ADN 319 Syllabus

Syllabus

COURSE

ADN 319 Beginning Animation

INSTRUCTOR

Patrick FitzGerald

Office: Leazar 406

Phone: 513 2029

pat_fitzgerald@ncsu.edu

 

TIME/LOCATION

Brooks 203c

TTH-1:30  to 4:10

Lab hours: 9 AM  to 5:00 PM Monday/Friday

Office hours: 4:10-5:10 TTH

 

DESCRIPTION

ADN 319 (Beginning Animation) is an undergraduate-level seminar focusing on the history and theory of animation and new media.  An understanding of the history of experimental film and animation and its relationship to contemporary forms of electronic expression and communication (what I am calling new media) is essential for a contemporary media artist/designer. New paradigms continue to develop for the design of how, when, and where we communicate. Students of animation and new media need to be aware of the historical precedents of these new technologies and processes. In this complex discipline of animation and new media, digital technology has transcended mere tools, it is a culture unto itself, defining, for many, a new way to perceive and imagine. How does the history of animation and new media relate to what is happening today?  Can the understanding of what has come before help us anticipate what will be the trajectory in this discipline in the future?

It is essential for the animator/designer to be able to be articulate in visual, kinetic language and media. Animation/new media is cross-disciplinary by nature. It utilizes and combines ideas, traditions, and techniques from the full spectrum of the arts. This seminar will offer students an opportunity to experiment, research, present, and discuss the most relevant historical issues as they relate to this discipline.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students will

1. Research the animation techniques used in both traditional and computer animation

processes.

2. Discuss the historical precedent of the animation creative process, including

conceptualization, development, post-production, and presentation.

3. Successfully participate in critical discussions concerning historical and contemporary

issues in animation and new media.

4. Demonstrate, through presentation and discussion, a deeper understanding of

contemporary animation through its relationship to theater, film and animation history.

5. View animated films and discuss overarching design and artistic philosophies.

 

PROJECTS

Focus of the seminar will be the theory, practice and history of animation and new media. Students will participate in readings, discussions and presentations over the course of the semester.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students will

1. Research the animation techniques used in both traditional and computer animation

processes.

2. Discuss the historical precedent of the animation creative process, including

conceptualization, development, post-production and presentation.

3. Successfully participate in critical discussions concerning historical and contemporary

issues in animation and new media.

4. Demonstrate, through presentation and discussion, a deeper understanding of

contemporary animation through its relationship to theater, film and animation history.

5. View animated films and discuss overarching design and artistic philosophies.

 

PROJECTS

Focus of the seminar will be the theory, history, and practice of animation and new media. Students will participate in readings, discussions and presentations over the course of the semester.  Assignments will be given each week and reviews will be held each week.

GRADES

Grades will be based on evaluation of assigned projects. Good attendance and active participation in critiques and discussions will also be taken into account. Deadlines for projects will be emphasized.

 

Assignment 1- 20%

Assignment 2- 20%

Assignment 3- 20%

Assignment 4- 20%

Attendance 20%

A= Exceptional and inspired work, (has gone far and above the basic

requirements of the class) excellence in concept, process and

aesthetics.

B= Very good work, well above average, some room for

improvement.

C= Average work, meets all minimum requirements.

D= Poor quality work, deficient in craft, concept and aesthetic.

 

ATTENDANCE

The roll will be taken at the beginning of class. Please notify the professor if you come in late. Excessive tardiness (more than 30 minutes late) counts as an absent for the day.

Absence (days):

3 = no action

4 = 1 letter grade

5 = 2 letter grade

6+= no credit for the course

Below is the web address for the university attendance regulations

http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/pols_regs/REG205.00.4.php

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Statement for students with disabilities: “Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/ For more information on NC State’s policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation.

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND CODE OF CONDUCT

Students will be expected to follow university regulations related to conduct. For complete code which includes the Student  Honor Pledge see:

http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_conduct/POL445.00.1

 

SAFETY, TRANSPORTATION, EXTRA EXPENSES

Students will be responsible for their own safety in the lab and on field trips. Students will be responsible for any extra expenses for the course, including field trip costs or expenses beyond the purchase of textbooks.

MATERIALS

Students should purchase various animation media as required over the semester.READINGS

Readings in the form of handouts will be given throughout the course. Readings on reserve or available at local libraries include-

•Art in Motion, Animation Aesthetics, Furnis, Maureen, John Libbey & Company Pty Ltd,

ISBN 1 86462 039 0

•Understanding Animation, Paul Wells, Routledge, 1998, ISBN 0-1-415-11596-5

•The Digital Dialectic: New Essays on New Media (Leonardo Books) MIT Press. 2000.

