Basic Animation Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Course

ARTV-1303-001 Basic Animation

Prerequisites

Corequisites: ARTC 1325

Course Description

Examination of concepts, characters and story boards for basic animation production. Emphasis on creating movement and expression utilizing traditional or electronically generated image sequences.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Any books needed for the course will be provided.

Supplies

Required - Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet. You are encouraged to use the labs in Parcells Hall to complete your assignments. I understand that not everyone can afford the software. Plan on using available labs outside of class time to complete assignments. If you have a computer or laptop at home with the software, be sure that your version of the software is compatible with the versions we have in the labs. (more about this in class)  If there is a compatibility issue, you will be asked to complete assignments in the labs and not on your personal machines . (Rm 220, Rm 306, Rm 308, and Rm 312 have the current Adobe software installed. Rm 308 and Rm 312 have the required 3D software) 

Supplies;

Wacom Intuos Drawing Tablet (at least a small) there are wireless and wired versions available. Price difference between these is around $20. 

These may be available in the Bookstore. They can also be purchased at Best Buy or online. 

Wireless - Around $99 Model:CTL4100WLK0  SKU:6196634

Wired - Around $79   Model:CTL4100  SKU:6196636

32gb Flash drive minimum required

Sketchbook - pages must be at least 8.5 x 11 inches

2 Non-Photo blue pencil (AC Bookstore) (recommended not required)

#2 pencils and a good eraser (mechanical pencils will be fine)  I personally like 2mm Drafting Lead Holders 

Sharpie Fine Point,  Sharpie ultra fine point (for inking) 

3 Button Mouse

Headphones - You will use these while editing so you don't disturb your neighbor

* Possible future purchases depending on projects. You will be given written notice  *

Student Performance

Course Description:  Learn and utilize the 12 basic principles of Animation when creating traditional 2D animation Pencil tests. Create storyboards, animatics, flipbooks, explore character development and design. Explore basic drawing techniques, review the history and future of animation, and effectively tell a story using Animation. 

End-of-Course Outcomes:  Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of animation; communicate conceptual ideas through storyboards; execute animation sequences; and develop artwork using traditional and digital tools. (Adobe Animate, Premiere and After Effects) 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

WHILE IN CLASS: A student friendly environment is needed for learning. There are a few guidelines each student must adhere to:

1). NO eating or drinking in the lab.

2). Class time is for classroom projects, lessons, and lecture. Your undivided attention is required and making sure you're on time with all of your materials is expected. It is NOT the time to be checking your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or other social networking sites ESPECIALLY if you are not caught up on your assignments. If you have time to socialize, then I assume you are caught up on your assignments. Time management is your responsibility, not mine. Anyone caught social networking will be asked to leave for the day and you will receive a zero for the lesson or project assigned that day. 

3). If you have to use a cell phone, please step outside for personal calls and keep texting to an emergency based MINIMUM. Excessive texting WILL result in you being asked to leave for the day and you will receive a zero for any assigned lessons or projects for that day. 

4). No overly crass or crude topics of conversation. Please keep your derogatory opinions to yourself. 

5). If you are not caught up or finished… Do not ask to leave early. Take this time to get caught up or ahead. Labs are open until 10 pm Mon-Thurs and open until 5 pm on Fridays. Take advantage of it. 

6). Take Pride In Your Work. DO NOT CHEAT!!! 

7). Help those around you. 

8. If you miss class it is your responsibility to to check the WEEKLY folder on the server for what you missed and if you are still unsure about an assignment, please ask. I will not come find you to tell you what you missed. 

Grading Criteria

Class Grade Breakdown

Projects - 40%

The majority of time spent in class will be devoted to major class projects. There will be approximately 8 or more major projects throughout the semester accompanied by a number of smaller projects, lessons and knowledge tests. The amount of these will be determined by overall class participation and understanding of the material.

 

Dailies - 20%

We will do approximately 5 "daily" assignments which will usually be completed within the span of one to two class periods. Your activity grade is a measure of whether you are completing each daily task and staying on track with the class. For that reason, points may be deducted from Activity for reasons such as tardiness and not abiding by class guidelines. 

 

Participation - 20% 

We will do a minimum of 5 "Participation" projects which will usually be completed within the span of one or two class days. Your participation grade is a measure of whether you are completing the assigned tasks and staying on track with the class. Participation projects may require you to work with your peers and you will be graded based on your contribution and effort. Points may be deducted from "Participation" for reasons such as tardiness and not abiding to the project guidelines. You will also be given weekly tasks that will count towards your Participation grades. 

