Prof. Jenna Spevack | Teaching Site

COURSE DOCUMENTS | SYLLABUS

2D Animation (3 credits)

• AD3540_7168: Mondays 2:30 pm- 5:50 pm

Professor: Jenna Spevack

• Email: jenna@profspevack.com
• Website: profspevack.com/animation
• Office Hours: Mondays 6-8pm
• Office Location: N1111
• Office Phone: 718-260-5221

Course Description:

• This course will introduce students to the principles and techniques required for the development of professional, two-dimensional, digital animation projects. Students will create a variety of projects including storyboards, animatics, and animated shorts.
• Students will gain experience in the basic principles of animation including timing, expression of motion, pose to pose, keys and in-betweens, and sound synchronization, and become fluent in the technical production processes and applications used in the field.
• Equal emphasis will be placed on the development of professional work practices, creative problem solving techniques and critical thinking skills. Competency will reflect a mastery of animation skills and applications, and an ability to apply learned skills to creative projects.

Prerequisites:

• ADV 2400
• proficiency with Macintosh computers
• basic drawing skills

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a practical knowledge and understanding of basic animation principles such as, timing, laws of motion, squash and stretch, mass and volume, weight and balance, flexibility, anticipation, action and reaction, pose-to-pose, keys, in-betweens, overlapping action, follow-through and drag, arcs and curves, lines of action, contact, recoil, passing, and high-point.
• Identify and explain the mechanics of sound synchronization, lip-synching and integration of sound with visual imagery.
• Employ the conceptual skills and production processes used in animation development.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of professional animation tools and applications, including Flash and/or Toon Boom Digital Pro and Storyboard Pro.
• Demonstrate professional work practices, creative problem solving techniques, and critical thinking skills.

Expectations
Students are expected to

• spend at least 2 additional hours a week (outside of class) on homework, class projects and study.
• turn in the weekly experiments at the start of the next class meeting, and midterm and final project work on the date due.
• arrive on time and attend all classes.
• present in-progress and final work to the class for discussion.
• participate in class discussions, critiques and exercises.
• be respectful of fellow students and offer help when needed.
• back up work on CD or an alternate device every week. (Flash drives are not an acceptable form of backup!)

Required Course Materials:

• Animation: The Mechanics of Motion
  By Chris Webster
  ISBN: 0240516664
  July 2004
• A portable Firewire Drive to back up your work. Do not leave files on the lab computers, they will be deleted. Excuses for lost or corrupted disks or drives are not acceptable.
• Bamboo Pen Tablet Academic Discount - $69
  (If you have more money to spend get an Intuos Tablet)
• This CLASS SITE will be utilized for the posting of class materials. Please check it every week for new announcements and updates. The syllabus, handouts, assignments will be posted here for your reference. profspevack.com/animation

Labs:
You will be working on projects and assignments for at least two hours outside of class. You will need to utilize the N1102 ADGA Lab and/or the Citytech MAC Open Lab during the week or on the weekends. These are the only two labs that will have the Toon Boom software installed. Check the ADGA Department Posters to find out exact hours and days.

Attendance Policy:
For more information about the attendance policy review Understanding Your Grade.

• Two lates equal one absence. After two absences your final grade will drop one full grade for every absence thereafter. If you miss more than two classes you could receive a failing grade for the semester. This policy is in accordance with the school attendance policy. Check your student handbook (page 14) for details

Grading Policy:
Please thoroughly read Understanding Your Grade*. Attendance and participation greatly effect your final grade and your ability to keep up with the course content. If you want an A, begin by coming to class on time every week.

• 85% projects
• 15% class participation

*If you have questions please contact the professor.