ISBN: 0262621371

•The Language of New Media, Manovich, Lev. MIT Press. 2002. ISBN: 0262632551

•Pause and Effect, Meadows, Mark. New Riders, 2003. ISBN 0-7357-1171-2

•Making Movies Work, Boorstin, Silman-James Press, 1990, ISBN 1-879505-27-4

•Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life,  Thomas, F. and Johnston, O.  Abberville Press,

New York  1981. ISBN: 0786860707

•Literary Machines Nelson, Theodor H., 89.1 (Sausalito, CA Mindful Press, 1990)

•As We May Think,  Vannevar Bush  1945 (Atlantic Monthly)

•Being Digital, Nicholas Negroponte 1994 ISBN 0-679-43919-6

•Dream Machines, Ted Nelson 1987 ISBN 0-914845-49-7

•Chuck Amuck,  Jones, Chuck.  Warner Brothers. 1989.

•Film Directing Shot by Shot, Katz,   Michael Weiss

Publications, 1991.  ISBN: 0-941188-10-8

•Remediation: Understanding New Media, Bolter D., Grusin R.

The MIT Press; 1st edition (February 28, 2000) ISBN: 0262522799

•The visual story (block)

•The Animators Survival Kit, (Richard Williams)

•The Human Figure in Motion, Eadweard Muybridge, Dover Publications,  (June 1, 1955

ISBN: 0486202046

Updated for Fall 2022

The following information was created by the Associate Deans of Academic Affairs, DELTA, the Registrar’s office, and NC State Libraries. 

You may copy and paste this content into your syllabus. Please read through this in its entirety and make appropriate changes for your specific course.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public health measures continue to be implemented across campus.  Students should stay current with these practices and expectations through the Protect the Pack website (https://www.ncsu.edu/coronavirus/). The sections below provide expectations and conduct related to COVID-19 issues.

Health and Participation in Class  

We are most concerned about your health and the health of your classmates and instructors/TAs. 

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, or are told by a healthcare provider that you are presumed positive for the virus, please work with your instructor on health accommodations and follow other university guidelines, including self-reporting: https://healthypack.dasa.ncsu.edu/coronavirus/.   
  • If you are in quarantine, have been notified that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, or have a personal or family situation related to COVID-19 that prevents you from attending this course in person (or synchronously), please connect with your instructor to discuss the situation and make alternative plans, as necessary.
  • If you need to make a request for an academic consideration related to COVID-19, such as a discussion about possible options for remote learning, please talk with your advisor for the appropriate process to make a COVID-19 request.

Health and Well-Being Resources

Everyone is encouraged to take care of themselves and their peers. If you need additional support, there are many resources on campus to help you:

  • Counseling Center (NCSU Counseling Center) 
  • Student Health Services (Health Services | Student) 
  • If the personal behavior of a classmate concerns or worries you, either for the classmate’s well-being or yours, we encourage you to report this behavior to the NC State CARES team:  (Share a Concern).  
  • If you or someone you know are experiencing food, housing or financial insecurity, please see the Pack Essentials Program (Pack Essentials). 

Community Standards related to COVID-19

We are all responsible for protecting ourselves and our community.  Please see the community standards and Rule 04.21.01 regarding Personal Safety Requirements Related to COVID-19  RUL 04.21.01 – Personal Safety Requirements Related to COVID-19 – Policies, Regulations & Rules

Course Expectations Related to COVID-19:

  • Face Coverings: All members of the NC State academic community are expected to follow all university policies and guidelines, including the Personal Safety Rule and community standards, for the use of face coverings.  
  • Course Attendance: NC State attendance policies can be found at:  REG 02.20.03 – Attendance Regulations – Policies, Regulations & Rules.  Please refer to the course’s attendance, absence, and deadline policies for additional details. If you become ill with COVID-19, you should follow the steps outlined in the health and participation section above. 
  • Technology Requirements:  This course may require particular technologies to complete coursework.  Be sure to review the syllabus for these expectations, and see the syllabus technical requirements for your course. If you need access to additional technological support, please contact  the Libraries’ Technology Lending Service:  (Technology Lending).    

Need Help?

If you find yourself in a place where you need help, academically or otherwise, please review these Step-by-Step Help Topics.

