GRADUATE
ANIM 501 ANIMATION CONTEXT AND HISTORY
This course focuses on the history and aesthetics of animation, with references to related arts such as live-action
cinema, puppetry and comics. Screenings include a wide range of commercial and experimental work produced
throughout the world. Students create small projects and written work pertaining to course topics.
ANIM 504 CHARACTER ANIMATION BASICS
Students explore the principles of animation to develop an understanding of the physics of character motion
utilizing both traditional and CG techniques. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of action and demonstrating
weight and timing appropriate to an introductory graduate level.
ANIM 505 ANIMATION CHARACTER SET-UP
This course explores simple principles of modeling and rigging as applied to a series of character technical
direction challenges. Students explore digital tools and apply them to various anatomical problems to find
modeling and rigging solutions to abet character motion. Emphasis is placed on proper identification of controls
for the end user.
ANIM 705 ANIMATION AESTHETICS AND PRACTICE
This course introduces students to the diversity of animation aesthetics, from industrial processes to individual
personal expression. Through class screenings, students examine historical contexts and methods as well as
contemporary trends and techniques. Oral and written critique is supported by practical investigation into
personal aesthetic choice.
Available via eLearning? Yes
ANIM 709 COMPUTER-GENERATED MODELING AND DESIGN
This course focuses on the issues of modeling surfaces appropriate for use in animation. In particular, students
are expected to develop an understanding of modeling organic forms.
Available via eLearning? Yes
ANIM 713 DRAWING IN MOTION
This course explores observational figurative motion through life drawing and animal study. Emphasis is placed
on expressive gesture drawing to enhance fluid representation of the figure in motion.
Available via eLearning? Yes
ANIM 714 3-D CARTOON CHARACTER ANIMATION
This course explores alternative techniques for creating and animating 3-D cartoon characters with emphasis
on exaggerated action through timing and squash and stretch. Students are encouraged to push the technical
limitations of the medium to achieve familiar cartoon motion. Emphasis is placed on advanced problemsolving
in 3-D animation. Students are encouraged to demonstrate character appeal through applied personal
aesthetics. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 709.
Available via eLearning? Yes
ANIM 715 CHARACTER LOOK DEVELOPMENT
Surface and context have an interdependent relationship to the production of 3-D characters. This course
explores advanced texturing techniques, including use of hair and fur, to create realistic and stylized surfaces
appropriate for animated characters in context. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 709 or VSFX 708.
ANIM 721 STORYBOARDING AND PREVISUALIZATION
This course examines a number of approaches for adaptation of story content to cinematic form, examining the
styles of many films and aesthetic problem-solving particular to animation. Students learn how to transpose
ideas through 2-D storyboards and animatics to 3-D asset creation for previsualized story reels, emphasizing
deadlines, techniques and alternative methods to communicate ideas.
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ANIM 724 3-D NATURALISTIC CHARACTER ANIMATION
This course explores the background of naturalistic character movement, advancing key-frame animation
techniques and use of motion-capture technology. Observational animation is prioritized with special regard to
subtle gesture. Emphasis is placed on advanced problem-solving in 3-D animation. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 709 or
VSFX 708.
Available via eLearning? Yes
ANIM 725 ENVIRONMENT LOOK DEVELOPMENT
This course emphasizes the application of industry-standard practices to create believable form and texture
for animation environments. The course covers advanced topics in set creation, design and modeling with an
emphasis on reference-based structures as applied to predetermined content requirements. Prerequisite(s):
ANIM 709 or VSFX 708.
ANIM 737 COLLABORATIVE PROJECT
Through group inception, design and animation, students complete a short animated film. From preproduction
to postproduction, students employ methods and practices of contemporary animation production
management. Prerequisite(s): ANIM 705, ANIM 709.
Available via eLearning? Yes
ANIM 748 ANIMATION M.A. FINAL PROJECT
At the conclusion of the M.A. program, the final project provides students the opportunity to synthesize their
learning into a cohesive project piece. Students propose, develop and execute a project that is then cut into their
reel. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the review for candidacy.
Available via eLearning? Yes
ANIM 749 ANIMATION PORTFOLIO
Through critique of their body of work, students use this course to identify individual animation related career
goals and pr