10.4 Animate a character of their creation in a simple walk motion 2.10.5 Animate a character in a simple running motion 2.10.6 Utilize facial and body expressions to add to their character 2.10.7 Develop a storyboard to present their project idea 2.10.8 Use underlying images in their animation to create backgrounds 2.10.9 Create background painting to be included with their characters 2.10.10 Utilize the equipment, tools and techniques necessary to film their animation 2.10.11 Edit their animation into a smooth finished product 2.10.12 Add sound, voice, and effects to their animation 2.10.13 Utilize appropriate lighting to film animation 2.11 Become proficient in computer graphics imaging by working on computer graphics and video, pre-production, production, post-production, sound, and lighting 2.11.1 Input pencil drawings 2.11.2 Clean up pencil drawings and convert to a crisp image Page 4 of 12
2.11.3 Add color and background to computer cells 2.11.4 Prepare 2D animation 2.11.5 Transfer images into computer for editing 2.11.6 Create animation images 2.11.7 Create in-betweens 2.11.8 Add color and effects 2.11.9 Edit animation images 2.11.10 Add sound and music 2.11.11 Express feelings and emotion through the artwork of their animation Historical and Cultural Context 2.12 Gain an awareness of historical and current costume design from many cultures to augment character development and increase their appreciation for professional animation 2.13 Acquire an understanding of cultural diversity in expression with a study of international types of animation 2.14 Understand the complexities in the professional world of animation 2.15 View, discuss, and critique the avant-garde of creative 2D animation Aesthetic Valuing 2.16 Recognize technique, interpret ideas, and appreciate skill in the communicative media of animation 2.17 Understand the importance of using characters, motion, and timing as a creative artistic expression 2.18 Understand the importance of honesty and integrity in evaluating yourself and others 2.19 Make and support aesthetic judgments orally in a group setting and one-on-one with the teacher Connections, Relations, and Applications Page 5 of 12
2.20 Connect and apply what is learned in this course to other art forms, subject areas, and careers 2.20.1 Explain the importance of self-expression in varied art forms such as animation, literature, music, dance, and life itself 2.20.2 Incorporate the studies of different art forms in translating one form of expression into another (e.g., using ballet movements to choreograph animated characters) 2.21 Investigate career resources in the arts from art schools, universities, junior colleges, and school s career center 2.21.1 Learn about different types of jobs available to animators 2.21.1.1 in-betweeners 2.21.1.2 background artists 2.21.1.3 key animators 2.22 Participate in conversations with representatives from various art institutes, colleges, and local business (e.g., graphic designers) 3. CONTENT OUTLINE Artistic Perception 3.1 Sensory information 3.1.1 Language and skills unique to animated art 3.1.2 Appropriate process, analysis and response to sensory input 3.2 Terminology in the animation process 3.2.1 Drawing 3.2.2 Script and story 3.2.3 Pre-production 3.2.4 Production 3.2.5 Technology 3.3 Elements and principles of design 3.3.1 Line Page 6 of 12
3.3.2 Color 3.3.3 Form 3.3.4 Structure 3.4 The twelve principles of animation 3.5 Comparison and contrast of works of art 3.6 Foundations of story telling 3.6.1 Introduction 3.6.2 Action 3.6.3 Reaction 3.6.4 Conclusion 3.7 Production of original animation 3.7.1 Drawing 3.7.2 Scripts 3.7.3 Storyboard 3.8 Animation resources Creative Expression 3.9 Series of animations (e.g., bouncing ball, run/walk), simple drawing techniques (e.g., basic shapes), fluid movement, timing, creative ending 3.9.1 Simplification of human and animal images 3.9.2 The use of hands, feet, and expression to show personality 3.9.3 One and two point perspective techniques 3.9.4 Recognizable stereotypes 3.9.5 Simplified props and objects 3.9.6 Personality development 3.9.7 Interaction of characters 3.10 Animation fundamentals 3.10.1 Loop animation 3.10.2 Rendering hands, feet, and facial expressions Page 7 of 12
3.10.3 Multiple angle character development 3.10.4 Animation using simple walk motion 3.10.5 Animation using simple run motion 3.10.6 Facial and body expressions 3.10.7 Storyboard development 3.10.8 Background creation 3.10.9 Background painting 3.10.10Filming the animation 3.10.10.1 Equipment 3.10.10.2 Tools 3.10.10.3 Technique 3.10.11Animation editing 3.10.12Use of sound, voice, and effects 3.10.13The use of appropriate lighting 3.11 Computer graphics including video, pre-production, production, postproduction,sound, and lighting (See 2.11.1 through 2.11.11.) Historical and Cultural Context 3.12 Augmentation of character development and appreciation of professional animation 3.13 International animation studies 3.14 Complexities in the world of professional animation 3.15 Creative 2D animation Aesthetic Valuing 3.16 Communicative media of animation 3.17 The use of characters, motion, and timing as a creative artistic expression 3.18 Honesty and integrity in evaluation Page 8 of 12
3.19 Aesthetic judgments in various settings Connections, Relations, and Applications 3.20 Connection and application to other art forms 3.20.1 The importance of self-expression in varied art forms 3.20.1.1 Incorporation of different art forms to translate expressions from one form to another 3.21 Investigation of career resources 3.22 Conversations with art institute representatives Key Assignments Key Assignments Research and present the history of one animated motion picture. Draw basic and 3D shapes as they exist in space, focusing on line, form, and space Develop a key character using basic art and cartooning techniques Design a storyboard for production Animate a completed design, adding color, texture, form, and lighting Complete artistic portfolio, including: Written critiques and reflective pieces Drawing of key character using basic art and cartooning techniques Standards Historical and Cultural Context Aesthetic Valuing Artistic Perception Creative Expression Creative Expression Connections, Relationships, and Applications Creative Expression Aesthetic Valuing Creative Expression Artistic Perception Page 9 of 12
Key Assignments Completed animation project stored on computer media Standards Page 10 of 12
4. TIME ESTIMATES 4.1 First semester 4.1.1 Basic shapes six weeks 4.1.2 3D shapes six weeks 4.1.3 First motion four weeks 4.1.4 Body construction two weeks 4.2 Second semester 4.2.1 Character development six weeks 4.2.2 Timing three weeks 4.2.3 Script writing, storyboarding two weeks 4.2.4 Development of animation nine weeks and production 5. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS 5.1 Supplementary materials (recommended for teacher) 5.1.1 Cartoon Animation, Preston Blair 5.1.2 Designing Cartoon Characters for Animation, Brian Lemay 5.1.3 Layout and design, Brian Lemay 5.1.4 The Animator s Workbook, Tony White 5.2 Art supplies 5.3 Computer lab 5.4 Software (Retas-Pro, Magpie, Moviemaker) 5.5 Video, DVD, LCD 5.6 Instructional videos and examples of artistic animation 6. Evaluation of Student Progress 6.1 Portfolio 6.2 Classroom participation 6.3 Analysis of industry animations Page 11 of 12
6.4 Tests and quizzes Committee Members: Charlene Lohman Teacher/interim administrator YVHS Evie Groch Curriculum Specialist Dent Center Page 12 of 12