Other Important Resources 

  •  

Syllabus

COURSE

ADN 319 Beginning Animation

INSTRUCTOR

Patrick FitzGerald

Office: Leazar 406

Phone: 513 2029

pat_fitzgerald@ncsu.edu

 

TIME/LOCATION

Brooks 203c

TTH-1:30  to 4:10

Lab hours: 9AM  to 5:00 PM Monday/Friday

Office hours: 4:10-5:10 TTH

 

 

DESCRIPTION

ADN 319 (Beginning Animation) is an undergraduate-level seminar focusing on the history and theory of animation and new media.  An understanding of the history of experimental film and animation and it’s relationship to contemporary forms of electronic expression and communication (what I am calling new media) is essential for a contemporary media artist/designer. New paradigms continue to develop for the design of how, when, and where we communicate. Students of animation and new media need to be aware of the historical precedents of these new technologies and processes. In this complex discipline of animation and new media, digital technology has transcended mere tools, it is a culture unto itself, defining, for many, a new way to perceive and imagine. How does the history of animation and new media relate to what is happening today?  Can the understanding of what has come before help us anticipate what will be the trajectory in this discipline in the future?

It is essential for the animator/designer to be able to be articulate in visual, kinetic language and media. Animation/new media is cross-disciplinary by nature. It utilizes and combines ideas, traditions, and techniques from the full spectrum of the arts. This seminar will offer students an opportunity to experiment, research, present, and discuss the most relevant historical issues as they relate to this discipline.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students will

1. Research the animation techniques used in both traditional and computer animation

processes.

2. Discuss the historical precedent of the animation creative process, including

conceptualization, development, post-production, and presentation.

3. Successfully participate in critical discussions concerning historical and contemporary

issues in animation and new media.

4. Demonstrate, through presentation and discussion, a deeper understanding of

contemporary animation through its relationship to theater, film and animation history.

5. View animated films and discuss overarching design and artistic philosophies.

 

PROJECTS

Focus of the seminar will be the theory, practice and history of animation and new media. Students will participate in readings, discussions and presentations over the course of the semester.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students will

1. Research the animation techniques used in both traditional and computer animation

processes.

2. Discuss the historical precedent of the animation creative process, including

conceptualization, development, post-production and presentation.

3. Successfully participate in critical discussions concerning historical and contemporary

issues in animation and new media.

4. Demonstrate, through presentation and discussion, a deeper understanding of

contemporary animation through its relationship to theater, film and animation history.

5. View animated films and discuss overarching design and artistic philosophies.

 

PROJECTS

Focus of the seminar will be the theory, history, and practice of animation and new media. Students will participate in readings, discussions and presentations over the course of the semester.

GRADES

Grades will be based on evaluation of assigned projects. Good attendance and active participation in critiques and discussions will also be taken into account. Deadlines for projects will be emphasized.

 

Assignment 1- 20%

Assignment 2- 20%

Assignment 3- 20%

Assignment 4- 20%

Attendance 20%

A= Exceptional and inspired work, (has gone far and above the basic

requirements of the class) excellence in concept, process and

aesthetics.

B= Very good work, well above average, some room for

improvement.

C= Average work, meets all minimum requirements.

D= Poor quality work, deficient in craft, concept and aesthetic.

 

ATTENDANCE

The roll will be taken at the beginning of class. Please notify the professor if you come in late. Excessive tardiness (more than 30 minutes late) counts as an absent for the day.

Absence (days):

3 = no action

4 = 1 letter grade

5 = 2 letter grade

6+= no credit for the course

Below is the web address for the university attendance regulations

http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/pols_regs/REG205.00.4.php

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Statement for students with disabilities: “Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-7653. http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/ For more information on NC State’s policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation.

 

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND CODE OF CONDUCT

Students will be expected to follow university regulations related to conduct. For complete code which includes the Student  Honor Pledge see:

http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_conduct/POL445.00.1

 

SAFETY, TRANSPORTATION, EXTRA EXPENSES

Students will be responsible for their own safety in the lab and on field trips. Students will be responsible for any extra expenses for the course, including field trip costs or expenses beyond the purchase of textbooks.

MATERIALS

Students should purchase various animation media as required over the semester.READINGS

Readings in the form of handouts will be given throughout the course. Readings on reserve or available at local libraries include-

•Art in Motion, Animation Aesthetics, Furnis, Maureen, John Libbey & Company Pty Ltd,

ISBN 1 86462 039 0

•Understanding Animation, Paul Wells, Routledge, 1998, ISBN 0-1-415-11596-5

•The Digital Dialectic: New Essays on New Media (Leonardo Books) MIT Press. 2000.

