Computer Animation Bachelor of Fine Arts

First Year

MEDA 111 Drawing I (IL,CA,GA) MEDA (0,6,3,3)

Introduction to the representation of three-dimensional forms in two- dimensional space. Focus on

drawing one-, two-, and three-point linear perspective systems from observation and imagination.

Develop: Measuring and sighting techniques; drawing skills; value and lighting; design approaches.

Prerequisite(s): None.

MEDA 112 2-D Design (IL,CA,GA ) MEDA (0,6,3,3)

Develop understanding of structure and application of color in two- dimensional visual arts. Color

instruction is augmented by instruction in basic design elements and principles. Focus on abstract

imagery. Prerequisite(s): None

MEDA 115 Figure Drawing I MEDA (0,6,3,3)

Introduction to figure drawing. Use observational gesture and expressive drawing to demonstrate:

proportion and measurement; volume and space; basic anatomy; format and composition; balance and

movement; focus and edge; relation of figure to environment. Prerequisite(s): None.

LIBA 112 Film & Narrative LA (3,0,3,6)

Introduction to the visual techniques and language of film, exploring how they are used to define

character and communicate narrative and theme. Examines connection between visual design and

storytelling by focusing on editing, mise-en-scene and narrative. Prerequisite(s): None.

WRIT 151 Writing Studio LA (3,0,3,6)

Introduction to academic and professional writing. Emphasis on: rhetorical knowledge; critical thinking,

reading and writing processes and conventions. Analysis and evaluation of multiple reading strategies;

composition; use of research tools; development of research process; documentation techniques and

incorporation of sources; peer review; editing and proofreading strategies. Prerequisite(s): None.

MEDA 125A Figure Drawing II for CA MEDA (0,6,3,3)

Continued study of observational gesture and expressive drawing to demonstrate: proportion and

measurement; volume and space; basic anatomy; format and composition; balance and movement; focus

and edge; relation of figure to environment. Create believable figures and animals through observation.

Emphasis on sequential poses and anatomy as related to movement. Prerequisite(s): MEDA 115.

MEDA 123A 3D Design for CA & IL MEDA (0,6,3,3)

Introduction to elements and principles of 3D design: space; form and mass; scale; proportion; gravity

and equilibrium; research; drawing. Work from observation to acquire understanding of human body

relative to invention of character. Emphasis on application of the following to human gesture and

movement in dimensional space: skeletal structures; narrative; observation and invention; reference and

interpretation. Emphasis on maquette-making and sculpting in clay; importance of craftsmanship. Expand

understanding of color, patina, and surface. Prerequisite(s): None.

MEDA 126B Drawing II for CA & GA MEDA (0,6,3,3)

Continued study of the representation of accurate three-dimensional forms in two-dimensional space.

Focus on drawing one-, two-, and three-point linear perspective systems from observation and

imagination. Develop: measuring and sighting techniques; drawing skills; value and lighting; design

approaches. Prerequisite(s): MEDA 111.

ANIM 208 Traditional Animation I CA (0,6,3,3)

Introduction to principles of animation. Development of drawing and observational skills through exercises

in traditional 2D animation. Prerequisite(s): MEDA 115, MEDA 112, MEDA 111.

ARTH 123 History of Computer Animation LA (3,0,3,6)

Survey of history of American animation. Examines technological, conceptual, and aesthetic landmarks

from the early 1900s to the present. Prerequisite(s): None.

Second Year

ANIM 220 Computer Animation I CA (0,6,3,3)

Introduction to 3D computer animation. Explore principles of computer animation. Introduction to basic

processes for animating synthetic objects in 3D animation software. Prerequisite(s): minimum grade of C-

in ANIM 208, MEDA 125A, MEDA 126B, MEDA 123A

ANIM 227 Concept Development I CA (0,6,3,3)

Introduction to concept development processes. Explores techniques for creating ideas for effective

animation: research; critical analysis; brainstorming; improvisational techniques. Material created in this

class forms foundation for subsequent conceptual work in the animation major. Prerequisite(s): None.

Minimum grade of C- in ANIM 208, MEDA 125A, MEDA 126B, MEDA 123A.

ANIM 209 Traditional Animation II CA (0,6,3,3)

Continuation of ANIM 208 – Traditional Animation I. Continued study of principles of animation.

Development of drawing and observational skills, and sensitivity to timing through exercises in traditional

2D animation. Prerequisite(s): minimum grade of C- in ANIM 208, MEDA 125A, MEDA 126B, MEDA 123A

LMST 282 Literature & Media Studies LA (3,0,3,6)

Introduction to literary study and critical thinking about media. Prerequisite(s): None.

