PDF reflects print Courses of Instruction
Animation (CTAN)
101 Introduction to the Art of Animation (2, Fa) Theory and practice of graphic imagery in all its ramifications with emphasis on self exploration. Open to freshman animation majors only.
102 Introduction to the Art of Movement (2, Sp) Theory and practice of graphic imagery using short animation projects including Zoetrope, drawing, painting and flipbooks. Emphasis on the frame by frame/frame to frame relationships. Open to freshman animation majors only. Prerequisite: CTAN 101.
201 Introduction to Animation Techniques (3, Fa) Theory and practice of analog frame by frame time based media. Exploration and examination of ideas generated in the creation of animated media. Open to sophomore animation majors only. Prerequisite: CTAN 102.
202 Advanced Animation Techniques (3, Sp) Examination of representational aspects of animation generated through character using short animated projects. Open to sophomore animation majors only. Prerequisite: CTAN 201.
301 Introduction to Digital Animation (3, Fa) The fundamental principles of working in 2-D digital software with an emphasis on animation, story, sound, timing and execution. Open to junior animation majors only. Prerequisite: CTAN 202.
302 Introduction to 3-D Computer and Character Animation (3, Sp) The fundamental principles of working in 3-D computer software with an emphasis on animation, performance, lip-syncing, timing and execution. Open to junior animation majors only. Prerequisite: CTAN 301.
330 Animation Fundamentals (2, Sp) An introduction to the fundamentals of animation, covering such topics as timing, anticipation, reaction, overlapping action, and metamorphosis.
336 Ideation and Pre-Production (2, Sp) Emphasis on lateral thinking working across boundaries to find underlying principles in terms of ideation: the act of becoming an agent of ideas. Open to junior animation majors only.
401ab Senior Project (4, 4, FaSp) a. Understanding the requirements and relationships between theory and practice regarding the complexity of an animated film in idea and execution. b. Completion and exhibition of the short animated film to demonstrate understanding and further examination of the possibilities of animation time based graphic media. Open to senior animation majors only. Prerequisite: CTAN 302, CTAN 336.
432 The World of Visual Effects (2, Sp) Introduction to the expanding field of visual effects; topics include magic lanterns shows, stop-motion fantasies and animation combination films employing the latest digital technologies.
436 Writing for Animation (2, FaSp) Workshop exploring concept and structure of long and short form animated films through practical writing exercises.
443L 3-D Animation and Character Design (2, max 4) Principles of 3-D animation and character design combining lectures, aesthetic concepts and techniques demonstrating the use of 3-D animation software and puppet animation. (Duplicates credit in former CTAN 543). Prerequisite: CTAN 452.
448 Introduction to Film Graphics -- Animation (4) Practical course in concepts, media, and techniques related to the graphic film; symbology, composition, kinesthesis, animation, typography, color, and materials. Survey; lecture; production.
449 Advanced Production in Film Graphics (2 or 4, max 8) Concentration on one area of graphic concept or advanced exploration of media and techniques. Prerequisite: CTAN 448.
450abc Animation Theory and Techniques (2-2-2, FaSp) Explores the aesthetics and techniques of animation, ranging from traditional character to contemporary experimental and computer animation genres, through lectures, exercises and projects.
451 History of Animation (2, Fa) In-depth survey of historical developments, styles, techniques, theory and criticism of animation as an art form.
452 Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation (2, max 4, FaSp) Lecture and laboratory in computer animation: geometric modeling, motion specification, lighting, texture mapping, rendering, compositing, production techniques, systems for computer-synthesized animation.
462 Visual Effects (2, FaSp) Survey of contemporary concepts and approaches to production in the current stage of film and video effects work. Digital and traditional methodologies will be covered, with a concentration on digital exercises illustrating modern techniques.
463L Creative Workflow in Visual Effects (2, FaSp) Spherical panoramic photography, 3-D digital environment techniques and a range of visual effects work while providing the stage for the student’s storytelling. Prerequisite: CTAN 462.