ISBN: 0262621371

•The Language of New Media, Manovich, Lev. MIT Press. 2002. ISBN: 0262632551

•Pause and Effect, Meadows, Mark. New Riders, 2003. ISBN 0-7357-1171-2

•Making Movies Work, Boorstin, Silman-James Press, 1990, ISBN 1-879505-27-4

•Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life,  Thomas, F. and Johnston, O.  Abberville Press,

New York  1981. ISBN: 0786860707

•Literary Machines Nelson, Theodor H., 89.1 (Sausalito, CA Mindful Press, 1990)

•As We May Think,  Vannevar Bush  1945 (Atlantic Monthly)

•Being Digital, Nicholas Negroponte 1994 ISBN 0-679-43919-6

•Dream Machines, Ted Nelson 1987 ISBN 0-914845-49-7

•Chuck Amuck,  Jones, Chuck.  Warner Brothers. 1989.

•Film Directing Shot by Shot, Katz,   Michael Weiss

Publications, 1991.  ISBN: 0-941188-10-8

•Remediation: Understanding New Media, Bolter D., Grusin R.

The MIT Press; 1st edition (February 28, 2000) ISBN: 0262522799

•The visual story (block)

•The Animators Survival Kit, (Richard Williams)

•The Human Figure in Motion, Eadweard Muybridge, Dover Publications,  (June 1, 1955

ISBN: 0486202046

Updated for Fall 2022

The following information was created by the Associate Deans of Academic Affairs, DELTA, the Registrar’s office, and NC State Libraries. 

You may copy and paste this content into your syllabus. Please read through this in its entirety and make appropriate changes for your specific course.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public health measures continue to be implemented across campus.  Students should stay current with these practices and expectations through the Protect the Pack website (https://www.ncsu.edu/coronavirus/). The sections below provide expectations and conduct related to COVID-19 issues.

Health and Participation in Class  

We are most concerned about your health and the health of your classmates and instructors/TAs. 

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, or are told by a healthcare provider that you are presumed positive for the virus, please work with your instructor on health accommodations and follow other university guidelines, including self-reporting: https://healthypack.dasa.ncsu.edu/coronavirus/.   
  • If you are in quarantine, have been notified that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, or have a personal or family situation related to COVID-19 that prevents you from attending this course in person (or synchronously), please connect with your instructor to discuss the situation and make alternative plans, as necessary.
  • If you need to make a request for an academic consideration related to COVID-19, such as a discussion about possible options for remote learning, please talk with your advisor for the appropriate process to make a COVID-19 request.

Health and Well-Being Resources

Everyone is encouraged to take care of themselves and their peers. If you need additional support, there are many resources on campus to help you:

  • Counseling Center (NCSU Counseling Center) 
  • Student Health Services (Health Services | Student) 
  • If the personal behavior of a classmate concerns or worries you, either for the classmate’s well-being or yours, we encourage you to report this behavior to the NC State CARES team:  (Share a Concern).  
  • If you or someone you know are experiencing food, housing or financial insecurity, please see the Pack Essentials Program (Pack Essentials). 

Community Standards related to COVID-19

We are all responsible for protecting ourselves and our community.  Please see the community standards and Rule 04.21.01 regarding Personal Safety Requirements Related to COVID-19  RUL 04.21.01 – Personal Safety Requirements Related to COVID-19 – Policies, Regulations & Rules

Course Expectations Related to COVID-19:

  • Face Coverings: All members of the NC State academic community are expected to follow all university policies and guidelines, including the Personal Safety Rule and community standards, for the use of face coverings.  
  • Course Attendance: NC State attendance policies can be found at:  REG 02.20.03 – Attendance Regulations – Policies, Regulations & Rules.  Please refer to the course’s attendance, absence, and deadline policies for additional details. If you become ill with COVID-19, you should follow the steps outlined in the health and participation section above. 
  • Technology Requirements:  This course may require particular technologies to complete coursework.  Be sure to review the syllabus for these expectations, and see the syllabus technical requirements for your course. If you need access to additional technological support, please contact  the Libraries’ Technology Lending Service:  (Technology Lending).    

Need Help?

If you find yourself in a place where you need help, academically or otherwise, please review these Step-by-Step Help Topics.

Other Important Resources 

  •