ANIM 222 Computer Animation II CA (0,6,3,3)

Continuation of ANIM 220 – Computer Animation I. Continued study in principles of computer animation,

and basic processes for animating synthetic objects in 3D animation software. Prerequisite(s): minimum

grade of C- in: ANIM 209; ANIM 220; ANIM 227.

ANIM 228 Concept Development II CA (0,6,3,3)

Continuation of ANIM 227 – Concept Development I. Focus on concept development for the animated

short: film theory; language; story development; character; content. Prerequisite(s): minimum grade of C-

in: ANIM 220; ANIM 227.

ARTH 111 Development of Art & Ideas LA (3,0,3,6)

Introductory art history survey. Presents important masterworks from across the globe, from the

prehistoric period to the present. Considers art within cultural and historical contexts. Prerequisite(s):

None

Third Year

ANIM 320 Computer Animation III CA (0,6,3,3)

Advanced study in 3D computer animation. Emphasizes principles of designing and producing 3D

computer animation through creation of advanced motion studies. Develop advanced skills in: model

building; animation; color; lighting. Prerequisite(s): minimum grade of C- in: ANIM 209; ANIM 222; ANIM

228

ANIM 326 Concept Development III CA (0,6,3,3)

Advanced study in concept development. Exploration of techniques for more effective visual

communication. Storyboarding and animatics used for advanced instruction in: theme; structure;

character; shot composition; staging; lighting; editing; sound. Prerequisite(s): minimum grade of C- in:

ANIM 209; ANIM 222; ANIM 228.

ANIM 335 Drawing for Animators I CA (0,6,3,3)

Instruction in visual development artwork. Focus on exploration of ideas and generation of character,

environment, and prop designs/paintings with strong story potential. Introduction to basic elements of

gesture drawing, quick sketch, volume, and depth techniques to capture action and attitude. Emphasis on

drawing for: weight; force; thought; emotion; movement. Character development and design realized

through descriptive drawing and sound draftsmanship. Prerequisite(s): minimum grade of C- in: ANIM

209; ANIM 222; ANIM 228.

ANIM 322 Computer Animation IV CA (0,6,3,3)

Advanced study in 3D computer animation. Emphasizes principles of designing and producing 3D

computer animation through creation of advanced motion studies. Develop advanced skills in: model

building; animation; color; lighting. Prerequisite(s): minimum grade of C- in: ANIM 320; ANIM 326; ANIM

335.

ANIM 328 Animation Preproduction CA (0,6,3,3)

Preproduction for thesis project in computer animation. Complete preproduction process, including: initial

concept creation; animation design; staging design; lighting design; sound design. Elements combined to

create: presentation storyboard; process book; timing sheets; timed animatic. Created material used as

basis for thesis project. Prerequisite(s): minimum grade of C- in ANIM 320; ANIM 326; ANIM 335.

ANIM 336 Drawing for Animators II CA (0,6,3,3)

Advanced study in descriptive drawing. Advances skills in development of character and environment

design in relation to story through descriptive drawing and sound draftsmanship. Continued development

of concept art skills; conceptual artwork produced will support senior thesis project. Prerequisite(s):

minimum grade of C- in ANIM 320; ANIM 326; ANIM 335.

Fourth Year

ANIM 420 Computer Animation V CA (6)

Advanced concepts in design and production of computer-animated short. Continuation of project begun

in ANIM 328, resulting in a short computer- generated animation with sound. Focus on mastery of

principles of 3D computer animation, creativity, and knowledge of sophisticated animation techniques.

Designed to prepare students for career as a professional in the computer animation industry.

Prerequisite(s): minimum grade of C- in ANIM 322; ANIM 328; ANIM 336.

INTE 301 Internship Experience AA (0,6,3,3)

Builds on summer internship experience. Review work done during summer internships. Develop project

to convert practical experience and knowledge developed in the field for elective credit. Prerequisite(s):

completion of INTE 301 Internship Guidelines & Handbook; obtain required signatures. INTE 301

Internship Guidelines & Handbook can be found on the Career Services Website; completed handbooks

should be returned to: Office of Advising, Records & Registration Services. Grading: Credit/No Credit; up

to three credits based on internship and project adherence to College and department criteria. Enrollment

Deadline: May 31.

ANIM 422 Computer Animation VI CA (6)

Continuation of ANIM 420 Computer Animation V. Advanced study of principles of 3D computer

animation, lighting, and compositing. Develop and practice observational skills that aid in understanding

motion. Completion of additional advanced animation exercises may be required in order to complete this

course. Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in ANIM 420.