 

Final - 20% 

In addition to the 8 major projects, you will be expected to plan and properly execute a final project using the skills and knowledge you acquired throughout the Semester. You will not be allowed to ask peers or tutors for help with your Final Project. All work must be yours. Time management will be crucial. 

 

• All projects are due when class starts on the day they are specified to be submitted by the instructor.(unless otherwise noted by the instructor in writing) 

• LATE PROJECTS and EXERCISES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Instructor will evaluate circumstances with each student individually to determine the consequences of LATE work.

• Instructor reserves the right to decline the acceptance of any and all late work.

• LATE PROJECTS will receive a 0 (zero) and will not be eligible for a "REDO" option.

• All LATE exercises and projects must still be present and completed in the Dropbox.

•  Instructor reserves the right to decline the acceptance of any class work or projects that are significantly incomplete.

•  Students are responsible for staying informed of their grades and status in the class.

 

Each project will receive a grade from 0 - 100. The criteria for grading is listed below. Individual project criteria will be discussed during class, before the project is graded:    

 

• Concept / Project Goal ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
• Met the overall conceptual and practical goals of the project.
• Project Specification ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
• Project was submitted in the proper format, according to size and media specifications, and followed project guidelines.
• Professionalism ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
• Project was submitted in a timely fashion, exhibits proper craftsmanship and physical presentation, and is presented in a suitable manner to instructor and class.
• Layout/Design ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
• Demonstrates an understanding of fundamental design concepts and uses these effectively to achieve assigned task. This includes exhibiting an understanding of composition, color theory, timing, spacing, and other animation principles.
• Artwork ( 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 )
• Project exhibits appropriate and effective use of chosen or specified medium.

Point Value Definitions:

0: Fails to meet requirements | 10: Meets minimal requirements | 20: Clearly understands and accomplishes goal. Well above average.

Grading Schema:

A: 90 or above

B: 80-89

C: 70-79

D: 60-69

F: 59 or below

Attendance

THIS IS A STUDIO COURSE. YOUR ATTENDANCE AND PROMPT ARRIVAL TO CLASS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR LEARNING AND EVALUATION.

If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed, including new assignments and due dates, and to make arrangements to obtain the materials dispersed (if applicable) and/or catch up on instruction.

ABSENCES
Students will be allowed 2 unexcused absences without penalty. After the second unexcused absence, 1 letter grade will be deducted from the total class grade for each additional absence. 6 absences will result in automatic failure of the course. A breakdown of penalties for absence is presented below:

• Up to 2 Absences: No penalty
• 3 Absences: Loss of 1 letter grade
• 4 Absences: Loss of 2 letter grades
• 5 Absences: Loss of 3 letter grades
• 6 Absences: Failure of course

Any exceptions to the above policy will be made at the discretion of the instructor. For an absence to be excused, instructor may require appropriate documentation of the reason for absence.

Late arrival of more than 30 minutes, or early departure of more than 30 minutes will be counted as an absence. On days designated as LAB DAYS or for individual consultation, leaving without first checking in with instructor will result in an absence.

TARDINESS
3 tardies = no penalty
4 or more tardies = 1 point removed from final Activity grade per tardy after 3.

INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DISALLOW LATE ENTRANCE INTO THE CLASSROOM.

In such cases grades for Attendance, Activity, Quizzes, and Exercises for that day will be lost. You may sign in no earlier than 15 minutes prior to class and no later than 30 minutes after class has begun. Any earlier or later may result in an absence. 

• Students will be responsible for swiping their own badge by the door for attendance.(Attendance is registered through Blackboard by swiping your badge at the door. If you do not have your badge, you may use the Ellucian app on your mobile device to scan)
• Instructor is not responsible for student's failure to sign in with badge or Ellucian app.
• Failure by student to sign in using their badge or Ellucian app will result in an absence.

• Any student caught swiping another students badge will be reported for dishonest conduct and all parties involved may be subject to academic disciplinary action pending investigation. 
• Students may request a review of their own attendance record with the instructor outside of class time.

Calendar

Additional Information

Project-specific information will be provided to you in class. Daily and/or weekly handouts with specific details for each project and it’s deadline will be given to you via the on-campus server. This is to encourage attendance. Should you miss a class, be sure to check the Server in the Carrillo /BASIC folder for the handout and or project materials before asking the instructor or other students what you missed. It is your responsibility to check the server each class for any new or updated content. This on-campus server is not the same as Blackboard.