Program(s): N/A
Program Coordinator(s): N/A
Course Leader or Contact: N/A
Version: 1.0
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: Materials required include: H and HB pencil, Charcoal, Vinyl Eraser, Sketchbook (at least 9 x 12), Large Newsprint Pad, 11 x 17 Bristol Pad or Papers. Optional materials include: Blue Led Pencil, Technical Pens (Sakura Micron, Fabre-Castell, or Staedtler).

Detailed Description
Students are introduced to the world of drawing graphic novel medium, focusing on character development in pencil. Students learn the basic shapes that are the building blocks for drawing dimensional forms and techniques for rendering the human form to construct well-drawn characters. Specific conventions are introduced such as working with 11 x 17 and other tools of the trade. Students learn to use and manipulate three dimensional geometric shapes, while gaining an understanding of the human anatomy and 1, 2, and 3 point perspective. In addition, students are introduced to the background world in which comic book characters are placed. Students will learn some historical aspects of the popularity of comic books as publication and cinematic reproductions.

 CRITICAL PERFORMANCE

By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability
to create basic, well-executed, and designed characters suitable for
development in graphic novels, comic books, or animation. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated
the ability to:

     1  Identify the building block shapes of figurative forms
     2  Incorporate 3D drawing principles using various cinematic
        angles and hatching, to heighten the dramatic affect. 
     3  Discuss story arc practices used in various genres to 
        determine one's target audience
     4  Create character sheets selected from a given story idea
     5  Apply terminology related to anatomy for character design
     6  Analyze one's own work and that of peers critically, 
        objectively, and constructively
     7  Discuss universal themes found in various genres of 
        literature and film, in order to create your own theme
     8  Create cover art work and text that reflects character arcs 
        and two-character dynamics 
     9  Apply the fundamental techniques and mechanics of effective
        figure drawing and storytelling 
     10 Work cooperatively in large and small groups as well as 
        with partners 
  

Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Assignment #1: Sketchbook (60 Poses and Expressions)        20%
Assignment #2: Cover Illustration Using Perspective         20%
Assignment #3: Action Sequence - Make Your Character Move   20%
Assignment #4: Storyboards and Written Draft                20%
Final Presentation: 6 Page Finished Comic                   20%
                                                    TOTAL   100%

Optional Assignment: Social Media Sketchbook                10%

Full participation and attendance is recommended for this course.
Students who miss a class are responsible for any information
discussed, assigned, or distributed during the missed class. 

All assignments must be handed in on the date indicated in the
requirements for each project. Projects are due at the beginning of
class unless otherwise stipulated. Late assignments will receive a
mark of 10% grade reduction. Work more than one week late will not be
graded unless a prior arrangement has been made with the instructor.
There will be no re-submission of work unless, under exceptional
circumstances, this has been agreed or suggested by the instructor.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

N/A

RECOMMENDED TEXTS:

(1) Buscema, J., & Lee, S. (1984). How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way.
New York: A Fireside Book, Simon and Schuster Inc.
(2) Bridgman, G. (1990). Complete Guide to Drawing From Life. New
York: Sterling Publishing Co. 
(3) Hogarth, B. (1990). Dynamic Anatomy. New York: Watson Guptill
(4) Hogarth, B. (1990). Drawing Dynamic Hands. New York: Watson Guptill

Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances,
such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and
class timetabling. 

MODULE 1: Classes 1 to 3
     - Learning Outcomes covered: 1, 2, 4, 5
     - Topics:
          - An introduction and overview of course and an overview of
            industry practice
          - Review of assignments and materials needed
          - An introduction to character development: facial features
            and age
          - An introduction to lines, shapes, and shading
          - Assignment #1: 20% due on class 3 

MODULE 2: Classes 4 to 6
     - Learning Outcomes covered: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9
     - Topics:
          - Continuation of character development, including male and
            female differences
          - Life drawing practice: male and female
          - Continuation of the use of lines and shapes to create 
            different types of bodies
          - Introduction to dynamic anatomy
          - Introduction of the 'floating camera': rendering the body
            from different angles
          - Assignment #2: 20% due on class 6

MODULE 3: Classes 7 to 9
     - Learning Outcomes covered: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9
     - Topics:
          - Introduction to non-human character development: animal, 
            monster, and creature
          - Introduction to the psychology of design to create 
            different moods and expressions
          - Continued use of more complex shades
          - Introduction to character sheets
          - Introduction to creating backgrounds using 1, 2, or 3
            point perspective
          - Assignment #3: 20% due on class 9

MODULE 4: Classes 10 to 12
     - Learning Outcomes covered: 1 - 10 
     - Topics:
          - Introduction to different styles: Marvel / DC, Manga, 
            Retro
          - Introduction to more complex character sheets
          - Introduction to different genres and how to use them
          - Putting it altogether: producing the character sheet
            complete with props and labeling
          - Completion of character sheet including backgrounds, 
            backdrops, and architectural features
          - Assignment #4: 20% due on class 12
          - Final Presentations: 20%