482 Basic Animation Production Technologies (2, Fa) Introduction for animation majors to the basic techniques and processes of film, video and computer systems, including cinematography, editing and sound.
495ab Experimental Animation (2-2, FaSp) This experimental animation class provides students with the opportunity to develop their own concept ideas, experiment with innovative animation techniques and produce a 30- to 60-second animated film. Open to senior animation minors and graduate students in the M.F.A. Animation program only.
496 Directed Studies (2, max 4, FaSp) Individual research under faculty guidance. Open to animation majors only.
499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema and/or television; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.
501 Interactive Animation (2, FaSp) Introduces basic interactive and non-linear approaches to animation through a series of lectures and exercises, culminating in a group project. Prerequisite: CTAN 523; recommended preparation: Photoshop/Director (software).
502ab Virtual Reality and Stereoscopic Animation (a: 2, Fa; b: 2, Sp) a: An in-depth exploration of aesthetics and techniques involved in the conceptualization, design and production of immersive virtual environments and stereoscopic animation. Prerequisite: departmental approval. b: Review of techniques and aesthetic issues pertinent to immersive virtual reality and stereoscopic animation. Students realize an original project proposed in CTAN 502a. Prerequisite: CTAN 502a and departmental approval.
522 Animation Department Seminar (1, max 6, FaSp) A weekly seminar required of all M.F.A. Animation students. This course includes guest speakers, faculty and student presentations followed by lively and critical discussion. Graded CR/NC.
523 Principles of Digital Animation (2, FaSp) Principles of 2-D and 3-D digital animation creation and integration culminating in a 30 second animated digital film based upon a popular science theme. Recommended preparation: basic computer knowledge.
524 Contemporary Topics in Animation and Digital Arts (3) Topics exploring the evolution of the brain, development of art, technology, science and culture. How this correlates to the evolution of animation-digital media.
544 Introduction to the Art of Animation (3, Fa) Fundamentals of film, video and computer animation production. Orientation to assist students on determining future emphases and specialties. Open only to M.F.A. Animation students.
547 Animation Production I (3, Sp) Practicum in film, video and computer animation emphasizing the production process through individual projects. Open only to M.F.A. Animation students. Prerequisite: CTAN 544.
563 Advanced Computer Animation (2, Irregular) Investigation of advanced computer techniques related to character representation and various types of algorithmically defined animation produced on either film or videotape. Prerequisite: CTAN 443L.
576 Seminar in Film/Television and New Technologies (4, Sp) Focus on film’s relationship to general technological developments, what it owes to technologies that preceded it, how it continues to develop in relation to emerging technologies and how it influences the shape of these newer technologies. Prerequisite: departmental approval.
577ab Fundamentals of Animation (a: 2, Fa; b: 2, Sp) The exploration of the techniques of the art of character animation with an emphasis on discipline, performance and personality observation, specializing in classical Hollywood animation. Open only to M.F.A. Animation students.
579 Expanded Animation (2, Sp) A survey of animation across media; applications to live action film, the fine arts, architecture; linkages with modern art, postmodern theory and social history. Open only to M.F.A. Animation students. Prerequisite: CTAN 451.
591 Animation Pre-Thesis Seminar (2, Sp) A pre-production seminar, where students complete the research, development, script and storyboards for their thesis project to be executed in CTAN 594abz. Open to M.F.A. Animation students only.
592 Master Class (2-6, max 12, Fa) A special projects course in which students produce a major work through weekly meetings with a master artist/animator. Topics must be approved prior to enrollment. Prerequisite: departmental approval;recommended preparation: previous advanced animation production experience.
593 Directed Studies in Animation (2, max 4, FaSp) Individual exploration in the areas of contemporary technology, animation techniques or experimental film through internships, residencies or directed studies.
594abz Master’s Thesis (2-2-0) Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, Irregular) Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.