ANIM21975
Digital Methodologies- Theory and Practice
 
  I: Administrative Information   II: Course Details   III: Topical Outline(s)  Printable Version   Public
 
Section I: Administrative Information
  Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Fall 2004
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents:
N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: None

Course Name (short): Digital Methodologies
School:
All Sheridan Schools
Program(s): Bachelor of Animation
Program Coordinator(s): Michael Carter
Course Leader or Contact: Michael Carter
Originator: Paulette Geffros
Designate: Paulette Geffros
Version:
1.01
Status: Approved (APPR)

Calendar Description
Digital Methodologies: Theory and Practice traces the theoretical and practical aspects of digital animation. This course explores the historical evolution of digital animation, software applications for 2D and 3D animation, the computer animation industry, and the pipeline approach to producing animation.

Typical Instructional Format

Lab
28.0
Lecture
14.0
Total hours: 42.0

Courses may be offered in other formats.

Section I Notes: N/A

 
 
Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
Digital Methodologies: Theory and Practice traces the theoretical and practical aspects of digital animation. Focus will be balanced between 2D and 3D digital animation theories and techniques. The course explores the historical evolution of digital animation, the industry, various styles of digital animation, and the pipeline approach to producing animation. Guest lecturers directly from the industry, historically significant animation examples and a broad practical introduction to the theories presented will lay the groundwork for further development in this field.

Program Context

 
Bachelor of Animation Program Coordinator: Michael Carter
Digital Methodologies: Theory and Practice is one of eight courses in 2D and 3D digital animation. This course surveys the full range of theoretical, historical and creative considerations of digital animation.


Course Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes identify the critical performances, and the knowledge, skills and attitudes that successful students will have reliably demonstrated through the learning experiences and evaluation in the course. Successful students will have demonstrated the following:

 
 
            Knowledge
			
-the definitions for the term "digital animation"
-the historical evolution of digital animation
-key figures in the history of digital animation
-the technical and creative developments in digital animation
-the business of digital animation and the production pipeline 
(budget, technology and human
 resources)
-identify and explain current trends in digital animation
-the aesthetic choices of 2D, 3D and stop motion animation
 
            Skills
			
-writing journal entries
-presenting group projects to the class
-participate in lecture and studio classes
-experiment with stop motion, 2D and 3D digital animation
 applications to achieve principals of animation
 
            Attitudes
			
-willingness to work independently and within a group setting
-organize thoughts on animation, story ideas
-ability to listen to lectures and presentations, and to ask questions
-be sensitive to different types of art work
-ability to appreciate software as a tool in animation
Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

 
Class Participation                                  20%
Animation Journal- review Week 7 & Week 14           20% 
Exercise  1- due Week 5                              10%
Exercise  2- due Week 9                              10%
Exercise  3- due Week 14                             10%
Reading Research Paper- due Week 4
Definition of "Digital Animation"                    10%
Final Exam - Week 14 (see note below)                20% 
                                          Total     100%

NOTE:  The final exam will be in the following format.
-a 50 minute visual examination of works of art studied during the
 course 
-a 50 minute multiple choice exam

Evaluation Practices

Assignment and Test:
- It is expected that students will submit assignments at the
  beginning of class and write tests on time.
- Students must be present in class to get credit for pop quizzes
  and/or in-class assignments (where applicable).
- Students who are absent for homework assignments are responsible
  for finding out what was missed.
- If there are exceptional circumstances for missing a test or 
  assignment due date, students should make every effort to notify
  the teacher before the time or date.

Late Assignments:
- Unless there are verifiable medical or compassionate grounds for
  lateness, or if the student has  arranged an extension before the
  due date, late assignments will be downgraded as follows:
- 10% (one letter grade) per day for a maximum of three days.
- After a period of three days' lateness, assignments will receive a
  grade of zero (0) percent.

Missed Tests:
- To have the opportunity to write a make-up test, the student may be
  required to provide appropriate documentation. All make up tests
  will be written at a time and place specified by the teacher.
Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities requirements:

 

Generic Skills
Generic Skills emphasized in the course:

  communication - written   communication - oral   communication - visual
  analytical   creative thinking   decision making
  interpersonal   numeracy   organizational
  problem solving   technological   other (see below)

Notes: N/A

General Education
This General Education course relates to the following themes as specified by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

  asthetic appreciation   social understanding
  civic life   understanding science
  cultural understanding   understanding technology
  personal development   work and the economy

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact: Michael Carter

Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous life and work experiences. This course is eligible for challenge through the following method(s):

Challenge Exam Portfolio Interview Other Not Eligible for PLAR
  X X    

Notes: N/A

 
 
Section III: Topical Outline
Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Effective term: Fall 2004
Professor: Michael Carter
Textbook(s):
TBA

Applicable student group(s): Bachelor of Applied Arts (Animation)
Course Details:
Instructors: Michael Carter, Trevor Davies, Kris Howald

Theoretical lectures will be conducted by the Digital Methodologies 
team leader with practical lectures conducted by Animation faculty.

Week  1    Introduction to digital animation
           Animation journal (to be evaluated Week 7 and Week 14)
Week  2    Defining digital animation
           Definition of "Digital Animation" - 500 word reading
           research paper due Week 4
Week  3    The historical evolution of digital animation
Week  4    The digital animation revolution
           Definition of "Digital Animation" reading research paper
           due
Week  5    From vector to raster animation
Week  6    The computer mouse
Week  7    The computerized digital camera
           Mid-term submission of animation journal due
           Break Week - No scheduled classes
Week  8    The animation revolution
Week  9    Command line and graphical animation
Week 10    The desktop workstation
Week 11    The digital animation production pipeline
           Final review of animation journal
Week 12    The birth of the Computer Animation industry
Week 13    The Canadian connection
Week 14    Review 
           Animation Journal final review due
           Final examination
           -a 50 minute visual examination of works of art studied
           during the course
           -a 50 minute multiple choice exam


Academic Honesty
The principle of academic honesty requires that all work submitted for evaluation and course credit be the original, unassisted work of the student. Cheating or plagiarism including borrowing, copying, purchasing or collaborating on work, except for group projects arranged and approved by the faculty member, or otherwise submitting work that is not the student's own violates this principle and will not be tolerated. Instances of academic dishonesty, including assisting another student to cheat, will be penalized as detailed in the Student Handbook.

Students who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of academic honesty are advised to discuss them with the faculty member prior to submitting the assignment in question.

Discrimination and Harassment
Sheridan is committed to provide a learning environment that respects the dignity, self esteem and fair treatment of every person engaged in the learning process. Behaviour which is inconsistent with this principle will not be tolerated. Details of Sheridan's policy on Harassment and Discrimination are available in the Student Handbook.
 
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